August 15, 2023
Tampa Bay Rays – Everyone remembers their MLB debut. And everyone remembers the first time they were mentioned on Closer Monkey. But while it almost never happens simultaneously, Jacob Lopez managed the feat, making his big-league debut with a 3-inning save in a 10-2 Rays victory. Lopez allowed one earned run and struck out two, so he starts his career with a tidy 3.00 ERA. Congrats, Jacob! Incidentally, this is also the first non-Fairbanks save of the second half for Tampa, so we’ll also take this opportunity to remove the asterisk.
Updated hierarchy: Fairbanks | Adam | Poche.
Kansas City Royals – Committee leader Carlos Hernandez scuffled his way through the 8th inning on Monday, allowing the Mariners to plate a few inherited runs along with two of his own. Austin Cox wasn’t much better, surrendering the lead and blowing the save in the 9th. Nick Wittgren actually ended up with the win here after the Royals rallied in the bottom half thanks to a walkoff bunt, but there certainly isn’t any more clarity as to their late inning plans. We’ll continue to monitor.
Hierarchy remains: *Hernandez | Cox | Coleman.
* = closer-by-committee
Colorado Rockies – Matt Koch continued his run of excellence with a scoreless 8th inning, earning the win when the Rockies rallied in the bottom half. The journeyman, who has posted a 1.64 ERA and 0.64 WHIP since his callup in late June, has made his way on to the hierarchy.
Updated hierarchy: Lawrence | Bard | Koch.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Yennier Cano – Felix Bautista has pitched in two of three (49 total pitches) and is likely down today.
2. Brooks Raley – Adam Ottavino has gone back to back.
3. Dylan Coleman – Carlos Hernandez and Austin Cox both threw 22 pitches yesterday, so it might be Coleman’s chance for a save opportunity.
Tomorrow
1. Tanner Scott – If David Robertson goes today, it’s back to back.
2. Daniel Bard – Same for Justin Lawrence.
3. JoJo Romero/Andre Pallante – If Giovanny Gallegos or JoJo Romero go today, it’s back to back and three of four.
