August 4, 2022
Philadelphia Phillies — As we expected, it was freshly acquired David Robertson who got the first shot at a save on Wednesday, following up Seranthony Dominguez and Jose Alvarado to shut down the Braves. We’ll keep this a committee based on Rob Thomson’s comments, but we think it’s one that Robertson will handily lead.
Hierarchy remains: *Robertson | Dominguez | Hand.
* = closer-by-committee
Oakland A’s — The first Oakland save chance after the Lou Trivino trade went to Zach Jackson, set up by A.J. Puk and Domingo Acevedo. Dany Jimenez is also back from the IL, fresh off striking out the side during an injury rehab appearance, and could be thrust right back into the late-inning fire. This could be a four-person committee until the team is ready to hand the keys back over to Jimenez.
Updated hierarchy: *Jackson | Jimenez | Puk.
* = closer-by-committee
Pittsburgh Pirates — After Duane Underwood pitched a clean seventh inning in a tie game, Yerry de los Santos got the chance to protect a three-run lead in the eighth. After getting two quick outs, he gave it all back on four hits and a walk, requiring Wil Crowe to bail him out. Crowe ultimately picked up the win on a walk-off homer off Devin Williams and seems even likelier to have the ninth inning to himself.
Updated hierarchy: Crowe | de los Santos | Underwood.
Minnesota Twins — Former Oriole Jorge Lopez came out for the ninth on Wednesday and picked up his 20th save of the year, and first with his new team. He could kick the committee asterisk with a few more outings like that.
Hierarchy remains: *Lopez | Duran | Fulmer.
* = closer-by-committee
Chicago White Sox — Jake Diekman changed Sox at the trade deadline and got right into the swing of things, picking up two consecutive holds for Chicago. Diekman has struggled this season, but no more so than his competitor for the seventh inning, Joe Kelly. We’ll swap them out for now and see how things progress.
Updated hierarchy: Hendriks | Graveman | Diekman.
Tampa Bay Rays — It was Jason Adam’s turn to grab a save for Tampa, following up Pete Fairbanks, who pitched a clean eighth. Colin Poche has had the last four days off.
Hierarchy remains: *Poche | Adam | Fairbanks.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Duane Underwood/Colin Holderman (PIT) — Wil Crowe and Yerry de los Santos have each pitched in two straight.
2. Brandon Hughes (CHC) — It’s a doubleheader today for the Cubs . . .
3. Giovanny Gallegos (STL) — . . . and the Cardinals.
Friday:
1. Garrett Whitlock (BOS) — Tanner Houck will have gone in three of four with an appearance Thursday.
2. Joe Jimenez/Andrew Chafin (DET) — Same for Gregory Soto.
3. Anthony Bass (TOR) — It will be four of six for Jordan Romano if he goes tonight.
