July 8, 2022
Los Angeles Dodgers – Craig Kimbrel had a tough outing in the ninth on Thursday, allowing a run on a double. He also threw a wild pitch and allowed a walk. He recorded two outs before being pulled for Alex Vesia, who struck out the final batter for his first save. Kimbrel had a recent injury scare so it’s possible it affected his performance. Though, it’s also worth noting Kimbrel can be wild, at times. The situation is worth keeping an eye on. On a side note, Brusdar Graterol left Thursday’s game with right side soreness. We’ll keep an eye on that as well!
Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Graterol | Phillips.
St. Louis Cardinals — Giovanny Gallegos pitched the seventh inning on Thursday, allowing a run. Ryan Helsley then was called upon to get the last out of the eighth inning, all the outs in the ninth inning and all of them in the tenth inning. He needed 26 pitches across 2.1 innings. He didn’t allow an earned run, but a ghost runner scored on him in the tenth inning to tie things up again. St. Louis then took another lead and manager Oliver Marmol turned to Packy Naughton, who converted for his first save.
Hierarchy remains: *Helsley | Gallegos | Thompson.
* = closer-by-committee
Cincinnati Reds – If you are a loyal reader who takes full advantage of the Vulture Save Watch, you potentially picked up Jeff Hoffman for Thursday’s action. As it turns out, Hoffman started a bullpen game for the Reds in Game 2 of a doubleheader and gave you 1.2 scoreless innings with 3 strikeouts. He didn’t get a save, of course, but you’ll take the ratio help! You’re welcome.
Hierarchy remains: Strickland | Hoffman | Kuhnel.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Felix Bautista (BAL) – Jorge Lopez has gone in two in a row, three of four and five of seven.
2. Joe Mantiply (ARI) – Mark Melancon has gone in three of four.
3. Alex Colome (COL) – Daniel Bard has gone in two straight and three of five.
4. Brusdar Graterol/Evan Phillips (LAD) – Craig Kimbrel has gone in two straight and Brusdar Graterol could potentially be unavailable after he was lifted from Thursday’s game with right side soreness.
Saturday:
1. Luis Garcia (SD) – A Friday outing would be four of six for Taylor Rogers.
2. Dylan Coleman (KC) – Same as above for Scott Barlow.
3. Kyle Finnegan (WAS) – Ditto for Tanner Rainey.
4. Jeff Hoffman (CIN) – It’s also true for Hunter Strickland.
5. Wil Crowe (PIT) – A Friday appearance would be three of four for David Bednar.
6. Dominic Leone (SF) – Same as above for Camilo Doval.
7. Kendall Graveman (CWS) – If he goes Friday, that would be three of five for Liam Hendriks.
8. Adam Cimber (TOR) – Same as above for Jordan Romano.
9. Rowan Wick (CHC) – The three-of-five workload would also be true for David Robertson if he goes Friday.
