Floro takes the lead in Miami, Pressly returns from the IL.

September 10, 2022
Miami Marlins — Tanner Scott was used in the seventh inning again, and when he ran into trouble Steven Okert preserved the lead through the 8th inning. This left the save to Dylan Floro, who converted for his 4th on the year. It had been almost 3 weeks but Scott did have the previous 2 saves for the Marlins. However, his recent usage has suggested that he isn’t the head of this committee right now, and last night confirmed that. We will adjust accordingly.

Updated hierarchy: *Floro | Scott | Okert.
* = closer-by-committee

Houston Astros – After a slight setback earlier this week, Ryan Pressly was finally activated from the IL last night. He immediately got the 9th inning of a 2 run game, and although he gave up a solo homer, he shut the door to earn his 26th save on the year. Pressly jumps right back to the top of the hierarchy.

Updated hierarchy: Pressly | Montero | Neris.

Chicago Cubs — As we noted yesterday, it seems that Brandon Hughes has emerged as the relief ace for the Cubs. He got called into action with 2 outs in the 8th last night after Manuel Rodriguez ran into trouble, giving up a 2 run double. What is notable is that Hughes was brought in to face righty Thario Estrada, and stuck around for the 9th inning to pick up the save. While it’s too early to take the committee tag off, Hughes is the best choice on the North Side of Chicago.  

Hierarchy remains: *Hughes | Wick | Rucker.

Baltimore Orioles – Although Felix Bautista was rested yesterday it was Dillon Tate who got the last out of the 8th inning and stuck around for the 9th in a 1 run game. Tate secured his 4th save of the year. After the game it came out that Bautista was dealing with some arm fatigue after a long outing on Tuesday, and that he should be back before long. While the hope is he’s ready for tonight, we may see Tate again as he only threw 15 pitches last night. 

Hierarchy remains: Bautista | Tate | Perez.

Philadelphia Phillies — As the vulture save watch noted, David Robertson was not available last night, so the 9th inning started with Brad Hand, but after the tying run got on base he got pulled for Nick Nelson. Nelson got the last out to earn his first career save. Nelson normally doesn’t factor into the late innings, but there is help on the way, as Seranthony Dominguez is expected to be activated before Sunday’s game. He will likely put this right back into a committee. 

Hierarchy remains: Robertson | Alvarado | Hand.

Tampa Bay Rays – The Rays tried really hard to get their 11th different reliever a save this year. In this case it would’ve been JT Chargois, but after he gave up a solo homer and brought the tying run to the plate he was pulled in favor of Shawn Armstrong. Armstrong got Glyber Torres to fly out to the warning track, but that was good enough for his 2nd save on the year. With the Rays anything is possible, but Chargois isn’t usually in the late innings. 

Hierarchy remains: *Fairbanks | Adam | Poche.
* = closer-by-committee

San Francisco Giants – Dominc Leone was placed on the IL with elbow inflammation. We will move Tyler Rogers up into his spot in the hierarchy. 

Updated hierarchy: Doval | Brebbia | Rogers.

Vulture Save Watch:

  1. Rowan Wick (CHC) — Brandon Hughes has pitched in back to back games.
  2. Dillon Tate (BAL) — Felix Bautista may still need a day off.
  3. Rafael Montero/Hector Neris (HOU) — Ryan Pressly threw 22 pitches last night, but coming off an IL stint he may get the day off.
  4. Nick Martinez (SD) — Josh Hader has pitched in 2 of 3 and 3 of 5, while Martinez is well rested.

For Sunday:

  1. Adam Cimber (TOR) — Today would be back to back and 3 of 4 for Jordan Romano.
  2. CJ Edwards (WAS) — Today would be 3 of 4 for Kyle Finnegan, who threw 45 pitches over his last 2 outings.
  3. Domingo Acevedo (OAK) — AJ Puk threw 27 pitches last night, so another outing could earn him Sunday off.
  4. James Karinchak/Trevor Stephan (CLE) — Today would be back to back and 3 of 4 for the entire Cleveland hierarchy.
  5. Tanner Scott (MIA) — Today would be 3 in a row for Dylan Floro.
  6. Kendall Graveman (CHW) — Today would be back to back and 3 of 4 for Liam Hendriks.

Michael Fulmer earns save for Twins; Reds reliever gets his first MLB save

September 9, 2022

Cincinnati Reds – Alexis Diaz pitched for the first time in six days on Thursday, entering a tied game in the eighth inning. He allowed a go-ahead home run but otherwise was sharp in recording five outs across the seventh and eighth innings. When the Reds took the lead in the ninth, that put Diaz in line for the win. But who took the ninth? Enter Ian Gibaut, who allowed a hit but retired the side on 12 pitches for his first big-league save. After Diaz, this bullpen is a bit of a disaster, so it doesn’t take much to enter the hierarchy. So, we’ll add Gibaut (4.33 ERA, 1.48 WHIP) in place of Reiver Sanmartin (7.04 ERA, 1.78 WHIP).

