Los Angeles Dodgers

Los Angeles Dodgers Fantasy Baseball Daily Bullpen Updates and Closer Depth Chart

*= closer-by-committee

Previous updates:

Los Angeles Dodgers – Targeting Michael Kopech at the trade deadline, he helped stabilize the backend of the bullpen. He recorded four wins, converted six saves, and notched seven holds with 27 strikeouts versus ten walks across 23 innings. Evan Phillips and Blake Treinen also operated in the late innings, but Treinen will be a free agent at the end of the season. As for Opening Day next season, we lean toward Kopech. Still, those in keeper leagues will track Edgardo Henriquez‘s development closely unless the team makes a trade for a more reliable closer this off-season.

September 29, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – Securing his first major league save in only his third appearance, Edgardo Henriquez preserved a one-run win in Colorado with a scoreless ninth. He allowed a walk and recorded two strikeouts on 17 pitches (10 strikes – 58.8 Strike%) with three whiffs (17.6 SwStr%).

• Michael Kopech notched his ninth hold, firing a clean eighth and striking out two against the 2-3-4 lineup pocket. He threw eighth pitches (87.5 Strike%) and generated three whiffs (37.5 SwStr%).
• Evan Phillips collected his fifth win, retiring the side and striking out two in the seventh, ahead of his team’s rally at the top of the eighth.

Projected 2025 Hierarchy: *Michael Kopech | *Evan Phillips | Edgardo Henriquez

*= closer-by-committee

September 28, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – Recording his first career save, Justin Wrobleski logged four scoreless frames during a lopsided win in Colorado. He allowed two hits and two walks while striking out four on 49 pitches (33 strikes – 67.3 Strike%) with nine whiffs (18.4 SwStr%).

Hierarchy remains: *Michael Kopech | *Blake Treinen | *Evan Phillips

*= closer-by-committee

September 25, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – Preserving a one-run win and moving his team three games ahead of the Padres in the National League West, Michael Kopech tossed a scoreless ninth, walking and striking out one. He threw 14 pitches (57.1 Strike%) and induced one whiff against the 5-6-7-8 hitters. He’s secured a save in consecutive outings and converted six since August 16.

• Blake Treinen retired the side and recorded two strikeouts versus the 2-3-4 lineup pocket for his 15th hold.
• Evan Phillips fired a clean seventh, striking out one and notching his ninth hold.
• Alex Vesia collected his fifth win with a scoreless sixth despite issuing two walks.

Updated Hierarchy: *Michael Kopech | *Blake Treinen | *Evan Phillips

*= closer-by-committee

September 22, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – Benefiting from a walk-off rally, Blake Treinen collected his seventh win after striking out the side at the top of the ninth with his team down one. He threw 14 pitches (71.4 Stirke%) and produced three whiffs (21.4 SwStr%). He’s racked up 13 consecutive scoreless outings since August 24 with 16 strikeouts against one walk.

• Ben Casparius logged three innings, giving up three hits, an earned run, and two walks while striking out five.
• Ryan Brasier allowed a hit and recorded three strikeouts in a scoreless fifth. 

Hierarchy remains: *Michael Kopech | *Evan Phillips | Blake Treinen

*= closer-by-committee

September 20, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – With a three-run lead at the top of the ninth, Michael Kopech allowed Michael Toglia’s lead-off home run, then retired the next three batters, one via strikeout, for his 14th save. He threw 19 pitches (15 strikes – 78.9 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (15.8 SwStr%). In his last ten appearances, he’s been scoreless in eight with two wins and three saves while striking out ten against seven walks.

• Blake Treinen secured his 14th hold with a clean eighth and two strikeouts.
• Evan Phillips worked a clean seventh, striking out one and notching his eighth hold.
• Alex Vesia gave up a solo home run and recorded three strikeouts in the sixth. He was tagged with a third blown save and collected his fourth win.

Hierarchy remains: *Michael Kopech | *Evan Phillips | Blake Treinen

*= closer-by-committee

September 16, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – Taking over at the bottom of the fifth, Evan Phillips was awarded his fourth win. He retired the side against Atlanta’s 3-4-5 lineup pocket on 15 pitches (66.7 Strike%) with two whiffs.

• Blake Treinen tossed a clean sixth while striking out two for his 13th hold.
• Daniel Hudson issued a walk and recorded a strikeout in a scoreless seventh.
• Brent Honeywell completed the combined shutout with two scoreless frames, issuing a walk.

Hierarchy remains: *Michael Kopech | *Evan Phillips | Blake Treinen

*= closer-by-committee

September 15, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – Although he began warming up in the eighth, Brusdar Graterol finished a seven-run rally at the top of the ninth by retiring the side at the bottom of the inning. He threw nine pitches (77.8 Strike%) and induced one whiff.

• Michael Kopech collected his sixth win, benefiting from the surge in the ninth. He issued Marcell Ozuna a lead-off walk and gave up Matt Olson’s double, then retired Travis d’Arnaud on a shallow flyout and ended the threat with consecutive strikeouts. Matched up with the 4-5-6 lineup pocket, he threw 23 pitches (13 strikes – 56.5 Strike%) and produced five whiffs (21.7 SwStr%).
• Blake Treinen retired the 9-1-2 hitters in order during a clean seventh.

Hierarchy remains: *Michael Kopech | *Evan Phillips | Blake Treinen

*= closer-by-committee

September 11, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – After loading the bases with three walks on 15 pitches at the top of the ninth, Michael Kopech induced a sacrifice fly, benefited from a caught stealing (Seiya Suzuki) at third base, and produced a game-ending strikeout for his 13th save. It was not an aesthetically pleasing outing, but sometimes a save’s a save. He threw 22 pitches (8 strikes – 36.4 Strike%) and got one whiff. This snapped a six-game scoreless streak, but he’s only allowed one earned run in two of his 18 outings since his acquisition, with three wins, four saves, and a 22:7 K:BB through 18 innings.

• Evan Phillips rebounded with a clean top of the eighth and struck out one for his seventh hold.
• Alex Vesia worked around a walk for a scoreless seventh, collecting his third win.
• Blake Treinen retired the side and recorded a strikeout in the sixth.

Updated Hierarchy: *Michael Kopech | *Evan Phillips | Blake Treinen

*= closer-by-committee

September 3, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – Sealing a four-run win at the bottom of the tenth, Ryan Brasier retired the side in a non-save outing against the Angels.

• Michael Kopech collected his fifth win, tossing a clean bottom of the ninth ahead of his team’s four-run rally in the tenth. He threw 12 pitches (66.7 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (16.7 SwStr%) versus the 4-5-6 lineup pocket. He’s been scoreless in 14 of his 15 appearances since his acquisition, posting three wins and converting three saves with 20 strikeouts against four walks over 15.1 innings.
• Blake Treinen worked a clean eighth and recorded a strikeout.
• Evan Phillips fired a clean seventh.
• Daniel Hudson recorded two strikeouts in a clean sixth.

Hierarchy remains: *Michael Kopech | *Evan Phillips | Anthony Banda

*= closer-by-committee

August 31, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – Shutting the door on his 18th save, Evan Phillips retired the side while closing out a two-run win in Arizona. He threw ten pitches (60 Strike%) without a whiff. He’s been scoreless over eight of his last nine appearances, converting three of four save chances with 12 strikeouts against one walk. 

• Ben Casparius collected his first win, tossing a clean bottom of the eighth in his major league debut.
• Brent Honeywell suffered his first blown save, allowing an earned run on two walks and recording two strikeouts during his two innings of relief.

Hierarchy remains: *Michael Kopech | *Evan Phillips | Anthony Banda

*= closer-by-committee

August 29, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – Finishing a three-run win over the Orioles, Evan Phillips began his outing with a hit-by-pitch (Cedric Mullins), then retired the next three hitters, two via strikeout for his 17th save. He threw 15 pitches (60 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (13.3 SwStr%) against the 7-8-9-1 hitters. He’s been scoreless in seven of his last eight appearances, converting two of three save chances with 12 strikeouts versus one walk.

• Blake Treinen notched his 11th hold. He stranded a bases-loaded situation in the seventh and retired all four batters faced while recording three strikeouts.
• Daniel Hudson was credited with his 17th hold despite allowing a hit and two walks during his two-thirds of the seventh.
• Anthony Banda gave up a walk and struck out one in a scoreless sixth, securing his ninth hold.

Hierarchy remains: *Michael Kopech | *Evan Phillips | Anthony Banda

*= closer-by-committee

August 28, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – Nailing down his 12th save, Michael Kopech retired the Orioles’ 9-1-2 lineup pocket in order and recorded two strikeouts, preserving a two-run win. He threw 11 pitches (81.8 Strike%) and induced one whiff. Since his acquisition, he’s logged 13 outings, 12 scoreless, with two wins and three saves while producing 19 strikeouts against three walks across 13.1 innings.

• Evan Phillips notched his sixth hold with a clean eighth and two strikeouts.
• Alex Vesia retired his only batter in the seventh and stranded a runner for his 11th hold.
• Ryan Brasier gave up a hit and recorded a strikeout in two-thirds of the seventh for his sixth hold.
• Anthony Banda collected his second win. He stranded a runner in the fifth and worked 1.1 scoreless frames, yielding a hit and striking out one.

Hierarchy remains: *Michael Kopech | *Evan Phillips | Anthony Banda

*= closer-by-committee

August 25, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – Matched up with the Rays’ 5-6-7 lineup pocket in the top of the ninth, Anthony Banda secured his second save, navigating around a one-out single with a pop-out and a game-ending strikeout. He threw 14 pitches (71.4 Strike%) and produced four whiffs (28.6 SwStr%). He’s been scoreless in 10 of 11 outings in August, with 14 strikeouts against two walks while converting two saves.

• Blake Treinen collected his sixth win, tossing a scoreless eighth. He allowed a hit and recorded a strikeout ahead of his team’s two-run rally in the bottom of the inning.

Updated Hierarchy: *Michael Kopech | *Evan Phillips | Anthony Banda

*= closer-by-committee

August 24, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – Summoned in the top of the tenth, Joe Kelly suffered his first loss. He allowed José Caballero’s go-ahead two-run home run.

• Evan Phillips was tagged with his third blown save. He gave up a game-tying Junior Caminero solo home run in the top of the ninth, then retired the next three batters via strikeout.
• Michael Kopech was credited with his sixth hold. However, his 15-game scoreless streak was snapped after he loaded the bases on two hits and a walk before inducing a sacrifice fly-double play. He escaped with only one earned run allowed.
• Blake Treinen notched his tenth hold, giving up a hit and a walk during a scoreless seventh.
• Ryan Brasier retired the side on six pitches in a clean sixth, securing his fifth hold.

Updated Hierarchy: *Michael Kopech | *Evan Phillips | Daniel Hudson

*= closer-by-committee

August 23, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – With the score tied in the top of the ninth, Michael Kopech retired the side and recorded two strikeouts against the Rays’ 5-6-7 batters. He collected his fourth win after a walk-off grand slam in the bottom of the inning. Kopech threw 16 pitches (11 strikes – 68.8 Strike%) and induced two whiffs. Through 10 appearances since his acquisition, he’s been scoreless with 15 strikeouts versus one walk while retiring 31 of 33 batters (0.19 WHIP).

• Evan Phillips allowed a hit and recorded a strikeout in a scoreless eighth.
• Ryan Brasier tossed a clean seventh and struck out one.

Hierarchy remains: Michael Kopech | Evan Phillips | Daniel Hudson

August 20, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – Capping a go-ahead rally at the bottom of the eighth, Daniel Hudson finished a three-run win over Seattle with a scoreless ninth, recording his tenth save. He worked around a one-out double while throwing 15 pitches (60 Strike%) without a whiff. He had allowed at least a run in four of his previous five outings.

• Joe Kely worked a scoreless top of the eighth, allowing a walk and striking out one while collecting his first win.
• Anthony Banda retired both batters, one via strikeout, in the seventh.
• Ryan Brasier logged 1.1 clean frames and struck out one.
• Alex Vesia tossed a clean fifth and recorded a strikeout. Dodgers relievers combined for five shutout innings, yielding a hit and a walk while striking out four.

Hierarchy remains: Michael Kopech | Evan Phillips | Daniel Hudson

August 19, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – Completing a combined shutout and recording his first save since July 23, Evan Phillips nailed down his 16th save with a clean ninth while striking out two against Seattle. He threw 13 pitches (9 strikes – 69.2 Strike%) and induced one whiff. He’s allowed an unearned run across nine appearances in August with 13 strikeouts against one walk.

• Joe Kelly retired the side and struck out one in the eighth, securing his 13th hold.

Updated Hierarchy: Michael Kopech | Evan Phillips | Daniel Hudson

August 18, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – Shutting the door on his second save for Los Angeles and his 11th on the season, Michael Kopech retired the side in St. Louis, preserving a one-run win. He threw 12 pitches (58.3 Strike%) and induced one whiff against the Cardinals’ 2-3-4 lineup pocket. He’s been scoreless through 9.1 innings since the trade deadline with 13 strikeouts against one walk (40 K-BB%) and retired 28 of 30 batters faced (0.22 WHIP).

• Daniel Hudson allowed Lars Nootbar’s solo home run in the eighth, getting credit for his 16th hold.
• Evan Phillips notched his fifth hold, giving up a hit and striking out one in a scoreless seventh. 

Updated Hierarchy: Michael Kopech | Daniel Hudson | Evan Phillips

August 16, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – Summoned with a one-run lead, Michael Kopech recorded his first save with his new team and his tenth of the season. He retired the side against the Cardinals’ 9-1-2 lineup pocket and recorded two strikeouts. This save tied a franchise record set in 2022, becoming the 12th pitcher with at least a save for Los Angeles this season. He threw 13 pitches (69.2 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (15.4 SwStr%). He’s allowed two baserunners of his 27 batters faced since the trade deadline with 13 strikeouts (48.1 K%).

• Joe Kelly secured his 12th hold with a scoreless eighth, giving up a walk and striking out one.
• Evan Phillips notched his fourth hold, walking one and striking out one.
• Anthony Banda navigated around two hits and recorded a strikeout during thirds scoreless in the sixth for his eighth hold, though he let both inherited runners score.

Updated Hierarchy: *Daniel Hudson | *Michael Kopech | Evan Phillips

*= closer-by-committee

August 15, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – Daniel Hudson took over with a one-run lead in the bottom of the eighth against Milwaukee’s 2-3-4 lineup pocket. He allowed a lead-off double, a walk, and a ricocheted infield single, loading the bases. Willy Adames produced an RBI single and consecutive runs scored on a fielder’s choice groundouts, handing Hudson his second loss and a seventh blown save. He allowed three hits, three earned runs, and a walk during his two-thirds of the eighth. He’s given up at least a run in three of his last four games.

• Anthony Banda stranded a runner and retired his only batter in the eighth.
• Alex Vesia issued two walks leading off the seventh, then retired the next three batters for his tenth hold.
• Michael Kopech fired a clean sixth and recorded a strikeout for his fifth hold. He remains scoreless as a Dodger with 11 strikeouts against one walk across 7.1 innings.

Hierarchy remains (for now): *Daniel Hudson | *Michael Kopech | *Evan Phillips

*= closer-by-committee

August 13, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – Taking the baton from Gavin Stone in the bottom of the sixth, Landon Knack logged four innings for his first major league save. He gave up three hits and an earned run while striking out two on 64 pitches (46 strikes – 71.9 Strike%) with three whiffs.

Hierarchy remains: *Daniel Hudson | *Evan Phillips | Michael Kopech

*= closer-by-committee

August 12, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – Securing his ninth save, Daniel Hudson retired the side and preserved a three-run win in Milwaukee. This snapped a streak of two consecutive outings, allowing at least a run. He threw 10 pitches (70 Strike%) without a whiff against the 6-7-8 lineup pocket.

• Michael Kopech notched his fourth hold with a scoreless eighth. He allowed a walk and recorded two strikeouts on 19 pitches (10 strikes – 52.6 Strike%) with seven whiffs (36.8 SwStr%). He’s given up a hit and a walk through six outings since the trade deadline while striking out 10 of 21 batters.
• Alex Vesia nailed down his ninth hold, striking out the side in the seventh.
• Joe Kelly let his only inherited runner score in the sixth on a William Contreras home run, among his three hits in one-third of an inning.

Hierarchy remains: *Daniel Hudson | *Evan Phillips | Michael Kopech

*= closer-by-committee

August 11, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – Despite letting the “place” runner score in the top of the tenth, Evan Phillips collected his third win courtesy of a walk-off rally in the bottom of the inning. He allowed a one-out RBI single by Bryan Reynolds and induced an inning-ending double play groundout by Oneil Cruz. Phillips threw 15 pitches (60 Strike%) without a whiff while recording a strikeout. He’s recorded a strikeout against eight of his last 12 batters faced.

• Joe Kelly worked a clean top of the ninth, striking out two.
• Michael Grove stranded a runner and issued a walk in one-third of the eighth.
• Anthony Banda suffered his second blown save, allowing three hits, including Andrew McCutchen’s game-tying two-run home run during two-thirds of the eighth.

Updated Hierarchy: *Daniel Hudson | *Evan Phillips | Michael Kopech

*= closer-by-committee

August 5, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – Appearing for the third time in four days, Daniel Hudson navigated around a lead-off Nick Castellanos single by retiring the next three batters en route to his eighth save. He threw 11 pitches (72.7 Strike%) and induced one whiff. This was his first save since July 22. and he has a three-game scoreless streak.

• Anthony Banda worked around a hit and a walk with two strikeouts for a scoreless eighth inning and his seventh hold.
• Michael Kopech gave up a hit and struck out one in a scoreless seventh, securing his third hold. He’s retired nine of 10 batters since joining Los Angeles, five via strikeout. 

Updated Hierarchy: *Daniel Hudson | *Evan Phillips | *Anthony Banda

*= closer-by-committee

August 4, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – Recording his team’s tenth save, and his first since 2020, Anthony Banda retired the side and struck out one while preserving a one-run win in Oakland.

• Daniel Hudson notched his 15th hold, tossing a clean eighth and striking out one against the 3-4-5 lineup pocket.
• Alex Vesia collected his second win, firing a clean seventh and striking out two.
• Blake Treinen worked a scoreless sixth, allowing a hit and striking out one for his ninth hold.
• Evan Phillips stranded the bases loaded with an inning-ending strikeout of his only batter faced in the fifth.

Updated Hierarchy: *Daniel Hudson | *Blake Treinen | *Evan Phillips

*= closer-by-committee

July 30, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – Working with reduced velocity in recent outings, Alex Vesia suffered his third loss in the bottom of the tenth against the Padres. He issued Kyle Higashioka a lead-off walk and retired Luis Arraez on a sacrifice bunt, putting runners on second and third. After a mound visit, Vesia issued Jurickson Profar an intentional walk but had to remain in the game despite Dave Roberts trying to get Evan Phillips from the bullpen because of the previous mound visit. Donovan Solano delivered a walk-off RBI single instead.

• Blake Treinen gave up two solo home runs, including a game-tying blast by Jackson Merrill, resulting in his fourth blown save in the ninth.
• Anthony Banda secured his sixth hold, retiring the side and striking out one in the eighth.

Hierarchy: *Daniel Hudson | *Brent Honeywell | Blake Treinen 

*= closer-by-committee

July 29, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – In a three-way trade with St. Louis and the Chicago White Sox, the Dodgers received utility player Tommy Edman and high-leverage reliever Michael Kopech, with the full details in this tweet by the MLB Network. Until his role emerges with his new team, the Dodgers hierarchy remains as:

Hierarchy: *Daniel Hudson | *Brent Honeywell | Blake Treinen 

*= closer-by-committee

July 27, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – Pressed into action in the bottom of the eighth with the bases loaded and two outs, Blake Treinen recorded a strikeout of Jose Altuve, keeping the game tied. Treinen returned for the ninth and allowed a walk-off Alex Bregman home run, resulting in his third loss.

