April 23, 2022
Seattle Mariners — With a 3 run lead going into the late innings the Mariners turned to Anthony Misiewicz for the 8th inning and Andres Muñoz for the 9th. Drew Steckenrider had thrown 26 pitches on Thursday, so a rest made sense for him, but Diego Castillo hadn’t pitched since giving up 2 runs on Wednesday. Muñoz joins Steckenrider and Castillo as the only players with saves, and he has the talent to be a closer for a long time in the major leagues. This is still a committee, so don’t be surprised if Castillo is out there today, but Muñoz is the best arm in the bullpen, and could run away with the job soon.
Updated hierarchy: *Muñoz | Steckenrider | Castillo.
* = closer-by-committee
Cincinnati Reds – The Reds activated Lucas Sims from the IL on Friday after a rehab assignment. Sims was the likely to lead the Cincinnati committee before his IL stint, and will probably jump right back into the late inning mix. Sims was a dependable option in the second half last year, and is worth a speculative add as he could run away with the job. All of this is dependent on the Reds actually having a lead to protect though.
Updated Hierarchy: *Santillan, Warren, Sims
* = closer-by-committee
Pittsburgh Pirates — The Pirates turned to Chris Stratton again to handle the 9th inning with 1 run lead. He pitched himself into and out of trouble to earn his second save in as many days. David Bednar did pitch in a higher leverage situation, taking on the heart of the order in the 8th. Bednar continues to have better overall numbers, and this is definitely still a timeshare at closer, but if Bednar starts getting put into “relief ace” situations it will mean more save chances for Stratton than usual.
Hierarchy remains: *Bednar | Stratton | Hembree.
*= closer-by-committee
Baltimore Orioles – The Orioles once again turned to Jorge Lopez to protect a 9th inning lead, and he converted for his 3rd save of the year. After the Sulser trade, the Orioles did not seem to have much direction in their bullpen, but Lopez has taken his chances and run with them. No other Orioles reliever has a save on the season. Lopez looks like the guy to own in Baltimore, you know, provided there actually is a “guy to own” in Baltimore. One more clear save and he’ll kick the asterisk.
Hierarchy Remains: *Lopez | Tate | Baker
* = closer-by-committee
New York Mets – Edwin Diaz wasn’t able to hold onto a 1 run lead, giving up a solo homer to Daulton Varsho. He limited the damage and picked up the win after the Mets took the lead in the 10th. Seth Lugo was on hand to snag the vulture save, which is an encouraging outing after a couple rough appearances in the early going. Drew Smith and Trevor May both picked up holds earlier in the game.
Hierarchy remains: Diaz | May | Smith.
Vulture Save Watch:
- Jonathan Loaisiga (NYY) — Aroldis Chapman has pitched in 3 of 4.
- Ryan Helsley/Genesis Cabrera (STL) — Giovanny Gallegos has pitched in 3 of 4 and and Genesis Cabrera has pitched in 2 of 3.
- Trevor May (NYM) — Edwin Diaz has pitched in back to back and 3 of 4.
- Jhoan Duran (MIN) — Emilio Pagan has gone back to back and threw 34 pitches yesterday.
- Yimi Garcia (TOR) — Jordan Romano has pitched back to back games, while Garcia is well rested.
For Sunday:
- Ian Kennedy (ARI) — Today would be 3 in a row for Mark Melancon.
- Dillon Tate (BAL) — Today would be back to back and 3 of 4 for Jorge Lopez.
- Brad Hand (PHI) — Same for Corey Knebel and Jose Alvarado
- Chris Stratton/Heath Hembree (PIT) — Today would be 3 in a row for everyone on the Pirates Hierarchy. Whoever is rested could get the ball on Sunday.
