April 12, 2023
Atlanta Braves — We correctly predicted that AJ Minter wouldn’t pitch Tuesday, but Joe Jimenez got the eighth inning last night instead of the ninth. It was a good thing he pitched an inning earlier than we expected, because he allowed a two-run homer that brought the Reds within a run. Dylan Lee came on to get the last two outs of the frame, which set the stage for Nick Anderson to pitch the ninth. Anderson tossed a perfect inning for his first save of the season. He also got an eighth-inning hold on Monday night, so we’ll move him up accordingly.
Updated hierarchy: Minter | Anderson | Jimenez.
Los Angeles Angels — Carlos Estevez picked up his first save with the Angels on Tuesday, working around a walk to preserve a 2-0 win despite pitching for a third time in four days. Jose Quijada pitched a clean eighth inning and has yet to allow a run in four appearances.
Updated hierarchy: *Estevez | Quijada | Herget.
* = closer-by-committee
San Francisco Giants – Tyler Rogers, who earned his first save of the season a few days ago, pitched a clean eighth inning to protect what was then a two-run lead. Tyler has seen more high-leverage work than twin brother Taylor so far this season, so we’ll swap them in the hierarchy.
Updated hierarchy: Doval | Ty. Rogers | Brebbia.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Kendall Graveman (CHW) – Reynaldo Lopez has pitched in two straight.
2. Jorge Lopez (MIN) – Jhoan Duran threw 24 pitches in a blown save last night.
3. Jose Quijada (LAA) – If Phil Nevin didn’t want to use Carlos Estevez three times in four days then he definitely won’t want to use him four times in five days.
4. Dany Jimenez (OAK) – Trevor May had a 28-pitch blown save last night.
5. Luis Garcia (SD) – Josh Hader recorded a 31-pitch save on Tuesday.
Tomorrow
1. Cionel Perez (BAL) – If Felix Bautista pitches today, that will be two of three.
2. Ian Gibaut (CIN) – Same goes for Alexis Diaz.
3. Colin Holderman/Duane Underwood (PIT) – If David Bednar pitches today after his 20-pitch blown save on Tuesday, that will be two straight and three of four. The same is true of Holderman.
4. Jordan Hicks (STL) – If either Ryan Helsley or Giovanny Gallegos goes today that will be two in a row.