• Daniel Hudson suffered his sixth blown save. He gave up three hits, two earned runs, and a walk during two-thirds of the eighth before being removed. This outing snapped his nine-game scoreless streak and represents his first blown save since June 29.
• Anthony Banda stranded two runners in the sixth and retired all four batters, two via strikeout for his fifth hold.
• Evan Phillips entered a messy situation with two runners on and two outs in the sixth. He put gasoline on the fire, allowing four consecutive hits and two earned runs on his ledger, along with both inherited runners scoring without recording an out. He’s allowed at least a run in six of his 10 appearances this month.

Updated Hierarchy: *Daniel Hudson | *Blake Treinen | *Alex Vesia

*= closer-by-committee

July 25, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – Things were interesting with the bullpen working the last five innings of Clayton Kershaw’s season debut. Brent Honeywell recorded his first career save with a scoreless ninth. He allowed a lead-off single, induced a groundball double play, and produced a game-ending strikeout of Patrick Bailey. Honeywell threw 12 pitches (7 strikes – 58.3 Strike%) and induced one whiff.

• Blake Treinen collected his fifth win despite suffering his third blown save. He took over in the eighth with a runner at second and two outs, giving up a game-tying Jorge Soler RBI single before recording a strikeout. His team’s two solo home run rally proved beneficial.
• Alex Vesia was credited with his seventh hold, allowing two hits and two earned runs while recording two strikeouts in his two-thirds of the eighth.
• Evan Phillips retired the side and recorded a strikeout for his second hold in the seventh, facing two right-handed batters.
• Daniel Hudson notched his 14th hold, tossing a scoreless sixth. He issued a walk and struck out two versus the Giants’ 8-9-1 hitters.
• Joe Kelly navigated around a hit and a walk while striking out three in a scoreless fifth.

Updated Hierarchy: *Daniel Hudson | *Evan Phillips | *Blake Treinen

*= closer-by-committee

July 23, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – With a three-run lead, two runners on, and two outs, the Dodgers called upon Evan Phillips to face Jorge Soler. Although he issued a walk loading the bases, he induced a game-ending LaMonte Wade Jr. groundout for his 15th save, his first since July 5. He threw nine pitches (33.3 Strike%) without a whiff.

• Alex Vesia struggled with his command, walking the first two batters he faced and allowing an RBI single before recording two outs. He was removed after throwing 26 pitches (15 strikes – 57.7 Strike%) and only getting one whiff. He had issued two walks in his previous 46 batters faced over 12 games.
• Blake Treinen secured his eighth hold, giving up a hit and a walk while striking out one in a scoreless eighth.
• Brent Honeywell logged two scoreless frames, yielding a hit for his first hold.

Updated Hierarchy: *Daniel Hudson | *Alex Vesia | *Evan Phillips

*= closer-by-committee

July 22, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – Capping an eighth-inning rally, Daniel Hudson secured his seventh save. He navigated around a two-out walk with a game-ending flyout, preserving the one-run win. He threw 19 pitches (11 strikes – 57.9 Strike%) and produced four whiffs (21.1 SwStr%) while recording two strikeouts. This marked his second instance of appearing three times in four days this season, and he’s recorded four straight saves.

• Blake Treinen collected his fourth win, working a scoreless eighth. He issued a walk and recorded two strikeouts.
• Ryan Yarbrough suffered his second blown save, allowing a game-tying Tyler Fitzgerald solo home run and striking out two in the seventh.
• Alex Vesia took over in the sixth with runners on the corners and recorded consecutive strikeouts, stranding both in a high-leverage moment.

Updated Hierarchy: *Daniel Hudson | *Alex Vesia | *Blake Treinen

*= closer-by-committee

July 21, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – Inheriting a bases-loaded situation in the top of the ninth, Daniel Hudson let one runner score on a fielder’s choice groundout, then induced a game-ending flyout for his sixth save. He’s secured a save in his last three appearances and been scoreless through six games in July.

• Evan Phillips struggled in a non-save outing. He allowed three hits, three earned runs, and two walks while striking out one in the top of the ninth. He’s given up multiple runs in three straight outings and at least a run in six of his last eight.
• Anthony Banda notched his fourth hold, working a scoreless eighth, yielding a hit and striking out one.
• Ryan Yarbrough retired all four batters faced, three via strikeout for his first hold.

Updated Hierarchy: *Daniel Hudson | *Alex Vesia | *Blake Treinen

*= closer-by-committee

July 20, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – Benefiting from a walk-off rally in the bottom of the 11th, Blake Treinen earned his third win. He worked a scoreless top of the inning, stranding the “place” runner by retiring the side and striking out one. He threw 20 pitches (70 Strike%) and generated five whiffs (25 SwStr%).

• Evan Phillips allowed a two-run home run by Tyler O’Neill in the tenth, putting an earned run on his ledger and recording a strikeout. He’s allowed a home run in consecutive appearances and four of six games in July.
• Brent Honeywell logged two scoreless frames, yielding a hit and striking out three.

Hierarchy remains: *Evan Phillips | *Daniel Hudson | Alex Vesia 

*= closer-by-committee

July 19, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – With Boston’s 5-6-7 lineup pocket all being left-handed hitters, Dave Roberts called upon Daniel Hudson to protect a three-run lead in the top of the ninth. He allowed Masataka Yoshida’s lead-off single, struck out Wilyer Abreu, then induced a game-ending double play groundout by Dominic Smith for his fifth save. Hudson threw 13 pitches (8 strikes – 61.5 Strike%) and produced one whiff. He’s recorded a save in consecutive outings and been scoreless through six games in July.

• Ryan Yarbrough collected his fourth win. He gave up a hit during a scoreless eighth ahead of his team’s four-run rally in the bottom of the inning.
• Alex Vesia allowed a hit (poor defense) and recorded three strikeouts in a scoreless seventh.

Updated Hierarchy: *Evan Phillips | *Daniel Hudson | Alex Vesia 

*= closer-by-committee

Los Angeles Dodgers – Help is on the way with Joe Kelly’s pending activation for the second half and Brusdar Graterol potentially back by August. Still, the team could use one more leverage option, especially if Evan Phillips‘ struggles with his cutter against left-handed batters continue in the second half.

Hierarchy remains: Evan Phillips | Daniel Hudson | Alex Vesia

July 14, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – Working in a third straight game, Yohan Ramírez suffered his fifth loss and second blown save. He tossed a scoreless eighth but did not record an out in the ninth. It started with Zach McKinstry’s lead-off triple, followed by Justyn-Henry Malloy’s game-tying RBI single, then consecutive bunts with an error, scored the game-winning run on an errant throw to third base. Ramírez finished with three hits, two runs (one earned), and a strikeout in his inning of work.

• Anthony Banda notched his third hold, retiring both batters in the eighth, one via strikeout.
• Michael Peterson stranded a runner while issuing a walk and striking out one in two-thirds innings.

Hierarchy remains: Evan Phillips | Daniel Hudson | Alex Vesia

July 13, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – With the score tied in the bottom of the tenth, Yohan Ramírez suffered his fourth loss, recording an out and giving up Gio Urshela’s walk-off, two-run home run.

• Evan Phillips suffered his second blown save, letting an inherited runner score on a two-out Carson Kelly RBI single, followed by a game-tying two-run home run by Colt Keith. Phillips has allowed a home run in three of his last five appearances, all against left-handed hitters (Joc Pederson, Christian Yelich, and Keith).
• Ricky Vanaso began his outing with a five-run lead at the top of the ninth. He allowed three hits, resulting in three earned runs before his removal.
• Alex Vesia worked a scoreless eighth, yielding a hit and striking out two.

Hierarchy remains: Evan Phillips | Daniel Hudson | Alex Vesia

July 12, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – Hanging for his fourth save, Daniel Hudson navigated around two walks with two strikeouts and a game-ending flyout, preserving a one-run win. He threw 25 pitches (40 Strike%) and produced four whiffs (16 SwStr%).

• Michael Peterson collected his third win, tossing a scoreless eighth. He issued a walk and recorded a strikeout.
• Blake Treinen gave up a hit during a scoreless seventh.
• Evan Philips made his first appearance since July 6 in the sixth inning. He allowed a single during a scoreless outing with his team down one.
• Yohan Ramírez logged 1.1 scoreless frames, giving up a hit and striking out three. 

Hierarchy remains: Evan Phillips | Daniel Hudson | Alex Vesia

July 6, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – Capping his team’s two-run rally in the bottom of the eighth, Alex Vesia retired the side in the ninth against the Brewers’ 6-7-8 hitters and recorded a strikeout. He threw 17 pitches (10 strikes—58.8 Strike%) and induced two whiffs. He’s been scoreless in six of his last seven and converted two of three save chances.

• Evan Phillips was summoned in the eighth versus the 2-3-4 lineup pocket with a one-run lead but allowed Christian Yelich’s game-tying solo home run and struck out one. He benefited from the two-run rally and collected his second win despite suffering his first blown save of the season.
• Blake Treinen notched his seventh hold, firing a clean seventh and striking out one.
• Daniel Hudson tossed a scoreless sixth, walking one and striking out one for his 13th hold.

Hierarchy remains: Evan Phillips | Daniel Hudson | Alex Vesia

July 5, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – Slamming the door on his 14th save, Evan Phillips fired a clean top of the ninth, striking out the side against Milwaukee. He threw 12 pitches (75 Strike%) and generated five whiffs (41.7 SwStr%) versus the 4-5-6 lineup pocket. This marked his first multi-strikeout outing since June 20, and he’s only produced two such games since returning from the injured list on June 1, a span of 14 contests.

• Daniel Hudson kept the game tied in the top of the eighth, retiring the side and striking out one. He collected his sixth win courtesy of a three-run rally in the bottom of the inning.
• Blake Treinen tossed a scoreless seventh, allowing a hit.

Hierarchy remains: Evan Phillips | Daniel Hudson | Alex Vesia

July 2, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – Despite allowing Joc Pederson’s go-ahead solo home run at the top of the ninth, Evan Phillips collected his first win courtesy of a walk-off rally at the bottom of the inning. He threw 13 pitches (11 strikes – 84.6 Strike%) without a whiff against Arizona’s 2-3-4-5 hitters. This snapped a nine-game scoreless stretch.

• Blake Treinen suffered his second blown save in the eighth. He gave up a lead-off walk and a pinch-hit single on a bunt while committing a throwing error, which scored an unearned run.
• Alex Vesia allowed three hits and an earned run while striking out one in the seventh.
• Daniel Hudson tossed a scoreless sixth, yielding a hit and striking out two. 

Hierarchy remains: Evan Phillips | Daniel Hudson | Alex Vesia

June 29, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – Protecting a seven-run lead, Ryan Yarbrough tossed a scoreless bottom of the 11th.

• Daniel Hudson suffered his fifth blown save and collected his fifth win. He allowed an RBI double by David Villar in the bottom of the tenth, tying the game, then escaped further damage with the bases loaded with a strikeout and a pop-out, ending the inning.
• Evan Phillips tossed a scoreless ninth, walking one and striking out one on 16 pitches (9 strikes – 56.3 Strike%) with one whiff. This outing extended his scoreless streak to nine games.
• Blake Treinen fired a clean eighth, striking out one.
• Alex Vesia was tagged with his second blown save, letting his only inherited runner score on a Brett Wisely single during his combined inning.

Hierarchy remains: Evan Phillips | Daniel Hudson | Alex Vesia

June 28, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – Entering a tied game at the bottom of the ninth, Blake Treinen issued a lead-off walk followed by a walk-off, two-run home run (Brett Wisely), resulting in his second loss.

• Ryan Yarbrough tossed two scoreless innings, giving up a hit and a walk.
• Daniel Hudson suffered his fourth blown save. His outing began with Heliot Ramos reaching on an error and a one-out, go-ahead, two-run home run by Matt Chapman.

Hierarchy remains: Evan Phillips | Daniel Hudson | Alex Vesia

June 25, 2024

(RP | LAD): Converting his 13th straight save opportunity this season, Evan Phillips fired a clean bottom of the ninth and recorded one strikeout against the White Sox. 

Analysis

Los Angeles Dodgers – Back into the ninth inning, Evan Phillips locked down his 13th save, retiring the White Sox 2-3-4 batters in order and recording one strikeout. He threw 14 pitches (71.4 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (21.4 SwStr%). Daniel Hudson notched his 12th hold, firing a clean eighth and striking out one. He’s given up one unearned run through his last 16.2 innings. Blake Treinen logged 1.1 scoreless frames, yielding a hit and striking out one for his sixth hold. Anthony Banda issued a walk during a scoreless combined inning, stranding two runners for his first hold. Yohan Ramírez was credited with his third hold, giving up two hits over two-thirds scoreless in the fifth. Michael Peterson logged two scoreless frames and collected his second win.

Hierarchy remains: Evan Phillips | Daniel Hudson | Alex Vesia

June 24, 2024

(RP | LAD): Facing the 6-7-8 lineup pocket, Alex Vesia recorded his fourth save and retired the side while striking out one, preserving a combined shutout. 

Analysis

Los Angeles Dodgers – Preserving a combined shutout, Alex Vesia recorded his fourth save, retiring the side and striking out one against the White Sox. He threw 10 pitches (60 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (30 SwStr%). Matched up against the 2-3-4 lineup pocket in the eighth, Evan Phillips navigated around a Luis Robert Jr. double for a scoreless inning and his first hold. This was an HLR outing, snapping a streak of six straight games-finished. Yohan Ramírez worked a clean seventh, striking out one for his second hold. Daniel Hudson collected his fourth win, tossing a scoreless sixth. He gave up a hit and recorded two strikeouts.

Hierarchy remains: Evan Phillips | Daniel Hudson | Alex Vesia

June 21, 2024

(RP | LAD): A tough luck loss for Anthony Banda. He allowed an unearned run and recorded four outs while striking out one against the Angels. Facing one batter in the tenth, he was charged with the “place” runner scoring because he opened the inning. 

Analysis

Los Angeles Dodgers – With a runner on and one out in the top of the tenth, Evan Phillips recorded an out but gave up an RBI single by Taylor Ward, scoring the inherited “place” runner before an inning-ending flyout by Kevin Pillar. He threw 17 pitches (13 strikes—76.5 Strike%) and induced two whiffs. Anthony Banda gets tagged with his first loss, allowing an unearned run and striking out one over his 1.1 innings. Yohan Ramírez fired a scoreless eighth, hitting a batter and striking out three. Ryan Yarbrough suffered his first blown save, hitting three batters in the top of the sixth and giving up a hit, putting two earned runs on his ledger over his two-inning appearance.

Updated Hierarchy: Evan Phillips | Daniel Hudson | Alex Vesia

June 20, 2024

(RP | LAD): Locking down his 12th save, Evan Phillips retired the side in the ninth and recorded two strikeouts in Colorado. 

Analysis

Los Angeles Dodgers – Shutting the door on his 12th save, Evan Phillips fired a clean bottom of the ninth and recorded two strikeouts, closing out a two-run win in Colorado. He threw 11 pitches (81.8 Strike%) and generated five whiffs (45.5 SwStr%). He owns a modest five-game scoreless streak and has converted his last three save chances. Alex Vesia allowed a solo home run by Ryan McMahon and recorded three strikeouts for his sixth hold in the eighth. Daniel Hudson tossed a clean seventh, striking out one while securing his 11th hold. Blake Treinen let two of three inherited runners score on a Jake Cave single, then retired the next two batters for his fifth hold.

Hierarchy remains: Evan Phillips | Blake Treinen | Daniel Hudson

June 19, 2024

(RP | LAD): Entering the bottom of the ninth of a tied contest, Yohan Ramírez allowed two hits, including a walk-off RBI sacrifice fly by Brenton Doyle.

Hierarchy remains: Evan Phillips | Blake Treinen | Daniel Hudson

June 18, 2024

(RP | LAD): A fantasy favorite one-out save was recorded by Evan Phillips, closing out a come-from-behind win in Colorado. He took over with a runner on and struck out Hunter Goodman for his 11th save.

Analysis

Los Angeles Dodgers – Sealing a massive comeback win in Coors Field, Evan Phillips recorded a game-ending strikeout of Hunter Goodman, stranding a runner for his 11th save. Alex Vesia was credited with his sixth hold, issuing a walk during two-thirds scoreless in the bottom of the ninth before his removal. Michael Peterson collected his first win during his MLB debut. He logged two innings, giving up a hit, an earned run, and a walk while striking out two ahead of his team’s seven-run top of the ninth.

Hierarchy remains: Evan Phillips | Blake Treinen | Daniel Hudson

June 16, 2024

(RP | LAD): Matched up with the top of the Royals’ lineup, Evan Phillips navigated around a one-out walk of Bobby Witt Jr. for a scoreless ninth and his tenth save.

Analysis

Los Angeles Dodgers – Preserving a combined shoutout, Evan Phillips recorded his tenth save, allowing a walk in a scoreless top of the ninth against the Royals. He faced the top of the lineup and worked around the Bobby Witt Jr. walk with a pop-out and a game-ending lineout by Salvador Perez. Phillips threw 18 pitches (11 strikes – 61.1 Strike%) and induced two whiffs. He’s been scoreless in four of five games off the injured list with two saves. Daniel Hudson notched his tenth hold, retiring the side and striking out two in the eighth. 

Hierarchy remains: Evan Phillips | Blake Treinen | Daniel Hudson

June 15, 2024

(RP | LAD): Not only did Blake Treinen allow his first runs of the season, he served up a go-ahead grand slam after issuing three walks and recorded a strikeout during his two-thirds of the sixth. He suffered his first loss and first blown save as a result. He threw 39 pitches (22 strikes – 56.4 Strike%) and induced three whiffs.

Hierarchy remains: Evan Phillips | Blake Treinen | Daniel Hudson

June 14, 2024

(RP | LAD): Filling in capably for his closer, Alex Vesia notched his third save tossing a scoreless top of the ninth, allowing a hit while preserving a one-run win over the Royals.

Analysis

Los Angeles Dodgers – With the game tied at the top of the eighth, Daniel Hudson took the baton from Gavin Stone and fired a clean inning, recording a strikeout. He threw nine pitches (77.8 Strike%) and induced one whiff while facing the 9-1-2 lineup pocket of the Royals’, featuring Bobby Witt Jr. In the ninth, Alex Vesia sealed the one-run win, working around a two-out single by Nelson Velázquez for his third save in a workload management usage pattern. Since May 3, Vesia has logged 15 appearances, giving up one earned run with 24 strikeouts against three walks across 16.2 innings. After this outing, he has converted three of four save chances with a hold.

Hierarchy remains: Evan Phillips | Blake Treinen | Daniel Hudson

June 13, 2024

(RP | LAD): Still rounding into form after his stint on the injured list, Evan Phillips tossed a scoreless top of the ninth during an eventual loss. He issued Travis Jankowski a lead-off walk, recorded a strikeout with the runner erased on batter interference, and induced an inning-ending flyout. He threw 15 pitches (7 strikes – 46.7 Strike%) without a whiff. He’s converted his only save chance this month and been scoreless in three of four appearances.

Hierarchy remains: Evan Phillips | Blake Treinen | Daniel Hudson

June 7, 2024

(RP | LAD): Handed a two-run lead in the bottom of the 11th, Yohan Ramírez hung on for his first save. He allowed an RBI single by Aaron Judge, then retired the next two batters, preserving a one-run win.

Analysis

Los Angeles Dodgers – Recording his first save of the season and first since 2022, Yohan Ramírez finished an extra-inning win over the Yankees. He did allow an RBI single by Aaron Judge, scoring the “place” runner, but struck out Giancarlo Stanton and induced a game-ending pop-out by Anthony Rizzo. Michael Grove collected his fourth win, tossing a clean bottom of the tenth. Daniel Hudson turned in a clean ninth, striking out one. Blake Treinen stranded two runners despite issuing a walk in the eighth, recording an inning-ending flyout by Stanton. Anthony Banda gave up two hits and struck out two over two-thirds scoreless in the eighth.

