July 2, 2023
Arizona Diamondbacks — The Diamondbacks went right back to Scott McGough after allowing three runs in a blown save in his previous outing and he responded with a scoreless 9th inning for his 7th save of the season. Andrew Chafin got the 8th inning hold ahead of him. It’s a good sign for McGough that the Diamondbacks were not deterred by one bad outing and this appears to be McGough’s job for the foreseeable future.
Hierarchy remains: McGough | Chafin | Castro.
Texas Rangers — The Rangers were up 5-0 headed into the 9th inning but after Joe Barlow gave up a couple runs to make it 5-2, Will Smith came on to record the final out of the game and pick up his 15th save of the season. It’s hard to read too much into this one out save so we will leave the hierarchy as is until we get a more traditional save opportunity.
Hierarchy remains: *Chapman | Smith | Sborz.
* = closer-by-committee
New York Mets – As predicted in the Vulture Save Watch yesterday, David Robertson received the day off and Adam Ottavino got the 9th inning in his absence. Ottavino bounced back from giving up two runs in his previous appearance to pitch a scoreless 9th inning and earn his 6th save of the season.
Hierarchy remains: Robertson | Ottavino | Raley.
Milwaukee Brewers — Devin Williams got a second day off after a heavy workload and Joel Payamps pitched a perfect 9th inning for his second save of the season. Payamps should continue to be the back-up to Williams and see the occasional save opportunity when he is unavailable.
Hierarchy remains: Williams | Payamps | Peguero.
Pittsburgh Pirates – Colin Holderman returned after missing the minimum 15 days on the injured list and had a scoreless appearance. He should slide back into the set-up role for the Pirates.
Updated hierarchy: Bednar | Holderman | De Los Santos.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Chris Martin (BOS) – Kenley Jansen has pitched in two of three, including 22 pitches yesterday.
2. Reynaldo Lopez (CHW) – Kendall Graveman has pitched in three of four while Joe Kelly has pitched in two of three, including a 33 pitch outing yesterday.
3. Jason Foley (DET) – Alex Lange has pitched in two of three, throwing a total of 54 pitches over that time.
4. Sam Moll (OAK) – Trevor May has pitched in two straight.
Monday
1. Taylor Clarke/Amir Garrett (KC) – If Scott Barlow pitches today, it will be two straight and three of four. Same for Taylor Clarke.
