September 26, 2021
Baltimore Orioles – Readers of the Vulture Save Watch knew that Tyler Wells wouldn’t get a save chance yesterday, but it turns out Wells will be out for the rest of the season, as the Orioles placed him on the injured list with right shoulder inflammation. Cole Sulser was unavailable after pitching back to back days, which left the save chance to Dillon Tate. Tate converted for his 3rd save on the year. We think Sulser will be the main source of Orioles saves down the stretch, but if Baltimore has multiple save chances this week, Tate or Fernando Abad could snag another.
Updated Hierarchy: Sulser* | Tate | Abad
* = closer-by-committee
Philadelphia Phillies – The Phillies placed Archie Bradley on the injured list on Saturday, which means he will miss the rest of the season. The Phillies still have a chance to make the playoffs, so if they get to third option to close, we could see Hector Neris steal a chance later in the week. Keep an eye on the vulture save watch and we will let you know when Kennedy needs a break.
Updated Hierarchy: Kennedy | Alvarado | Neris
Vulture Save Watch:
Today:
1. Emilio Pagan (SD) – Mark Melancon has pitched in 3 straight
2. Michael Lorenzen/Lucas Sims (CIN) – Mychal Givens has pitched back to back, throwing 45 pitches. Lorenzen and Sims have also worked back to back, but kept their pitch counts low.
3. Devin Williams (MIL) – Josh Hader has pitched back to back, and with the Brewers having locked up the division, they may choose to rest Hader.
4. Jose Alvarez/Dominic Leone (SF) – Tyler Rogers and Tony Watson have both pitched back to back and 4 of 5, while Leone threw 24 pitches last night. Alvarez is comparatively rested and may get a shot today.
5. Richard Rodriguez (ATL) – Will Smith has pitched back to back games and may get a rest.
6. Pete Fairbanks/Nick Anderson (TB) – Collin McHugh threw 33 pitches last night. Fairbanks threw 22, while Anderson hasn’t pitched in 3 days.
For Monday:
1. Sergio Romo (OAK) – Today would be back to back and 4 of 5 for Andrew Chafin, although he has kept his pitch count down.
