June 15, 2022
Chicago White Sox – We alerted you yesterday that Liam Hendriks will need an IL stint thanks to a right forearm strain; no word yet on the severity. Kendall Graveman will close in his absence. We’ll also welcome Joe Kelly to the hierarchy. He was activated from the IL on Tuesday and protected a 5-1 lead with a perfect eighth inning against the Tigers’ 4-5-6 hitters. After the game, Tony La Russa expressed confidence in using Kelly in any situation.
Updated hierarchy: Graveman | Ruiz | Kelly.
Philadelphia Phillies – Corey Knebel’s struggles continued on Tuesday night, as he blew a one-run lead in the ninth inning thanks to a less-than-encouraging performance. Knebel was a candidate for the IL over the weekend and he has a good chance of landing there later today.
Hierarchy remains: Knebel | Dominguez | Hand.
St. Louis Cardinals — With one out in the eighth and the 2-3-4 hitters due up, the Cardinals turned to Ryan Helsley to protect a 3-1 lead. Helsley walked the first batter he faced but struck out the next two. That allowed Giovanny Gallegos to close out the win in the ninth. Helsley is still the favorite for saves, but Tuesday’s usage shows that manager Oliver Marmol is willing to use Helsley in the highest leverage situation no matter what inning it is.
Hierarchy remains: *Helsley | Gallegos | Cabrera.
* = closer-by-committee
Cincinnati Reds – The third time was the charm for the Reds bullpen, as they held the lead in the 10th, 11th and 12th innings. Alexis Diaz was the first reliever out of the ‘pen, but he allowed the ghost runner to score. Luis Cessa got a two-run lead to protect in the 11th, but a couple wild pitches helped him blow a 3-1 lead. Finally, in the 12th, Joel Kuhnel needed just five pitches to protect a 5-3 lead and earn his first MLB save. We keep saying that this bullpen is “extremely fluid,” and that remains true. Alexis Diaz probably has the best stuff of all the Reds’ late-inning options and has now had two clear save chances over the last three games, so we’ll welcome him back to the hierarchy after a brief hiatus.
Updated hierarchy: *Santillan | Strickland | Diaz.
* = closer-by-committee
Colorado Rockies – Tyler Kinley is on the IL with an elbow injury and unfortunately the prognosis isn’t good, with Tommy John surgery a possibility. We’ll add Carlos Estevez back to the hierarchy.
Updated hierarchy: Bard | Colome | Estevez.
Atlanta Braves – Jackson Stephens earned his second three-inning save of the season on Tuesday night in a 10-4 victory over Washington.
Hierarchy Remains: Jansen | Smith | Minter.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Daniel Hudson (LAD) – Craig Kimbrel threw 27 pitches last night.
2. Jake McGee (SF) – Camilo Doval has gone in two straight, including a 22-pitch outing last night.
3. Felix Bautista (BAL) – Jorge Lopez earned a five-out save on Tuesday so he may need today off, though he only threw 17 pitches last night.
4. Brad Hand (PHI) – We’re expecting Corey Knebel to be placed on the IL and Seranthony Dominguez has pitched in two straight.
Tomorrow
1. Eli Morgan/Trevor Stephan (CLE) – If Emmanuel Clase pitches today that will be two straight and three of four. Eli Morgan should get today off after a 24-pitch Tuesday, but if he appears on Wednesday then Trevor Stephan may get a chance on Thursday.
2. Alex Colome/Carlos Estevez (COL) – If Daniel Bard pitches today that will be two straight and four of five. An appearance for Alex Colome today will be two straight for him as well.
