September 3, 2023
Texas Rangers — In a tie game, the Rangers summoned Will Smith for the 8th inning and he responded with a scoreless inning. Smith came back out for the first batter of the 9th inning with the game still tied and recorded an out before giving way to Aroldis Chapman. Chapman retired both batters he faced to send the game to extra innings. Chapman came back out for the 10th inning but the results were much worse. He walked the first batter before giving up a pair of singles and was removed without recording an out. Chapman has now given up at least one run in five of his last six appearances. Will Smith has four straight scoreless appearances after also having a stretch of giving up runs in five of six appearances.
Hierarchy remains: *Chapman | Smith | Leclerc.
* = closer-by-committee
Colorado Rockies – The Rockies were up 3 heading into the 9th inning and called upon their closer Justin Lawrence to finish off the win. Lawrence walked the first batter he faced and then gave up a triple to cut the lead to two. He seemed to settle by getting the next two batters outs but then things really fell apart. Lawrence allowed another run to score on a wild pitch and loaded the bases with two walks and a hit by pitch. He was finally pulled and replaced by Tyler Kinley, who struck out the only batter he faced for his first save of the season. Lawrence has given up 10 earned runs over his last six appearances and his ERA is almost up to 4.00 on the season. We will see if the Rockies continue to send Lawrence out there is save chances or if they look at switching things up.
Hierarchy remains: Lawrence | Bard | Koch.
Boston Red Sox – Nick Pivetta pitching the final three innings of a 9-5 Red Sox win yesterday to earn his first of the season. Pivetta has bounced between starting and multi-inning relief outings this season and does not typically factor into the Red Sox late inning plans.
Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Martin | Winckowski.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Tommy Kahnle (NYY) – Clay Holmes has pitched in two of three and four of six.
2. Trevor Stephan (CLE) – Emmanuel Clase has pitched in two straight and four of five.
3. Emilio Pagan (MIN) – Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax have both pitched in two straight and three of four.
4. AJ Minter/Kirby Yates (ATL) – Raisel Iglesias has pitched in four of the last five while AJ Minter has pitched in three of five, including a 22 pitch outing yesterday.
5. Joel Payamps (MIL) – Devin Williams has pitched in two straight, throwing 44 pitches in that time.
6. Colin Holderman (PIT) – David Bednar has pitched in two straight and three of four.
Monday
1. Mark Leiter Jr. (CHC) – If Adbert Alzolay pitches today, it will be two of three and four of six.
