August 15, 2022
Cincinnati Reds – Alexis Diaz got the final five outs of Sunday afternoon’s victory, earning his fifth save and cementing himself atop the Cincinnati committee — if it even is one, that is. (If he strings together another save or two, he’ll kick this asterisk.) Also of note was how bad Hunter Strickland was again, allowing three baserunners while only recording a single out, leading to Diaz’s extended usage. We figure it’s unlikely that the veteran righty enters the conversation for saves again this season.
Hierarchy remains: *Diaz | Kuhnel | Sanmartin.
* = closer-by-committee
Tampa Bay Rays – Jason Adam got the 2-out save on Sunday after Drew Rasmussen’s perfect game (and no hitter and shutout) bid ended in the 9th. In “news that only stat nerds care about,” Adam’s outing helped him maintain the WHIP lead (0.64) among pitchers with at least 30 innings, though a recent Syracuse callup named Jacob deGrom (0.42 WHIP in 16.2 IP) could potentially surpass him if he keeps this up across a few more starts.
Hierarchy remains: *Poche | Adam | Fairbanks.
* = closer-by-committee
Chicago White Sox – Kendall Graveman sat atop the VSW charts yesterday morning, and sure enough, he earned the save for the White Sox, spelling Liam Hendriks.
Hierarchy remains: Hendriks | Graveman | Diekman.
Texas Rangers – Speaking of the VSW, we told you yesterday that due to a heavily-taxed Rangers bullpen, Jose Leclerc could get a save on Sunday, even though he wasn’t even listed on Closer Monkey’s hierarchy yet. BUT DID YOU LISTEN?!?! NOOOOOOOO. Direct all apologies to [email protected]. (PS. Matt Moore is on the paternity list for a couple days, so Leclerc ascends for the time being.)
Updated hierarchy: Hernandez | Burke | Leclerc.
Los Angeles Angels – Jose Quijada, king of the four-seamer [subscription], got his third save of the year on Sunday, closing out a 2-run game. As the only reliever with multiple saves since the trade of Raisel Iglesias, the lefty moves to the top of this committee.
Updated hierarchy: *Quijada | Tepera | Chavez.
* = closer-by-committee
Arizona Diamondbacks – Ian Kennedy picked up his 8th save of the season on Sunday, posting a scoreless 9th in Colorado. He’s the clear committee leader here, though Mark Melancon (two saves since his demotion on Aug. 8) will likely continue getting chances when Kennedy isn’t fresh.
Hierarchy remains: *Kennedy | Melancon | Mantiply.
* = closer-by-committee
Boston Red Sox – Garrett Whitlock pitched a perfect 9th inning on Sunday night for his fourth save. He remains the favorite for saves with Tanner Houck on the IL.
Hierarchy remains: *Whitlock | Schreiber | Sawamura.
* = closer-by-committee
Miami Marlins – Anthony Bender was placed on the IL with a right elbow strain. Look for Steven Okert and Dylan Floro to pick up a few more hold opportunities as a result.
Updated hierarchy: Scott | Floro | Okert.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Raisel Iglesias – Kenley Jansen has gone three straight.
2. Dominic Leone – Camilo Doval has gone three straight.
3. Dylan Floro – Tanner Scott threw 36 pitches on Sunday.
4. Ryan Tepera – Jose Quijada has gone back to back.
5. Mark Melancon – Ian Kennedy has gone back to back.
6. Joe Jimenez – The Tigers have a doubleheader…
7. Trevor Stephan – …against the Guardians.
Tomorrow
1. Joel Kuhnel – If Alexis Diaz goes tonight after throwing 29 pitches Sunday, he’ll likely be off tomorrow.
2. Jhoan Duran/Emilio Pagan – If Jorge Lopez or Jhoan Duran go tonight, it’ll be three of four.
