September 17, 2023
Colorado Rockies – In game 2 of their doubleheader yesterday, Tyler Kinley pitched a scoreless 9th inning to pick up his 4th save of the season. Kinley recorded a pair of saves last week after Justin Lawrence vultured one and he seems to still be the clear option in the 9th for now. In game 1 of their doubleheader, Gavin Hollowell earned a very interesting save by coming on in the 7th inning with the tying run on deck and pitching the final 2.2 innings. Hollowell gave up a couple runs but was able to finish off the victory for his first save.
Hierarchy remains: Kinley | Lawrence | Bird.
Chicago White Sox — The White Sox brought in Gregory Santos in the 8th inning with a 6 run lead but he made a mess of things giving up 4 runs (3 earned). Lane Ramsey started the 9th inning with the White Sox up two but got pulled after giving up a pair of singles. Tanner Banks came on and walked a pair of batters, which forced in a run, but was able to preserve a 7-6 win for his first save of the season. The White Sox have now used 3 different relievers to record their 3 saves in September so it’s tough to trust anybody at this point.
Hierarchy remains: *Santos | Bummer | Shaw.
* = closer-by-committee
Detroit Tigers — Alex Lange gave up three runs to blow a save in the bottom of the 9th but ended up with the win after the Tigers took the lead again in the top of the 10th. Beau Brieske and Jason Foley both pitched earlier in the game so that left Will Vest for the bottom of the 10th and he pitched a scoreless inning for his first save of the season.
Hierarchy remains: Lange | Foley | Brieske.
Kansas City Royals – Carlos Hernandez started the 9th inning with the Royals up 4 but quickly ran into trouble by allowing hits to the first three batters he faced. Hernandez was then able to record a couple outs but after a walk to put the tying run on base, he was pulled in favor of Taylor Clarke. Clarke retired the only batter he faced to record his second straight save. We will leave Hernandez at the top of the hierarchy for now but we will watch this to see if Clarke becomes the preferred option to close out games.
Updated hierarchy: *Hernandez | Clarke | Snider.
* = closer-by-committee
Cincinnati Reds – The entire Reds’ hierarchy had pitched in three of four and got the day off yesterday. Derek Law filled in and pitched a scoreless 9th inning to earn his second save of the season.
Hierarchy remains: Diaz | Sims | Gibaut.
Chicago Cubs – Michael Fulmer has been placed on the IL and we will slide veteran Brad Boxberger into his hierarchy spot.
Updated hierarchy: *Leiter Jr. | Merryweather | Boxberger.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Tommy Kahnle (NYY) – Clay Holmes has pitched in two straight.
2. Yimi Garcia/Erik Swanson (TOR) – Jordan Romano and Jordan Hicks have both pitched in two straight.
3. Steven Cruz (KC) – The entire Royals hierarchy has gone in two straight so maybe Cruz gets a chance today if there is a save opportunity.
4. David Robertson (MIA) – Tanner Scott and Andrew Nardi have both pitched in two straight and three of four.
5. Scott McGough (ARI) – Paul Sewald and Kevin Ginkel have both pitched in two straight.
6. Caleb Ferguson (LAD) – Evan Phillips and Brusdar Graterol have both pitched in two straight.
Monday
1. John Winckowski (BOS) – If Christ Martin pitches on Sunday, it will be two straight and three of four.
2. Joel Payamps (MIL) – If Devin Williams pitches today, it will be three of four and four of six.
