May 13, 2023
New York Mets — David Robertson was brought in to face the 3-4-5 hitters in the bottom of the 8th in a 1 run game. He stuck around for the 9th but when he issued his second walk of the inning the Mets turned the game over to Drew Smith. Smith got the final out to earn his first save on the year. No reason to shake up the hierarchy based on last night, but it does emphasize this is a committee.
Hierarchy Remains: *Robertson | Ottavino | Smith.
* = closer-by-committee
New York Yankees — The Yankees were en route to a bullpen loss after Michael King gave up a go ahead homer in the top of the 8th. When the Yankees retook the lead in the bottom half, they turned to proven closer Wandy Peralta for the tough save chance. Peralta converted for his first save on the season, giving him 10 on his career. Peralta is riding an 8 game scoreless streak and has some solid numbers on the season, but the rest of the Yankees hierarchy had already pitched, so no shakeups just yet. We will see if Peralta can ride this save opportunity into a more consistent late inning role.
Hierarchy remains: *King | Holmes | Hamilton.
* = closer-by-committee
Arizona Diamondbacks – Andrew Chafin was called on with 1 out in the 8th inning. He let an inherited runner score, but got 2 outs and maintained the lead. After 1 out in the 9th and with a couple righty’s coming up Arizona brought in Miguel Castro. Castro closed the door for his second save on the season. This was a highly matchup based save opportunity and doesn’t warrant a change in the hierarchy, but its useful to keep in mind that there are other options besides Andrew Chafin in Arizona.
Hierarchy remains: Chafin | McGough | Castro.
Tampa Bay Rays — Jason Adam blew a save last night but the real news for Tampa is that Pete Fairbanks was sent on a rehab assignment. Fairbanks was having an excellent season before hitting the IL, so when he is back expect him to jump right back into the high leverage spots.
Hierarchy remains: *Adam | Poche | Kelly.
*=closer-by-committee
Vulture Save Watch:
- Drew Smith (NYM) — After a 40 pitch outing, David Robertson has earned a rest, while Adam Ottavino has gone in back to back and 3 of 4, maybe giving Drew Smith a chance for back to back saves.
- Gregory Soto (PHI) — Craig Kimbrel threw 21 pitches last night, and has gone in 3 of 4.
- Chris Martin (BOS) — Kenley Jansen has thrown in 2 of 3, including 22 pitches last night.
- Rafael Montero/Bryan Abreu (HOU) — Ryan Pressly only threw 10 pitches last night, but has gone in 3 of 4, while Montero is well rested.
For Sunday:
- Clay Holmes (NYY) — Today would be back to back for Michael King, and he threw 27 pitches last night.
- James Karinchak/Trevor Stephan (CLE) — The same is true for Emmanuel Clase.
- Matt Moore/Ryan Tepera (LAA) — Carlos Estevez only threw 23 pitches last night, but another long outing could earn him a rest on Sunday.
- Giovanny Gallegos (STL) — Ryan Helsley threw 28 pitches last night.
- Scott McGough/Miguel Castro (ARI) — Today would be back to back and 3 of 4 for Andrew Chafin.
