June 18, 2023
Chicago Cubs — Adbert Alzolay picked up his 4th save of the season by striking out a pair in a scoreless 9th inning yesterday. Mark Leiter Jr. pitched the 7th and 8th inning ahead of Alzolay. Alzolay has eight straight scoreless appearances and has recorded three of the last four saves for the Cubs. He also has a sparkling 1.97 ERA and 0.88 WHIP on the season. We will move Alzolay to the top of this committee and see if he can separate himself from the rest of the pack.
Updated hierarchy: *Alzolay | Leiter Jr. | Fulmer.
* = closer-by-committee
Arizona Diamondbacks – Scott McGough got the last two outs yesterday to pick up his third save of the season. McGough has recorded two of the last three saves for the Diamonbacks and has not allowed an earned run in his last fourteen appearances. Andrew Chafin was likely unavailable yesterday after pitching in the previous two games but he hasn’t recorded a save since May 29th and may not be at the top of this committee for much longer.
Updated hierarchy: *Chafin | McGough | Castro.
* = closer-by-committee
St. Louis Cardinals – In their first save chance since Ryan Helsley was placed on the injured list, the Cardinals used Giovanny Gallegos in the 8th inning. That left Jordan Hicks for the save opportunity in the 9th inning and he struck out the side for his first save since 2019. Hicks struggled to start this season but is rounding into form with 13 strikeouts in just 6.2 innings in June. Gallegos was used in the higher leverage situation yesterday and should be the primary source for saves while Helsey is out but if Hicks can keep throwing pitches like this, he might steal some save chances.
Updated hierarchy: *Gallegos | Hicks | VerHagen.
* = closer-by-committee
Miami Marlins – A.J. Puk has pitched six scoreless innings since his return in early June and has recorded all three of the Marlins save. Puk has eliminated any concerns of a committee in Miami.
Updated hierarchy: Puk | Floro | Scott.
Philadelphia Phillies — Jeff Hoffman picked up the 12th inning save for the Phillies yesterday. Also, Seranthony Dominguez was placed on the IL. Gregory Soto should see more time in the later innings while Dominguez is out.
Updated hierarchy: Kimbrel | Alvarado | Soto.
Chicago White Sox – Jesse Scholtens picked up an extra inning save for his first career save. The entire White Sox hierarchy got a second day off after pitching in back-to-back games.
Hierarchy remains: *Graveman | Kelly | Lopez.
* = closer-by-committee
San Francisco Giants – Tristan Beck pitched the final four innings in the Giants 15-0 romp of the Dodgers yesterday to pick up a save.
Hierarchy remains: Doval | Ty. Rogers | Ta. Rogers.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Justin Topa (SEA) – Paul Sewald and Andres Munoz have both pitched in two straight and three of four.
2. Dylan Floro (MIA) – AJ Puk has pitched in two straight and three of four.
3. Jose Alvarado (PHI) – Craig Kimbrel has pitched in three of four.
4. Chris Martin (BOS) – The Red Sox have a doubleheader today…
5. Michael King/Wandy Peralta (NYY) – …against the Yankees.
Monday
1. Nick Martinez (SD) – If Josh Hader pitches today, it will be two straight.
2. Mark Leiter Jr./Michael Fulmer (CHC) – If Adbert Alzolay pitches today, it will be two straight. Same for Mark Leiter Jr.
