April 28, 2023

Los Angeles Angels – The pendulum has swung in the direction of Carlos Estevez again for the Angels. On Thursday, Estevez came on to secure his team-high fifth save with a scoreless ninth that dropped his ERA to 1.42. Jose Quijada, who has four saves himself, allowed two runs (one earned) Thursday and all of a sudden has a 6.00 ERA. Estevez has taken the lead again for this committee and could run away with the job if he continues to pitch well.

Updated hierarchy: *Estevez | Quijada | Moore.
* = closer-by-committee

Miami Marlins – AJ Puk pitched the eighth inning Thursday with a 4-0 deficit, likely just getting some work in as it had been several days since he last appeared in a game. Puk pitched a clean frame, and when Miami stunningly scored five runs in the top of the ninth to take the lead, Dylan Floro came on to retire the side for his first save. So while you missed out on a Puk save, be happy with the vulture win! And be happy because he most likely to be the main saves option moving forward and is another clean save away from kicking that asterisk.

Hierarchy remains: *Puk | Floro | Scott.
* = closer-by-committee

Atlanta Braves — Miami’s Puk earned the win because Braves closer A.J. Minter couldn’t keep it together in the ninth on Thursday. Staked with a four-run lead, Minter was charged with five runs on five hits, including three separate RBI singles. Jesse Chavez did no favors for Minter in allowing the go-ahead RBI double, leading to a blown save and third loss for Minter, whose ERA is now above 8.00. Minter has allowed 10 hits and 10 runs in his past 3.2 innings. Fortunately for the Braves, closer Raisel Iglesias is finally on a rehab assignment, but in the meantime we’re going to label the Braves closer situation a committee. Nick Anderson (3.86 ERA overall and a scoreless 8^th inning Thursday) could see some chances in the near future.

Updated hierarchy: *Minter | Anderson | Jimenez.
* = closer-by-committee

Philadelphia Phillies — Craig Kimbrel picked up his third save of the season Thursday, striking out two in an inning of work. Jose Alvarado was notably absent Thursday, but he did throw 22 pitches when he earned the save Wednesday. He also worked on Sunday and last Friday. We’ll presume Kimbrel is still behind for now, but stay tuned.

Hierarchy remains: Alvarado | Kimbrel | Dominguez.

Chicago Cubs – Michael Fulmer pitched a clean sixth inning on Thursday, dropping his ERA to 7.84. Brad Boxberger (3.60 ERA, 1.20 WHIP) eventually came on in the ninth to record his second save. Boxberger still appears to be the top guy.

Hierarchy remains: *Boxberger | Fulmer | Hughes.
* = closer-by-committee

New York Yankees – Michael King made quick work of the Rangers on Thursday, recording the final seven outs on just 26 pitches to record his first save. King hadn’t pitched since Sunday so he was well-rested. The usage is also consistent with prior work as a high-leverage bulk reliever for the Yankees, so don’t be worried that he’s about to usurp Clay Holmes or something.

Hierarchy remains: Holmes | King | Peralta.

New York Mets — Adam Ottavino was placed on the paternity list on Thursday and will likely be out for a few games.

Hierarchy remains: *Robertson | Ottavino | Raley.
* = closer-by-committee

Chicago White Sox – Liam Hendriks will be in Chicago next week to get a check-up before he is approved to begin a rehab assignment. Garret Crochet, meanwhile, might also be going on a rehab assignment soon.

Hierarchy remains: *Lopez | Graveman | Bummer.
* = closer-by-committee

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Jorge Lopez (MIN) – Jhoan Duran might not be available Friday because of an immigration-related appointment that requires travel.
2. Drew Smith (NYM) – David Robertson and Brooks Raley have gone in two straight, while Adam Ottavino is on the paternity list.
3. Carl Edwards Jr. (WAS) – Kyle Finnegan has pitched in two straight.
4. Yennier Cano (BAL) – Felix Bautista has also gone in two straight.
5. Nick Anderson (ATL) – A.J. Minter had a disastrous outing Thursday and threw 23 pitches.

Saturday:
1. Jose Quijada (LAA) – If he goes Friday, that would be three of four for Carlos Estevez.
2. Bryan Abreu (HOU) – Same as above for Ryan Pressly.
3. Tyler Rogers (SF) – The Giants are off Friday but Camilo Doval has been busy this week.
4. Scott McGough (ARI) – If he goes Friday, that would be two of three and three of five for Andrew Chafin.