April 21, 2022
Seattle Mariners — Paul Sewald, who has retired all 11 batters he’s faced thus far in 2022, has been placed on the COVID IL. Fireballer Andres Muñoz will join a committee situation that didn’t get any clearer last night with Diego Castillo’s ninth-inning struggles.
Updated hierarchy: *Castillo | Steckenrider | Muñoz.
* = closer-by-committee
Washington Nationals — Sean Doolittle’s strong season — powered by a new breaking ball — has been interrupted by an elbow sprain that might keep him out for an extended period of time. Taking his place in the seventh inning will be Victor Arano, who has outpitched veteran Steve Cishek thus far.
Updated hierarchy: Rainey | Finnegan | Arano.
St. Louis Cardinals — As we suspected going into the year, Giovanny Gallegos has secured St. Louis’s closing job ahead of Genesis Cabrera and Ryan Helsley. Gallegos picked up his third save of the young season in a 2-0 win over the Marlins.
Updated hierarchy: Gallegos | Cabrera | Helsley.
San Francisco Giants — It’s two straight saves now for Jake McGee in the Giants’ closer committee, a situation that may end up becoming a true lefty/righty platoon.
Hierarchy remains: *Doval | McGee | Rogers.
* = closer-by-committee
Kansas City Royals — It was Scott Barlow’s turn to grab a save in the Royals’ two-headed closer committee. Kansas City has two excellent ninth-inning options in Barlow and Josh Staumont.
Hierarchy remains: *Staumont | Barlow | Garrett.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Thursday:
1. Jonathan Loaisiga (NYY) — Aroldis Chapman has gone in two straight and Loaisiga is the best-rested option behind him.
Friday:
1. Ryan Helsley (STL) — Gallegos has pitched in two straight games and Cabrera threw 21 pitches Wednesday.
2. Amir Garrett (KCR) — Both Staumont and Barlow have pitched in two straight and Garrett will likely get Thursday off after a long Tuesday outing.
