September 11, 2021
Baltimore Orioles — When manager Brandon Hyde wasn’t picking fights with Robbie Ray, he was cycling his bullpen, giving the ball to Cole Sulser with a 3 run lead in the 8th inning, and letting him stay for the 9th. Sulser converted for his seventh save of the year. After the game, Hyde said that Tyler Wells was not available last night, but he would be available today for a doubleheader, and if you have to own a Baltimore reliever, Wells is still your best bet.
Hierarchy remains: *Wells | Sulser | Tate.
* = closer-by-committee
Seattle Mariners – The surging Mariners gave a clear one-run save opportunity to Drew Steckenrider and he responded by striking out the side to earn his 8th save of the year. Steckenrider has been outstanding recently, riding a 16 game scoreless streak that dates back to August 4th. Paul Sewald has blown a couple save chances in the last week, but his last appearance was nearly a save opportunity, closing out a four-run game. This will likely continue to be a committee, and we will leave Sewald at the top for now, but Steckenrider is the hotter pitcher and could be a good pickup for the final couple of weeks.
Hierarchy remains: *Sewald | Steckenrider | Castillo.
* = closer-by-committee
Kansas City Royals — After rolling through their hierarchy earlier in the game, the Kansas City Royals called on the recently activated Greg Holland to close when they took a 2 run lead in the 11th inning. Holland looked like his former self, pitching a perfect inning with one strikeout. An extra-inning vulture save isn’t enough to think that Holland is threatening to take over the closer’s role right now, but it does get him back on the hierarchy.
Updated hierarchy: Barlow | Staumont | Brentz.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Richard Rodriguez (ATL) – Will Smith has pitched in back to back and 3 of 4.
2. Josh Staumont (KC) – Scott Barlow has pitched back-to-back games, throwing 33 pitches.
3. Blake Treinen (LAD) – Kenley Jansen has pitched in back-to-back games but kept his pitch count low.
4. Dillon Tate (BAL) – Cole Sulser threw 37 pitches last night and the Orioles have a doubleheader…
5. Adam Cimber (TOR) … Against the Blue Jays. ‘
Sunday:
1. Michael Lorenzen (CIN) – Today would be back to back and 4 of 5 for Mychal Givens
