June 18, 2022
Cincinnati Reds — Tony Santillan hit the IL yesterday with a back injury. The Reds last 3 saves have all gone to different relievers, and we expect them to use a combination of Hunter Strickland, Alexis Diaz and Joel Kuhnel. Of these 3 Alexis Diaz has been having the best season, but none of them have been particularly effective recently. We think Strickland has the inside track to saves, but this committee is better left alone.
Updated Hierarchy: *Strickland | Diaz | Kuhnel
*Closer by Committee.
Philadelphia Phillies – In the first game of a double-header yesterday, the Phillies went with Seranthony Dominguez to protect a 2 run lead in the 8th. This left the 9th for Brad Hand, and he converted for his second save on the year. The second game went to extra innings, and Jose Alvarado, after getting the last out of the 9th, secured his own win by getting through the 10th inning only allowing the ghost runner to score. Although Hand got the save, Dominguez faced the 4-5-6 hitters, so he arguably got the higher leverage spot. We think Dominguez still has the best chance for saves, but we will see if anyone can separate themselves from the pack.
Hierarchy Remains: *Dominguez | Hand | Alvarado
*Closer by Committee.
Milwaukee Brewers — In the first save chance with Josh Hader on the paternity list the Brewers left Devin Williams in his typical 8th inning spot, while giving the save chance to Brad Boxberger. After a Joey Votto fly ball died on the warning track, Boxberger had his first save on the season. Hader is expected back sometime this weekend, so it should be back to business as usual for the Brewers soon.
Hierarchy remains: Williams | Boxberger | Suter.
Cleveland Guardians – With Emmanuel Clase and Eli Morgan resting and the Guardians scoring the ghost runner in the top of the 10th, they turned to Anthony Gose for the first out of the bottom of frame. After one out, they gave the ball to Enyel De Los Santos, who got a groundout and a strikeout to earn the first save of his career. De Los Santos has bounced between AAA and the majors this year, but is enjoying some success on his latest stint with the Guardians. Even so, he doesn’t feature in the normal late inning plans.
Hierarchy Remains: Clase | Morgan | Stephan.
Vulture Save Watch:
- Rowan Wick (CHC) – David Robertson has pitched in back to back games, throwing 37 pitches.
- Felix Bautista(BAL) – Jorge Lopez has pitched in 3 of 4, including 22 pitches last night.
- Ryan Tepera (LAA) – The Angels play a double header…
- Diego Castillo (SEA) – …against the Mariners.
For Sunday:
- Michael Fulmer (DET) – Gregory Soto threw 34 pitches on Thursday, so another long outing today could earn him a rest.
