June 22, 2023
Arizona Diamondbacks — This is now Scott McGough’s committee to lead after a dominant two-inning, four-strikeout save on Wednesday. McGough has now gone 15 straight appearances (20.1 IP) without allowing an earned run.
Updated hierarchy: *McGough | Chafin | Castro.
* = closer-by-committee
New York Yankees — Clay Holmes did in fact get Wednesday off after a five-out save on Tuesday, but Michael King wasn’t able to finish things off. With a three-run lead and runners on the corners, Aaron Boone turned to Tommy Kahnle, who surrendered a sac fly before shutting the door with a strikeout. Kahnle has been unhittable since his return from injury, striking out nine in eight appearances and allowing only a hit batsman over the last six. Kahnle is pushing Wandy Peralta hard for a spot in this closer committee.
Hierarchy remains: *Holmes | King | Peralta.
* = closer-by-committee
Toronto Blue Jays — Trevor Richards was called on with a three-run lead in the eighth on Wednesday, but he’s the Jays’ fifth starter when they need one. Tim Mayza and Erik Swanson should see the bulk of the late-inning holds ahead of Jordan Romano
Updated hierarchy: Romano | Swanson | Mayza.
Colorado Rockies — Jake Bird started Wednesday’s game, but only as a fill-in opener when an injury call-up couldn’t make it to Cincinnati in time. He should keep getting high-leverage looks for the Rockies.
Hierarchy remains: *Lawrence | Bard | Bird.
* = closer-by-committee
Cincinnati Reds — Alexis Diaz got the rest we predicted for him, but when the Reds used Lucas Sims and Ian Gibaut in the seventh and eighth innings of a tied game, that left Buck Farmer to grab the save once the team took the lead. Farmer and Gibaut are neck-and-neck for that second-in-line spot, and we’ll give the edge to Farmer for now.
Updated hierarchy: Diaz | Sims | Farmer.
Washington Nationals — Carl Edwards Jr. headed to the injured list with shoulder inflammation, moving Mason Thompson into the Nationals’ hierarchy.
Updated hierarchy: *Finnegan | Harvey | Thompson.
* = closer-by-committee
Oakland A’s — Zach Jackson was transferred to the 60-day injured list and will not be returning to the team before the All-Star break.
Hierarchy remains: *May | Long | Moll.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Trevor Stephan (CLE) — Emmanuel Clase has pitched in two straight (30 pitches).
2. Brock Stewart/Griffin Jax (MIN) — Jhoan Duran threw 32 pitches in a blown save on Wednesday.
3. Taylor Rogers (SF) — Camilo Doval has now appeared in three out of four.
Friday:
1. Mason Thompson (WAS) — Kyle Finnegan and Hunter Harvey have seen heavy use lately.
2. Dauri Moreta (PIT) — David Bednar threw 22 pitches Wednesday.
3. Andrew Chafin/Miguel Castro (ARI) — So did Scott McGough.
