May 21, 2023
Arizona Diamondbacks — Andrew Chafin got the call in the 8th inning yesterday to face the 2-3-4 hitters in the Pirates’ lineup. He pitched a scoreless inning and that left the save chance in the 9th inning for Miguel Castro. Castro struck out the side for his 4th save of the season. Castro is riding a six game scoreless streak and has not allowed a hit in his last four appearances. He has clearly moved ahead of Scott McGough in the Diamondbacks hierarchy and could even push this to a committee. We will continue to monitor this situation.
Updated hierarchy: Chafin | Castro | McGough.
Tampa Bay Rays — Kevin Kelley started the 9th inning with the Rays up 8-4 but after a pair of walks brought the tying run to the on-deck circle, Jason Adam came on to record the final two outs and pick up his 6th save of the season.
Hierarchy remains: *Fairbanks| Adam | Poche.
* = closer-by-committee
New York Yankees – Ryan Weber picked up an extra-innings save yesterday as he pitched a scoreless 10th inning. Michael King and Clay Holmes pitched earlier in the game and Wandy Peralta got the day off after pitching in three of the past four games.
Hierarchy remains: *King | Peralta | Holmes.
* = closer-by-committee
St. Louis Cardinals — With the game tied 3-3 in the 8th inning, the Cardinals called on Ryan Helsely to face the top of the Dodgers’ lineup. Hesley pitched a scoreless inning and after the Cardinals scored three runs in the bottom of the 8th, he came back out to try to finish off the win. Unfortunately, Helsely struggled in his second inning of work as he allowed hits to the first three batters he faced. Giovanny Gallegos relieved Helsley and was able to close out the game for his fourth save of the season.
Hierarchy remain: Helsley | Gallegos | VerHagen.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Bryan Baker (BAL) – Felix Bautista and Yennier Cano have both pitched in two straight and three of four.
2. Wandy Peralta (NYY) – Michael King threw 33 pitches yesterday.
3. Reynaldo Lopez (CHW) – Kendall Graveman has pitched in two straight and three of four.
4. Bryan Abreu (HOU) – Ryan Pressly has pitched in two straight.
5. Tanner Scott (MIA) – Dylan Floro has pitched in three of four.
6. Adam Ottavino (NYM) – The Mets have a doubleheader…
7. Trevor Stephan (CLE) – …against the Guardians.
Monday
1. Erik Swanson (TOR) – Jordan Romano threw 32 pitches yesterday so if he pitches again today, he will get Monday off.
2. Tyler Rogers (SF) – Camilo Doval threw 23 pitches yesterday and will likely get Monday off if he pitches again today.
