September 21, 2022
Arizona Diamondbacks — In game two of a doubleheader with the Dodgers, Reyes Moronta pitched a perfect ninth inning for his first save of the season and only the second save of September for Arizona. Moronta also pitched a perfect ninth in his last appearance on Sept. 15, retiring the Padres’ 2-3-4 hitters (including Juan Soto and Manny Machado) in a 4-0 victory. There haven’t been a ton of save situations for the Diamondbacks lately, but Moronta is certainly in the mix should one arise.
Updated hierarchy: *Kennedy | Melancon | Moronta.
* = closer-by-committee
Los Angeles Dodgers – When the Dodgers rallied for five runs in the eighth to take a 6-5 lead in game one of Tuesday’s doubleheader, they turned to Chris Martin for the ninth. Martin retired all three hitters he faced for his second save of the season. Martin vultured a save at the end of August but hasn’t seen much high-leverage work this month. We’ll see if that changes as the Dodgers set up their bullpen for the playoffs.
Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Phillips | Vesia.
Oakland A’s — Domingo Acevedo secured his third consecutive save with a 1-2-3 ninth inning on Tuesday, while A.J. Puk struck out two to earn a seventh-inning hold. Acevedo looks to be one more save away from kicking the asterisk.
Hierarchy remains: *Acevedo | Puk | Moll.
* = closer-by-committee
San Francisco Giants – John Brebbia opened a bullpen game for the Giants on Tuesday. Yunior Marte started the ninth inning with a 6-3 lead and got two outs before the tying run came to the plate. Jarlin Garcia then came on to record the final out for his first save of the season. Both Camilo Doval and Scott Alexander had pitched in two straight, which earned them a night off.
Hierarchy remains: Doval | Brebbia | Alexander.
Los Angeles Angels – Committee leader Jimmy Herget tossed a scoreless ninth inning on Tuesday for his sixth save of the season.
Hierarchy remains: *Herget | Tepera | Quijada.
* = closer-by-committee
Chicago Cubs — Brandon Hughes continues to lead the Cubs’ committee, pitching a scoreless ninth on Tuesday to earn his sixth save of the year.
Hierarchy remains: *Hughes | Wick | Rucker.
* = closer-by-committee
Boston Red Sox – Garrett Whitlock’s season is over, as he’ll have surgery next week in hopes to be ready for spring training. We’ll reluctantly add Matt Strahm to the hierarchy. Strahm did record a save last Friday, but he also walked three straight hitters on Tuesday as part of an awful ninth inning. Strahm’s rough outing paved the way for John Schreiber to enter the game and earn the save.
Updated hierarchy: *Schreiber | Barnes | Strahm.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Raisel Iglesias (ATL) – Kenley Jansen has gone back-to-back and three of four.
2. Chase de Jong (PIT) – Wil Crowe threw 23 pitches in a disastrous ninth inning at Yankee Stadium while Duane Underwood Jr. tossed 33 pitches last night.
Tomorrow
1. Jose Quijada (LAA) – If Jimmy Herget pitches today that will be two straight and three of four.
2. Rafael Montero (HOU) – The same is true for Ryan Pressly.
3. Dylan Coleman/Amir Garrett (KC) – Scott Barlow threw 23 pitches last night and may need Thursday off if he has another busy night on Wednesday. Coleman (12 pitches) and Garrett (six pitches) also appeared on Tuesday but in less taxing outings.
