Craig Kimbrel and Gregory Soto tapped for the closer role in Philly

May 11, 2023

Philadelphia Phillies — As we alerted you yesterday afternoon, Jose Alvarado went on the injured list Wednesday, but an MRI showed nothing more than inflammation. Craig Kimbrel looked effective in the tenth inning against Toronto on Wednesday, and Rob Thomson will use him and Gregory Soto in the way he had been using Kimbrel and Alvarado. Seranthony Dominguez is also in the late-innings mix, with Matt Strahm — not yet able to pitch on back-to-back nights — also an occasional option.

Updated hierarchy: *Kimbrel | Soto | Dominguez.
* = closer-by-committee

Colorado Rockies — Pierce Johnson picked up his sixth save of the season on Wednesday, and Justin Lawrence seems to be his full-time setup man at this point. One more save for Johnson and we’ll probably pull his asterisk. 

Updated hierarchy: *Johnson | Lawrence | Bard.
* = closer-by-committee

Boston Red Sox — Kenley Jansen earned his 400th career save on Wednesday, becoming only the seventh reliever ever to reach that milestone. Craig Kimbrel, at 397, should be next, but after that, only Edwin Diaz (205 at age 29) has any chance to hit 400 by 2030.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Martin | Winckowski.

New York Yankees — The Yankees called up 23-year-old Deivi Garcia for Wednesday afternoon’s game; he made his first career relief appearance in a three-inning save (the only type you can earn in an A’s game) and was promptly sent back to Scranton with a pat on the back for a job well done.

Hierarchy remains: *King | Holmes | Hamilton.
* = closer-by-committee

Baltimore Orioles — The Vulture Save Watch correctly projected Yennier Cano’s third save of the season on Wednesday. The word “hero” is thrown around a lot these days, but I think we can all agree: this is where it fits.

Hierarchy remains: Bautista | Cano | Baker.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Jose Leclerc (TEX) — Will Smith has pitched in two of three, as has Jonathan Hernandez.

Friday:
1. Reynaldo Lopez (CWS) — Kendall Graveman will have gone in three of four with an appearance today.
2. Scott McGough (ARI) — Andrew Chafin threw 22 pitches Wednesday.