July 26, 2022
Philadelphia Phillies – While the Phillies are continuing to look for bullpen help — including someone that could potentially supplant Seranthony Dominguez as closer — the righty has been making a case that, well, maybe he should stick in the role after all. Since mid-July, Dominguez has allowed just two runs in 12 innings and has picked up all five of his saves in the process, including a perfect 9th inning against the Braves last night.
Hierarchy remains: *Dominguez | Hand | Knebel.
* = closer-by-committee
Boston Red Sox – Garrett Whitlock picked up a two-inning save last night, retiring all six hitters he faced. It’s likely that the Red Sox will continue to use him in a multi-inning role, so Tanner Houck is still the best bet for saves on any given night. However, if Whitlock nabs another save or two, we might slap a committee tag on here. Stay tuned.
Updated hierarchy: Houck | Whitlock | Schreiber.
Chicago Cubs – The Cubs gave David Robertson the night off on Monday after he’d pitched in two straight games, allowing Scott Effross and his funky delivery to collect his first career save. Effross has posted an impressive 2.72 ERA and 1.02 WHIP across his league-leading 46 appearances.
Updated hierarchy: Robertson | Wick | Effross.
Seattle Mariners – Closer Paul Sewald was used in the 8th inning to face the Rangers’ 2-3-4 hitters, and after Diego Castillo made things interesting in the 9th, Erik Swanson was summoned to get out of the jam. Swanson got the game’s final two outs on just three pitches, earning his second save while lowering his ERA to 0.98 for the season.
Updated hierarchy: Sewald | Castillo | Swanson.
Miami Marlins – He might have his control problems (9 BBs/9 IP), but bolstered by his league best .000 BABIP, “ground ball pitcher” Willians Astudillo now just needs seven more hitless innings to throw the equivalent of a no-hitter. The legend of La Tortuga continued last night with his second scoreless, hitless inning of the season.
Hierarchy remains: Scott | Bass | Floro.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Steve Cishek – Kyle Finnegan and Carl Edwards Jr have both gone back to back.
Tomorrow
1. Brad Hand – If Seranthony Dominguez goes tonight, it’s back to back and three of four.
2. Zach Jackson – If Lou Trivino goes today, it’s back to back.
3. Alex Colome – If Daniel Bard goes today, it’s back to back.
4. Adam Ottavino – Edwin Diaz pitched Saturday and Sunday, so if he has a long outing today, he could get tomorrow off.
