Instant emails for every closer change. Closer depth charts to keep you ahead.
June 17, 2022
Cincinnati Reds — Tony Santillan was placed on the injured list with a back issue. In his absence, the Reds’ closer committee will comprise Hunter Strickland, Alexis Diaz, and Joel Kuhnel — each of whom has a save this week. In other news, former closer Lucas Sims was placed on the 60-day IL.
Updated hierarchy: *Strickland | Diaz | Kuhnel.
* = closer-by-committee
June 17, 2022
Texas Rangers – Jose Leclerc (remember him?) was finally activated from the injured list on Thursday after nearly two years. He had battled various arm injuries. The former ninth-inning man could eventually factor into the late innings. We’ll first have to see how he looks and how he’s deployed, of course.
Hierarchy remains: Barlow | Bush | Santana.
Milwaukee Brewers — Josh Hader should be back with the Brewers sometime this weekend, though no official timetable was given when he was placed on the paternity list two days ago. But will he be with the Brewers long term? Baseball reporter Jon Heyman speculates Hader could be a coveted asset at the trade deadline, should Milwaukee decide to sell. A trade seems unlikely, but if Devin Williams is still available in deeper leagues, perhaps he’s worth stashing.
Hierarchy remains: Williams | Boxberger | Suter.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Eli Morgan (CLE) – Emmanuel Clase has worked in three straight and four of the last five days.
2. Michael Fulmer (DET) – Gregory Soto threw 34 pitches in a rough outing Thursday and has gone in two of three.
3. Wil Crowe (PIT) – David Bednar pitched Tuesday (13 pitches) and Wednesday (43 pitches) and could need a second day off in a row.
4. Brad Hand (PHI) — The Phillies have a doubleheader . . .
5. Kyle Finnegan (WAS) — . . . against the Nationals.
Saturday:
1. Michael King (NYY) – A Friday outing would be three of four for Clay Holmes.
2. Felix Bautista (BAL) – Same as above for Jorge Lopez.
3. Anthony Bass (MIA) – Ditto for Tanner Scott.
4. Ryan Tepera (LAA) – The Angels play a doubleheader on Saturday…
5. Diego Castillo (SEA) – … against the Mariners.
June 16, 2022
Philadelphia Phillies — As we told you last night, Corey Knebel will get some time off from the ninth inning, with Seranthony Dominguez and Brad Hand the most likely to fill the closer role for the Phillies.
Updated hierarchy: *Dominguez | Hand | Alvarado
* = closer-by-committee
Milwaukee Brewers — Josh Hader will be out on paternity leave for a few days, leaving the ninth in the capable hands of Devin Williams.
Updated hierarchy: Williams | Boxberger | Suter.
New York Yankees — Not satisfied to be 30 games over .500 with a closer on a 30-inning scoreless streak, Aaron Boone is threatening Yankee fans with the promise that Aroldis Chapman will “be closing some games” after he returns from Achilles tendinitis. The more relevant Greek myth here might be Icarus.
Hierarchy remains: Holmes | King | Castro.
Miami Marlins — Tanner Scott blew his first save of the season on Wednesday, courtesy of a Garrett Stubbs walk-off, but it’ll probably take another one to challenge his slot at the top of this bullpen. In other news, Cole Sulser hit the injured list and lefty Steven Okert (9 holds, 12.8 K/9) has surpassed Dylan Floro.
Updated hierarchy: *Scott | Bass | Okert.
* = closer-by-committee
Pittsburgh Pirates — Wil Crowe and David Bednar combined to get 14 outs on Wednesday to seal a two-run victory for the Pirates. Crowe has moved ahead of Chris Stratton in Pittsburgh’s ‘pen.
Updated hierarchy: Bednar | Crowe | Stratton.
Toronto Blue Jays — Tim Mayza is back from the IL and getting high-leverage outs again for the Blue Jays; last night, he got out of the eighth after Yimi Garcia had coughed up a three-run lead.
Updated hierarchy: Romano | Cimber | Mayza.
Chicago Cubs — <foxworthy> If your first baseman . . . . . pitches more often than your closer . . . . . you might be at Wrigley! </foxworthy>
Hierarchy remains: Robertson | Wick | Givens.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Cionel Perez (BAL) — The Orioles’ top relievers have been used heavily over the last few days.
2. Michael King (NYY) — It’s been two straight days for Clay Holmes.
3. Eli Morgan (CLE) — Emmanuel Clase has gone in two straight and three of four.
Friday:
1. Dillon Tate/Felix Bautista (BAL) — If Jorge Lopez does pitch Thursday, he’ll need some time off.
2. Anthony Bass (MIA) — Tanner Scott might get two days off after Wednesday’s outing.
3. Brad Hand (PHI) — The Phillies have a doubleheader . . .
4. Kyle Finnegan (WAS) — . . . against the Nationals.
5. Chris Stratton (PIT) — It’s possible that Crowe and Bednar get an extra day after their heavy work on Wednesday.
June 15, 2022
Milwaukee Brewers – Josh Hader was placed on the paternity list ahead of Wednesday’s game, and he has not traveled with the team. Devin Williams is the top choice to get saves in his absence, but Brad Boxberger may see some chances as well.
Updated hierarchy: Williams | Boxberger | Suter.
June 15, 2022
Philadelphia Phillies – After another rough outing on Tuesday night, Corey Knebel managed to avoid the IL, but interim manager Rob Thomson did say that he would be demoted until he “gets right.” Seranthony Dominquez and Brad Hand are the two favorites for saves depending on matchups, though Thomson did indicate the other day that recently called-up José Alvarado could also be in the mix.
Updated hierarchy: *Dominguez | Hand | Alvarado.
* = closer-by-committee
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