May 28, 2023
Washington Nationals – The National used their hierarchy in order last night with Carl Edwards pitching a scoreless 7th, Hunter Harvey a scoreless 8th, and Kyle Finnegan a scoreless 9th for his 11th save of the season. Finnegan has been up and down this season but still has produced double digit saves already and should continue to be the best bet for the save on any given night.
Hierarchy remains: *Finnegan | Harvey | Edwards.
* = closer-by-committee
Los Angeles Dodgers – The Dodgers’ committee kept rolling yesterday as Brusdar Graterol got the 7th inning, Evan Phillips pitched the 8th and started the 9th before Caleb Ferguson came on for the last two outs to pick up the save. Philllips recorded four saves in a row in early May but has not recorded any of the last three. We will see if this continues or if the Dodgers start to turn to Phillips again more regularly in save chances.
Hierarchy remains: *Phillips | Graterol | Ferguson.
* = closer-by-committee
Minnesota Twins — The Twins used Jhoan Duran in the 8th inning against the 2-3-4 hitters and then went with Jorge Lopez to start the 9th. Lopez really struggled as he allowed three hits, including a home run, and hit another batter without recording any outs. Brock Stewart relieved Lopez and was able to retire three of the four batters he faced to pick up his first save of the season. Stewart has pitched 14 scoreless innings so far this year and although he walks too many batters (11 walks in 14 innings), the sparkling ERA is enough to get Stewart on the hierarchy.
Updated hierarchy: *Duran | Lopez | Stewart.
* = closer-by-committee
St. Louis Cardinals — Ryan Helsley pitched a scoreless 9th inning with the game tied and ended up with the win after the Cardinals took the lead in the top of the 10th. Giovanny Gallegos pitched a scoreless bottom of the 10th inning for his 6th save of the season.
Hierarchy remains: Helsley | Gallegos | VerHagen.
Pittsburgh Pirates — Duane Underwood Jr. was designated for assignment after struggling in May. Robert Stephenson will likely be the top option to take over the 7th inning.
Updated hierarchy: Bednar | Holderman | Stephenson.
Los Angeles Angels – Matt Moore will be placed on the IL due to an oblique injury. Chase Silseth should see more time in the later innings with Moore out.
Updated hierarchy: Estevez | Devenski | Silseth.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Bryan Abreu (HOU) – Ryan Pressly has pitched in two straight.
2. Tanner Scott (MIA) – Dylan Floro has pitched in three straight.
3. Gregory Soto (PHI) – Craig Kimbrel has pitched in two straight and three of four.
4. Mason Thompson (WAS) – Kyle Finnegan, Hunter Harvey, and Carl Edwards have all pitched in three of the past four.
Monday
1. Justin Lawrence/Daniel Bard (COL) – If Pierce Johnson pitches on Sunday, it will be two straight and three of four. Same for Justin Lawrence.
2. Tyler Rogers (SF) – Camilo Doval threw 30 pitches yesterday so if he pitches again Sunday, he will get Monday off.
