May 1, 2023
Seattle Mariners – After Paul Sewald kept the game tied with a scoreless 9th inning, Matt Brash earned his first save of the season in the bottom of the 10th after Seattle took the lead. Seattle continues to use a number of arms in mixing-and-matching its way through the late innings.
Updated hierarchy: Sewald | Topa | Brash.
Baltimore Orioles – As forecast in the Vulture Save Watch, Yennier Cano got his 2nd save of the year. For those keeping track, he also extended his 0.00 WHIP streak past the “perfect game” mark, as he’s now gone 9.2 innings this season without allowing a baserunner.
Hierarchy remains: Bautista | Cano | Baker.
Los Angeles Angels – Sunday brought a 6th save for Carlos Estevez, who seems to have found his form (1.32 ERA and only three baserunners around in his last six outings) and is shedding his asterisk.
Updated hierarchy: Estevez | Moore | Loup.
Los Angeles Dodgers – The Dodgers used five relievers to get the game’s final 13 outs, and the last of those was Evan Phillips, who picked up his third save (though his first in a while), much to the relief of his fantasy owners. He’s still top dog in this committee for now.
Hierarchy remains: *Phillips | Graterol | Ferguson.
* = closer-by-committee
Washington Nationals – It wasn’t a save chance, but another successful 9th inning for Kyle Finnegan means he’s kicked his asterisk.
Updated hierarchy: Finnegan | Edwards | Harvey.
Boston Red Sox – Chris Martin is back from the IL, and should go back to being one of the key set-up men for Kenley Jansen. If Boston thinks he’s ready right away, he may get a save chance or two while Jansen deals with a back injury.
Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Martin | Schreiber.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Chris Martin – Kenley Jansen’s back is bothering him.
2. Ian Gibaut – Alexis Diaz has gone back to back and Lucas Sims has also seen a lot of work lately (61 pitches over the last five days).
3. Caleb Ferguson/Shelby Miller – Evan Phillips has gone back to back and Brusdar Graterol has gone three straight.
4. Nick Anderson – The Braves have a doubleheader…
5. Adam Ottavino – …against the Mets.
Tomorrow
1. Carl Edwards Jr. – If Kyle Finnegan goes today, it’s back to back.
2. Nick Martinez – Same for Josh Hader.
