May 16, 2023
New York Yankees – After Ian Hamilton got into a little trouble in the 8th, Michael King came on and recorded the last four outs of the game to earn his 3rd save. King maintains his spot atop this committee, though we’d still like to see if/when he can pitch back to back games before we consider making any changes here.
Hierarchy remains: *King | Peralta | Holmes.
* = closer-by-committee
Houston Astros – An 18-pitch outing on Sunday was enough for the Astros to give Ryan Pressly the day off on Monday. In his place, Hector Neris earned his second save of the year.
Updated hierarchy: Pressly | Abreu | Neris.
Chicago Cubs – The Cubs placed Brad Boxberger on the IL on Sunday. Michael Fulmer’s high-leverage usage should increase a bit as a result.
Updated hierarchy: *Leiter Jr. | Alzolay | Fulmer.
* = closer-by-committee
Tampa Bay Rays – Pete Fairbanks is back from the IL, and while the Rays will likely be a bit cautious with his usage at the outset, we expect him to reclaim a prominent position in the Tampa hierarchy.
Updated hierarchy: *Adam | Fairbanks | Poche.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Brusdar Graterol – Evan Phillips has pitched in three of the last four, including a 17-pitch blown save last night.
2. Justin Lawrence – Pierce Johnson has gone in two of the last three and threw 19 pitches last night in earning the save. Johnson has yet to go back to back games this year, so Lawrence could get a chance tonight.
3. Wandy Peralta/Clay Holmes – Michael King pitched yesterday and hasn’t gone back to back all year.
Tomorrow
1. Tyler Rogers – If Camilo Doval goes today, it’s back to back.
2. Bryan Abreu – If Ryan Pressly goes today, then today’s Hector Neris save suggests that someone else will get the chance tomorrow.
