April 3, 2023
Washington Nationals – Washington’s first win was closed out by Kyle Finnegan, and while Davey Martinez said that Finnegan would sometimes be used as a fireman, Sunday’s usage gave good insight into the pecking order when the bullpen is deployed traditionally. Hunter Harvey got out of a tight spot in the 6th inning, and after a clean 7th by Erasmo Ramirez, Carl Edwards Jr. got the 8th. Given that Harvey’s spot was higher-leverage than Ramirez’s, we’ll sort the hierarchy accordingly.
Updated hierarchy: *Finnegan | Edwards | Harvey.
* = closer-by-committee
New York Yankees – Ron Marinaccio has started the season with 3.1 hitless innings, tallying 6 strikeouts in the process. He picked up his first hold of the season on Sunday, and given his usage thus far, he’s earned a spot on the hierarchy.
Updated hierarchy: Holmes | Loaisiga | Marinaccio.
Cleveland Guardians – Make a wish when you see the first robin Vulture Save of Spring! With their top two options unavailable, the Guardians went to Trevor Stephan when they gained the lead in extra innings, and Stephan converted.
Hierarchy remains: Clase | Karinchak | Stephan.
Arizona Diamondbacks – Scott McGough got his first save of the year after Andrew Chafin got the first out of the 9th. Based on usage thus far, it seems these two will share save opportunities depending on matchups.
Hierarchy remains: *McGough | Chafin | Ginkel.
* = closer-by-committee
Texas Rangers – Jose Leclerc was the presumed closer coming in to the season, and picked up the first save chance on Thursday. But last night’s game was a reminder that Bruce Bochy never actually declared a closer before the season, as a presumably well-rested Leclerc was bypassed in favor of Will Smith. Smith hadn’t appeared yet — and a lefty was due up second in the inning — so it’s possible this was a one-off. But Smith had his best seasons under Bochy in San Francisco, and Bochy could be setting up a committee approach. We’ll slap an asterisk here and see what unfolds.
Updated hierarchy: *Leclerc | Smith | Hernandez
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Rafael Montero – Ryan Pressly may still be out with an illness.
2. Buck Farmer/Reiver Sanmartin – Alexis Diaz has gone back to back.
3. Jimmy Herget/Ryan Tepera – Carlos Estevez threw 28 pitches on Sunday.
4. Luis Garcia/Steven Wilson – Josh Hader has gone back to back and Luis Garcia has thrown 46 pitches over the last three days.
Tomorrow
1. Aroldis Chapman – If Scott Barlow goes today, it’s back to back.
2. Jose Cisnero – If Alex Lange goes today, it’s back to back.