Hierarchy remains: Evan Phillips | Blake Treinen | Daniel Hudson

June 6, 2024

(RP | LAD): Entering in the fourth inning, Michael Grove logged two scoreless frames, allowing a hit and striking out three, collecting his third win.

Analysis

Los Angeles Dodgers – Putting the bow on a four-run win over Pittsburgh, Alex Vesia fired a clean bottom of the ninth and struck out the side. Evan Phillips made his first appearance in five days and struggled. He allowed four hits, including a three-run home run by Oneil Cruz, and recorded a strikeout. This represents his first outing, which allowed multiple runs all season. Blake Treinen tossed a scoreless seventh, giving up a hit and striking out three. Daniel Hudson turned in a scoreless sixth, yielding a hit and striking out two. Michael Grove collected his third win, logging two scoreless frames. He gave up a hit and recorded three strikeouts.

Hierarchy remains: Evan Phillips | Blake Treinen | Daniel Hudson

June 1, 2024

(RP | LAD): In his first appearance back from the injured list, Evan Phillips fired a clean ninth, striking out one and securing his ninth save during a win over the Rockies.

Analysis

Los Angeles Dodgers – Back in the saddle, Evan Phillips locked down his ninth save during his first appearance since being activated off the injured list. He turned in a clean top of the ninth and recorded a strikeout while preserving a three-run win over Colorado. He threw 11 pitches (63.6 Strike%) and generated two whiffs (18.2 SwStr%). Blake Treinen navigated around two hits and struck out one in a scoreless eighth, securing his fourth hold. Daniel Hudson retired the side and recorded a strikeout, notching his ninth hold in the seventh.

Hierarchy remains: Evan Phillips | Blake Treinen | Daniel Hudson

May 31, 2024

(RP | LAD): Before Friday’s game the Dodgers’ activated Evan Phillips off the injured list.

Adjusted hierarchy: Evan Phillips | Blake Treinen | Daniel Hudson

May 29, 2024

(RP | LAD): Blake Treinen collected his second win, tossing a scoreless seventh, allowing a two-out single by Starling Marte, and recording a strikeout. He preserved a tied contest ahead of his team’s six-run rally in the top of the eighth, throwing 16 pitches (11 strikes – 68.8 Strike%) with three whiffs (18.8 SwStr%).

Hierarchy remains: *Daniel Hudson | *Blake Treinen | Alex Vesia

*= closer-by-committee

May 28, 2024

(RP | LAD): Locking down his first save of the season, and first since 2021, Blake Treinen closed out a three-run win in the bottom of the tenth over the Mets, retiring the side while striking out two in Game 1.

Preserving a sweep and a shutout in Game 2, Alex Vesia notched his second save. He pitched two scoreless innings, allowing a walk and striking out three. He threw 30 pitches (16 strikes—53.3 Strike%) and produced five whiffs (16.7 SwStr%).

Analysis

Los Angeles Dodgers – Handed a three-run lead in the bottom of the tenth in Game 1, Blake Treinen closed out his first save, and first since 2021, retiring the side with two strikeouts. He threw 13 pitches (9 strikes – 69.2 Strike%) and induced one whiff. Daniel Hudson worked a scoreless ninth, navigating around two hits and a walk while striking out one. He collected his second courtesy of a three-run rally in the top of the tenth. Michael Grove worked a clean eighth, striking out one. Preserving a sweep and a shutout in Game 2, Alex Vesia notched his second save, turning in two scoreless innings, allowing a walk, and striking out three. He threw 30 pitches (16 strikes – 53.3 Strike%) and produced five whiffs (16.7 SwStr%). 

Hierarchy remains: *Daniel Hudson | *Blake Treinen | Alex Vesia

*= closer-by-committee

May 24, 2024

(RP | LAD): Entering in the bottom of the fifth, Yohan Ramírez let his only inherited runner score, and three earned runs on his own ledger, allowing a walk and two hit-batters without recording an out en route to his second loss.

Hierarchy remains: *Daniel Hudson | *Blake Treinen | Alex Vesia

*= closer-by-committee

May 20, 2024

(RP | LAD): Daniel Hudson recorded two strikeouts while collecting his third save of the season after tossing a scoreless ninth against the Diamondbacks.

Analysis

Los Angeles Dodgers – Nailing down his third save, Daniel Hudson fired a clean top of the ninth and recorded two strikeouts during a two-run win over Arizona. He threw 20 pitches (60 Strike%) and generated four whiffs (20 SwStr%). He owns a modest five-game scoreless streak; this was his first save since May 8. Elieser Hernández served up two solo home runs in the eighth. Anthony Banda stranded a runner in the seventh despite giving up a hit during his two-thirds inning.

Hierarchy remains: *Daniel Hudson | *Blake Treinen | *Alex Vesia

*= closer-by-committee

May 19, 2024

(RP | LAD): Benefiting from a walk-off in the bottom of the tenth, Anthony Banda collected his first win, during his first appearance with the team. He retired the side in the top of the inning, stranding the “place” runner.

Analysis

Los Angeles Dodgers – As everyone planned, Anthony Banda collected his first win, tossing a clean top of the tenth and stranding the “place” runner while striking out one. Blake Treinen navigated around two hits for a scoreless ninth, recording one strikeout. Alex Vesia suffered his first blown save, letting one of three inherited runners score by issuing a bases-loaded walk, but he settled in and logged 1.2 scoreless frames with three strikeouts. Ryan Yarbrough allowed a hit, an earned run, and two walks while striking out one over 1.2 innings.

Hierarchy remains: *Daniel Hudson | *Blake Treinen | *Alex Vesia

*= closer-by-committee

May 17, 2024

(RP | LAD): During a non-save outing, Daniel Hudson tossed a clean top of the ninth, closing out a four-run victory over Cincinnati.

Analysis

Los Angeles Dodgers – Although there was no save, Daniel Hudson turned in a clean top of the ninth, finishing a four-run win over the Reds. He retired the 3-4-5 hitters on eight pitches (75 Strike%) and induced one whiff. He’s been scoreless over his last three games but has not secured a save since May 8. Blake Treinen match-up with the 9-1-2 lineup pocket, recording his third hold with a clean outing and striking out one on seven pitches (all strikes) with two whiffs (28.6 SwStr%). He’s racked up three holds and a win while producing five shutout innings since his return from the injured list. Michael Grove collected his second win, tossing a clean top of the seventh and striking out one ahead of his team’s rally in the bottom of the inning.

Hierarchy remains: *Daniel Hudson | *Blake Treinen | *Alex Vesia

*= closer-by-committee

May 13, 2024

(RP | LAD): Recording his first save of the season, and first since 2022, J.P. Feyereisen tossed a scoreless bottom of the tenth, walking one and striking out one during a two-run win in San Francisco.

Analysis

Los Angeles Dodgers – Handed a two-run lead in the bottom of the tenth, J.P. Feyereisen not only secured his first save of the season, it’s his first since 2022. He worked around a walk and recorded a strikeout, finishing the contest on a game-ending double play ground out. He threw 14 pitches (9 strikes – 64.3 Strike%)) and induced two whiffs (14.3 SwStr%). Blake Treinen collected his first win, navigating around a hit and a walk while striking out one in a scoreless ninth. He entered against the 4-5-6 lineup pocket. Daniel Hudson fired a clean eighth, striking out two versus the top of the Giants’ batting order. Michael Grove tossed a clean seventh, striking out two. Alex Vesia stranded two runners and recorded his only out via strikeout in the sixth.

This outing reflected a match-up-based approach with Hudson and Treinen facing lineup lanes.

Hierarchy remains: *Daniel Hudson | *Blake Treinen | *Alex Vesia

*= closer-by-committee

May 10, 2024

(RP | LAD): Entering a tied game in the bottom of the ninth, Michael Grove allowed a lead-off double, and a one-out, walk-off RBI single resulting in his second loss.

Hierarchy remains: *Daniel Hudson | *Blake Treinen (HLR) | *Alex Vesia

*= closer-by-committee

May 8, 2024

(RP | LAD): Assuaging fantasy player’s fears, Daniel Hudson was called upon for the save chance against Miami and fired a clean ninth, producing one strikeout while recording his second save.

Analysis

Los Angeles Dodgers – Back in the saddle, and in a familiar role in the ninth, Daniel Hudson secured his second save, retiring the side and striking out one while finishing a two-run win over the Marlins. He matched up with the 3-4-5 lineup pocket and attacked them, throwing 12 pitches (83.3 Strike%) while generating three whiffs (25 SwStr%). Michael Grove notched his fourth hold, firing a clean eighth and striking out one.

Hierarchy remains: *Daniel Hudson | *Blake Treinen (HLR) | *Alex Vesia

*= closer-by-committee

May 6, 2024

(RP | LAD): With a three-run lead in the ninth, Alex Vesia was given the save opportunity for the Dodgers. He retired the side and recorded his first save of the season.

Analysis

Los Angeles Dodgers – Benefiting from a match-up-based approach, Alex Vesia converted his first save of the season, firing a clean top of the ninth while preserving a three-run win over Miami. He took over against the 5-6-7 lineup pocket, and the Marlins countered with two right-handed pinch hitters without any results. Vesia threw 13 pitches (9 strikes – 69.2 Strike%) and produced two whiffs (15.4 SwStr%) with one strikeout. After a slow start, he’s given up an unearned run over his last eight appearances with 10 strikeouts versus four walks, and a 0.88 WHIP over eight innings. Blake Treinen operated like an HLR, retiring the 2-3-4 batters in the eighth, recording a strikeout on 10 pitches (80 Strike%) with one whiff. Ryan Yarbrough collected his third win, logging three scoreless frames and allowing a hit with two strikeouts.

Adjusted Hierarchy: *Daniel Hudson | *Blake Treinen (HLR) | *Alex Vesia

*= closer-by-committee

May 5, 2024

(RP | LAD): Appearing for the first time since October 2022, Blake Treinen notched his first hold, retiring the 9-1-2 hitters from Atlanta in order while recording two strikeouts.

Analysis

Los Angeles Dodgers – Finishing a four-run win, and a sweep of Atlanta, Michael Grove fired a clean top of the ninth, recording two strikeouts. He threw 11 pitches (72.7 Strike%) and produced two whiffs (18.2 SwStr%). Blake Treinen made his first MLB appearance since October 2022, firing a clean eighth, and striking out two against the 9-1-2 lineup pocket, throwing 11 pitches (54.5 Strike%) with two whiffs (18.2 SwStr%). Joe Kelly notched his ninth hold, retiring his only batter via strikeout and stranding an inherited runner.

Adjusted Hierarchy: *Daniel Hudson | *Blake Treinen | *Joe Kelly

*= closer-by-committee

(RP | LAD): Before Sunday’s contest, the Dodgers’ placed Evan Phillips (Grade 1 hamstring) on the 15-day injured list. This may result in a shared save situation and it may take a game for fantasy players to find out, but with this in mind, here’s the adjusted hierarchy.

Adjusted Hierarchy: *Daniel Hudson | *Blake Treinen | *Joe Kelly

May 3, 2024

(RP | LAD): After retiring the side against the top of Atlanta’s lineup, Michael Grove recorded his first win courtesy of a walk-off rally in the bottom of the 11th.

Analysis

Los Angeles Dodgers – Courtesy of a walk-off rally, Michael Grove collected his first win of the season after retiring the side in the top of the 11th, stranding the “place” runner against Atlanta’s top of the lineup. Alex Vesia allowed an unearned run in the tenth and recorded a strikeout. Evan Phillips fired a clean ninth, striking out one on 11 pitches (81.8 Strike%) with three whiffs (27.3 SwStr%). He’s given up two unearned runs over his last nine appearances while posting 11 strikeouts against three walks over nine innings. Daniel Hudson suffered his second consecutive blown save, serving up a game-tying solo home run by Ronald Acuña Jr. in the top of the eighth. He’s allowed at least a run in four of his last six. Joe Kelly retired the side in the seventh, securing his eighth hold.

Hierarchy remains (for now): Evan Phillips | Daniel Hudson | Joe Kelly

April 30, 2024

(RP | LAD): Even though he tossed a clean bottom of the ninth keeping the game tied, Nabil Crismatt suffered his first loss, serving up a walk-off, two-run home run by Christian Walker in the tenth.

Analysis

Los Angeles Dodgers – Handed a one-run lead in the bottom of the tenth, Nabil Crismatt suffered his first loss, allowing a walk-off, two-run home run by Christian Walker, after tossing a clean ninth. Daniel Hudson suffered his first blown save in the eighth, giving up three hits and an earned run. Joe Kelly secured his seventh hold, tossing a scoreless seventh, yielding a hit and striking out one. Michael Grove worked a scoreless sixth, navigating around a hit and a walk with two strikeouts for his third hold.

Hierarchy remains: Evan Phillips | Daniel Hudson | Joe Kelly

April 29, 2024

(RP | LAD): Making a non-save appearance, Evan Phillips turned in a clean bottom of the ninth, striking out one while closing out a four-run win in Arizona.

Analysis

Los Angeles Dodgers – Closing out an 8-4 win, Evan Phillips fired a clean bottom of the ninth in a non-save outing, recording a strikeout. He threw 12 pitches (66.7 Strike%) without a whiff. He’s logged 10 appearances in April, converting all six save chances with a 13:4 K:BB over 10.1 innings. Alex Vesia worked a scoreless eighth, walking one and striking out one. Joe Kelly notched his sixth hold, giving up a hit during a scoreless seventh. Daniel Hudson fired a clean sixth for his seventh hold.

Hierarchy remains: Evan Phillips | Daniel Hudson | Joe Kelly

April 27, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – Although he allowed an unearned run, Evan Phillips secured his eighth save. He recorded two quick strikeouts, and then Davis Schneider reached on a throwing error by the pitcher and scored on a single by Cavan Biggio. Phillips threw 25 pitches (68 Strike%) and produced four whiffs (16 SwStr%). He owns a 1.11 WHIP with 15 strikeouts versus four walks over 11.2 innings. Ryan Brasier fired a clean eighth, striking out two for his fourth hold. Joe Kelly took over in the seventh, stranding a runner while retiring his three batters faced, two via strikeout, notching his fifth hold.

Hierarchy remains: Evan Phillips | Daniel Hudson | Joe Kelly

April 25, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – Snapping back into form, Evan Phillips secured his seventh save, firing a clean bottom of the ninth, and striking out two. He threw 14 pitches (71.4 Strike%) and produced two whiffs (14.3 SwStr%). He owns a 1.13 WHIP with 13 strikeouts against four walks through his first 10.2 innings while converting all seven save chances. Daniel Hudson recorded his sixth hold, giving up two hits and an earned run while striking out one. Alex Vesia worked a scoreless seventh, yielding a hit and striking out three on 15 pitches (80 Strike%) with five whiffs (33.3 SwStr%).

Hierarchy remains: Evan Phillips | Daniel Hudson | Joe Kelly

April 23, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – A rare, traffic-infused outing for Evan Phillips, but he held on for his sixth save of the season. It started with a strikeout, followed by consecutive one-out walks, and a CJ Abrams single, with Luis García Jr. being thrown out at home. With two outs, Phillips walked Eddie Rosario, loading the bases before a game-ending strikeout of Jesse Winker. He labored through 32 pitches (50 Stirke%) and induced five whiffs (15.6 SwStr%). He’s displayed some rust after not appearing for six days before his previous outing on April 20. Daniel Hudson secured his fifth hold, walking one during a scoreless eighth. Alex Vesia collected his first win, logging 1.1 scoreless innings, yielding a hit and striking out one. Michael Grove worked a scoreless combined inning, walking one and striking out one.

Hierarchy remains: Evan Phillips | Daniel Hudson | Joe Kelly

April 19, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – Representing one of the few weaknesses on this team, the bullpen struggled during this loss against the Mets. Taking over a tied game in the top of the seventh, Daniel Hudson allowed two runs (one earned), on a two-run, go-ahead home run by Francisco Lindor, and recorded two strikeouts, resulting in his first loss. Joe Kelly gave up three hits, two earned runs, and a walk while striking out one in the eighth. Ryan Brasier also allowed a run in the ninth, giving up three hits and striking out one. Combined, they yielded seven hits, five runs (four earned), and a walk with four strikeouts over three innings in this contest.

Hierarchy remains: Evan Phillips | Daniel Hudson | Joe Kelly

April 16, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – Operating as the “bulk follower”, Ryan Yarbrough secured his second win, tossing five innings while giving up two hits and two earned with three strikeouts. Joe Kelly notched his fourth hold, walking one and striking out one during a scoreless eighth. Daniel Hudson worked a scoreless ninth, in a non-save capacity, allowing a hit and striking out one.

Hierarchy remains: Evan Phillips | Daniel Hudson | Joe Kelly

April 13, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – Despite dealing with some traffic in the ninth, Evan Phillips finished his fifth save with a scoreless outing. He allowed consecutive one-out singles by Manny Machado and Jurickson Profar, then induced a fielder’s choice groundout, and a game-ending groundout, preserving the 5-2 win. Phillips threw 23 pitches (17 strikes – 73.9 Strike%) and produced four whiffs (17.4 SwStr%). He’s recorded a 0.91 WHIP with seven strikeouts versus one walk over his first 7.2 innings. Daniel Hudson fired a clean eighth, striking out the side for his fourth hold. Michael Grove retired his only batter faced via strikeout in the seventh, securing his second hold.

Hierarchy remains: Evan Phillips | Daniel Hudson | Joe Kelly

April 12, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – Appearing for the third time in four days, Alex Vesia suffered his second loss, allowing a two-out RBI single by Jackson Merrill in the top of the 11th, scoring the place runner. Ryan Yarbrough tossed a scoreless tenth, walking one. Evan Phillips worked a scoreless ninth, yielding a hit. He’s posted a 0.75 WHIP with seven strikeouts against one walk through his first 6.2 innings. Joe Kelly fired a clean eighth, striking out two. Ryan Brasier was tagged with his second blown save, giving up two hits, including a game-tying two-run home run by Fernando Tatis Jr. among his three earned runs, and walking one in the seventh. Daniel Hudson gave up a solo home run (Jake Cronenworth) and recorded a strikeout in the sixth.

Hierarchy remains: Evan Phillips | Daniel Hudson | Ryan Brasier

April 8, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – Locking down his fourth save, Evan Phillips fired a clean ninth, striking out one. He threw 11 pitches (72.7 Strike%) without recording a whiff. He owns a 0.71 WHIP with seven strikeouts against one walk over 5.2 innings. Daniel Hudson secured his third hold, retiring the side in order in the eighth and striking out one. Ryan Brasier turned in a clean seventh, striking out one for his third hold.

Hierarchy remains: Evan Phillips | Daniel Hudson | Ryan Brasier

April 6, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – During a non-save outing, Evan Phillips struggled, like many closers do, allowing two hits, an earned run, and a walk, while striking out one, finishing off a 4-1 win over the Cubs. He threw 23 pitches (14 strikes – 60.9 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (13 SwStr%). He owns a 0.86 WHIP with six strikeouts versus one walk through his first 4.2 innings. Daniel Hudson worked a scoreless eighth, giving up a hit and striking out one. Joe Kelly secured his third hold, firing a clean seventh and striking out two. Ryan Brasier tossed a scoreless sixth, yielding a hit and recording all three outs via strikeout for his second hold.

Hierarchy remains: Evan Phillips | Daniel Hudson | Joe Kelly

April 3, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – Providing Evan Phillips with rest, Dinelson Lamet recorded his first career save, firing a clean top the ninth, striking out two. He threw 11 pitches 63.6 Strike%) with one whiff. Daniel Hudson faced the top of the lineup while recording his second hold, giving up a solo home run (Jorge Soler), and striking out one. Joe Kelly rebounded with a clean seventh, recording two strikeouts.

