September 15, 2022
Los Angeles Dodgers — Craig Kimbrel gave up a one-run lead in the tenth courtesy of a three-run homer, but Dave Roberts remained confident in his closer, who had not allowed a hit in his previous eight appearances.
Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Phillips | Vesia.
Oakland A’s — A.J. Puk received the rest we projected and, sure enough, it was Domingo Acevedo earning the vulture save in his absence.
Hierarchy remains: *Puk | Acevedo | Moll.
* = closer-by-committee
Chicago Cubs — We predicted a Rowan Wick vulture save on Wednesday, but the Cubs went to him in the seventh, Michael Rucker in the eighth, and third-in-line Mark Leiter Jr. for the eventual save — his second this season. It’s close between Rucker and Leiter for the setup role, but Brandon Hughes remains the best bet for saves.
Hierarchy remains: *Hughes | Wick | Rucker.
* = closer-by-committee
Cleveland Guardians — James Karinchak vulture save? Called it. That’s all we do here for the Guardians, who have six straight wins and six straight saves.
Hierarchy remains: Clase | Karinchak | Stephan.
Pittsburgh Pirates — Long reliever Miguel Yajure gave an overworked bullpen a rest on Wednesday, pitching the last three innings of a 10-4 win to pick up his first career save.
Hierarchy remains: Crowe | Underwood | de Jong.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Nick Sandlin/Sam Hentges (CLE) — The Guardians keep winning, but they keep winning close, taxing their top three arms immensely. A makeup game Thursday could be finished off by some lower-leverage relievers like Sandlin or Hentges.
2. Rafael Montero (HOU) — Two straight for Ryan Pressly.
Friday:
1. Yimi Garcia (TOR) — A Jordan Romano appearance on Thursday will be three of four.
2. Jonathan Hernandez (TEX) — The Rangers have Thursday off, but a blown save for Jose Leclerc on Wednesday could earn him a second straight day of rest.
3. Seranthony Dominguez (PHI) — David Robertson could get a day off if he goes on Thursday.
