August 13, 2022
New York Yankees – The entire Yankees team has struggled as of late, but maybe nobody more than Clay Holmes. Holmes was brought in to protect a one-run lead in the 9th yesterday. He got 1 quick out before walking the next two batters and giving up the tying single before getting pulled for Wandy Peralta. The Yankees would go on to lose in extra innings. Holmes has now given up runs in 4 of his last 5 appearances, including 3 blown saves. Command seems to be the source of his trouble, as he has issued the same number of walks in his last 10 appearances as he has for the rest of the season (39 apps). Meanwhile, Aroldis Chapman pitched a clean 8th ahead of Holmes, and now has 8 straight scoreless appearances. It’s a bit too early to make a change here, but Holmes is certainly on a hot seat now, and with Chapman and Peralta continuing to pitch well, Holmes may not have many chances left.
Hierarchy remains: Holmes | Peralta | Chapman.
Houston Astros – Ryan Pressly had a stiff neck and was unavailable last night, and with Rafael Montero having pitched in 2 of the last 3 the save chance fell to Hector Neris. Neris converted for his second save on the year. Pressly’s neck is not expected to result in an IL stint, but this is a situation worth monitoring as Houston holds an 11 game lead in the AL West and may look to manage his workload down the stretch.
Hierarchy remains: Pressly | Montero | Neris.
Colorado Rockies – Daniel Bard threw 30 pitches on Thursday which earned him a night off on Friday. This left the save chance to Carlos Estevez, who converted for his second of the year. Daniel Bard is in no danger of losing his job, but lately it has been Estevez getting the high leverage chances over Alex Colome. This is enough to put him first in line for the Rockies.
Updated hierarchy: Bard | Estevez | Colome.
Philadelphia Phillies — Seranthony Dominguez pitched the 9th inning of a tie game, and took home the win after the Phillies scored the ghost runner in the top of the 10th. Closing out the game was David Robertson, who notched his 16th save on the year. Dominguez and Robertson will continue to trade save chances as the surging Phillies keep fighting for a playoff spot.
Hierarchy remains: *Dominguez | Robertson | Alvarado.
* = closer-by-committee
Vulture Save Watch:
- Rafael Montero (HOU) — Ryan Pressly may not be ready to go while dealing with a stiff neck
- Giovanny Gallegos (STL) — Ryan Helsley threw 29 pitches over 2 innings last night, while Giovanny Gallegos is well rested.
- Brock Burke (TEX) — Both Hernandez and Moore threw 29+ pitches last night, while Burke has had 2 days off.
- John Schreiber (BOS) — Garrett Whitlock threw 27 pitches earning the win last night.
For Sunday:
- Raisel Iglesias (ATL) — Kenly Jansen threw 22 pitches so another long outing could earn him a day off Sunday.
- Antony Bender (MIA) — Tanner Scott had the night off yesterday, but is coming off a 39 pitch performance on Thursday.