April 2, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – Finishing off a bullpen contest, Evan Phillips recorded his third save, allowing a hit and striking out two over 1.1 scoreless frames. He threw 17 pitches (14 strikes – 82.4 Strike%) and produced one whiff. He’s posted a minuscule 0.27 WHIP with five strikeouts versus zero walks through 3.2 innings. Michael Grove notched his first hold, working 1.2 scoreless innings, giving up a hit and a walk while striking out two. Alex Vesia stranded an inherited runner and retired both batters in the sixth, striking out one for his first hold. Ryan Yarbrough collected his first win logging 4.1 innings while yielding seven hits, four earned runs, and a walk with one strikeout.

March 31, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – Recording his first save since July 5, 2023, Daniel Hudson closed out a one-run comeback win over the Cardinals with a clean ninth, striking out two. He threw 16 pitches (62.5 Strike%) and produced five whiffs (31.3 SwStr%). Through two outings, he’s recorded a win and a save. Nabil Crismatt logged two scoreless frames, giving up a hit and striking out three for his first win during his team debut. Alex Vesia worked into, and out of trouble, issuing two walks, hitting a batter, and allowing an unearned run while striking out two in the sixth.

March 30, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – Appearing on consecutive days, Evan Phillips retired his only batter faced via strikeout on five pitches (60 Strike%) with one whiff (20 SwStr%). Kyle Hurt suffered his first loss, giving up a hit and an unearned run while striking out three over 2.2 innings. Alex Vesia stranded a runner and walked one during his one-third of the seventh. Joe Kelly went nuclear allowing three hits, five runs (four earned), a hit batter, a balk, and a walk resulting in his first blown save. Daniel Hudson secured his first hold, firing a clean sixth, striking out one.

March 29, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – Securing his second save, Evan Phillips fired a clean top of the ninth, striking out one. He threw 11 pitches (6 strikes – 54.5 Strike%) and recorded one whiff. He’s registered two strikeouts over two clean outings this season. Ryan Brasier let all three inherited runners score on a two-RBI double and a sacrifice fly during a scoreless eighth. Michael Grove struggled, giving up three hits, three earned runs, and a walk while striking out one in a combined inning of relief.

March 28, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – Taking the baton from Tyler Glasnow, an old-school save for Ryan Yarbrough logging three scoreless frames, allowing a hit, and striking out one, while closing out a six-run win over the Cardinals.

March 24, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – During an exhibition game with the Angels, Evan Phillips fired a clean eighth, striking out the side on 13 pitches (9 strikes – 69.2 Strike%) and producing four whiffs (30.8 SwStr%). With a save under his belt, he’s ready for his stateside Opening Day on Thursday. Ryan Brasier had a rough outing, giving up three hits, three earned runs, and a walk over two-thirds of the seventh. Alex Vesia retired his only batter faced in the sixth, stranding an inherited runner.

March 21, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – Some rough outings in an eventual loss in Game 2 of the Seoul Series. Gus Varland retired his only batter faced in the bottom of the eighth, stranding an inherited runner. J.P. Feyereisen displayed some rust in his first major-league appearance since June 22, 2022. He gave up three hits, three earned runs, and a walk while striking out one in a combined inning of relief. Ryan Yarbrough logged 1.2 innings, giving up a hit, an unearned run, and two walks while striking out one. Alex Vesia allowed a hit, an earned run, and a walk while striking out two in the sixth. Kyle Hurt worked two innings, yielding three hits, an earned run, and a walk.

March 20, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – Securing the first save of 2024, Evan Phillips fired a clean bottom of the ninth while striking out one against the Padres 5-6-7 lineup pocket. He threw 12 pitches (75 Strike%) and produced one whiff. Joe Kelly notched his first hold, allowing a hit during a scoreless eighth. Daniel Hudson collected his first win, working a scoreless seventh, giving up a hit and striking out one. Ryan Brasier retired the side in order in the sixth, recording one strikeout.

March 19, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – Before its first game in South Korea against San Diego, the Dodgers placed two relievers, Brusdar Graterol (shoulder) and Blake Treinen (lung), on the 10-day injured list per Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic on “X”. It will be interesting how Dave Roberts structures his leverage ladder during a save chance, which could happen soon while many have their morning coffee.

March 10, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – A bevy of notes about the Dodgers leverage ladder. First, Brusdar Graterol will not participate in the two games in South Korea with hip and shoulder tightness, reported by Juan Toribio of MLB.com on “X”. This paves the way for Daniel Hudson opening the season with the team. Blake Treinen was struck in the ribs on comebacker on Saturday, and did not suffer any breaks, but will receive a few days off during his recovery. If you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a ball, thankfully the reliever will be on his feet throwing soon.

September 18, 2023
Los Angeles Dodgers – The Dodgers’ top arms needed a rest, and fortunately, some early offense and a strong bulk outing by Ryan Yarbrough allowed them to turn to struggling rookie Gavin Stone for the final out of the 6th inning. Stone proceeded to turn in by far the best outing of his young career — it was, in fact, the first of his 7 career appearances whereby he didn’t allow a run — and recorded the game’s final 10 outs for his first save.

Hierarchy remains: Phillips | Graterol | Ferguson.

September 4, 2023
Los Angeles Dodgers – After throwing 1.2 innings last night, Evan Phillips was apparently unavailable on Sunday, so Dave Roberts turned to Brusdar Graterol for the save. Graterol converted for his 7th of the year.

Hierarchy remains: Phillips | Graterol | Ferguson.

August 31, 2023
Los Angeles Dodgers — For the second time in two weeks, Ryan Yarbrough earned a super-sized save. Wednesday he gave the rest of the bullpen the night off by powering through four innings of scoreless ball in a 7-0 win.

Hierarchy remains: Phillips | Graterol | Ferguson.

August 29, 2023
Los Angeles Dodgers – Evan Phillips did not pitch Monday, as projected by the Vulture Save Watch, but it was Caleb Ferguson and not Brusdar Graterol who got the opportunity in the ninth, earning his third save. He has been used as an opener recently, but this save chance proves he still belongs in the hierarchy. Graterol last worked Friday, throwing 31 pitches, so perhaps manager Dave Roberts wanted an additional day of rest to keep him fresh.

Hierarchy remains: Phillips | Graterol | Ferguson.

August 20, 2023
Los Angeles Dodgers – Evan Phillips pitched a perfect 9th inning in game one to earn his 19th save of the season.  The Dodgers won game two of the doubleheader also and this time Brusdar Graterol closed it out for his 6th save of the season.  Score another one for the Vulture Save Watch.

Hierarchy remains: Phillips | Graterol | Ferguson.

August 16, 2023
Los Angeles Dodgers – Ryan Yarbrough entered the seventh inning with a 6-1 lead and gave up a home run to the first batter he faced. That was his only blemish, however, as he retired the next nine hitters in a row to earn his first MLB save.

Hierarchy remains: Phillips | Graterol | Ferguson.

August 11, 2023
Los Angeles Dodgers – Here’s one we did predict, as Brusdar Graterol notched his 5th save of the year in place of a resting Evan Phillips. VSW +1.

Hierarchy remains: Phillips | Graterol | Ferguson.

August 4, 2023
Los Angeles Dodgers – Emmett Sheehan tossed the final four innings Thursday for his first career save. The rookie has promise, but likely as a starter in his future. He won’t factor into the normal late-innings mix for the Dodgers.

Hierarchy remains: *Phillips | Graterol | Ferguson.
* = closer-by-committee

July 30, 2023
Los Angeles Dodgers – Evan Phillips recorded the final four outs of the Dodgers’ 3-2 victory yesterday to pick up his 13th save of the season.  It was only Phillips’ second save in July but he is still the best bet for a save on any given night for the Dodgers.

Hierarchy remains: *Phillips | Graterol | Ferguson.
* = closer-by-committee

July 18, 2023
Los Angeles Dodgers – Plucked off the scrap heap after an unceremonious end to his tenure in Boston, Ryan Brasier has pitched surprisingly well (12.1 IP, 2 ER) for the Dodgers since being called up from AAA in June. Yesterday, with Evan Phillips getting a breather, Brasier picked up his first save as a Dodger.

Hierarchy remains: *Phillips | Graterol | Ferguson.
* = closer-by-committee

July 7, 2023
Los Angeles Dodgers — It was another good news/bad news day for the Dodgers’ bullpen on Thursday. The bad news is that Daniel Hudson, who earned his first save in 392 days on Wednesday, landed on the IL with an MCL sprain on his right knee. Hudson is expected to miss at least 1-2 months, if not longer. The good news is that Brusdar Graterol, who was expected to end up on the IL yesterday, avoided that and looked sharp in an efficient eighth-inning hold. With Evan Phillips still unavailable, that left the save to Alex Vesia, who was recalled from Triple-A that afternoon. Vesia looked sharp as well, earning his first save in nearly a year. Caleb Ferguson, who desperately needed a day off after three straight outings, returns to the hierarchy following the Hudson injury, but we’ll keep an eye on Vesia to see if he continues to get high-leverage looks even when the Dodgers have their full complement of relievers available.

Updated hierarchy: *Phillips | Graterol | Ferguson.
* = closer-by-committee

July 6, 2023
Los Angeles Dodgers — LA has wasted little time getting Daniel Hudson back into the late-innings mix, turning to him for a rocky save on Wednesday — his first in 392 days — when Evan Phillips needed rest. The bad news for the Dodgers is that Brusdar Graterol was unavailable with an “arm thing” that could land him on the IL as early as today.

Updated hierarchy: *Phillips | Graterol | Hudson.
* = closer-by-committee

July 1, 2023
Los Angeles Dodgers – The Dodgers activated Daniel Hudson from the IL yesterday, after missing nearly a year with an ACL injury. The Dodgers immediately gave him the ball in the 8th inning of a 6 run game. He pitched a clean frame with 2 strikeouts and is a welcome addition to the back end of the Dodgers bullpen. Hudson was one of the most reliable set up men before his injury last year, and we will see if he can return to form. Don’t be surprised if he starts moving up the hierarchy quickly, but we will wait to see how he is deployed before making a move.

Hierarchy remains: *Phillips | Graterol | Ferguson.
* = closer-by-committee

June 25, 2023
Los Angeles Dodgers – After a Ryne Stanek balk in the top of the 9th inning allowed the go-ahead run to score, Evan Phillips earned his 10th save of the season with a scoreless bottom of the 9th inning.  Phillips is the best bet to get a save on any given night but Brusdar Graterol has been solid this season and could steal some saves from Phillips.

Hierarchy remains: *Phillips | Graterol | Ferguson.
* = closer-by-committee

June 24, 2023
Los Angeles Dodgers – Just prior to last night’s game, Dave Roberts said that despite having Thursday off he wanted to stay away from Evan Phillips due to his recent workload. True to his word, this left the 9th inning for Brusdar Graterol, who needed only 7 pitches to close out a 1 run game. Phillips and Graterol continue to be the best options in the Dodgers bullpen, and while Phillips seems to be the top choice, Graterol is very much in the mix.

Hierarchy remains: *Phillips | Graterol | Ferguson.
* = closer-by-committee

June 11, 2023
Los Angeles Dodgers – Andre Jackson pitched three scoreless innings to finish off a 9-0 Dodgers’ win and pick up his second save of the season.  Jackson also pitched three scoreless innings for a save in his debut this season but has given up 13 runs of his other 5 appearances.  Apparently Jackson struggles in non-save situations (of the three inning variety) like some closers so maybe the Dodgers would be best to save him for those three inning save situations.

Hierarchy remains: *Phillips | Graterol | Ferguson.
* = closer-by-committee

June 11, 2023
Los Angeles Dodgers – The Dodgers’ committee kept rolling yesterday as Brusdar Graterol got the 7th inning, Evan Phillips pitched the 8th and started the 9th before Caleb Ferguson came on for the last two outs to pick up the save.  Philllips recorded four saves in a row in early May but has not recorded any of the last three.  We will see if this continues or if the Dodgers start to turn to Phillips again more regularly in save chances.

Hierarchy remains: *Phillips | Graterol | Ferguson.
* = closer-by-committee

May 28, 2023
Los Angeles Dodgers – The Dodgers’ committee kept rolling yesterday as Brusdar Graterol got the 7th inning, Evan Phillips pitched the 8th and started the 9th before Caleb Ferguson came on for the last two outs to pick up the save.  Philllips recorded four saves in a row in early May but has not recorded any of the last three.  We will see if this continues or if the Dodgers start to turn to Phillips again more regularly in save chances.

Hierarchy remains: *Phillips | Graterol | Ferguson.
* = closer-by-committee

May 23, 2023
Los Angeles Dodgers – We’re back to committee mode in Los Angeles, as Evan Phillips was used in the 5th(!) inning of a tight game against Atlanta. Four other relievers combined to finish the game, which ended with a 4-out save from Brusdar Graterol, who is likely the lead beneficiary of Phillips’ fireman usage.

Updated hierarchy: *Phillips | Graterol | Ferguson.
* = closer-by-committee

May 14, 2023
Los Angeles Dodgers – The Dodgers’ flip-flopped Evan Phillips and Brusdar Graterol last night with Phillips getting the 8th inning and Graterol getting the 9th.  Phillips pitched a scoreless inning and Graterol recorded outs on the first two batters he faced, but after allowing back-to-back singles, Caleb Ferguson came on in relief of Graterol.  Ferguson struck out the only batter he faced and picked up his first save of the season.  We will see if this sort of usage continues and pushes this back towards a committee. 

Hierarchy remains: Phillips | Graterol | Ferguson.

May 10, 2023
Los Angeles Dodgers – With the tying run on deck in a 6-2 game, Evan Phillips came on in relief of Brusdar Graterol to pick up the final out of the ninth and earn the save. To be fair to Graterol, he didn’t allow a run and was in that jam largely because of an error, but this was Phillips’ fourth straight save and third since May 6, which is enough to kick the asterisk. In other news, Caleb Ferguson is the latest Dodger to hit the paternity list.

Hierarchy remains: Phillips | Graterol | Ferguson.

May 7, 2023
Los Angeles Dodgers – Evan Phillips struck out the side to pick up his 4th save of the season.  Brusdar Graterol recorded the 8th inning hold ahead of Phillips.  Phillips now has the last two Dodgers’ saves and should continue to be the best bet for saves in this committee.

Hierarchy remains: *Phillips | Graterol | Ferguson.
* = closer-by-committee

May 1, 2023
Los Angeles Dodgers – The Dodgers used five relievers to get the game’s final 13 outs, and the last of those was Evan Phillips, who picked up his third save (though his first in a while), much to the relief of his fantasy owners. He’s still top dog in this committee for now.

Hierarchy remains: *Phillips | Graterol | Ferguson.
* = closer-by-committee

April 30, 2023
Los Angeles Dodgers – Evan Phillips pitched a scoreless 8th inning with a pair of strikeouts and Brusdar Graterol finished off the 1-0 win with a scoreless 9th inning to record his second save of the season.  Phillips and Graterol both have two saves this season, but Phillips’ both came in early April while Graterol’s have both come in the past week.  We will leave Phillips on top for now since he was away on paternity leave for one of those Graterol saves but there could be a shift at the top of this committee if things continue this way.

Hierarchy remains: *Phillips | Graterol | Ferguson.
* = closer-by-committee

April 26, 2023
Los Angeles Dodgers – Evan Phillips’ move to the bereavement list was indeed procedural and he rejoined the Dodgers on Tuesday following the birth of his child, while Brusdar Graterol replaced Phillips on the paternity list. With his team trailing by two in the bottom of the sixth, Phillips made sure he got some work in and pitched a 1-2-3 inning. The Dodgers eventually took the lead, and after Caleb Ferguson left the bases loaded in the eighth, Shelby Miller completed the ninth for his first career save, which the Vulture Save Watch thought might happen. Miller has allowed just two earned runs all season but has not yet recorded a hold.

Hierarchy remains: *Phillips | Graterol | Ferguson.
* = closer-by-committee

April 25, 2023
Los Angeles Dodgers – Evan Phillips was moved from the paternity list to the bereavement list, which we’re praying is a procedural move rather than something more ominous. Additionally, Brusdar Graterol also went on the paternity list, leaving the Dodgers thin at the back end of the bullpen. We don’t traditionally update hierarchies for short-term leave like this, so check the Vulture Save Watch for speculative save chances for the next few days.

Hierarchy remains: *Phillips | Graterol | Ferguson.
* = closer-by-committee

April 24, 2023
Los Angeles Dodgers – With Evan Phillips on the paternity list, Brusdar Graterol got the call on Sunday, pitching the game’s final two innings for his first save of the season. The Vulture Save Watch was on this, of course.

Hierarchy remains: *Phillips | Graterol | Ferguson.
* = closer-by-committee

April 21, 2023
Los Angeles Dodgers – Evan Phillips was placed on the paternity list, so he will be out of action for a few days. Expect Brusdar Graterol to get the bulk of the save chances in his stead. While we’re talking about the Dodgers, it’s time to address how bad Alex Vesia has been to start the season – 11.12 ERA, 3.53 WHIP. He won’t be sniffing the ninth anytime soon. We’ll slide up Caleb Ferguson, who has looked impressive in the early going (2.45 ERA, 1.09 WHIP).

Updated hierarchy: *Phillips | Graterol | Ferguson.
* = closer-by-committee

April 7, 2023
Los Angeles Dodgers – In two of the past three days, Evan Phillips has picked up two clean saves and is another consecutive one away from kicking the asterisk, though it should be noted Brusdar Graterol was not available Thursday due to back tightness. With Graterol ailing and Daniel Hudson slow to recover from knee surgery, Phillips could grab hold of the job and keep it for a long, long time for one of the best teams in baseball.

Hierarchy remains: *Phillips | Graterol | Vesia.
* = closer-by-committee

April 2, 2023
Los Angeles Dodgers – Andre Jackson picked up the first save of the season for the Dodgers as he pitched the last three innings of their lopsided 10-1 victory yesterday.  Jackson only allowed one hit over three scoreless innings but he is not expected to be included in more conventional save chances moving forward.

Hierarchy remains: *Phillips | Graterol | Vesia.
* = closer-by-committee

March 25, 2023
Los Angeles Dodgers – Brusdar Graterol is working on secondary pitches to go with his 100mph fastball, and if he can find some success there, he could turn into a dominant closer.  We will slide him up one spot to first in line and see if he can put it all together this season.

Updated hierarchy: *Phillips | Graterol | Vesia.
* = closer-by-committee

March 16, 2023
Los Angeles Dodgers – The Dodgers head into 2023 without a designated closer, with Blake Treinen not expected to pitch this year and Daniel Hudson set to miss the early part of the season. Expect folks like Evan Phillips, Alex Vesia, Brusdar Graterol and Caleb Ferguson to be in the mix for saves, with Phillips likely having the slight edge on the group.

Starting 2023 hierarchy: *Phillips | Vesia | Graterol.
* = closer-by-committee
Holds candidates: Vesia, Graterol, Ferguson.

October 2, 2022
Los Angeles Dodgers — Brusdar Graterol pitched a perfect 9th inning for his fourth save of the season.   Graterol served as an opener in his previous outing so that just shows how wide open this bullpen is.

Hierarchy remains: *Phillips | Vesia | Kahnle.
* = closer-by-committee

September 30, 2022
Los Angeles Dodgers — Alex Vesia got the final two outs of the eighth ahead of David Price, who was pitching for the first time in a month. Price recorded the final three outs for his second save of the season. Evan Phillips and Tommy Kahnle had pitched in two straight entering Thursday.

Hierarchy remains: *Phillips | Vesia | Kahnle.
* = closer-by-committee

September 29, 2022
Los Angeles Dodgers — Tommy Kahnle threw his hat into the Dodgers’ closer committee ring, grabbing a tenth-inning save and allowing LA to join the Yankees with 12 pitchers with saves entering the final week of the season. Kahnle’s last save was with New York in August 2018, but both he and the freshly returned David Price could have important bullpen roles to play this postseason for Los Angeles.

