September 6, 2023
Colorado Rockies – We thought Justin Lawrence might get a second straight night off after a heavy workload this past weekend. We were right, though it seems like Lawrence is going to see some extended time off, at least from the ninth inning. The man to replace him? None other than Tyler Kinley, who tossed a 1-2-3 inning for his second save in his last three appearances. Jake Bird pitched a perfect eighth yesterday and Matt Koch retired all three batters he faced in the seventh.
Updated hierarchy: Kinley | Bird | Koch.
St. Louis Cardinals – Oliver Marmol clarified how he planned to utilize the back end of his bullpen now that JoJo Romero is on the IL, stating that Ryan Helsley and Giovanny Gallegos will split time based on availability. That centers mostly around Helsley, who will not be pitching on back-to-back days at the moment as he continues his return from the IL. In addition to Helsley and Gallegos, lefty John King may get save opportunities if the matchups are right, so we’ll add him to the hierarchy.
Updated hierarchy: *Helsley | Gallegos | King.
* = closer-by-committee
Baltimore Orioles – With Yennier Cano getting the night off, DL Hall got the ball with a one-run lead in the ninth after the Orioles rallied to take the lead in the top half of the frame. That advantage was short lived, however, as Hall promptly blew the save. In the 10th inning, the Orioles retook the lead and Shintaro Fujinami picked up his second save of the season.
Hierarchy remains: Cano | Fujinami | Coulombe.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Chris Martin (BOS) – Kenley Jansen has gone in three straight. Martin has pitched in the last two games, but the Sox bullpen is gassed so Alex Cora might have no choice.
2. Tommy Kahnle (NYY) – Clay Holmes has gone in three of four.
3. Robert Stephenson (TB) – The same is true of Pete Fairbanks and Colin Poche.
4. Aaron Loup (LAA) – Carlos Estevez has pitched in two straight while Jose Soriano has gone in two of three.
5. Giovanny Gallegos (STL) – Ryan Helsley pitched on Tuesday and is not ready for back-to-back days of work.
6. Jake Bird (COL) – Tyler Kinley has gone in three of four.
Tomorrow
1. Andrew Nardi (MIA) – If Tanner Scott goes today, it’s back-to-back and three of four.
2. Matt Brash/Justin Topa (SEA) – If any hierarchy member, including Andres Muñoz, pitches today it’ll be two straight.
