September 13, 2022
Chicago Cubs – Committee leader Brandon Hughes came on in a tough spot in the 8th, successfully getting out of the jam. He then stayed on for the 9th, whereupon he allowed a solo home run, but got the job done to earn his 5th save. If you’re going to own a Cubs reliever for the stretch run, he’s likely your best shot at saves.
Hierarchy remains: *Hughes | Wick | Rucker.
* = closer-by-committee
San Francisco Giants – Bullpen news was in relatively short supply on Monday, which means we get to use this space to be extra obnoxious about the Vulture Save Watch’s off-the-hierarchy pick of Scott Alexander, who got the final four outs of a 1-run game to collect his first save of the season. WOO HOO! IN YOUR FACE, SPACE COYOTE! Seriously though, Alexander has been good since returning to the bigs, and could pick up a few more holds or even save chances down the stretch, as the Giants bullpen is pretty thin after Camilo Doval. The lefty might not have been on the hierarchy yesterday, but he is now, thanks to his impressive outing and a 2.08 ERA thus far.
Hierarchy remains: Doval | Brebbia | Alexander.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Duane Underwood – Wil Crowe threw 44 pitches across two innings in earning the save last night.
2. Rowan Wick – A 1.2 inning, 23-pitch outing for Brandon Hughes means he might not be available today.
3. Jonathan Hernandez/Brock Burke – Jose Leclerc has gone back to back and three of four, and Matt Moore is likely off today as well.
4. James Karinchak – Emmanuel Clase has gone three of the last four.
Tomorrow
1. Tanner Scott – If Dylan Floro goes today, it’s back to back.
