May 31, 2022
St. Louis Cardinals – With all of the top Cardinal arms well rested, and with the team nursing a two-run lead in the 6th inning against the Padres, on came Giovanny Gallegos, who got the last out of the inning after allowing an inherited run to score. Gallegos would get two more outs in the 7th before giving way to Genesis Cabrera, who had a similar outing, getting out of the 7th and then getting the first two outs of the 8th. By now, it was no longer a save situation, but either way, it seems certain that this was meant to be Ryan Helsley’s game to finish, which he did so, albeit while giving up his first earned run of the season, but finished the job. He’s your committee leader now, though we already know Oliver Marmol is going to rest him frequently. We’ll see if his usage becomes consistent enough to remove the asterisk.
Updated hierarchy: *Helsley | Gallegos | Cabrera.
* = closer-by-committee
Philadelphia Phillies – It’s been a rough couple of days for Corey Knebel. On Sunday, the righty blew the 9th inning save chance against the Mets and then took the loss in the 10th after allowing the automatic runner to score; and yesterday, he came in to a tie game in the 9th and allowed the go-ahead home run to Evan Longoria in a game the Phillies would again lose in extra innings. Seranthony Dominguez (2.00 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, no runs allowed in his last 9 appearances) and Brad Hand (1.29 ERA despite a 1.50 WHIP) both could lay claim to this job soon.
Hierarchy remains: Knebel | Hand | Dominguez.
Miami Marlins – We weren’t certain which way the Marlins would go with Anthony Bender out and Dylan Floro struggling, but Cole Sulser certainly didn’t make a good case for himself on Monday, allowing four earned runs in the 7th inning and ultimately taking the loss. Tanner Scott wasn’t much better, as he allowed three additional runs in the 9th after the game was out of reach. We’ll move Anthony Bass back up for lack of better options, while also noting that, following a couple disastrous outings off the IL, Dylan Floro now has six straight scoreless appearances.
Updated hierarchy: *Bass | Sulser | Floro.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Devin Williams – Maybe Josh Hader was offended by us calling JP Feyereisen possibly the best reliever in the game, because he went out and saved BOTH games of yesterday’s doubleheader (while maintaining his 0.00 ERA). Anyway, he’ll have today off and maybe tomorrow, too.
2. Giovanny Gallegos – For all his dominance, Ryan Helsley has yet to pitch in back to back games, so until that happens, you’ll see a Cardinal reliever in this spot following all his appearances.
3. Daniel Hudson – Craig Kimbrel has gone back to back, including a blown save loss last night.
4. Chris Stratton – David Bednar threw 50 pitches across two innings yesterday and will probably need two days to recover.
5. Michael Fulmer – Gregory Soto has gone back to back.
Tomorrow
1. Trevor Stephen – If Emmanuel Clase goes today, it’s back to back and three of four.
2. Matt Bush/Dennis Santana – If Joe Barlow or Matt Bush go today, it’s back to back.
