Jackson to the IL and Tampa shuffles again.

May 20, 2023
Tampa Bay Rays — With a 1 run lead the Rays went with Jason Adam in the 8th inning and Pete Fairbanks in the 9th. Both got the job done to convert the Hold/Save combo. Adam arguably had the tougher assignment, as he faced the top of the order, and this being the Rays it’s doubtful anyone would really run away with the job, but this probably is Tampa’s preferred order of things when everyone is available. We’ll swap Fairbanks back to the top of the hierarchy, but its very much a 2 man show in Tampa Bay.

Updated Hierarchy: *Fairbanks| Adam | Poche.
* = closer-by-committee

Boston Red Sox — The Red Sox were up 6-1 going into the 7th inning where they handed the ball to Josh Winckowski. Winckowski retired the next 9 hitters he faced (with the help of a double play) to pick up his second save of the year, and first of the 3 inning variety. Winckowski continues to be a valuable part of the Boston Bullpen, but he won’t be taking over for Jansen anytime soon. 

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Martin | Winckowski

San Francisco Giants — If you read the Vulture Save Watch, you would know that Camilo Doval had seen a lot of work recently and was in line for a rest on Friday. This left the 8th and 9th inning to the Brothers Rogers, and as predicted it was Tyler Rogers picking up the save. Score one for the Vulture Save Watch and team Rogers. Doval should be available for the rest of the weekend. 

Hierarchy remains: Doval | Ty. Rogers | Brebbia.

Oakland A’s — Zach Jackson was place on the IL with a strained tendon in his elbow and is going to miss 4-6 weeks. If the A’s current pace holds that means 1-3 save chances will go to some combination of Richard Lovelady, Garrett Acton, and Sam Moll.

Updated Hierarchy: *Lovelady | Acton | Moll.
* = closer-by-committee

Vulture Save Watch:

  1. Trevor Stephan (CLE) — Emmanuel Clase has thrown 29 pitches over the last 2 days including a blown save in the 10th inning last night.
  2. Adam Ottavino (NYM) — David Robertson has pitched in 3 straight.

For Sunday:

  1. Matt Moore/Chris Devinksi (LAA) — Today would be 3 in a row for Carlos Estevez.
  2. Yennier Cano/Bryan Baker (BAL) — Today would be back to back and 3 of 4 for Felix Bautista and Yennier Cano (who gave up his first run on the season last night).
  3. Jason Adam/Colin Poche (TB) — Same for Pete Fairbanks and Jason Adam.
  4. Reynaldo Lopez (CHW) — and Kendall Graveman.
  5. A.J. Minter (ATL) — And Raisel Iglesias