May 18, 2023
Tampa Bay Rays — Jason Adam’s position at the head of the Tampa committee was already iffy with the return of Pete Fairbanks, but blowing a three-run save to the Mets Wednesday night should really have him looking over his shoulder. The concern with Fairbanks, though, remains whether he can pitch effectively in cold weather — and giving up his own three-run homer in the tenth doesn’t exactly clear up those concerns. The walk-off blast ended Fairbanks’s 30-inning scoreless streak.
Hierarchy remains: *Adam | Fairbanks | Poche.
* = closer-by-committee
Chicago Cubs — Chicago went to Adbert Alzolay and Mark Leiter Jr. an inning earlier than usual, which left Keegan Thompson to protect a three-run lead in the ninth. Single, homer, walk, and in came Brandon Hughes. Double, intentional walk, out, two-run single, and that’s a blown save. Leiter sprinkled a triple, double, and single around three strikeouts in his inning, so no one in the Cubs’ bullpen covered himself in glory on Wednesday.
Hierarchy remains: *Leiter Jr. | Alzolay | Fulmer.
* = closer-by-committee
Philadelphia Phillies — Gregory Soto pitched the eighth on Wednesday in a tie game and gave up three runs on a series of ground ball singles. It wasn’t a terrible performance, but it probably gives Craig Kimbrel even more of a leash.
Hierarchy remains: *Kimbrel | Soto | Dominguez.
* = closer-by-committee
Arizona Diamondbacks — As we predicted Wednesday morning, lots of recent work for Andrew Chafin and Scott McGough left the vulture save for Miguel Castro.
Hierarchy remains: Chafin | McGough | Castro.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Wandy Peralta (NYY) — We expect Michael King won’t go in two straight, and though Peralta has too, he’s thrown only 13 pitches. Ron Marinaccio and Albert Abreu are lesser options.
2. Drew VerHagen/Genesis Cabrera (STL) — Ryan Helsley threw 24 pitches yesterday and Giovanny Gallegos threw 36.
3. Brusdar Graterol (LAD) — Evan Phillips has gone in two of three (and four of six).
Friday:
1. Adam Ottavino (NYM) — If David Robertson pitches today, he probably won’t go in three straight.
2. Tyler Rogers (SF) — Camilo Doval has thrown on three straight days and might get two days off.
