September 30, 2021
San Francisco Giants – The Giants are going all-in on Camilo Doval, using him and his 102 mph fastball on back-to-back nights to pick up big saves. The youngest Giant to record a save since Rod Beck, Doval is not just the closer of San Francisco’s future — he may well be who they turn to this October as they ease Jake McGee back into the bullpen. Shades of 2002 K-Rod.
Updated hierarchy: *Doval | Rogers | Leone.
* = closer-by-committee
Milwaukee Brewers — Milwaukee’s joy at clinching a playoff spot quickly turned to agony, as Devin Williams announced that after the party, he had “a few drinks,” got frustrated about something, and punched a wall, breaking his pitching hand and likely ending his season. There’s an outside chance he could be back for the World Series, but then again, if the team makes it there, he’ll have to survive two more celebrations.
Updated hierarchy: Hader | Boxberger | Suter.
New York Yankees — Joanthan Loaisiga returned from the injured list and immediately pitched a perfect seventh in a tied game. That’s enough to get him back on the Yankees’ hierarchy for the remainder of the season.
Updated hierarchy: Chapman | Green | Loaisiga.
Chicago Cubs — Rowan Wick keeps getting used in the eighth inning, the last two times in front of Codi Heuer, who rebounded from two straight losses to pitch a perfect ninth and earn Wednesday’s save. With only four games left, either Wick or Heuer could get what remains of the Cubs’ save chances.
Updated hierarchy: *Wick | Heuer | Morgan.
* = closer-by-committee
Minnesota Twins — Juan Minaya has moved into second in line in the Twins’ bullpen, displacing Caleb Thielbar.
Updated hierarchy: Colome | Duffey | Minaya.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Tyler Rogers (SF) — Camilo Doval is unlikely to go in three straight.
2. Anthony Bender (MIA) — Dylan Floro has pitched in three of four games.
3. Juan Minaya (MIN) — Both Alex Colome and Tyler Duffey have gone in two straight.
Friday:
1. Richard Rodriguez (ATL) — Will Smith has had a heavy workload lately.
