August 22, 2021
Tampa Bay Rays – Colin McHugh retired all five batters that he faced yesterday to record his first career save. McHugh has made four scoreless appearances since returning from the IL a few weeks ago and his scoreless appearance streak is currently at 17. In true Rays fashion, McHugh served as an opener last week and it wouldn’t surprise us to see that happen again. However, we will still slot him into the hierarchy since he has been pitching extremely well and is a good option to close out games. In other Rays’ bullpen news, Nick Anderson isn’t expected to return until rosters expand in September.
Updated hierarchy: *Kittredge | McHugh | Chargois.
* = closer-by-committee
Cincinnati Reds – Mychal Givens was used in a non-save situation in the 8th inning yesterday, but he quickly turned it into a save situation. Givens recorded one out while walking two batters and giving up a double. Michael Lorenzen came on and had a very interesting outing en route to picking up his second save of the season. Lorenzen allowed a run-scoring single on his first pitch but then got an inning-ending double play on his second pitch. Lorenzen came back out for the 9th and proceeded to strike out the first batter on four pitches, gave up a single on his fifth pitch of the inning, and then got another inning-ending double play on his sixth pitch. Lorenzen ended up getting five outs, including a strikeout, on eight pitches while also giving up two hits. It was a strangely efficient outing for Lorenzen and certainly caught the Monkey’s eye.
Hierarchy remains: Givens | Lorenzen | Sims.
Pittsburgh Pirates – The Pirates’ bullpen recorded their first save since Richard Rodriguez was traded at the end of July and it went to David Bednar. Bednar pitched a scoreless 9th inning, with Chris Stratton getting the 8th inning hold ahead of him. In Friday night’s 4-0 win, it was Bednar in the 8th and Stratton in the 9th so this looks like it could still be a committee.
Hierarchy remains: *Bednar | Stratton | Shreve.
*=closer-by-committee
Seattle Mariners — Diego Castillo was placed on the IL with right shoulder inflammation. Casey Sadler, who is currently away from the team on paternity leave, should see more time in the later innings while Castillo is out.
Hierarchy remains: *Sewald | Steckenrider | Sadler.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Michael Lorenzen (CIN) – Mychal Givens has pitched in back-to-back games, throwing 35 pitches total.
2. Jake Brentz (KC) – Scott Barlow has pitched in two straight and three of four.
3. Blake Treinen (LAD) – Kenley Jansen has pitched in two straight.
4. Jake Diekman/Andrew Chafin (OAK) – Lou Trivino has pitched in three straight, while Jake Diekman has pitched in two straight.
5. Archie Bradley (PHI) – Ian Kennedy has pitched in two straight, including a 30 pitch outing on Friday.
6. Emilio Pagan (SD) – Mark Melancon pitched two innings yesterday, throwing 30 pitches, and could get rested today.
Monday
1. Chris Stratton/Chasen Shreve (PIT) – If David Bednar pitches today, it will be three straight. Same for Chris Stratton.
2. Adam Cimber (TOR) – If Jordan Romano pitches today, it will be three straight.