July 20, 2023
Arizona Diamondbacks — As we alerted you last night, two saves in two days for Kevin Ginkel is enough to depose Scott McGough and throw Arizona into committee mode. Still no updates from Torey Lovullo, but we continue to believe he’ll ride Ginkel’s hot hand, with Andrew Chafin and Miguel Castro alternate options in the committee.
Updated hierarchy: *Ginkel | Chafin | Castro.
* = closer-by-committee
Detroit Tigers — Alex Lange seems to have secured his position at the end of Detroit’s bullpen and we’ll pull the committee asterisk accordingly.
Hierarchy remains: Lange | Foley | Cisnero.
Oakland A’s — Trevor May earned his eighth save of the season and a revocation of the committee asterisk, while Sam Long’s eighth-inning hold secured his return to second in line ahead of Lucas Erceg.
Updated hierarchy: May | Moll | Long.
San Diego Padres — Steven Wilson has returned from the injured list and immediately resumed his high-leverage role, earning two holds this week.
Updated hierarchy: Hader | Martinez | Wilson.
Baltimore Orioles — Baltimore’s acquisition of Shintaro Fujinami from Oakland could have some late-inning implications. His surface stats don’t look great, but he’s striking out lots of batters and pushing 100 mph with his fastball in shorter appearances.
Hierarchy remains: Bautista | Cano | Baker.
St. Louis Cardinals — As predicted by Wednesday’s Vulture Save Watch, Chris Stratton was there to close out the win with Jordan Hicks and Giovanny Gallegos resting.
Hierarchy remains: Hicks | Gallegos | Stratton.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Taylor Clarke (KC) — Scott Barlow might need two days off after throwing 34 pitches Tuesday.
2. Sam Moll (OAK) — Trevor May has gone back-to-back.
3. Buck Farmer (CIN) — Alexis Diaz and Lucas Sims have each pitched in three out of four (as has Ian Gibaut).
Friday:
1. Jose Cisnero (DET) — An appearance Thursday by Alex Lange or Jason Foley would be three of four.
2. Tyler Rogers (SF) — Same with Camilo Doval (it would also be five of seven).
3. Adam Ottavino (NYM) — David Robertson has thrown a lot of pitches in his recent outings.
4. Giovanny Gallegos (STL) — Another Jordan Hicks outing would be three of four; whichever of Hicks and Gallegos does not pitch Thursday will likely be up for Friday.