Updated hierarchy: *Phillips | Vesia | Kahnle.
* = closer-by-committee

September 26, 2022
Los Angeles Dodgers – Andre Jackson picked up the save for the Dodgers on Sunday, coming in with a 3-run lead in the 7th and staying on all the way through the game’s end. With a 21-game lead, expect more of this laissez-faire bullpen approach from Los Angeles down the stretch.

Hierarchy remains: *Phillips | Vesia | Martin.
* = closer-by-committee

September 24, 2022
Los Angeles Dodgers – The Dodgers said yesterday that Craig Kimbrel would be used in a variety of roles and that the Dodgers will be switching to a closer by committee, presumably for the rest of the season. Kimbrel did pitch a clean inning last night, but it was with the Dodgers down by 8 in the 6th inning. We think Evan Phillips and Alex Vesia are the best bet to get saves. The Dodgers have other options as well, as Chris Martin recently vultured a save, and Brusdar Graterol has electric stuff. We will see how the Dodgers deploy their arms moving forward, but it is a good time to speculate with the season drawing to a close.

Updated hierarchy: *Phillips | Vesia | Martin.
* = closer-by-committee

September 23, 2022
Los Angeles Dodgers – The Dodgers announced today that Craig Kimbrel is out as the closer, and they would be using a committee to close games. Kimbrel will be used in a variety of roles going forward. This opens the door for Evan Phillips and Alex Vesia to showcase their stuff, while Tuesday’s vulture save earner Chris Martin also joins the hierarchy. 

Updated hierarchy: *Phillips | Vesia | Martin

September 21, 2022
Los Angeles Dodgers – When the Dodgers rallied for five runs in the eighth to take a 6-5 lead in game one of Tuesday’s doubleheader, they turned to Chris Martin for the ninth. Martin retired all three hitters he faced for his second save of the season. Martin vultured a save at the end of August but hasn’t seen much high-leverage work this month. We’ll see if that changes as the Dodgers set up their bullpen for the playoffs. 

Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Phillips | Vesia.

September 19, 2022
Los Angeles Dodgers – After a 4-inning outing by starter Andrew Heaney, the Dodgers needed seven relievers to navigate the remainder of their 10-inning affair with the Giants. At the end of the contest, with the bases loaded, 2 outs, and the Dodgers up by a run, out came lefty Justin Bruihl, who battled Lamonte Wade Jr. through a seven-pitch at-bat before inducing a groundout. It was Bruihl’s first save of the year.

Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Phillips | Vesia.

September 15, 2022
Los Angeles Dodgers — Craig Kimbrel gave up a one-run lead in the tenth courtesy of a three-run homer, but Dave Roberts remained confident in his closer, who had not allowed a hit in his previous eight appearances.

Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Phillips | Vesia.

September 3, 2022
Los Angeles Dodgers – The Dodgers activated Blake Treinen after nearly five months on the IL yesterday. Treinen was in line to be the primary set up man for Los Angeles, but his shoulder injury derailed the season before it got going. If Treinen can return to form, he could snag a few save chances down the stretch, but we will see how he is deployed prior to getting him back in the hierarchy.

Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Phillips | Vesia.

August 31, 2022
Los Angeles Dodgers – The Dodgers didn’t have many relievers available on Tuesday, which meant that Jake Reed got the ball in the ninth inning with a one-run lead against the Mets. Reed, who pitched for the Mets earlier this season, recorded the final three outs for his first MLB save.

Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Phillips | Vesia.

August 30, 2022
Los Angeles Dodgers – After Craig Kimbrel, who was in his second inning of work, issued two walks to load the bases with one out, Chris Martin came on and wriggled out of the jam, getting a strikeout and popout to end the game. It was Martin’s first save of the season.

Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Phillips | Vesia.

August 20, 2022
Los Angeles Dodgers — In a 1 run game the Dodgers went with Evan Phillips instead of heavily worked closer Craig Kimbrel. Phillips got the job done for his second save of the year. Kimbrel had pitched in 4 of the last 6 and after the game manager Dave Roberts said that the reason he didn’t go to Kimbrel was “usage.” It is worth nothing that Kimbrel has been a little bit shaky as of late, giving up runs in 4 of his last 6 appearances, but with only 1 blown save during that stretch, and the Dodgers being safely in the lead of the NL West, his job is safe for the moment.

Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Phillips | Vesia.

July 24, 2022
Los Angeles Dodgers — Craig Kimbrell got the day off as the Vulture Save Watch predicted but it could not predict that David Price would record the save.  The Dodgers were up four runs heading into the 9th inning but after Reyes Maronta walked a couple batters, Price entered the game.  He allowed a couple of hits but was able to record the final out to get his first save of the season.  Price became the seventh different pitcher to record a save for the Dodgers this season.

Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Phillips | Vesia.

July 15, 2022
Los Angeles Dodgers — Brusdar Graterol (right shoulder inflammation) on Thursday joined a growing list of Dodgers relievers on the IL. Look for Alex Vesia, who recently secured his first save, to get some more late-inning looks.

Updated hierarchy: Kimbrel | Phillips | Vesia.

July 14, 2022
Los Angeles Dodgers — The Dodgers wanted to be sure to use Craig Kimbrel on Wednesday, so in he came in the eighth inning of a game the team trailed. When they took the lead in the top of the ninth, though, that left Evan Phillips to pick up his first save of the season.

Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Graterol | Phillips.

July 11, 2022
Los Angeles Dodgers – Craig Kimbrel got Sunday off having pitched in three of the last four games, so Brusdar Graterol went the final two innings for the save. Vulture Save Watch! Read it!

Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Graterol | Phillips.

July 8, 2022
Los Angeles Dodgers – Craig Kimbrel had a tough outing in the ninth on Thursday, allowing a run on a double. He also threw a wild pitch and allowed a walk. He recorded two outs before being pulled for Alex Vesia, who struck out the final batter for his first save. Kimbrel had a recent injury scare so it’s possible it affected his performance. Though, it’s also worth noting Kimbrel can be wild, at times. The situation is worth keeping an eye on. On a side note, Brusdar Graterol left Thursday’s game with right side soreness. We’ll keep an eye on that as well!

Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Graterol | Phillips.

July 6, 2022
Los Angeles Dodgers – Craig Kimbrel’s CT scan came back clean yesterday, which means he will avoid the IL and be available today. Brusdar Graterol closed out Tuesday’s win for his second save of the season.

Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Graterol | Phillips.

July 5, 2022
Los Angeles Dodgers – Yency Almonte picked up a one-out save after Reyes Moronta, staked with a four-run lead in the 9th, got in trouble. The Dodgers will continue to mix and match in the late innings with Craig Kimbrel day-to-day.

Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Graterol | Phillips.

June 27, 2022
Los Angeles Dodgers – Brusdar Graterol got an 11th inning save on Sunday night after Craig Kimbrel had pitched earlier in the game. Also, keep an eye here on Reyes Moronta, who pitched two scoreless innings in this one and has been stellar when healthy this season.

Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Graterol | Phillips.

June 25, 2022
Los Angeles Dodgers — While protecting a 3 run lead in the 8th inning, Daniel Hudson fell awkwardly off the mound, and suffered a season ending ACL injury. Hudson had been the team leader in holds, and was the only Dodger with a save besides Craig Kimbrel. Brusdar Graterol will take over the primary set-up responsibilities, while Evan Phillips (who pitched a clean 7th inning last night) will jump into the hierarchy. We wish Hudson a speedy recovery.

Updated Hierarchy: Kimbrel, Graterol, Phillips

June 11, 2022
Los Angeles Dodgers — The Dodgers activated Craig Kimbrel from the paternity list, and he is expected to resume closing immediately.

Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Hudson | Graterol

June 9, 2022
Los Angeles Dodgers — As expected, Daniel Hudson picked up the save with Craig Kimbrel welcoming a child. Kimbrel will be out through Saturday.

Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Hudson | Graterol.

June 8, 2022
Los Angeles Dodgers — Craig Kimbrel was placed on the paternity list yesterday. Daniel Hudson will take over the ninth inning until Kimbrel returns this weekend.

Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Hudson | Graterol.

June 4, 2022
Los Angeles Dodgers —  Daniel Hudson entered the 8th inning with the tying run on deck. He got the last out of the 8th, stranding 2 runners, and then stuck around for the 9th after the Dodgers pushed their lead to 5 to earn his 4th save on the year. Craig Kimbrel pitched a clean inning on Thursday, so there’s no reason to think that this was anything other than a situational save for Hudson, and Kimbrel should be ready to go this weekend.

Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Hudson | Graterol.

June 2, 2022
Los Angeles Dodgers — Craig Kimbrel was unavailable the last two days as he focused on fixing issues with his delivery that may have contributed to his recent struggles. Dave Roberts says that Kimbrel will work regularly from here on out, taking no more than two days off in a row.

Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Hudson | Graterol.

May 29, 2022
Los Angeles Dodgers — Craig Kimbrel wasn’t feeling well last night so the Dodgers went with Daniel Hudson to close out their 3-2 win.  Kimbrel should be fine moving forward.

Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Hudson | Graterol.

May 19, 2022
Los Angeles Dodgers — Craig Kimbrel was rested, as the VSW projected, and it was Daniel Hudson who picked up the save, his second of the year.

Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Hudson | Graterol.

April 24, 2022
Los Angeles Dodgers — Blake Treinen was placed on the IL retroactive to April 18th.  Brusdar Graterol pitched the 8th inning of a tie game last night and we will slide him onto the hierarchy, but the Dodgers have a very strong bullpen and Phil Bickford and Evan Phillips should also see more time in the later innings while Treinen is out.

Updated hierarchy: Kimbrel | Hudson | Graterol.

April 17, 2022
Los Angeles Dodgers — After Mitch White turned a 5 run lead into a save situation, Daniel Hudson came on to record the last two outs and pick up his first save of the season.  Craig Kimbrel was unavailable as the Dodgers don’t want to use him in consecutive games yet.

Updated hierarchy: Kimbrel | Treinen | Hudson.

April 1, 2022
Los Angeles Dodgers — It’s no April Fools’ joke; Craig Kimbrel is headed to LA, where he’s expected to close games. This will free Blake Treinen to be used in various high-leverage spots, with Daniel Hudson and Brusdar Graterol also taking important innings.

Updated hierarchy: Kimbrel | Treinen | Hudson.

March 30, 2022
Los Angeles Dodgers — Manager Dave Roberts has said that Blake Treinen will not be used as a traditional closer and now Treinen has said he prefers the flexible role.  We will see how this plays out but it sounds like Daniel Hudson and maybe even Brusdar Graterol could see more save chances and that’s bad news for Treinen fantasy owners.

Updated hierarchy: *Treinen | Hudson | Graterol.
* = closer-by-committee

March 24, 2022
Los Angeles Dodgers — With longtime closer Kenley Jansen headed off to Atlanta, it may not be as simple as plugging Blake Treinen into the ninth inning. Dave Roberts has been discussing a committee approach that would give him the freedom to use Treinen in the highest-leverage moments. Treinen has the best stuff in the Dodgers’ pen, and so remains the best bet, but don’t be surprised to see Daniel Hudson, lefty Alex Vesia, or others pulling down saves from time to time.

Starting 2022 hierarchy: *Treinen | Hudson | Vesia.
* = closer-by-committee
Holds candidates: Hudson, Vesia, Brusdar Graterol.

September 29, 2021
Los Angeles Dodgers — Kenley Jansen was available on Tuesday night, but Dave Roberts decided to go to a better-rested Blake Treinen for the ninth inning. Treinen converted his seventh save of the season, allowing Roberts to keep his closer “frisky and fresh.”

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Treinen | Kelly.

September 22, 2021
Los Angeles Dodgers — Blake Treinen earned a 10th-inning save after Kenley Jansen pitched a scoreless ninth to send the game to extras.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Treinen | Kelly.

September 22, 2021
Los Angeles Dodgers — After Joe Kelly, Blake Treinen and Kenley Jansen kept the game tied in the seventh, eighth and ninth inning, respectively, the Dodgers turned to Brusdar Graterol to protect a one-run lead in the 10th. Graterol retired the first two hitters he faced, but after walking the next batter, Dave Roberts called on Alex Vesia to get the final out. Vesia did just that to collect his first MLB save. Roberts recently said Vesia is a guy that the Dodgers trust in high-leverage spots, so don’t be surprised if we see more of the lefty as Los Angeles fights for a division title.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Treinen | Kelly.

September 2, 2021
Los Angeles Dodgers — Kenley Jansen and Blake Treinen had each gone in three of four, so Joe Kelly grabbed Wednesday’s save for the Dodgers.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Treinen | Kelly.

August 31, 2021
Los Angeles Dodgers – With Kenley Jansen resting after pitching two straight, Blake Treinen picked up the save. Just like the Vulture Save Watch said he would.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Treinen | Kelly.

August 26, 2021
Los Angeles Dodgers — Joe Kelly was activated from the COVID-19 IL on Wednesday and should return to sharing seventh-inning duties with Corey Knebel. Kelly got one out in the seventh last night, several hours before eighth-in-line Shane Greene pitched a scoreless sixteenth to earn his first save in a few years.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Treinen | Kelly.

August 20, 2021
Los Angeles Dodgers — Kenley Jansen got the night off Thursday after pitching in two of three, giving way for Blake Treinen to strike out the side in the ninth for his fourth save.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Treinen | Knebel.

August 15, 2021
Los Angeles Dodgers — Kenley Jansen and Blake Treinen were both unavailable last night, but you already knew that was going to happen after reading yesterday’s Vulture Save Watch.  Corey Knebel came on to record the final out of the game and record his third save of the season.  Score another one for the VSW.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Treinen | Knebel.

August 11, 2021
Los Angeles Dodgers — The Dodgers traded Joe Kelly to the IL in exchange for the return of Corey Knebel on Tuesday. Knebel, making his first MLB appearance since April, allowed his first two batters to reach but followed that by striking out Bryce Harper and J.T. Realmuto before Justin Bruihl finished the sixth inning. The Dodgers will hope Knebel can be an important part of their late-inning plans as they fight for a division title.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Treinen | Knebel.

August 5, 2021
Los Angeles Dodgers — Kenley Jansen’s struggles may not be behind him — he gave up a two-run homer last night before striking out the side — but his fantasy owners might just want to keep an eye on who’s catching when they set their lineups. With Austin Barnes behind the plate, Jansen has been nearly perfect; when Will Smith catches him, it’s the wild, wild west.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Treinen | Kelly.

July 26, 2021
Los Angeles Dodgers – With Kenley Jansen and Blake Treinen getting the day off, Joe Kelly picked up his first save of the season.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Treinen | Kelly.

July 25, 2021
Los Angeles Dodgers – Kenley Jansen bounced back with a scoreless ninth inning in a Dodgers 1-0 win to pick up his 22nd save of the season.   It was an encouraging outing for Jansen after three straight blown saves, and the Dodgers (and fantasy owners) will hope this gets him back on track.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Treinen | Kelly.

July 23, 2021
Los Angeles Dodgers – Yikes. After another blown save Thursday, Kenley Jansen has now allowed seven earned runs since Wednesday (!) and eight overall this week after giving up just five all season. Thursday’s loss wasn’t all his fault, though. The Giants’ Jason Vosler was originally ruled out at second for the game’s final out but that was overturned on replay. Then, Darin Ruf appeared to go around on a checked swing on a 3-2 pitch with the bases loaded, but the third-base umpire ruled that Ruf held the swing and sent him to first, enraging manager Dave Roberts, who after the game said, “I don’t think all the blame should be on Kenley.” While he’s kind of right, we’re talking three straight blown saves for Jansen since the break. So, will there be a new closer in LA? Not quite yet, as Roberts steadfastly supported Jansen after the game. Still, we’ll keep a close eye on the situation. Stay tuned. 

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Treinen | Kelly.

June 30, 2021
Los Angeles Dodgers – Joe Kelly has transformed into Joseph Kelly of late, having allowed just one earned run in his last eight innings of work. That includes a perfect 1.1 IP on Tuesday night, when he got the Dodgers out of a jam in the seventh before throwing a 1-2-3 eighth inning.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Treinen | Kelly.

June 16, 2021
Los Angeles Dodgers – We were right in thinking that Kenley Jansen would be unavailable, but despite having a similar workload as Jansen, Blake Treinen was available on Tuesday and grabbed his third save of the season.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Treinen | Nelson.

June 15, 2021
Los Angeles Dodgers – Converted starter Jimmy Nelson has found a new home in the Los Angeles bullpen. So far this season, he’s posted 36 Ks in 21.2 innings — his best strikeout rate ever by a very wide margin — to go along with a 2.08 ERA and 1.06 WHIP. He got the 8th inning ahead of Kenley Jansen last night and could see more high-leverage work if his success continues.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Treinen | Nelson.

June 11, 2021
Los Angeles Dodgers — Thursday’s Dodgers-Pirates game was shortened by rain, allowing Phil Bickford to earn the vulturiest of saves with a scoreless seventh inning.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Treinen | Kelly.

June 10, 2021
Los Angeles Dodgers — Joe Kelly’s numbers aren’t inspiring, but he’s been getting high-leverage work lately, including a sixth-inning hold in a tight game Wednesday night.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Treinen | Kelly.

May 22, 2021
Los Angeles Dodgers — Chalk another one up for the vulture save watch.  Kenley Jansen got the night off so it was Blake Treinen who got the save opportunity in a 1 run game. He converted for his second save of the year. The recently acquired Nate Jones got his first appearance for the Dodgers and threw 5 outs to nab a hold. Jones has closing experience and could make an impact in LA at some point, but he won’t crack the hierarchy just yet.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Treinen | Gonzalez.

May 9, 2021
Los Angeles Dodgers — In a game where the Dodgers’ once led 13-0, it’s amazing that there even was a save opportunity yesterday, but with a 14-11 lead in the ninth, the Dodgers called on Blake Treinen.  Treinen struck out a pair in a scoreless ninth for his first save of the season.  Manager Dave Roberts said that Kenley Jansen was available but since Treinen had already warmed up in case he was needed in the 8th, they just let him finish the game.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Treinen | Gonzalez.

April 28, 2021
Los Angeles Dodgers — Dave Roberts confirmed late last night that Victor Gonzalez went on the IL for vaccine-related reasons. He could be back as early as today.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Treinen | Gonzalez.

April 26, 2021
Los Angeles Dodgers — With Corey Knebel on the injured list and projected to be out for months, the Dodgers will have to turn to guys like Victor Gonzalez, Scott Alexander and Brusdar Graterol to fill that hole. Graterol and Gonzalez didn’t exactly inspire confidence last night during the Dodgers’ late-inning collapse, nor did Jimmy Nelson, who blew a chance at his first career save in the ninth.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Treinen | Gonzalez.

April 18, 2021
Los Angeles Dodgers — Kenley Jansen got the day off yesterday as the Vulture Save Watch predicted, but it was lefty Victor Gonzalez who ended up recording the last two outs of the game to pick up the save.  However, let’s be clear, the save really should have gone to Mookie Betts for this ridiculous game-saving catch for the last out of the game.  Gonzalez became the fourth Dodger to record a save so far this season, and manager Dave Roberts previously mentioned he felt comfortable using Knebel, Treinen, or Gonzalez when Jansen is rested.  The Dodgers are going to win a lot of games this year and they will likely rest Jansen a lot throughout the season so there could be a decent number of save chances for the other guys in their bullpen as we have already seen so far this season. 

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Knebel | Treinen.

April 16, 2021
Los Angeles Dodgers — It was a special night in Los Angeles on Thursday as David Price pitched a clean ninth to earn his first save since the 2008 ALCS. Manager Dave Roberts said he told Price before the game he’d get the opportunity to close if the situation presented itself. When Price converted to close Jackie Robinson Day across Major League Baseball, Roberts said, “I think (it) capped a really good night off.” Price could be looking at some high-leverage bullpen work moving forward, so we’ll track his upcoming usage. 

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Knebel | Treinen.

