August 8, 2022
Cincinnati Reds – Hunter Strickland coughed up a 1-run lead in the 9th, but ended up getting the win after the Reds rallied in the top of the 10th and Ross Detwiler closed the door in the bottom half. It was the first save of the season for Detwiler, who was the 6th reliever to appear in the game for the Reds. Strickland remains on thin ice atop this committee.
Hierarchy remains: *Strickland | Diaz | Sanmartin.
* = closer-by-committee
Arizona Diamondbacks – Torey Lovullo assured us that, despite demoting Mark Melancon, the former closer would still get his opportunities in the 9th inning. Turns out that wasn’t just lip service, as Melancon got — and converted — the save chance on Sunday afternoon. It’s likely that Ian Kennedy would’ve been the top choice had he not pitched two straight, but we’ll still bump Melancon up a slot as a result.
Updated hierarchy: *Kennedy | Melancon | Mantiply.
* = closer-by-committee
Seattle Mariners – The Mariners have danced back and forth with Paul Sewald this season, sometimes using him as their full-time closer and sometimes as a fireman. Last night, it was the former, and Sewald turned in yet another perfect inning, lowering his WHIP to 0.67 on the season — third among relievers with at least 30 innings pitched [behind only Jason Adam (0.62) and Ryan Helsley (0.64)]. He’s clearly the go-to arm in this bullpen, but the Mariners are maintaining flexibility with his usage, so we’re leaving the committee asterisk on for the time being.
Hierarchy remains: *Sewald | Munoz | Swanson.
* = closer-by-committee
New York Mets – Edwin Diaz mowed down the top of the Braves order on Sunday afternoon, striking out Dansby Swanson, Matt Olson, and Austin Riley to lock up his 26th save of the year. The only thing that was maybe surprising is that it took 14 pitches for him to do it. Diaz, a free agent after this season, has now struck out 91 hitters in 45.1 innings, and currently has the best single-season K/9 (18.1) and K% (52.9%) that baseball has ever seen. Relievers come and go like the wind, so sometimes, you just have to stop and admire when you’re seeing something truly special.
Hierarchy remains: Diaz | Ottavino | Lugo.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Adam Ottavino – Edwin Diaz has gone back to back and three of four (4 IP total).
2. Luis Cessa – Hunter Strickland and Alexis Diaz have gone back to back, while Reiver Sanmartin has gone three straight.
Tomorrow
1. Anthony Bass – If Jordan Romano goes tonight, it’s back to back and three of four.
2. Erik Swanson – Same for Paul Sewald.
