August 27, 2023
Baltimore Orioles – As we alerted yesterday, Felix Bautista has been placed on the IL with “some degree of injury” to his UCL. The severity of the injury isn’t yet known, but any UCL injury is likely to keep Bautista out for the rest of the regular season. Yennier Cano, already one of the best relievers in the game, got the save chance in Bautista’s spot last night, and is an immediate must add in any league where he is available. Meanwhile, the Orioles called up DL Hall to take the roster spot, and he immediately got an 8th inning save. The Orioles are fortunate to have a few good options going forward, but Cano is clearly at the top of this hierarchy. 

Updated hierarchy: Cano | Fujinami | Coulombe.

Boston Red Sox – Boston was still without Kenley Jansen, but in a back and forth battle that saw Chris Martin and Josh Winckowski called in to put out fires earlier, the 9th inning of a 3 run game fell to John Schreiber. Schreiber made it interesting, loading the bases for Mookie Betts with 2 outs, but the scripted ended wasn’t meant to be. A long flyout earned Schreiber his first save on the year. Jansen isn’t yet back with the team, but will be soon, and while Schreiber got the save yesterday, the highest leverage spot fell to Martin. No changes to the hierarchy as we expect Jansen to be back soon. 

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Martin | Winckowski.

Cincinnati Reds — Rule 5.07(a)(2) states: “Preparatory to coming to a set position, the pitcher shall have one hand on his side; from this position he shall go to his set position as defined in Rule 5.07(a)(2) without interruption and in one continuous motion” Nabil Crismatt apparently didn’t do that with a runner on third in the 11th inning, so the Reds took the lead on a balk, and called on Lucas Sims to close the game out. He stranded the ghost runner to pick up his 3rd save of the season. Sims continues to be a solid choice for the Reds but no way he is supplanting Alexis Diaz, even with Diaz’s shaky performance last night. 

Updated hierarchy: Diaz | Sims | Gibaut.

Vulture Save Watch:

1. Chris Martin (BOS) — Martin only threw 4 pitches yesterday and Kenley Jansen may not be available again today.
2. Colin Poche (TB) — Pete Fairbanks has pitched in 3 of 4 and Jason Adam has pitched in 2 of 3.
3. Kevin Ginkel (ARI) — Paul Sewald threw 26 pitches last night in a blown save, and 28 pitches on Thursday, so he may get an afternoon off.
4. Reynaldo Lopez (LAA) — Carlos Estevez has pitched in 3 of 4.

For Monday:

1. Hunter Harvey (WAS) — Today would be back to back and 3 of 4 for Kyle Finnegan.
2. Mark Leiter Jr. (CHC) — Same for Adbert Alzolay.