August 10, 2023

New York Mets — Wednesday night, the save opportunity was all Adam Ottavino’s. But the veteran just didn’t have it, yielding a homer, a single, and a walk to put the go-ahead run on base. Naturally, the Mets turned to journeyman Phil Bickford, he of the 5.96 ERA, most famous for earning a seventh-inning save in a rainout and giving up Albert Pujols’s 700th home run. A bunt, a walk, and two strikeouts later, the Mets had the win, Bickford had his first ninth-inning save, and New York? Well, New York had a brand new hero. 

Hierarchy remains: *Raley | Ottavino | Smith.
* = closer-by-committee

St. Louis Cardinals — It’s been almost two weeks since St. Louis needed a save, but this time Oliver Marmol used JoJo Romero in the seventh and eighth, and Giovanny Gallegos in the ninth. This is more like what we expected after Jordan Hicks moved to Toronto, but don’t be surprised if Romero and Gallegos continue to split opportunities.

Updated hierarchy: *Gallegos | Romero | Pallante.
* = closer-by-committee

Oakland A’s — Dany Jimenez’s return didn’t keep him in Oakland long; he was sent to Las Vegas on Wednesday. Taking his place in the A’s hierarchy is 25-year-old rookie Angel Felipe, who has three holds in his last three appearances. Felipe has struggled with control this season, but has also induced a lot of groundouts and strikeouts.

Updated hierarchy: May | Felipe | Long.

Detroit Tigers — Jose Cisnero’s entry into the game up five with the bases loaded was enough to earn him a save on the strength of a single strikeout. Cisnero was probably second in line Wednesday due to Jason Foley’s temporary placement on the bereavement list.

Hierarchy remains: *Lange | Foley | Holton.
* = closer-by-committee

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Yennier Cano (BAL) — Felix Bautista threw 30 pitches on Tuesday and might get two days off.
2. AJ Minter (ATL) — Raisel Iglesias has pitched in three straight.
3. Daniel Bard/Jake Bird (COL) — Justin Lawrence has gone in two straight and three of four.
4. Brusdar Graterol (LAD) — Evan Phillips has gone back-to-back.

Friday:
1. Chris Martin (BOS) — If Kenley Jansen goes today, it’ll be three of four.
2. Erik Swanson (TOR) — Same for Jordan Hicks.
3. Colin Holderman (PIT) — And David Bednar.