July 19, 2023

Arizona Diamondbacks — With Andrew Chafin on the paternity list and Miguel Castro having faced the 9-1-2 hitters in the eighth, Kevin Ginkel got the ball in the ninth with the Diamondbacks leading Atlanta, 16-13. Ginkel struck out the side to earn his first save of the season. The struggling Scott McGough got a second straight day off after back-to-back rough outings in Toronto in which he combined for 49 pitches. It’s looking more and more like Arizona will be moving back to a committee approach, and it will be interesting to see how McGough is used, if at all, if the Diamondbacks have a late-inning lead tonight.

Hierarchy remains: McGough | Chafin | Castro.

Texas Rangers – Will Smith needed just 10 pitches to complete a 1-2-3 ninth inning and secure the save in Tuesday’s win over the Rays. Aroldis Chapman did not pitch, having gone in three of four, but could very well see a save chance today as Smith has now appeared in three of four.

Hierarchy remains: *Smith | Chapman | Burke.
* = closer-by-committee

St. Louis Cardinals — With Genesis Cabrera designated for assignment, we welcome Chris Stratton to the hierarchy.

Updated hierarchy: Hicks | Gallegos | Stratton.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Aroldis Chapman (TEX) – As noted above, Will Smith has gone in three of four.
2. Matt Moore (LAA) – Same for Carlos Estevez, though he only threw eight pitches last night.
3. Taylor Clarke (KC) – Scott Barlow threw 34 pitches last night.
4. Dylan Floro/Huascar Brazoban (MIA) – A.J. Puk has gone in two straight while Floro may need a second day of rest after throwing 30 pitches on Monday.
5. Adam Ottavino (NYM) – David Robertson has gone in two of three, including a 22-pitch save last night.
6. Gregory Soto/Jeff Hoffman (PHI) – Both Craig Kimbrel and Gregory Soto have gone in two of three.
7. Chris Stratton (STL) – Both Jordan Hicks and Giovanny Gallegos have gone in two straight.
8. Tyler Rogers (SF) – Camilo Doval has gone in two straight and four of five. Rogers, who was coming off pitching two straight and three of four, was one of the only Giants relievers to get a day off yesterday.

Tomorrow
1. Taylor Clarke/Carlos Hernandez (KC) – Scott Barlow may need two days off. If Clarke pitches today, that’ll be three of four for him. Hernandez should be off today after pitching two in a row but may be in line to steal a save on Thursday.
2. Kirby Yates/Joe Jimenez (ATL) – If any of the Braves’ hierarchy pitches today it’ll be two straight.
3. Gregory Soto/Jeff Hoffman (PHI) – If either Craig Kimbrel or Soto goes today it’ll be two straight and four of five.
4. Mark Leiter Jr. (CHC) – Should Adbert Alzolay pitch today that’ll be two in a row.