May 28, 2022
San Francisco Giants — Jake McGee was activated from the IL on Friday, but when the Giants tried to put him into the 8th inning down by 2, Reds manager David Bell noted that he wasn’t included on the lineup card, and McGee left the game without throwing a pitch. McGee will jump right back into the hierarchy, but Camilo Doval is up to 7 saves on the year compared to McGee’s 2, so until we see McGee in the saves conversation consistently, we will keep the asterisk off.
Updated hierarchy: Doval | McGee | Rogers.
Philadelphia Phillies — The Phillies optioned Jose Alvarado to AAA yesterday to make room for last night’s starter, Bailey Falter. Alvarado had hit a rough stretch, giving up runs in 4 of his last 6 games and ballooning his ERA to 7.62. This leaves Brad Hand as the only left handed option in the Phillies’ bullpen. Seranthony Dominguez has put together 7 straight scoreless appearances and will take Alvarado’s place in the hierarchy.
Updated hierarchy: Knebel | Hand | Dominguez.
St. Louis Cardinals – After a save situation materialized in the 9th inning, the Cardinals turned to Ryan Helsley, not Giovanny Gallegos, to shut the door. He got 2 outs in 7 pitches to lock up his 3rd save of the year. This is the second time in a week that Helsley has appeared in a more traditional closers spot compared to Gallegos. In Gallegos’ defense, he pitched a clean inning Thursday, and last night was not a save situation until Kodi Whitley gave up a 2 run homer in the 9th inning. However, Helsley has been the best reliever in baseball for the first 2 months, he’s more than earned a committee designation at this point.
Hierarchy Remains: *Gallegos | Helsley | Cabrera.
*Closer by Committee.
Texas Rangers — With Joe Barlow getting the night off, the Rangers turned to Dennis Santana to secure the win. He pitched a perfect 9th to earn his first career save. Both Barlow and Matt Bush had pitched on Thursday, which led to the Santana Save op. Santana has been excellent this year, and has found himself in more high leverage situations recently. Especially after last night’s performance in earning the save, he has bumped himself ahead of Brett Martin in Texas.
Updated Hierarchy: Barlow | Bush | Santana.
Vulture Save Watch:
- A.J. Puk (OAK) – Dany Jiminez has pitched in 3 of 4, including 24 pitches last night.
- Adam Cimber (TOR) – Jordan Romano has pitched in back to back games, throwing 34 pitches during that time.
- Michael King (NYY) – Clay Holmes has pitched in 3 of 4, throwing 30 pitches in that span.
- Alex Colome (COL) – The Rockies play a doubleheader…
- Kyle Finnegan (WAS) – … against the Nationals.
- Felix Bautista (BAL) – The Orioles play a doubleheader…
- Jake Diekman/Matt Barnes (BOS) – … against the Red Sox.
For Sunday:
- Daniel Hudson/Brusdar Graterol (LAD) – Today would be back to back for Craig Kimbrel and the rest of the Dodgers hierarchy, so whoever rests today could see a save chance tomorrow.
- Alexis Diaz/Tony Santillan (CIN) – Today would be back to back and 3 of 4 for Art Warren and Alexis Diaz.