April 10, 2021
Los Angeles Dodgers — With a 1 run lead in the 9th, the Dodgers turned to Cory Knebel for the save opportunity. He converted for his second of the year. After the game, Dave Roberts said that he didn’t want to use Kenley Jansen because it would have been his 3rd outing in 4 days. The Dodgers are stacked so they can afford to rest their bullpen, but Knebel’s two saves are enough to move him to first in line.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Knebel | Treinen.

April 5, 2021
Los Angeles Dodgers — With Kenley Jansen unavailable after a five-out save on Saturday, it was Corey Knebel picking up a vulture save — his first save since the 2018 NLCS against the Dodgers.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Treinen | Knebel.

March 5, 2021
Los Angeles Dodgers – For better or worse, the Dodgers seem determined on having Kenley Jansen start the year as their closer. Jansen wasn’t exactly a beacon of reliability in 2020, and it was Julio Urias, not Jansen, to record the final outs of the Dodgers’ NLCS and World Series clinchers. With Urias pegged for a spot in the rotation, the job seems like Jansen’s to lose. Blake Treinen will be lurking behind Jansen, as will Corey Knebel. If Brusdar Graterol isn’t put in the rotation, he could see some high-leverage spots as well.

Starting 2021 hierarchy: Jansen | Treinen | Knebel.
Holds candidates: Treinen, Knebel, Graterol, Joe Kelly.

September 27, 2020
Los Angeles Dodgers — The Dodgers have already locked up the best record in baseball so they rested their entire hierarchy on Saturday.  Adam Kolarek ended up getting the last two outs of the game for his first save of the season.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Treinen | Baez.

September 17, 2020
Los Angeles Dodgers — As predicted in the Vulture Save Watch, Kenley Jansen and Blake Treinen got the night off which meant Pedro Baez got the last two outs of a 2 run game to pick up his second save of the year. This win clinched a playoff berth for the Dodgers, so they may start giving their top arms a bit more rest, which will be easier with Joe Kelly just being activated from the IL. We will wait to see how Kelly is used, but he could see some high leverage innings down the stretch.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Treinen | Baez.

September 13, 2020
Los Angeles Dodgers — The Dodgers activated Pedro Baez before yesterday’s game and immediately used him in the 7th inning of a tight game.  Baez threw a scoreless inning and should continue to work in a set-up role ahead of closer Kenley Jansen.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Treinen | Baez.

September 11, 2020
Los Angeles Dodgers — Joe Kelly was activated from the injured list on Thursday, but must now begin serving his five-game suspension.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Treinen | Ferguson.

September 10, 2020
Los Angeles Dodgers — As predicted in the Vulture Save Watch, Kenley Jansen was given the night off after a 31 pitch outing on Tuesday, so the extra innings save chance fell to Blake Treinen. Treinen pitched a clean inning to get his first save of the year. Treinen has been good this year, only giving up runs in 3 appearances, but he isn’t a threat to take over for Jansen, who is enjoying a return to form after a couple of down years.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Treinen | Ferguson.

September 4, 2020
Los Angeles Dodgers — Two former hierarchy members are on their way back. Joe Kelly will throw to live hitters this weekend; whenever he’s activated, he needs to serve a five-game suspension. Plus, Pedro Baez threw a bullpen session Thursday and will face live hitters early next week. He is nearing a return as well.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Treinen | Ferguson.

August 26, 2020
Los Angeles Dodgers — Blake Treinen got the Dodgers out of a sixth-inning jam and then stayed on for the seventh, but he only made it through the first two outs before lefty Caleb Ferguson completed the frame and then finished the eighth, totaling three strikeouts in the process. Ferguson did face a lefty-heavy portion of the lineup in the eighth, but he’s been tough against both lefties and righties this year and his numbers (0.71 ERA, 0.63 WHIP, 13.5 K/9) and usage last night suggest he is ahead of Brusdar Graterol in the Dodgers’ hierarchy.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Treinen | Ferguson.

August 21, 2020
Los Angeles Dodgers — Pedro Baez suffered a groin strain and was moved to the 10-day IL Thursday. Expect some late-inning hold chances for Brusdar Graterol, Caleb Ferguson and Jake McGee.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Treinen | Graterol.

July 31, 2020
Los Angeles Dodgers — As the Vulture Save Watch predicted, Kenley Jansen was rested Thursday after he pitched in three of the previous four days. Blake Treinen had also pitched in two straight, so the Dodgers turned to Pedro Baez, who converted the chance for his first save of the season.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Treinen | Baez.

February 26, 2020
Los Angeles Dodgers — Kenley Jansen will once again be the Dodgers’ closer, although he is coming off a second straight season with inflated numbers. Jansen’s K/9 was well off his career average and his velocity took a small, but noticeable, dip. Setting up Jansen is free agent addition Blake Treinen, who followed an exceptional 2018 with a lukewarm 2019 which saw him relinquish the closer’s role in Oakland to Liam Hendriks. Pedro Baez, Joe Kelly and Scott Alexander all return to their familiar roles in the Dodgers bullpen and will look to get the ball through the middle innings to Jansen. Of these three, Alexander’s value may take a hit as he was primarily a LOOGY and under the new three batter rules he may not see as many cheap holds as before. Jansen is still an excellent source of saves, as the Dodgers will likely challenge for the best record in the league, but he has fallen from his position as the best closer in the game.

Starting 2020 hierarchy: Jansen | Treinen | Baez.
Holds candidates: Treinen, Baez, Kelly, Alexander.

September 27, 2019
Los Angeles Dodgers — As the Vulture Save Watch warned, Kenley Jansen was due for some rest after going three of four and did not pitch Thursday in a 1-0 win. Pedro Baez did pitch, but not in the bottom of the ninth, instead tossing a scoreless eighth inning. Adam Kolarek got the ball to begin the ninth and allowed a hit before being lifted for Kenta Maeda, who slammed the door for his third save. The Dodgers have nothing to play for, but Jansen could be due for a tuneup this weekend to keep him fresh. Joe Kelly won’t likely pitch until Sunday, so keep Maeda in mind for any vulture save opportunities this weekend.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Kelly | Baez.

September 19, 2019
Los Angeles Dodgers — Kenley Jansen pieced together three straight solid outings, leading Dodgers fans to wonder if the closer had finally turned the corner and regained his edge. Then came Wednesday and his career-high eighth blown save. The only upside for LA was that their loss kept the Yankees up late and didn’t let them clinch the AL East.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Kelly | Baez.

September 16, 2019
Los Angeles Dodgers – Dave Roberts told Kenley Jansen that he would pitch the eighth inning on Sunday, and Jansen came through with a solid 1-2-3 frame to keep the game tied at 2-2. After the Dodgers took the lead in the top of the ninth, Adam Kolarek got the first out of the bottom of the frame before Kenta Maeda notched the final two outs to pick up the save. Pedro Baez had already faced the top of the order in the sixth inning and Joe Kelly was presumably off following two straight days of work. The Dodgers have the luxury of only needing to clinch home field advantage for the playoffs at this point, so you could see a lot of different names get save chances over the next two weeks. The good news for Jansen owners is that the embattled closer has put together two straight strong outings.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Kelly | Baez.

September 4, 2019
Los Angeles Dodgers – It wasn’t pretty, but Kenley Jansen picked up the save last night despite allowing another run thanks to a one-out walk and a double. Dave Roberts, who wasn’t exactly thrilled with the walk last night, has not only said that he wants to manage Jansen’s workload, but he also is willing to pitch his closer in non-save situations. If you’re searching for saves in your chase for a title, Joe Kelly and Pedro Baez could be worth adding.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Kelly | Baez.

September 3, 2019
Los Angeles Dodgers – Kenta Maeda picked up the rare 4-inning save on Monday, closing out a blowout win for the Dodgers. Maeda was just moved to the bullpen so he can prepare for his likely postseason role as a reliever; it’s possible he gets another save chance or two since the Dodgers are trying not to overwork Kenley Jansen down the stretch.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Kelly | Baez.

September 2, 2019
Los Angeles Dodgers – Pedro Baez collected his first save of the year on Sunday, throwing a scoreless 11th inning after the Dodgers took a 1-run lead. Kenley Jansen and Joe Kelly had already pitched earlier in the game.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Kelly | Baez.

August 30, 2019
Los Angeles Dodgers — Kenley Jansen received a vote of confidence from Dave Roberts before Thursday’s game. Jansen blew his seventh save on Wednesday but is still the man to own in LA, even if his workload will be limited down the stretch. 

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Kelly | Baez.

August 29, 2019
Los Angeles Dodgers — Kenley Jansen blew the lead in the ninth, allowing Casey Sadler to earn his first career save in extras.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Kelly | Baez.

August 17, 2019
Los Angeles Dodgers — Julio Urias came in to protect a two-run lead in the seventh inning. He then stuck around for the final two frames after the Dodgers extended the lead to five to earn his fourth save of the year. Urias sees some longer relief appearances, but the Dodgers are not afraid to use him in higher-leverage spots. 

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Kelly | Baez.

July 31, 2019
Los Angeles Dodgers — Julio Urias opened Tuesday’s game and allowed two earned runs over 2.2 innings and 61 pitches. Tony Gonsolin pitched the final four innings to collect his first career save in just his second career MLB appearance. Urias’ last save was a three-inning effort on June 13, and while he is a versatile option out of the bullpen for Dave Roberts, it’s more likely Pedro Baez gets a save chance than Urias.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Kelly | Baez.

July 20, 2019
Los Angeles Dodgers — As Dave Roberts indicated, Kenley Jansen was available last night after his injury scare. He delivered a great performance, striking out the side in a one-run game to pick up his 24th save of the year. Jansen owners will be happy to see him back and appearing healthy.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Kelly | Urias.

July 19, 2019
Los Angeles Dodgers — Kenley Jansen (ankle) did not pitch Thursday, but manager Dave Roberts said before the game the closer was likely available. So it’s safe for fantasy owners to trot him out there this weekend.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Kelly | Urias.

July 18, 2019
Los Angeles Dodgers — Kenley Jansen felt better yesterday after taking a comebacker off his ankle, but he was still unavailable for Wednesday’s game. Jansen’s absence should only be temporary however, as he is not expected to need an IL stint and likely would be able to close today if needed. Dave Roberts confirmed before last night’s game that Julio Urias or Joe Kelly would serve as closer if the situation arose. An almost three-hour rain delay threw a wrench into those plans, however, as Julio Urias had to serve as the long man and throw 61 pitches over 2.2 innings of work. Urias handed a one-out, bases-loaded jam to Pedro Baez in the sixth, and while Baez allowed the tying run to score on a groundout, Baez pitched well over 1.2 IP. The Dodgers eventually took a five-run lead, so Kelly pitched a stress-free eighth inning to help lock down the win. Based on Roberts’ pregame comments, we’ll replace Baez with Kelly in our hierarchy for now. Kelly has pitched much better of late, allowing only two runs over his last 15 innings. We’ll see if Roberts completely abandons Baez or if this sudden trust in Kelly sticks.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Kelly | Urias.

July 17, 2019
Los Angeles Dodgers — Kenley Jansen took a comebacker off his right ankle, then gave up four straight hits to blow a two-run lead. After the game, he was noticeably limping and blamed the injury for the loss. Pedro Baez has been struggling, but if Jansen hits the IL tomorrow, it’s probably still Baez with the edge over Julio Urias and Joe Kelly. The Dodgers seem ever more likely to make a move for a reliever.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Baez | Urias.

July 15, 2019
Los Angeles Dodgers – The much-maligned Joe Kelly picked up his first save of the season on Sunday, pitching the bottom of the 13th inning in a 3-run game. Virtually every other Dodgers reliever had already pitched, including Pedro Baez, who has had a rough go of it lately, having allowed 6 ERs in his last three appearances. He’s still probably the handcuff to Kenley Jansen, but we’ll watch to see how the Dodgers respond to his troubles in the coming days.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Baez | Urias.

June 27, 2019
Los Angeles Dodgers — The MLB-leading Dodgers are considering an upgrade to one of their few weak spots, kicking the tires on two premier closers: divisional rival Will Smith and Pirates stalwart Felipe Vazquez. Kenley Jansen is as unhittable as ever (.192 BAA, 12.0 K/9), but the middle innings have been sketchy — and as the Yankees have shown recently, a contender can never have too many lights-out relievers.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Baez | Urias.

June 21, 2019
Los Angeles Dodgers — With Rich Hill out at least a month and Julio Urias’s spot start a smashing success, the young lefty may be headed to the rotation soon.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Baez | Urias.

June 20, 2019
Los Angeles Dodgers — Julio Urias will make a spot start on Thursday against the Giants, but Dave Roberts said that Urias will return to the bullpen and not remain part of a six-man rotation.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Baez | Urias.

June 14, 2019
Los Angeles Dodgers — Julio Urias pitched the final three innings Thursday to nail down his third save. Kenley Jansen was warming occasionally, but manager Dave Roberts never went to him with LA up four.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Baez | Urias.

May 23, 2019
Los Angeles Dodgers — Good news for the Dodgers, as Pedro Baez is doing better and could pitch again as early as this Friday.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Baez | Urias.

May 22, 2019
Los Angeles Dodgers – Julio Urias returned to the active roster Tuesday, and manager Dave Roberts said he won’t hesitate to use Urias in high-leverage situations right away. The timing is good for the Dodgers, as Pedro Baez took a comebacker off his right leg at 103 mph. Fortunately for Baez, X-rays were negative. The Dodgers plan to assess where Baez is at over the next couple days, but hopefully Baez can avoid a stint on the injured list.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Urias | Floro.

May 15, 2019
Los Angeles Dodgers – MLB placed Julio Urias on administrative leave following his arrest on suspicion of domestic battery. Righty Dylan Floro and lefty Scott Alexander should see more hold opportunities in Urias’ absence.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Baez | Floro.

May 11, 2019
Los Angeles Dodgers – With the Dodgers up three, they turned to Julio Urias for the seventh inning. After scoring twice more in the bottom half of the frame, Urias stuck around for the final two innings to pick up his second save of the year. Urias has been solid out of the bullpen, but some question whether he should be there at all. Still, until he cracks the rotation, he can be a good source of holds and the occasional save when Kenley Jansen is not available.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Baez | Urias.

May 7, 2019
Los Angeles Dodgers – Kenley Jansen had pitched three straight, so he got the night off, and former starter Julio Urias earned the save. This appeared to be matchup based, but we’ll watch to see if Urias gets additional high-leverage spots going forward.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Baez | Urias.

April 28, 2019
Los Angeles Dodgers — Pedro Baez entered yesterday’s game with the bases loaded and nobody out.  Baez did an outstanding job to strand all three runners and protect the Dodgers’ two-run lead.   Baez now has two wins and three holds in his past five appearances.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Kelly | Baez.

April 26, 2019
Los Angeles Dodgers — Not that his job is in jeopardy at all, but it’s worth mentioning that Kenley Jansen has allowed a run in five of his last seven appearances. Despite that, he’s 2-0 with four saves over that span. Each time, damage was limited to just one run, but he did yield three home runs in that stretch, including on Thursday when he gave up a solo shot with a 2-0 lead. He still managed to earn the save, but he has been playing with fire a bit these days.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Kelly | Alexander.

April 17, 2019
Los Angeles Dodgers — Scott Alexander struck out Joey Votto to end the seventh inning and keep the Dodgers’ 4-1 advantage intact. The Dodgers haven’t had many close leads to protect lately,  but Alexander should factor into the Dodgers’ late-inning plans, especially against left-handed hitters.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Kelly | Alexander.

April 6, 2019
Los Angeles Dodgers — Joe Kelly was hit on the wrist by a comebacker in the 9th inning last night. X-rays came back negative, and Dave Roberts doesn’t expect him to miss much time, but if he does hit the IL, other members of the bullpen could get a chance to prove themselves. Scott Alexander has been solid in the early going and may pick up some of the slack if Kelly misses a few games.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Kelly | Ferguson.

April 4, 2019
Los Angeles Dodgers — Joe Kelly and Pedro Baez have been really bad to start the season, and their struggles have given Caleb Ferguson a chance to shine. The 22-year-old lefty protected a one-run lead in front of Kenley Jansen on Wednesday, and although we think Kelly will get a chance to right the ship, Ferguson has earned a slot in the hierarchy. Meanwhile, Jansen will be making his first trip back to Denver since he was sidelined with a heart condition there last August.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Kelly | Ferguson.

March 31, 2019
Los Angeles Dodgers – It took two games, but we finally got our first position player pitching appearance of 2019.  Russell Martin pitched a perfect ninth inning with the Dodgers up by 13 and manager Dave Roberts acknowledged after the game that Martin has been their most efficient pitcher so far.  Although Martin seems to be as good at pitching as he is at hitting at this point in his career, he doesn’t quite factor into the Dodgers’ late inning bullpen plans yet.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Kelly | Baez.

February 21, 2019
Los Angeles Dodgers – After (presumably) hurling Ryan Madson into Chavez Ravine, the Dodgers bullpen looks strong again in 2019. Kenley Jansen is feeling healthy and confident after heart surgery and a new, strict diet featuring absolutely no ice cream. To shore up the eighth inning, LA signed Joe Kelly, who was as dominant in the World Series as Madson wasn’t, and the team will also bring back key contributors like Pedro Baez, Scott Alexander, and Josh Fields.

Starting 2019 hierarchy: Jansen | Kelly | Baez.
Holds candidates: Kelly, Baez, Alexander.

September 28, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers — Kenley Jansen hasn’t pitched in four days and is putting off heart surgery for a chance at a World Series ring. He’s ready to go.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Maeda | Alexander.

September 10, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers — Scott Alexander got the save chance on Sunday in Kenley Jansen’s absence, and he converted, picking up his third save this year. Now that the Dodgers have left the high altitude of Colorado, which poses a danger to those with atrial fibrillation, Jansen will be back with the team.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Maeda | Alexander.

September 8, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers — As we noted previously, Kenley Jansen did not make the trip to Colorado due to his heart condition. The Dodgers used five relievers to protect a three-run lead over the last three innings, which ended up with Kenta Maeda locking down his second save of the year. Jansen will rejoin the team when they leave Colorado, but in the meantime Maeda is well rested and will likely get any other save chances this weekend.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Maeda | Alexander.

September 6, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers — On the advice of his cardiologist, Kenley Jansen will not make the weekend trip to Colorado with the team. Dave Roberts refused to commit to a particular closer in Jansen’s absence, but the options will include Kenta Maeda, Scott Alexander, Ross Stripling — if he makes it back from the DL as expected — and even Pedro Baez or Ryan Madson.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Maeda | Alexander.

September 5, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers — Kenley Jansen may miss the Dodgers’ upcoming series in Colorado, which is where he showed symptoms of an irregular heartbeat less than a month ago. We’ll keep an eye on this, especially if Dave Roberts gives any indication if he has a specific plan for the ninth inning if Jansen skips the trip to Denver.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Maeda | Alexander.

September 2, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers — Kenley Jansen had his second straight scoreless outing en route to his 34th save of the season.  Dodgers fans and fantasy owners might be able to rest a little easier now and Jansen insists he will be available on Sunday as well.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Maeda | Alexander.

September 1, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers — The Dodgers acquired Ryan Madson yesterday to bolster their bullpen going into the playoffs. Madson didn’t have a great year with the Nationals, and his recent results have not been good, but it wouldn’t be the first time a change in scenery prompted a bump in performance. The Dodgers plan to use him in the late innings, and Kenley Jansen’s recent struggles (seven runs allowed in the last five games) may have prompted the trade, although Jansen did pick up a clean save last night. Madson will probably have to prove he has turned a corner before he consistently cracks the late innings, but if he can get anywhere close to his 2017 form, he is the best set-up option the Dodgers would have.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Maeda | Alexander.

August 31, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers — Josh Fields was activated from the 60-day disabled list on Thursday. We imagine he’ll eventually factor into a setup role, but that remains to be seen with Kenta Maeda and Scott Alexander currently manning the ship in front of Kenley Jansen. Dave Roberts reiterated before Thursday’s game that Jansen will continue to be the closer despite recent performance issues.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Maeda | Alexander.

