July 7, 2022
San Francisco Giants — Camilo Doval entered the ninth with a two-run lead, but four baserunners later, lefty Sam Long had to come on to retire the last out and grab his first career save. Former closer Jake McGee was fresh, but Gabe Kapler said he preferred Long in the spot. This all seems ominous for the prospect of McGee returning to fantasy relevance anytime soon, and we think John Brebbia is a better choice for second in line at this point.
Updated hierarchy: Doval | Leone | Brebbia.
Atlanta Braves — The Braves’ bullpen is dealing with Kenley Jansen’s absence quite effectively, with save chances split between Will Smith and AJ Minter. Last night’s Minter save, by the way, was forecast in Wednesday’s Vulture Save Watch.
Hierarchy remains: *Smith | Minter | Matzek.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Dominic Leone (SF) — Camilo Doval needed 37 pitches in yesterday’s rough outing, his second in two days.
2. Dylan Coleman (KC) — Scott Barlow has gone in three of four and four of six.
3. Carl Edwards Jr. (WAS) — Tanner Rainey and Kyle Finnegan have each appeared in three of the last four games.
4. Jeff Hoffman (CIN) — Same for Hunter Strickland.
5. Kendall Graveman (CWS) — Liam Hendriks, fresh off an IL stint, has pitched in two of three.
6. Brusdar Graterol (LAD) — Craig Kimbrel came back from his injury scare successfully last night, but might get some extra rest.
Friday:
1. Felix Bautista (BAL) — An appearance Thursday for Jorge Lopez would be three out of four.
2. Adam Cimber (TOR) — Same for Jordan Romano.
3. Rowan Wick (CHC) — David Robertson has pitched in three of five and four of six.
