July 8, 2023
Colorado Rockies — With a 3 run lead in the 8th inning the Rockies gave the ball to Justin Lawrence, which left the 9th inning for Daniel Bard. Bard converted for his first save on the year and his first since October of 2022. This wasn’t purely matchup based, as Lawrence got the 8-9-1 hitters while Bard got heart of the order. Bard started the year on the IL while dealing with anxiety, but has pitched very well since his return, sporting a tidy 1.76 ERA (although walking hitters at a much higher rate than usual). Bard was the presumptive closer to start the year, so if this signals a shift in how the Rockies view their bullpen he may be worth a speculative add if you’re chasing saves. Lawrence hasn’t done anything to really lose the job though, so we will leave him at the top of this committee for now.
Hierarchy remains: *Lawrence | Bard | Johnson.
* = closer-by-committee
Miami Marlins – A.J. Puk blew a save and took a loss last night. This was his second straight blown save, and he’s given up 5 runs over that span. Puk had emerged as the clear top option in the Miami pen, but these past two outings have been tough for the contending Marlins. It’s a bit too early to say that this is back to a committee, but we will keep an eye on any changes for the Marlins in the next week or two.
Hierarchy remains: Puk | Floro | Brazoban.
Vulture Save Watch:
- Yennier Cano (BAL) — Felix Bautista threw 30 pitches last night, and has gone in 2 of 3.
- Gregory Santos/Reynaldo Lopez (CHW) — Kendall Graveman has gone in back to back and 3 of 4, while Santos has also pitched in back to back.
- Jose Alvarado (PHI) — Craig Kimbrel has thrown in back to back and 3 of 4.
- Dylan Floro (MIA) — AJ Puk has pitched in 2 of 3, throwing 43 pitches in that span.
- Mark Leiter Jr. (CHC) — Adbert Alzolay has pitched in 3 of 4, throwing 49 pitches.
For Sunday:
- Joel Payamps (MIL) — Today would be back to back and 3 of 4 for Devin Williams
