September 22, 2021
Los Angeles Dodgers — After Joe Kelly, Blake Treinen and Kenley Jansen kept the game tied in the seventh, eighth and ninth inning, respectively, the Dodgers turned to Brusdar Graterol to protect a one-run lead in the 10th. Graterol retired the first two hitters he faced, but after walking the next batter, Dave Roberts called on Alex Vesia to get the final out. Vesia did just that to collect his first MLB save. Roberts recently said Vesia is a guy that the Dodgers trust in high-leverage spots, so don’t be surprised if we see more of the lefty as Los Angeles fights for a division title.
Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Treinen | Kelly.
Detroit Tigers – Our inclinations were right; after two straight off days, Michael Fulmer recorded the final four outs of Tuesday’s tilt to earn his 11th save of the season.
Hierarchy remains: Fulmer | Funkhouser | Lange.
San Francisco Giants – Tyler Rogers secured the final three outs of Tuesday’s victory to earn his first save since Aug. 26 and remain at the top of this committee.
Hierarchy remains: *Rogers | Leone | Watson.
* = closer-by-committee
Seattle Mariners – A day after Paul Sewald earned a five-out save, Drew Steckenrider rebounded from two straight tough outings to close out Tuesday’s win.
Hierarchy remains: *Steckenrider | Sewald | Castillo.
* = closer-by-committee
Toronto Blue Jays – The Blue Jays’ top relievers have been a big part of the team’s September surge, and that includes Trevor Richards, who earned his third hold in four days with a scoreless eighth inning in Tuesday’s win. Richards and the three hierarchy members have combined to allow just five runs this month.
Hierarchy remains: Romano | Cimber | Mayza.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Jose Alvarado (PHI) – Ian Kennedy threw 30 pitches over two innings last night.
2. Tyler Clippard (ARI) – J.B. Wendelken threw 26 pitches in a loss last night.
3. Cole Sulser (BAL) – Tyler Wells has gone in two straight.
4. Blake Parker (CLE) – Both Emmanuel Clase and Bryan Shaw have pitched in two straight and three of four. Parker has also gone in three of four, but his off day was Monday and he tossed only five pitches yesterday.
5. Kyle Funkhouser (DET) – Michael Fulmer threw 25 pitches to complete Tuesday’s four-out save. The Tigers are off Thursday, but still may get Fulmer an extra day off today.
6. Blake Treinen (LAD) – Kenley Jansen has pitched in three of four.
7. Genesis Cabrera (STL) – As has Giovanny Gallegos.
8. Adam Cimber (TOR) – And Jordan Romano.
Tomorrow
1. Craig Kimbrel (CHW) – A Wednesday appearance would be two in a row for Liam Hendriks and the White Sox may start resting folks more often before the playoffs.
2. Dealer’s Choice (CLE) – If Cleveland’s hierarchy is busy on Wednesday, be prepared to go off the board for Thursday.
3. Blake Treinen/Joe Kelly (LAD) – If Kenley Jansen goes today, that would be two straight and four of five.
4. Genesis Cabrera (STL) – Same goes for Giovanny Gallegos.
5. Adam Cimber (TOR) – And Jordan Romano.
6. Chasen Shreve/Chad Kuhl (PIT) – A Wednesday outing for Chris Stratton would be two straight and three of four. If Shreve pitches today, that’ll be two straight for him.