August 30, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers — The Dodgers elected to rest Kenley Jansen and give Wednesday’s save chance to Kenta Maeda. Maeda put three men on and allowed a run, but ultimately eked out his first save of the year.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Maeda | Alexander.

August 29, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers — Kenley Jansen’s struggles continued on Tuesday, as he allowed a run in a fourth straight appearance for the first time in his career. Thankfully for the Dodgers, yesterday’s tough outing came in the ninth inning of an 8-2 contest and Jansen finished off an 8-4 win with a nifty defensive play. Earlier Tuesday, Jansen announced that he will stop taking his heart medicine, which he blamed for his poor performances. After last night’s game, Jansen said that he’ll figure it out at some point and Dave Roberts knows Jansen will get through it. The Dodgers hope that “some point” is real soon, because they are just one game back in the NL West race.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Maeda | Alexander.

August 26, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers — Kenley Jansen blew the save yesterday by allowing a solo home run to Austin Hedges.  Jansen has made three appearances since returning from the DL and allowed at least one home run in each.  It’s the first time in his career that has allowed a home run in three straight appearances.  Jansen will get Sunday off, but would still be the closer the next time the Dodgers play on Tuesday.  Kenta Maeda might get the ninth today with Jansen unavailable so we will move him to first in line.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Maeda | Alexander.

August 23, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers — Two appearances for Kenley Jansen since his DL stint; three home runs allowed. We continue to expect this is just a blip that won’t affect his long-term value.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Alexander | Maeda.

August 21, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers – Kenley Jansen made his return from the disabled list yesterday, and promptly allowed two solo home runs in a game the Dodgers were already losing. But it was good to see him back so soon, and we have every reason to think he’ll be fine from here on out.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Alexander | Maeda.

August 18, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers – The injuries keep piling up for the Dodgers as Erik Goeddel returned to the DL yesterday. Meanwhile, the Dodgers hope to get Kenley Jansen back early next week, as the all-star closer chose to delay surgery until the offseason. The Dodgers need the help since the bullpen has been woeful in the past week, although they did a fine job protecting a 10-run lead last night. Jansen is likely to go straight back to closing as soon as he is cleared to play, so this may be the last weekend for Scott Alexander or Kenta Maeda to snag a save opportunity.

Updated hierarchy: *Alexander | Maeda | Chargois.
* = closer-by-committee

August 15, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers – Kenta Maeda made his first appearance out of the bullpen since being moved there, pitching the ninth inning a 1-1 game. Maeda, who may not be thrilled to be in the bullpen, allowed three hits and the go-ahead run. Meanwhile, Ross Stripling is meeting with a doctor today with regards to his stiff back. While he probably won’t be available today, Stripling doesn’t believe it will be anything long term. Erik Goeddel, just activated from the DL, was warming with Maeda for the ninth inning last night and should once again pitch in high-leverage spots.

Hierarchy remains: *Alexander | Maeda | Stripling.
* = closer-by-committee

August 14, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers – Scott Alexander was summoned for the 9th inning last night, but it might have been for the last time. In a one-run game, Alexander was singled to death, allowing four hits and four runs before being replaced by Pedro Baez. With Kenta Maeda and Ross Stripling moving to the bullpen, either guy could replace Alexander. Kenley Jansen is already throwing, and saying that he’ll be back sooner than people are expecting, but until then, this bullpen is deeply unsettled.

Hierarchy remains: *Alexander | Maeda | Stripling.
* = closer-by-committee

August 13, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers – With Alex Wood and Hyun-Jin Ryu ready to return to the rotation, Kenta Maeda and Ross Stripling are headed for the bullpen. They are both having perfectly fine seasons, so this isn’t really viewed as a demotion for either of them, and Dave Roberts now has some intriguing options for the late innings. Maeda is viewed as more likely to enter into the mix for saves, as the Dodgers hope that Stripling will eventually return to the rotation. But in the short term, Maeda will probably be slotted for long relief, as the Dodgers are assuming that Ryu’s first start off the DL on Wednesday will be a short one. However, we’ll still slot Maeda in behind Scott Alexander and see how the next week or so plays out.

Updated hierarchy: *Alexander | Maeda | Stripling.
* = closer-by-committee

August 11, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers — Kenley Jansen will miss at least a month with a recurrence of an irregular heartbeat. With Jansen out, Dave Roberts plans to use a committee to close out games. Roberts said that Scott Alexander is the team’s best reliever and he will be deployed in the highest-leverage moments, not just the ninth inning. In addition, Kenta Maeda is also likely to join the bullpen and compete for saves, though that subject has not yet been broached with Maeda yet. We’ll leave Maeda out of our hierarchy for the moment, but his owners should be prepared for his eventual shift to the late innings.

Updated hierarchy: *Alexander | Floro | Chargois.
* = closer-by-committee

August 10, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers — Kenley Jansen will miss at least a month with a recurrence of an irregular heartbeat — the same problem that sidelined him in 2011 and 2012, eventually leading to offseason surgery. With Jansen out, Scott Alexander should see the bulk of any save chances, including the one he converted Thursday night.

Updated hierarchy: Alexander | Floro | Chargois. 

August 6, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers – An early July trade that barely made headlines brought journeyman Dylan Floro back to the Dodgers, but the righty has impressed in his time in Los Angeles, having allowed just 4 hits and 2 walks in 12.1 innings of work. He picked up his fifth hold of the season yesterday, which is good enough to climb above John Axford — who got absolutely shelled on Saturday — in this hierarchy.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Alexander | Floro. 

August 4, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers – Erik Goeddel was placed on the 10-day DL with right lat inflammation and newly acquired John Axford was activated. We’ll slide Axford into the hierarchy for now and see if the Dodgers use him in any high-leverage spots during Goeddel’s absence.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Alexander | Axford.

August 1, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers – John Axford, acquired by the Dodgers on Tuesday, is expected to join the squad on Friday. Dodgers GM Farhan Zaidi said that he doesn’t see the club having a set eighth-inning guy and expects Axford to get outs wherever needed, though that may include the seventh or eighth innings depending on matchups.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Goeddel | Alexander.

July 23, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers – After three rough starts to begin in major league career, 22-year-old Caleb Ferguson has thrived in long relief for the Dodgers. Since being moved to the bullpen, he’s allowed just 2 ER in 16 innings, and has struck out 20 hitters against just 2 walks. Yesterday, he picked up his second save of the season with three scoreless innings.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Goeddel | Alexander.

July 14, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers — With a one-run lead in the 8th and with Kenley Jansen resting after back-to-back appearances, the Dodgers went with Erik Goeddel to face the 2, 3 and 4 hitters of the Angels. After Goeddel got through that inning, it was left to Scott Alexander to close out the game. Alexander stranded the tying run on third to convert his first save of the season. Because Goeddel faced the most dangerous part of the Angels lineup (read: Mike Trout), we will keep him right behind Jansen in the hierarchy despite Alexander getting the save. The Dodgers bullpen is very fluid behind Kenley Jansen, but Goeddel and Alexander seem to be the top two options.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Goeddel | Alexander.

July 13, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers — Dylan Floro returned to LA in a trade with the Reds and has picked up back-to-back eighth-inning holds in front of Kenley Jansen. The Dodgers’ hierarchy behind Jansen has been murky all year long — so we won’t make a setup move just yet — but Floro and Daniel Hudson are certainly strong holds candidates alongside Scott Alexander and Erik Goeddel.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Goeddel | Alexander.

July 3, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers — Caleb Ferguson has pitched in six career games (three starts) and has factored into the decision three times already, with a win, a loss and his first career save, which came Monday night. The save was a very vulturey three-inning one in a 17-1 win. Free Closer Monkey Premium goes to the first person to prove they had Ferguson in their fantasy lineup for that save.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Goeddel | Alexander.

June 30, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers — Setup man Josh Fields was placed on the 10-day DL with shoulder inflammation. Manager Dave Roberts has indicated he will use a variety of pitchers to replace Fields in the 8th. Fields’ absence isn’t likely to be very long, but while he is out we think Scott Alexander is likely to see a bump in responsibilities. Alexander has five holds in his last eight appearances, but as a lefty his situational use may cut down on clear save opportunities.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Goeddel | Alexander.

June 13, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers — In just his second appearance of the season, Daniel Corcino pitched the final three innings of the Dodgers’ 12-5 victory over Texas to pick up his first career save.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Fields | Goeddel.

June 8, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers — Just as quickly as he was sent down, Pedro Baez is back with the big club after Tony Cingrani was placed on the disabled list. Baez pitched the third and fourth innings Thursday in a bizarre 8-7 win in which the Dodgers used a franchise-record nine pitchers! Don’t sleep on Erik Goeddel, who hasn’t allowed a run since joining the Dodgers in May. He pitched in a tight spot in his first appearance for LA (earning a win with a scoreless eighth inning on May 19) and earned his third hold Thursday night. Goeddel, Baez, and Josh Fields should be the favorites for holds in front of Kenley Jansen moving forward.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Fields | Goeddel.

June 7, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers — Tony Cingrani has been getting more and more late-inning responsibility for the Dodgers since his return from the disabled list in late May. Over his last nine appearances, Cingrani has pitched eight scoreless innings with 14 Ks and only two hits allowed.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Cingrani | Fields. 

May 21, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers – Josh Fields came on with the Dodgers up three runs in the 8th, then stayed on for the 9th once they stretched the lead to five. He probably would’ve stayed on regardless, though, since Kenley Jansen was likely unavailable. But you read the Vulture Save Watch yesterday, so you already knew that, didn’t you?

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Fields | Baez. 

May 5, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers — The Dodgers managed to throw a combined no-hitter in Mexico last night, and they didn’t use anyone in their hierarchy to do it. Congratulations to Tony Cingrani, Yimi Garcia, and Adam Liberatore (and rookie starter Walker Buehler) for their historical moments.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Fields | Baez.

April 24, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers — As predicted in Monday’s Vulture Save Watch, Kenley Jansen got a night off and Josh Fields collected the save for the Dodgers.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Fields | Baez.

April 23, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers – Though his control still leaves a lot to be desired (6 BB in 10 IP), Pedro Baez is getting results, and the Dodgers’ confidence in him has returned. Last night, Baez got the last two outs of the 8th inning ahead of Kenley Jansen to pick up his 2nd hold of the year. If anything were to happen to Jansen, Baez or Josh Fields would be the likely beneficiaries.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Fields | Baez.

April 18, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers – Kenley Jansen now has as many blown saves as he does converted saves after he allowed the Padres to tie Tuesday’s tilt in the ninth. Jansen got off to a rough start to the season, and a combination of low velocity and poor command of his cutter was once again on display Tuesday. After the game, manager Dave Roberts said that Jansen wasn’t right, but also said that he’d run Jansen back out there again. Jansen said he’d figure it out, and he’s earned a longer leash than others. Meanwhile, keep an eye out for Pedro Baez, who earned his first hold of the season on Tuesday thanks to four strikeouts. He has 12 strikeouts against just two walks in 8.2 IP and a 1.04 ERA.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Fields | Cingrani.

April 4, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers – Josh Fields was placed on paternity leave, which means he will likely be back Friday. Expect Pedro Baez, who allowed two inherited runners to score on Tuesday night when he entered a bases-loaded jam, to see some more high-leverage work in Fields’ absence.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Fields | Cingrani.

April 3, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers – Kenley Jansen, who turned heads with both his low velocity and reluctance to even discuss said velocity after his season debut on Friday, was throwing a little bit harder on Monday night. The results were still bad, though — he got two quick outs, but then walked back to back hitters and surrendered a 3-run home run. Dave Roberts doesn’t seem concerned at all, calling Jansen “our guy” after the game. And of all the closers in baseball, Jansen has earned perhaps the longest leash of anyone. But if you have roster space, Josh Fields isn’t the worst guy in the world to own right now — he posted three clean 8th innings thus far. Tony Cingrani is also off to a good start.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Fields | Cingrani.

February 28, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers – The reigning National League champions will enter 2018 with perhaps the game’s most dominant closer in Kenley Jansen. The Dodgers did lose a valuable setup man, however, as Brandon Morrow moved on to close for the Cubs. That means the Dodgers will look to an assortment of options to get the ball to Jansen. Josh Fields is back and figures to be one of the top contenders to pitch the eighth along with Pedro Baez, who is hoping to rebound after a disastrous end to 2017. Don’t sleep on lefty Scott Alexander, acquired via trade from the Royals, who posted an impressive ground ball rate of 73.8% last year. Lefty Tony Cingrani will also be in the mix for holds after joining the Dodgers for last year’s postseason push.

Starting 2018 hierarchy: Jansen | Fields | Alexander.
Holds candidates: Fields, Alexander, Baez, Cingrani.

September 25, 2017
Los Angeles Dodgers – Kenley Jansen pitched back to back games on Thursday and Friday, and the Dodgers opted to give him a second day off on Sunday, which opened the door for Brandon Morrow to get his second save of the season. Morrow is the clear 8th inning man in Los Angeles now and should get the call if Jansen needs any additional rest the final week.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Morrow | Watson.

September 20, 2017
Los Angeles Dodgers — Pedro Baez continued his dreadful September on Tuesday, allowing four runs on two hits and two walks to blow a one-run lead. His ERA this month is a miserable 22.50, and not only has he pitched himself out of the hierarchy, he probably pitched himself off the playoff roster. Tony Watson and Ross Stripling are the most likely options now in the seventh as the Dodgers get ready for October.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Morrow | Watson.

August 25, 2017
Los Angeles Dodgers — Kenley Jansen got his second straight day off Thursday after pitching in four of the previous five games. Brandon Morrow served admirably in his place, notching his first save. The Dodgers win a lot, so Jansen will need his rest from time to time down the stretch. Expect Morrow and Pedro Baez to be in the mix for saves during those times.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Morrow | Baez.

August 23, 2017
Los Angeles Dodgers — One night after being used for only one out in the eighth, Tony Watson was summoned in the fifth inning on Tuesday. He earned the win, but seems to have lost his role as Kenley Jansen’s handcuff.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Baez | Fields.

August 22, 2017
Los Angeles Dodgers – After all the usual suspects had been used, Ross Stripling came on in the 12th inning of Monday’s game to record his second save of the season.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Watson | Baez.

August 6, 2017
Los Angeles Dodgers – Tony Watson recorded up his second consecutive eighth inning hold since being acquired by the Dodgers.  The Dodgers have a strong bullpen and could use a number of different guys in the later innings, but it looks like Watson has quickly ascended to the set-up role.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Watson | Baez.

August 1, 2017
Los Angeles Dodgers – The Dodgers picked up Tony Watson and Tony Cingrani at the deadline, giving them plenty of flexibility in the late innings. Watson is the more likely of the two to get late inning work, though we won’t bump Pedro Baez or Brandon Morrow out of their hierarchy positions yet.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Baez | Morrow.

July 26, 2017
Los Angeles Dodgers — Three scoreless innings from Josh Ravin earned the 29-year-old righty his first save in a tumultuous career. If you can prove he was in your starting lineup for that save, we’ll sign you up for free Closer Monkey Premium!

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Baez | Morrow.

July 8, 2017
Los Angeles Dodgers — 25-year-old Brock Stewart pitched a perfect seventh and eighth with a three-run lead to get the ball to Kenley Jansen. Stewart still projects as a #3 or #4 starter long-term, but he wouldn’t be the first one of those to wind up at the back end of the bullpen. Worth keeping an eye on.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Baez | Morrow.

June 30, 2017
Los Angeles Dodgers – Brandon Morrow has gone back and forth between the minors and the big leagues, but since first arriving in Los Angeles in late May, he’s quietly allowed zero runs while amassing 14 Ks and just one walk in 11.2 innings of work. That includes a pair of strikeouts on Thursday to help the Dodgers escape an eighth-inning, bases-loaded jam with their four-run lead in tact. Don’t be surprised if Morrow begins to see some more high-leverage work.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Baez | Morrow.

June 21, 2017
Los Angeles Dodgers – Appearing in his first major league game of the season, Brock Stewart pitched three solid innings for the Dodgers in a 12-0 blowout, earning the save. If you somehow had Stewart in your lineup, email us a screenshot and win free Closer Monkey Premium for a year.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Baez | Avilan.

June 20, 2017
Los Angeles Dodgers – For two months, Josh Fields toiled in obscurity, racking up strikeouts and posting awesome ratios while mostly pitching when the game wasn’t especially close. But maybe the Dodgers knew something we didn’t, as Fields started to unravel when he was given higher-leverage opportunities, and yesterday, the Dodgers sent him down so he could work out the issues. In a corresponding move, Sergio Romo returns to the bullpen, and will make his way on to the hierarchy if he can prove he’s effective again.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Baez | Avilan.

June 10, 2017
Los Angeles Dodgers — In his first relief appearance since he was a 20-year-old Hiroshima Carp, Kenta Maeda picked up his first career save, pitching the last four innings of a five-run game. Maeda was excellent, striking out six and giving up a solo home run. Maeda hopes to be back in the rotation soon and, with performances like last night, he may get his wish.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Baez | Fields.

May 28, 2017
Los Angeles Dodgers — The three inning save seems to be trendy this year, as Ross Stripling was the latest reliever to pick one up on Saturday night.  Stripling has pitched well in relief for the Dodgers this year, but he is currently being used mostly in middle and long relief for now.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Baez | Fields.

May 26, 2017
Los Angeles Dodgers — In his first major-league relief appearance, Hyun-Jin Ryu tossed the final four innings of the Dodgers’ 7-4 win to pick up a sneaky vulture save. It’s his first save since he was a 19-year-old playing rookie ball in South Korea. There’s no room for Ryu in the rotation, so he may get more opportunities like this in the near future, especially when starter Kenta Maeda pitches, manager Dave Roberts said. Oh, and we bet it’s likely some of you had Ryu left over on your roster from his days as a starter. If so, be the first to snap a photo of him starting for you on Thursday and you’ll get a year of Closer Monkey Premium (EDIT: We’ve got this winner too. Not as many emails as Montgomery, but dang, you people own a lot of weird pitchers).

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Baez | Fields.

May 7, 2017
Los Angeles Dodgers — Kenley Jansen got the last out of the eighth inning on Saturday night after he entered with the bases loaded and the Dodgers up four runs.  The Dodgers added five more runs in the top of the ninth, but Jansen still came back out for the bottom of the ninth to attempt the save in a 10-1 game.  Unfortunately for fantasy owners, Jansen was not able to get the job done and instead earned his first hold of the season after Chris Hatcher got the last out of the game.  Jansen was still in a playful mood post game as he jokingly told reporters, “I’m not getting sent down” after a closed door meeting between manager Dave Roberts and general manager Farhan Zaidi.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Baez | Fields.

May 6, 2017
Los Angeles Dodgers — Josh Fields earned a four-out save in a game the Dodgers broke open in the top of the ninth. He doesn’t figure to get many more chances, but he does appear to have an advantage over lefty Luis Avilan, who entered in the sixth last night.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Baez | Fields.

May 1, 2017
Los Angeles Dodgers – Luis Avilan pitched a scoreless 7th inning for the Dodgers on Sunday, wrapping up another solid week for the lefty (3 IPs, 2 holds). Going forward, look for the lefty to continue on in that role, likely sharing the role with former Astro Josh Fields, who is also pitching well. Pedro Baez continues to play with fire, walking almost a batter per inning, but he’s been effective and continues to be the most frequently used option in the 8th for the Dodgers. Sergio Romo, meanwhile, has to get things figured out if he wants additional late inning looks — his ERA is still over 9.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Baez | Avilan.

