May 9, 2022
Chicago White Sox – With an assured day of rest for Liam Hendriks, it was assumed that Kendall Graveman would get the save chance on Sunday if one arose. But instead, Tony La Russa gave the highly-used Graveman the day off as well, and Jose Ruiz and Bennett Sousa combined for a scoreless 9th, with Sousa nabbing the one-out save.
Updated hierarchy: Hendriks | Graveman | Ruiz.
Kansas City Royals – Scott Barlow got the save in the first game of Sunday’s doubleheader. Josh Staumont warmed up (but didn’t appear) in the nightcap, so he’s fine; this remains a committee.
Hierarchy remains: *Staumont | S.Barlow | Garrett.
* = closer-by-committee
Miami Marlins – After his second blown save on Wednesday, Anthony Bender started the 8th inning of a losing effort on Thursday, whereupon he recorded two outs but also allowed two baserunners before being lifted. On Sunday, he got another lower leverage spot, pitching the 6th inning in a game the Marlins led by 2. This was a better outing for Bender (1.0 IP, 2 Ks, no baserunners), and his fantasy owners were probably pleased to see Cole Sulser blow the game via a walkoff 3-run-HR to Jose Alfaro in the 9th, but regardless, Dylan Floro is very close to returning, having pitched 2 innings in a rehab outing on Friday. With no other reliever establishing themselves, Floro seems likely to return to the job in relatively short order.
Hierarchy remains: *Bender | Sulser | Scott.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Jake McGee – Camilo Doval pitched Friday and Sunday, so it’s probably McGee’s turn if there’s a save chance today; he got the weekend off.
Tomorrow
1. Dillon Tate/Bryan Baker – If Jorge Lopez and Dillon Tate go today, it’s back to back.
2. Jose Alvarado/Brad Hand – If Corey Knebel and Jose Alvarado go today, it’s back to back.
3. Matt Bush/Brett Martin – If Joe Barlow and Matt Bush go today, it’s back to back.
