September 23, 2021
Washington Nationals — When Ryne Harper couldn’t set down the Marlins with a five-run lead in the ninth, Washington called on Tanner Rainey, who grabbed his second save of the year. Kyle Finnegan has struggled lately, blowing two straight saves last week, and Rainey — who was just called up from Rochester this weekend — has an outside shot at some more chances down the stretch.
Updated hierarchy: Finnegan | Machado | Rainey.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Jose Alvarado (PHI) — We’ll eat our baseball cap if Ian Kennedy pitches Thursday after back-to-back outings with 30+ pitches. Hector Neris is another possibility here, as he seems to be climbing the ranks again.
2. Tyler Duffey/Caleb Thielbar (MIN) — Alex Colome and Tyler Duffey have each gone in two straight.
3. Paul Sewald (SEA) — Same for Drew Steckenrider.
4. Dominic Leone (SF) — And Tyler Rogers. Leone has also, but with fewer pitches.
5. Craig Kimbrel (CWS) — Doubleheader for the White Sox…
6. Bryan Shaw (CLE) — …and Indians.
Friday:
1. Jose Alvarado (PHI) — Kennedy should probably get two days off.
2. Genesis Cabrera (STL) — There are two doubleheaders on Friday, involving the Cardinals…
3. Emilio Pagan (SD) — …Padres…
4. Codi Heuer (CHC) — …Cubs…
5. Richard Rodriguez/Luke Jackson (ATL) — …and Braves.