Updated hierarchy: Diaz | Kuhnel | Gibaut.

Minnesota Twins – Jorge Lopez was called into the eighth inning Thursday, but the situation certainly called for it given the two-run lead and Aaron Judge due up. Judge doubled and another man reached before Lopez allowed a fielder’s choice and a run-scoring wild pitch. Caleb Theilbar struck out Giancarlo Stanton to end the threat, but the Twins still had to get through the final inning. Theilbar stayed on to start the ninth with a one-run lead, yielding a groundout and allowing a single before he was yanked for Michael Fulmer. Fulmer loaded the bases on a double and an intentional walk of Judge but retired the next two hitters for his third save.

Hierarchy remains: Lopez | Duran | Fulmer.

Washington Nationals — After a rough outing Wednesday, Kyle Finnegan was called into Thursday’s game in the eighth inning to face the 7-8-9 hitters with a three-run lead. He retired the side to earn a hold, and the game got out of reach in the ninth so no save was to be had. The usage is notable because it wasn’t the ninth inning, and while the game was within three runs, the bases were empty when he entered and he was tasked with taking care of the bottom of the order, so not exactly the game’s tightest spot. He’s the top guy, but there some days when he won’t pitch the ninth. We’ll monitor his usage the next several days to see if an asterisk is needed for this hierarchy.

Hierarchy remains: Finnegan | Edwards | Harvey.

Chicago Cubs — Brandon Hughes entered Thursday’s game with a slim 2-1 lead in the seventh inning to face the 4-5-6 hitters and allowed a hit and a walk but recorded two outs, earning a hold. Later on, Rowan Wick was called into a 2-1 game with two men on in the eighth and walked two straight to let in a run before inducing an inning-ending groundout. After Seiya Suzuki gave the Cubs the lead, Mark Leiter Jr. was given the save opportunity in the ninth, and it did not go as planned. Leiter allowed a walk, a triple and a single to give up the lead. We’ll keep the hierarchy as is for now because a) Hughes is the team’s best reliever and might be called into tough situations earlier than the ninth, and b) the Cubs have lost 13 of 18 so it’s hard to get a good read on this bullpen.

Hierarchy remains: *Hughes | Wick | Rucker.
* = closer-by-committee

Oakland A’s – Oakland might have something in this Sheldon Neuse character. He pitched a scoreless ninth on Thursday in a 14-2 laugher, his third appearance of the year (0.00 ERA, 0.27 WHIP).

Hierarchy remains: *Puk | Acevedo | Moll.
* = closer-by-committee

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Hunter Harvey (WAS) – Kyle Finnegan and Carl Edwards Jr. have each gone in two straight.
2. Jhoan Duran (MIN) – Jorge Lopez has pitched in two straight.
3. Jose Alvarado (PHI) – David Robertson threw 21 pitches Thursday and has gone in two of three and three of five.

Saturday:
1. Taylor Rogers (MIL) – A Friday outing would be two straight and three of five for Devin Williams.
2. Joel Kuhnel (CIN) – Alexis Diaz was well-rested entering Thursday’s action, but he threw 27 pitches over 1.2 IP. If he goes again Friday, he’d likely need Saturday off.
3. Jonathan Loaisiga (NYY) – A Friday appearance would be four of six for Clay Holmes.
4. Kendall Graveman (CHW) – If he goes Friday, that would be three of five for Liam Hendriks.

A familiar arm is resurfacing in San Diego

September 8, 2022

San Diego Padres — Josh Hader converted a second straight save opportunity on Wednesday, with Nick Martinez pitching the eighth in front of him. It was Hader’s first 1-2-3 inning in over a month. There’s been no official word on a move, but you know the Padres didn’t bring Hader to San Diego to set up a converted starter. We’ll toss a committee asterisk on here to account for the transition, but the job is  again Hader’s to lose.

Updated hierarchy: *Hader | Martinez | Garcia.
* = closer-by-committee

Washington Nationals — You always remember the non-save closer outings that end poorly, and last night was one of those for Kyle Finnegan. Called on with a five-run lead because he hadn’t pitched in six days, Finnegan surrendered two walks, two singles, and two doubles in a combination that left him walking off the mound with the loss. Dave Martinez probably should have turned to John Daly.

Hierarchy remains: Finnegan | Edwards | Harvey.

Philadelphia Phillies — David Robertson got a night off and the Phillies went off the board in the ninth to Connor Brogdon. Brogdon started the inning with a home run and a single, but settled down and managed to earn his second save of the year.

Hierarchy remains: Robertson | Alvarado | Hand.

