June 13, 2023
Colorado Rockies – Matt Carasiti was drafted by the Rockies in 2012. Then, in late 2022, he was re-signed by the Rockies to a minor league contract. In the 10 years in between, he had two cups of coffee in the bigs (2016 and 2019) amidst stops in eight other places, including the Tokyo Yakult Swallows and the Long Island Ducks. And yesterday, in his 8th outing of the season, he picked up his first Major League save, closing out a 10th-inning victory against the Red Sox. Congratulations, Matt – it was a long time coming.
Hierarchy remains: *Lawrence | Bird | Bard.
* = closer-by-committee
Cincinnati Reds – With their top two arms getting a night off, the Reds went to rookie Ricky Karcher — just called up over the weekend — for the 10th inning save chance. In his first big league appearance, Karcher converted, stranding the game-winning and game-tying runs at 2nd and 3rd base.
Hierarchy remains: Diaz | Sims | Gibaut.
Arizona Diamondbacks – After Andrew Chafin pitched the 8th inning, Miguel Castro got the save chance in the 9th. He allowed a run, but then closed the door for his 7th save. This bullpen remains fluid, with Chafin, Castro, and potentially Scott McGough all candidates for saves on any given night.
Hierarchy remains: *Chafin | Castro | McGough.
* = closer-by-committee
Oakland A’s – Break up the A’s! The Oakland machine kept on humming Monday with their 6th straight victory, this time thanks in part to a 3-inning save from Ken Waldichuk. This wasn’t your traditional blowout 3-inning job, though, as Waldichuk entered in a one-run game and pitched three scoreless to lock it up in easily his best appearance of the year. It was his first career save; we’ll see if the bullpen suits him better than the rotation did.
Hierarchy remains: *May | Lovelady | Long.
* = closer-by-committee
St. Louis Cardinals – Ryan Helsley was placed on the injured list on Monday. Expect Giovanny Gallegos to lead this committee in his absence. It’s worth noting that Gallegos and Helsley have all 15 of the team’s saves, so it’s possible Gallegos has the closer gig outright with Helsley on the shelf.
Updated hierarchy: *Gallegos | VerHagen | Hicks.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Chris Martin – Kenley Jansen has gone back to back and three of four.
2. Jason Foley – Alex Lange has gone back to back.
3. AJ Minter – Raisel Iglesias had a 27-pitch blown save last night and could get today off.
Tomorrow
1. Aroldis Chapman – If Scott Barlow goes today, it’s back to back and three of four.
2. Josh Sborz/Grant Anderson – Same for Will Smith and Josh Sborz.
3. Chris Devenski – If Carlos Estevez goes today, it’s back to back.
4. Tyler Rogers/John Brebbia – Same for Camilo Doval and Tyler Rogers.
