September 14, 2023
Boston Red Sox — As we alerted you yesterday, Kenley Jansen has COVID-19 and will be out at least seven days on that specialized IL. Chris Martin should be in line for whatever saves come in Jansen’s absence, with Josh Winckowski, Garrett Whitlock, and John Schreiber in the middle-innings mix.
Updated hierarchy: Martin | Winckowski | Whitlock.
St. Louis Cardinals — Ryan Helsley is pitching back-to-back again already and has three straight saves; let’s axe his asterisk.
Hierarchy remains: Helsley | Gallegos | King.
Pittsburgh Pirates — Carmen Mlodzinski’s second hold in two days officially makes him the third-best reliever on the fourth-best team in the fifth-best division in baseball. Get that on his surprisingly comprehensive Wikipedia page!
Updated hierarchy: Bednar | Holderman | Mlodzinski.
Atlanta Braves — Good show for the Vulture Save Watch, correctly tabbing Kirby Yates for Wednesday’s save with Raisel Iglesias and A.J. Minter each resting after three straight days of use.
Hierarchy remains: Iglesias | Minter | Yates.
Miami Marlins — David Robertson isn’t closing for Miami anymore, but he’s found a pretty comfortable home in the seventh inning. Robertson is the only righthander in the Marlins’ top five relievers.
Updated hierarchy: Scott | Nardi | Robertson.
Tampa Bay Rays — Just when we thought the Rays had foresaken their eternal quest to spread out saves, Robert Stephenson earned his first of the season on Wednesday. We’ll keep an eye on it.
Updated hierarchy: Fairbanks | Poche | Stephenson.
Washington Nationals — Mason Thompson was optioned to Rochester on Wednesday, reopening the seventh inning for Jordan Weems.
Updated hierarchy: Finnegan | Harvey | Weems.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Garrett Whitlock (BOS) — The Red Sox play two against . . .
2. Tommy Kahnle (NYY) — . . . the Yankees.
3. Lucas Sims (CIN) — Alexis Diaz has pitched in two straight and three of four.
4. Justin Lawrence (COL) — Tyler Kinley has pitched in three of four.
5. Taylor Rogers (SF) — So have Camilo Doval and Tyler Rogers.
Friday:
1. Colin Holderman (PIT) — David Bednar threw 30 pitches Wednesday and won’t go in three straight.
