September 10, 2021
St. Louis Cardinals – Giovanny Gallegos earned his sixth save Thursday, tossing a clean ninth with two strikeouts. He has the team’s last four saves overall and has booted the asterisk.
Updated hierarchy: Gallegos | Cabrera | Reyes.
Oakland A’s – Sergio Romo pitched a spotless eighth inning Thursday to set up Andrew Chafin, who converted in the ninth for his third save of the season. Romo and Chafin figure to be the top two saves options moving forward, but one of them might not pull away with the gig. If you could only roster one, make it Chafin given how well he has performed (1.64 ERA, 0.81 WHIP).
Hierarchy remains: *Romo | Chafin | Diekman.
* = closer-by-committee
Kansas City Royals — Greg Holland (5.79 ERA) was activated from the IL on Thursday, but we still need to see how he’s used before placing back into the hierarchy. Scott Barlow, Josh Staumont and Jake Brentz have pitched well in recent weeks.
Hierarchy remains: Barlow | Staumont | Brentz.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Daniel Bard (COL) – Carlos Estevez has gone in two straight, throwing 45 pitches over that span.
2. Tyler Duffey (MIN) – Even with a day off on Thursday, Alex Colome has gone in four of six.
Saturday:
1. Genesis Cabrera (STL) – A Friday outing would be three in a row for Giovanny Gallegos, who tossed 20 pitches combined Wednesday and Thursday.
2. Cole Sulser (BAL) – If he goes Friday, that would be four of six for Tyler Wells.
3. Richard Rodriguez (ATL) – A Friday appearance would be three of four for Will Smith.
4. Adam Cimber (TOR) – Same as above for Jordan Romano.
5. Andres Machado (WAS) – Kyle Finnegan could need rest if he pitches Friday – that would be his third time in five days.
6. Trevor May (NYM) – Same as above for Edwin Diaz.
