July 9, 2022
Texas Rangers — After announcing that Joe Barlow would no longer handle closing duties, the Rangers had a 1 run lead and turned to Brock Burke for the 7th inning, Dennis Santana for the 8th and Brett Martin faced the 2-3-4 hitters in the 9th. Martin converted for his first save of the season. Barlow’s removal is “temporary” and they still believe he can be the closer. In the meantime the Rangers will play matchups, but last night seems like a good indicator of how they would like to deploy their relievers and we will adjust accordingly.
Updated hierarchy: *Martin | Santana | Burke
* = closer-by-committee
New York Yankees — In a game that got out of hand quickly, and featured Joey Gallo try for an inside the park home run (or 4 base error if you don’t believe losing a ball in the lights is a good excuse), the Yankees turned the last 3.1 innings over to Lucas Luetge. Luetge was masterful, giving up a hit and a walk while striking out 6 on the way to his first save on the year. The resilient former rule 5 draftee debuted in 2012, but spent almost 6 years pitching in the minors before catching on and finally sticking with the Yankees last year. Luetge is having a solid season in long relief and as a lefty matchup specialist, but doesn’t usually factor into the late innings.
Updated hierarchy: Holmes | King | Chapman.
San Diego Padres — Quick, which Padres reliever has the most saves since June 20? If you said Nick Martinez, you’d be right. Martinez recorded another 3 inning save last night. Martinez now has 3 saves and a win in 6 appearances out of the bullpen, which is a remarkable decision rate, however he is more likely to end up back in the rotation than he is to consistently see save and hold chances.
Hierarchy remains: Rogers | Garcia | Crismatt.
Detroit Tigers — The night after Gregory Soto threw 21 pitches, the Tigers turned to the rested Michael Fulmer to close out a 2 run lead. He worked around a HBP and a single to pick up his 2nd save on the year. Detroit has had one of the most consistent bullpen hierarchies on the year, and last night’s vulture save doesn’t change that. Look for Soto to be ready to go for the rest of the weekend.
Hierarchy remains: Soto | Fulmer | Chafin.
Philadelphia Phillies – Facing the top of the order in the 8th the Phillies turned to Seranthony Dominguez, which left the 9th inning to Brad Hand. Hand converted for his 4th save of the year. Dominguez and Hand will continue to trade save chances based on matchups.
Hierarchy Remains: *Dominguez | Hand | Bellatti.
* = closer-by-committee
Colorado Rockies – Vulture Save Watch readers knew that Daniel Bard had pitched in two straight games, so the 9th inning fell to Alex Colome. He gave up a run, but successfully converted the save chance. Bard should be back in action today.
Updated hierarchy: Bard | Colome | Estevez.
Vulture Save Watch:
- Dylan Coleman (KC) – Scott Barlow threw 28 pitches last night, and has thrown 46 over the past 3 days.
- Aaron Loup/Ryan Tepera (LAA) – Raisel Iglesias threw 33 pitches in a blown save yesterday, while Aaron Loup has had a similar workload.
- Jeff Hoffman (CIN) – Hunter Strickland threw 20 pitches last night and has pitched in 3 of 4.
- Rowan Wick (CHC) – David Robertson has pitched in 3 of 5 including 26 pitches last night.
- Devin Williams (MIL) – The same is true for Josh Hader, with 24 pitches last night.
- Adam Cimber (TOR) – Also for Jordan Romano, although he only threw 12 pitches last night.
For Sunday:
- Jason Adam/Brooks Raley (TB) – Colin Poche threw 28 pitches yesterday. Also it’s the Rays.
- Seranthony Dominguez/Andrew Bellatti (PHI) – Today would be 3 in a row for both Brad Hand and Seranthony Dominguez.
