May 24, 2023
Arizona Diamondbacks — We mentioned a couple days ago that the Arizona hierarchy could become a committee. Well, after recording a save on Monday, Andrew Chafin faced the top of the Phillies’ order in the eighth inning on Tuesday before Miguel Castro tossed a 1-2-3 ninth for his fifth save of the season, which is certainly enough to bring out the asterisk. Both men have pitched well of late, as Castro hasn’t allowed an earned run in his last eight appearances while Chafin extended his scoreless streak to seven games.
Updated hierarchy: *Chafin | Castro | McGough.
* = closer-by-committee
Kansas City Royals – As predicted in the Vulture Save Watch, Scott Barlow got Tuesday off and Aroldis Chapman converted the save opportunity in Barlow’s absence.
Hierarchy remains: Barlow | Chapman | Staumont.
Oakland A’s — Trevor May returned from the IL on Tuesday and hit two batters as part of a scoreless eighth inning to keep Oakland’s deficit at 3-2. We’ll slot May back into a hierarchy that you most certainly want to stay away from.
Updated hierarchy: *Lovelady | May | Moll.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Giovanny Gallegos/Drew VerHagen (STL) – Ryan Helsley has thrown 50 pitches over the last two days while Gallegos has also worked two straight.
2. Wandy Peralta (NYY) – Michael King threw 31 pitches over two innings last night.
3. Justin Lawrence (COL) – Pierce Johnson has gone in two straight and three of four.
4. Scott McGough (ARI) – Same goes for both Andrew Chafin and Miguel Castro.
5. Caleb Ferguson (LAD) – Both Evan Phillips and Brusdar Graterol have gone back-to-back.
Tomorrow
1. Tyler Rogers (SF) – If Camilo Doval goes today it’ll be two straight and four of five.
2. Nick Martinez/Steven Wilson (SD) – Should either Josh Hader or Martinez pitch tonight that’ll be two straight.
3. Wandy Peralta/Clay Holmes (NYY) – Michael King may get two days off after yesterday’s 31-pitch effort.
