May 22, 2023
New York Yankees – Michael King got the day off after throwing 33 pitches on Saturday, and a solid 8th from Wandy Peralta was followed by a deeply shaky 9th by Clay Holmes (24 pitches, 3 baserunners), but Holmes got the job done to earn his 5th save of the year. This remains a committee until further notice.
Hierarchy remains: *King | Peralta | Holmes.
* = closer-by-committee
Philadelphia Phillies – At the risk of jumping the gun, we’re pulling the asterisk on Craig Kimbrel, who gave up a 9th inning run on Sunday, but was still the clear “let’s get the ball to this guy” player in the Phillies bullpen. This isn’t to suggest that Gregory Soto and others might not get an occasional save chance if Kimbrel needs rest, but for the time being, he’s the guy to own.
Updated hierarchy: Kimbrel | Soto | Dominguez.
Washington Nationals – Would-be closer Kyle Finnegan came on in a tight spot in the 6th and registered five outs before giving way to Carl Edwards Jr. and then Hunter Harvey, the latter of whom picked up his second save of the season. Finnegan’s shaky start (5.00 ERA, 1.72 WHIP) coupled with this unorthodox usage means we’re in committee mode until further notice.
Updated hierarchy: *Finnegan | Harvey | Edwards.
* = closer-by-committee
Chicago White Sox – With Kendall Graveman getting the night off, the White Sox went to Joe Kelly for the save. Kelly converted and in doing so earned his way back to the hierarchy.
Updated hierarchy: Graveman | Lopez | Kelly.
New York Mets – After David Robertson and Adam Ottavino bumbled their way through the first game of the Guardians/Mets doubleheader, Brooks Raley pitched the 9th in game two for his first save of the season. While it was Robertson’s first blown save of the year, Ottavino (4.82 ERA) hasn’t been as effective as last year, so we’ll monitor whether Robertson’s late-game tag-team partner becomes Raley, Drew Smith, or both.
Updated hierarchy: *Robertson | Ottavino | Raley.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Erik Swanson – Jordan Romano could get a second day off after a 32-pitch outing Saturday.
2. Chris Devenski – Charlie Sheen and Matt Moore have both gone three of four.
3. Tyler Rogers – Camilo Doval has gone back to back.
Tomorrow
1. Reynaldo Lopez/Joe Kelly – If Kendall Graveman goes today, it’s three of four (and four of six).
2. Bryan Abreu – If Ryan Pressly goes today, it’s three of four.
3. Nick Anderson – If Raisel Iglesias goes today, it’s back to back and three of four.
4. Gregory Soto – Same for Craig Kimbrel.
5. Peter Strzelecki – If Devin Williams goes today, it’s back to back.
