September 1, 2021
Baltimore Orioles — For the first time in exactly a month, we can write about a Baltimore reliever earning a save. Cole Sulser, who had his team’s last save on July 31, tossed a 1-2-3 ninth inning to close out a 4-2 win. While committee leader Tyler Wells entered the game in the seventh inning, it was a pivotal spot; with the Orioles clinging to a 4-2 lead, Wells faced Vladimir Guerrero Jr. with two on and two out. Wells retired Guerrero Jr. to end the frame and then pitched a scoreless eighth to save the Orioles the embarrassment of going one whole month without a save.
Hierarchy remains: *Wells | Sulser | Tate.
* = closer-by-committee
Miami Marlins – Anthony Bass and Richard Bleier combined to turn a 5-1 lead into a 5-3 lead in the ninth inning, so Dylan Floro came on with a chance to earn his third save in as many chances. Floro was unable to halt the Mets’ comeback, but we’ll still move him to the top of this committee based on his recent usage.
Updated hierarchy: *Floro | Bender | Bass.
* = closer-by-committee
Tampa Bay Rays — After the Rays made things interesting in the ninth by allowing the Red Sox to get within three, Andrew Kittredge got the final two outs of the frame to earn another save and maintain his place at the top of this committee.
Hierarchy remains: *Kittredge | McHugh | Fairbanks.
* = closer-by-committee
Washington Nationals — Kyle Finnegan was placed on the paternity list on Tuesday. It was not a good night for the remainder of the Nats’ bullpen, as Andres Machado was rocked in the sixth inning to blow a lead before Wander Suero, who was recalled from Triple-A earlier in the day, had this nightmare of a ninth inning.
Hierarchy remains: *Finnegan | Machado | Voth.
* = closer-by-committee
Texas Rangers – A day after Joe Barlow came off the IL and recorded a seven-pitch save, the Rangers stayed away from him and instead went to Spencer Patton to close out Tuesday’s win. Patton, who allowed a two-run homer on Monday, threw a perfect ninth to notch his second save of the season.
Hierarchy remains: *Barlow | Patton | Sborz.
* = closer-by-committee
Chicago Cubs — Rowan Wick threw a perfect ninth inning on Tuesday to record his first save since August 18, 2020.
Hierarchy remains: *Wick | Heuer | Morgan.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Michael Lorenzen (CIN) – The Reds are playing a doubleheader today…
2. Genesis Cabrera (STL) – …against the Cardinals.
3. Doctor’s Choice (BOS) – The Red Sox are dealing with a COVID outbreak, so we’ll keep an eye out if all of a sudden Adam Ottavino or other hierarchy members head to the IL.
4. Steve Cishek (LAA) – Raisel Iglesias has pitched in two straight and three of four.
5. Emilio Pagan (SD) – Mark Melancon has made back-to-back appearances.
6. Austin Voth (WAS) – Kyle Finnegan is on paternity leave and Andres Machado has gone in two straight.
