September 20, 2023

Kansas City Royals – Don’t look now, but the Royals have won six of their last seven games! Four different relievers have picked up a save in that span, with Collin Snider earning his first MLB save on Tuesday. Carlos Hernandez faced the 9-1-2 hitters in the eighth and gave up a homer, walk and single before being pulled for James McArthur, who struck out all three hitters he faced to continue a September to remember. McArthur has retired 31 of the 32 hitters he’s faced in September, striking out 11 and walking zero. Hernandez has basically done the opposite, allowing at least one run in five of his six September outings. This still isn’t a bullpen to trust (especially with three games against Houston on the horizon) but McArthur looks to be the best arm to own in Kansas City.

Updated hierarchy: *Hernandez | McArthur | Clarke.
* = closer-by-committee

Texas Rangers — The Rangers called on Aroldis Chapman to face Rafael Devers and Justin Turner with runners on second and third in a tie game. Chapman struck out Devers and got Turner to ground out to end the threat. Chapman stayed on for a 1-2-3 eighth when the Rangers regained the lead, which left the ninth for Jose Leclerc. The righty completed a perfect inning of his own for the save. Chapman remains the best bet for a save on any given night, but Tuesday proved the Rangers are willing to pitch him in what they deem is the most important spot, regardless of inning.

Hierarchy remains: *Chapman | Smith | Leclerc.
* = closer-by-committee

Baltimore Orioles – With the Orioles leading by four, Jack Flaherty was in line for a three-inning vulture save. However, he allowed a leadoff single in the bottom of the ninth. Yennier Cano, who had pitched the previous two days, entered and gave up a single before inducing a double play. After a walk, which included a wild pitch, Brandon Hyde lifted Cano for Cionel Perez, who struck out Jordan Alvarez to collect the save.

Hierarchy remains: Cano | Fujinami | Coulombe.

Boston Red Sox — Kenley Jansen won’t rejoin the team in Texas – he’s projected to be back on Friday.

Hierarchy remains: Martin | Winckowski | Whitlock.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Shintaro Fujinami/Danny Coulombe (BAL) – Yennier Cano has pitched in three straight while Fujinami and Coulombe got yesterday off. It’s likely Brandon Hyde elects to play matchups if his team is leading in the final two innings.
2. Jason Foley/Will Vest (DET) – Alex Lange has gone in three of four, including a 24-pitch blown save last night. Foley has also gone in three of four, though he’s thrown far fewer pitches than Lange. Beau Brieske threw 30 pitches last night. If the Tigers somehow find themselves leading in the ninth inning, they may turn to Vest or even Jose Cisnero.
3. Collin Snider (KC) – Both Carlos Hernandez and Taylor Clarke threw over 25 pitches last night while James McArthur has gone in two straight and three of four, so the Royals could turn to Snider again.
4. Andrew Nardi (MIA) – Tanner Scott has gone in two straight and four of five. He needs a breather.
5. Hunter Harvey (WAS) – Kyle Finnegan has gone in three of four, including a 24-pitch save last night.
6. John King/Drew VerHagen (STL) – Ryan Helsley may get a second day off after working two straight games.
7. Robert Suarez (SD) – Josh Hader has thrown in two straight and three of four.

Tomorrow
1. Hunter Harvey (WAS) – If Kyle Finnegan does go today, it’s very likely he’s down on Thursday.
2. John King/Drew VerHagen (STL) – If Ryan Helsley ends up pitching today that will be three of four.