New York Yankees — Lucas Luetge picked up his second save of the season in the nightcap of Wednesday’s doubleheader, coming in with a three-run lead in the seventh and finishing the game out after the lead stretched to six.

Hierarchy remains: *Holmes | Peralta | Loaisiga.
* = closer-by-committee

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Jonathan Loaisiga/Wandy Peralta (NYY) — Clay Holmes has pitched in three of four, including a two-inning outing last night.
2. Kendall Graveman (CWS) — Liam Hendriks has gone in two of three (43 total pitches).
3. Carl Edwards Jr./Hunter Harvey (WAS) — Kyle Finnegan could get a day off after last night’s struggles.

Friday:
1. Jhoan Duran (MIN) — An appearance Thursday for Jorge Lopez would be two straight.
2. Brad Hand (PHI) — David Robertson’s workload has been high lately.
3. Giovanny Gallegos/Jordan Hicks (STL) — If Ryan Helsley pitches today, it will be three of five.

Jose Leclerc picks up another save

September 7, 2022

Texas Rangers – With Jonathan Hernandez presumably available after pitching Sunday, the Rangers turned to Jose Leclerc in the ninth inning to protect a one-run lead, which he did for his third save of the year. Leclerc actually has the Rangers’ last two saves, albeit with the last one coming on August 26. Meanwhile, Hernandez was terrible in his last ninth-inning appearance, giving up four runs to blow a save against the Red Sox last Thursday. Leclerc’s save last night bumps him up in this committee, one he may lead if the Rangers continue to avoid using Hernandez, who should definitely be available tonight.

Updated hierarchy: *Hernandez | Leclerc | Moore.
* = closer-by-committee

Arizona Diamondbacks — Ian Kennedy has blown back-to-back save opportunities, including last night against the Padres when he gave up two runs in the ninth. Mark Melancon hasn’t really pushed Kennedy much since the Diamondbacks went to a committee, but we’ll see if he gets the next save chance after Kennedy’s recent struggles.

Hierarchy remains: *Kennedy | Melancon | Mantiply.
* = closer-by-committee

Houston Astros – Ryan Pressly was expected to be activated from the IL on Tuesday, but he still doesn’t feel right, so his return has been postponed. Rafael Montero will continue to close for a few more days until Pressly is ready to go.

Hierarchy remains: Montero | Neris | Abreu.

Cleveland Guardians – As predicted in yesterday’s Vulture Save Watch, James Karinchak picked up his first save of the season while Emmanuel Clase rested following three straight days of work.

Hierarchy remains: Clase | Karinchak | Stephan.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Mark Melancon (ARI) – Ian Kennedy threw 22 pitches last night and may need a breather after another blown save.
2. Cionel Perez (BAL) – Felix Bautista threw 25 pitches in a two-inning save while Dillon Tate had a 30-pitch outing.
3. Luis Garcia (SD) – Nick Martinez has appeared in two straight games, throwing 33 pitches in the process.
4. Carlos Estevez (COL) – Daniel Bard has gone in two of three, including a 23-pitch effort on Tuesday.
5. Wandy Peralta (NYY) – The Yankees play a doubleheader…
6. Jhoan Duran (MIN) – …against the Twins…
7. Adam Ottavino (NYM) – …while the Mets play two…
8. Duane Underwood (PIT) – …against the Pirates.

Tomorrow
1. Giovanny Gallegos (STL) – If Ryan Helsley pitches today that will be two straight and three of four.
2. John Brebbia (SF) – If Camilo Doval pitches Wednesday that will be four of five, but even if he doesn’t, the Giants still play a doubleheader…
3. Taylor Rogers/Brad Boxberger (MIL) – …against the Brewers.

Pete Fairbanks continues to shine

September 6, 2022

Tampa Bay Rays – Pete Fairbanks, who by some measures has been the best reliever in baseball this year (albeit in a small sample size given his injuries), picked up his 5th save of the season on Monday. He’s now collected three of the past six Rays saves, so we’ll nudge him past Jason Adam to the top of this committee.

Updated hierarchy: *Fairbanks | Adam | Poche.
* = closer-by-committee

Washington Nationals – Mason Thompson pitched the last three innings of a six-run Washington victory on Monday, earning his first career save.

Hierarchy remains: Finnegan | Edwards | Harvey.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. John Brebbia – Camilo Doval has gone three straight.
2. James Karinchak – Emmanuel Clase has gone three straight.
3. Dylan Coleman – Scott Barlow has gone back to back, including a 24-pitch outing yesterday.
4. Wandy Peralta – Clay Holmes has gone back to back; the Yankees might not push him to a third straight outing this soon after his activation.

Tomorrow
1. Brad Boxberger – If Devin Williams goes today, it’s back to back and three of four.
2. Kendall Graveman – Liam Hendriks threw 30 pitches yesterday; another outing today and he’s likely down tomorrow.