April 22, 2017
Los Angeles Dodgers — Sergio Romo’s bases-loaded balk (the first of his major league career) opened the floodgates to a nine-run implosion by one of the highest-paid bullpens in baseball. Romo has been underwhelming, with six walks, six hits, and only four strikeouts over his 5.1 innings (11.81 ERA). He has plenty of time to turn this around, but Pedro Baez could be there to pick up the slack.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Romo | Baez.

April 15, 2017
Los Angeles Dodgers — Pedro Baez was activated from the disabled list and immediately saw late-inning action with a lead. A six-run lead, sure, and only against three batters, but Baez was solid, striking out one and throwing 11 of his 15 pitches for strikes. We expect Baez to take over the seventh inning now that he has returned.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Romo | Baez.

March 30, 2017
Los Angeles Dodgers — Adam Liberatore will start the season in the minors. Grant Dayton, Luis Avilan, and Chris Hatcher are the names to know in his stead.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Romo | Dayton.

March 1, 2017
Los Angeles Dodgers — Kenley Jansen turned down a massive offer from the Washington Nationals to re-sign with the Dodgers this offseason. LA also picked up longtime Giant (but longer-time Dodger fan) Sergio Romo to handle the eighth inning. The seventh inning is up in the air: Pedro Baez has a bone bruise on his pitching hand, leaving a battle among lefties Adam Liberatore, Grant Dayton, and Luis Avilan. Chris Hatcher and Josh Fields are the best remaining righties.

Starting 2017 hierarchy: Jansen | Romo | Liberatore.
Holds candidates: Romo, Liberatore, Dayton, Avilan.

September 7, 2016
Los Angeles Dodgers — Pedro Baez returned from extended rest at Double-A and picked up an immediate seventh-inning hold. It appears as if Baez has bumped lefty Adam Liberatore back out of the hierarchy, while Liberatore attempts to recapture his form from earlier this year.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Blanton | Baez.

August 20, 2016
Los Angeles Dodgers — Adam Liberatore returned from the DL and pitched a scoreless inning in a loss last night. He’ll replace Pedro Baez, who has had a rough stretch of games, giving up seven runs over his last five appearances. Don’t be surprised if Liberatore presses Joe Blanton for the eighth inning; before his injury, Liberatore had put in an excellent season.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Blanton | Liberatore.

August 4, 2016
Los Angeles Dodgers – Adam Liberatore was placed on the 15-day DL Wednesday due to left elbow inflammation. Pedro Baez and Joe Blanton will be the likely candidates for saves if Kenley Jansen is unavailable.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Blanton | Baez.

July 27, 2016
Los Angeles Dodgers – Adam Liberatore was unavailable on Tuesday because of a sore right knee, which he injured while covering a base Sunday in St. Louis. If the injury, which is not serious, keeps him out for another couple days, expect Pedro Baez to see more high-leverage opportunities in Liberatore’s stead.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Liberatore | Blanton.

July 22, 2016
Los Angeles Dodgers – Adam Liberatore continued his impressive run on Thursday, pitching a clean eighth inning to set things up for closer Kenley Jansen in the ninth. In fact, Liberatore has pitched the eighth inning ahead of Jansen twice this week and has not allowed a run since May 18, when he forked over his only two earned runs allowed this season (0.56 ERA, 0.84 WHIP, nine holds).

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Liberatore | Blanton.

July 17, 2016
Los Angeles Dodgers – Adam Liberatore has been outstanding in July, picking up holds in five of his six appearances so far this month. That included a seventh-inning hold on Saturday in an eventual Dodgers loss, which lowered his ERA to 0.59. He has only allowed two earned runs all season, both of which came in the same outing, has a WHIP of 0.82 and is averaging over a strikeout per inning. With the Dodgers looking to make a second-half run, Liberatore may be a key cog for them in the late innings.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Blanton | Liberatore.

June 21, 2016
Los Angeles Dodgers – Joe Blanton, age 35, is coming into his own as a set-up man in L.A. Three of his last four appearances have come in the eighth inning, including a hold ahead of Kenley Jansen last night. In one of the more unlikely bullpen developments of 2016, he now appears to be Dave Roberts’s go-to guy in the eighth.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Blanton | Baez.

June 15, 2016
Los Angeles Dodgers – The latest pitcher to join the CJ Nitkowski All Stars (AKA the Bad Starter Decent Reliever club) is Joe Blanton, who got his 6th hold of the season last night pitching the 8th inning ahead of Kenley Jansen. Blanton’s control has always been good, and he’s upped his strikeouts in his role in relief (35 IP, 35 Ks, 9 BBs). So far this year, he boasts a 2.31 ERA and 0.71 WHIP, and his success is no fluke — he did the same thing last season as well. Lately, the Dodgers have been mixing-and-matching in perpetuity in their attempts to bridge to Jansen, so look for Blanton to challenge Pedro Baez for 8th inning opportunities going forward.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Baez | Blanton.

May 26, 2016
Los Angeles Dodgers — Louis Coleman has holds in his last three appearances and appears to have moved ahead of Chris Hatcher in the Dodgers’ hierarchy.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Baez | Coleman.

April 30, 2016
Los Angeles Dodgers — From last Friday to yesterday, Chris Hatcher made four appearances, yielding eight runs and 11 baserunners over three innings. Pedro Baez earned three holds over the same time period, and we have to believe he’d be the choice if Kenley Jansen needs a break.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Baez | Hatcher.

March 2, 2016
Los Angeles Dodgers – After nearly trading for Aroldis Chapman, the Dodgers will head into 2016 with Kenley Jansen as the closer once again. Jansen has been one of the best closers in baseball over the last three seasons, and while his bridge is full of potential candidates, two appear to be leading the pack. Chris Hatcher got the majority of the eighth-inning work at the end of the season and will likely retain that role to begin 2016. If Pedro Baez can locate his 100-mph fastball, he’ll be a good seventh-inning option. Yimi Garcia is also in the mix for the seventh, with lefties Luis Avilan and JP Howell candidates for holds.

Starting 2016 hierarchy: Jansen | Hatcher | Baez.
Holds candidates: Hatcher, Baez, Garcia, Howell.

September 17, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers — Kenley Jansen continued his impressive season, nailing down his 32nd save with a clean inning last night. However, with the Dodgers holding a 7.5 game lead in the NL West, they may look to limit his workload going forward in order to save him for the playoffs. Jansen wasn’t used in a non-save situation on Tuesday during a lengthy extra-innings affair, and if the Dodgers keep Jansen from throwing back-to-back days no matter what, Chris Hatcher would benefit.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Hatcher | Johnson.

September 12, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers — Jim Johnson pitched the fourth down 10, which is enough to elevate Chris Hatcher past him in the Dodger pecking order.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Hatcher | Johnson.

September 6, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers — For the second night in a row, Chris Hatcher got the call in the eighth inning in a game where closer Kenley Jansen was used in the ninth.  Hatcher has only given up a couple runs in ten appearances since returning from the disabled list in mid-August, and looks to be working his way back to a meaningful role in the back end of the Dodgers’ bullpen.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Johnson | Hatcher.

August 30, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers — Jim Johnson pitched a scoreless eighth inning ahead of closer Kenley Jansen last night.  Johnson has now picked up a save and two holds in his last three appearances for the Dodgers, and could finally be settling in to the set-up man that the Dodgers were hoping they were getting when they traded for Johnson back at the end of July.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Johnson | Avilan.

August 28, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers — Jim Johnson picked up his first save with LA since being traded from the Braves before the deadline. He pitched a clean ninth inning in a one-run game in place of Kenley Jansen, who had pitched on the previous two nights (and three of the last four) and was unavailable. Johnson’s Dodgers tenure got off to a rough start (with runs in six of his first nine appearances), and before you do anything crazy, remember that Juan Nicasio, Luis Avilan and J.P. Powell were all unavailable, too, leaving Chris Hatcher (remember him?) to pitch the eighth inning. Still, this might be a sign of higher-leverage things to come for Johnson. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Avilan | Johnson.

August 27, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers — Juan Nicasio was activated prior to Tuesday’s game, and how has now picked up two straight eighth-inning holds. Meanwhile, Pedro Baez has not pitched in a week, despite manager Don Mattingly saying that Baez is healthy. Instead, the Dodgers have used a smorgasbord of relievers in the seventh and eighth innings before getting to Kenley Jansen, including lefties Luis Avilan and J.P. Howell. Avilan has picked up two big eighth-inning holds in the last two games, striking out Jay Bruce in both contests with multiple men on base, including “our biggest out of the season” according to Mattingly on Tuesday. For now, Avilan and Nicasio appear to be the top eighth-inning options, but the situation remains fluid as the Dodgers try and find ways to get to the ninth.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Avilan | Nicasio.

August 25, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers – Yimi Garcia, who closed for a short spell for the Dodgers earlier this year, was sent to AAA yesterday. J.P. Howell slides up to take his spot on the hierarchy.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Baez | Howell.

August 15, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers — After two months, the Dodgers activated Chris Hatcher from the disabled list, only to see Juan Nicasio take his place with an abdominal strain. Yimi Garcia, recently recalled from Triple-A, should return to a higher-leverage role.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Baez | Garcia.

August 10, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers – Jim Johnson was already off to a very rocky start to his Dodgers career, and that was before Sunday night’s historically bad outing. After a shellacking like that, it’s hard to picture Don Mattingly giving Johnson any more high-leverage chances for a good while. The only two Dodgers middle relievers who have been doing their jobs as of late are Pedro Baez and Juan Nicasio, and we’ll slot them in to the hierarchy for the time being.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Baez | Nicasio.

August 8, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers — Jim Johnson pitched a clean ninth in a tie game, but when he came back out for the tenth, he loaded the bases without getting anyone out on his way to taking the loss. He’s now appeared in three games for the Dodgers, and has given up at least one earned run in each. How long can the Dodgers keep trusting him in tight spots?

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Johnson | Baez.

July 30, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers — LA has apparently acquired Jim Johnson from Atlanta, along with lefty Luis Avilan, giving the Dodgers an incredibly deep bullpen. We don’t think Johnson will challenge Kenley Jansen for save opportunities, but we do slot him ahead of Pedro Baez, J.P. Howell, Juan Nicasio, recently recalled Yimi Garcia, and Avilan, all of whom have been effective in high-leverage work.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Johnson | Baez.

July 9, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers — A day after getting a spot start, Yimi Garcia was optioned to Triple A. Manager Don Mattingly said it was to give Garcia a breather after the young righty has been used in 40 games this year. J.P. Howell has been the most effective reliever behind Jansen and Baez, so look for his role to expand with Garcia out of the mix.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Baez | Howell.

July 5, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers — J.P. Howell recorded his first save since 2011 last night, as Kenley Jansen was given the night off after pitching in three of the last four days.  Pedro Baez got the last out of the 8th and stayed on to get the first two outs of the 9th, before Howell came on to strike out the only batter he faced.  If Baez had been able to pitch a cleaner 9th inning he would have gotten the save, and since Yimi Garcia was used for one out in the 8th, it looks like Baez could be the go-to righty on days when Jansen is not available.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Baez | Garcia.

June 24, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers — Joel Peralta’s first game back from the DL did not go as smoothly as he would have liked. He loaded the bases without recording an out before Kenley Jansen was called on to put out the fire. Jansen got one out before surrendering the walk-off sac fly. Peralta’s return is a welcome sign in the beat-up Dodger bullpen, and he probably should have been given an easier first inning than the 10th in a 0-0 game.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Garcia | Peralta.

June 18, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers — The injury struggles continue for the Dodgers, as Chris Hatcher was put on the DL, retroactive to Monday, with a strained oblique. Help may be on the way soon, as Joel Peralta, Brandon League, Paco Rodriguez and Pedro Baez are all on rehab assignments, but until then look for the banged up J.P. Howell to fill in as the emergency option in the Dodgers bullpen.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Garcia | Howell.

June 5, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers — The mystery surrounding closer Kenley Jansen’s absence has been solved. Jansen, who has a history of heart trouble, felt sick to his stomach during Wednesday’s game and was found to have high blood pressure when checked by a doctor, so he was held out as a precaution while his bullpen mates blew the game. On Thursday night, no late-inning relievers were needed as LA lost 7-1. Jansen should be good to go if needed on Friday.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Hatcher | Garcia.

June 4, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers – Kenley Jansen was unavailable to shut down a two-run game in the 9th, and that proved to be costly as Adam Liberatore, Yimi Garcia, J.P. Howell and Chris Hatcher all combined to blow the lead and take the loss. Jansen refused to talk to media after the game, but a team spokesman said Jansen wasn’t feeling well, and manager Don Mattingly would only add that it came up during the game. Rick Sutcliffe, who was part of the broadcast team, even “sent prayers” to Jansen and the Dodgers. Jansen has a history of heart trouble, but it doesn’t appear to be the issue here and he may even be available Thursday. There’s certainly more to the story and hopefully Jansen or the team sheds more light on the subject Thursday. For now, Jansen remains a closer that will be closely monitored.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Hatcher | Garcia.

May 18, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers – It didn’t take long for Kenley Jansen to return to his full-time closer position, and Sunday’s 1-0 game gave a good look at how the rest of the bullpen will be employed. The Dodgers went to Yimi Garcia in the 7th and Chris Hatcher in the 8th before Jansen got his first save, and we’ll position the new asterisk-free hierarchy in the same fashion.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Hatcher | Garcia.

May 17, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers — Kenley Jansen is supposed to be eased back into the closers’ role but that might not end up happening.  After Friday’s outing, Jansen said he feels ready to close games.  Manager Don Mattingly also said that Jansen didn’t look rusty at all.  In other Dodgers’ bullpen news, Sergio Santos followed Jansen’s four strikeout inning on Friday with one of his own last night.

Hierarchy remains: *Jansen | Garcia | Hatcher.
* closer-by-committee

May 16, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers — Kenley Jansen is just showing off. Activated from the DL on Friday afternoon, he came on in the eighth with the Dodgers up two, and proceeded to strike out four batters in one inning, on only 14 pitches. Don Mattingly called on lefty Adam Liberatore for the platoon advantage in the ensuing save situation; when he put two men on, Juan Nicasio entered to earn the save. The asterisk remains with Kenley for now, but its days are numbered.

Updated hierarchy: *Jansen | Garcia | Hatcher.
* closer-by-committee

May 15, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers — The most volatile bullpen in baseball lived up to its reputation Thursday night, with Yimi Garcia coughing up a three-run homer in a rough 9th inning, blowing the save and taking the loss against the Rockies. Garcia has now allowed five runs in his last two outings, inflating his ERA from 0.63 to 3.38. Pedro Baez was likely next in line before he was placed on the disabled list with a strained pectoral muscle. Manager Don Mattingly said Baez could be out the next few weeks. Kenley Jansen, meanwhile, is healthy at the right time; he’s likely to be activated on Saturday, with a Friday return still possible. Stay tuned.

Updated hierarchy: *Garcia | Hatcher | Howell.
* closer-by-committee

May 14, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers – Kenley Jansen was due back on Saturday, but his return may get moved up a day after Pedro Baez left Wednesday’s game with a right pectoral injury. Don Mattingly said Jansen won’t be activated Thursday, but if Baez’s MRI on Thursday isn’t promising, that Friday return seems extremely likely. If Baez does indeed hit the DL, keep an eye on rookie Adam Liberatore. He took the loss on Wednesday, but had entered the game with 9.2 scoreless innings, retiring 28 of the first 29 batters he faced.

Hierarchy remains: *Garcia | Hatcher | Baez.
* = closer-by-committee.

May 12, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers – Kenley Jansen is on track to be activated from the disabled list on Saturday, but Dodgers’ manager Don Mattingly will not immediately reinstate Jansen as closer. Expect Dodger save opportunities to remain unpredictable in the short term.

Hierarchy remains: *Garcia | Hatcher | Baez.
* = closer-by-committee.

May 5, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers – Chris Hatcher was tasked with holding on to the Dodgers’ two-run lead in the 8th inning, coming into the game with 2 inherited runners on base. He was ineffective, coughing up three runs and earning his third loss and first blown save of the season. Though he might still get a chance at a hold here or there, we’d be a bit surprised to see him get any more save chances before Kenley Jansen’s return.

Hierarchy remains: *Garcia | Hatcher | Baez.
* = closer-by-committee

May 3, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers — Chris Hatcher got the call in the 9th last night and converted for his second save of the season.  Although Hatcher got the save, it was Yimi Garcia who faced the middle of the order in the 8th inning.  Garcia appears to the most important pitcher coming out of the Dodgers’ bullpen, and that should mean some save chances, but could also mean he is needed before the 9th on occasion.

Updated hierarchy: *Garcia | Hatcher | Baez.
*closer-by-committee

April 26, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers — Joel Peralta is experiencing “dead arm” and could be headed to the DL.  Peralta was the head of the Dodgers’ closer committee; it looks like Yimi Garcia could take his place while the Dodgers wait for Kenley Jansen to get back.  Chris Hatcher pitched the 9th protecting a four run lead on Saturday, and both he and Pedro Baez could still get looks as well.

Updated hierarchy: *Garcia | Baez | Hatcher.
*closer-by-committee

April 25, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers — With 16 strikeouts in nine appearances, rookie Yimi Garcia has been the best pitcher in the Dodgers’ bullpen this season. On Friday night, he finally got a shot at closing — and he mowed down the Padres with two strikeouts and a foul pop. Don Mattingly isn’t ready to abandon the committee system, but Garcia will surely be a huge part of it going forward, and a strong candidate for the setup role after Kenley Jansen returns.

Updated hierarchy: *Peralta | Garcia | Baez.
*closer-by-committee

April 24, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers — LA continues to have the most volatile closing situation in the league. On Thursday, after Chris Hatcher and Joel Peralta had already pitched, Pedro Baez got the chance at his first career save, but promptly coughed up the one-run lead, allowing a leadoff single and a game-tying triple. Although Baez managed to strand that runner on third, the Dodgers went on to lose 3-2 against the Giants. The Baez move, which puzzled the great Vin Scully, shows how wide-open things are now in the Dodgers’ ninth. The uncertainty should end soon, with Kenley Jansen scheduled to begin a rehab assignment next week.

Hierarchy remains: *Peralta | Hatcher | Baez.
*closer-by-committee

April 23, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers – Kenley Jansen is continuing his road back to bullpen this week with some bullpen sessions and a minor-league assignment could be on tap late next week. If everything goes as planned, Jansen is on target for a mid-May return.

Hierarchy remains: *Peralta | Hatcher | Baez.
*closer-by-committee

April 19, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers – Joel Peralta recorded his third save of the season last night.  Chris Hatcher got the last out of the 7th and J.P. Howell pitched the 8th.  Peralta has not given up a hit in his last four appearances and looks to be asserting himself as the primary closer until Kenley Jansen returns.

Hierarchy remains: *Peralta | Hatcher | Baez.
*closer-by-committee

April 16, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers – The most unpredictable bullpen in the majors remained that way last night as the Dodgers held onto a three-run win. Chris Hatcher got the last two outs in the seventh, while Pedro Baez took the whole eighth and the first out of the ninth. Just when you thought you could count him out, JP Howell was summoned for the last two outs of the game. However, this wasn’t quite a save situation and Howell did face Seattle’s bottom two batters. In addition, Joel Peralta was dealing with a stiff neck. This doesn’t seem to be serious, as he had hoped to be available yesterday. All of this may not matter soon, as Kenley Jansen is scheduled to begin throwing off a mound, on Saturday. His return will be a welcome sight for anyone who is a fan of bullpen stability.

Hierarchy remains: *Peralta | Hatcher | Baez.
*closer-by-committee

April 15, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers – Both JP Howell and Chris Hatcher were used while the Dodgers trailed last night, and both pitched well, particularly Hatcher. We do think this means Howell is unlikely to get a save chance, with Pedro Baez (4.0 IP, 6K, 0.00 ERA) a more likely candidate. Yimi Garcia, who leads the Dodgers in wins after last night, has also pitched well, striking out 10 of the 22 batters he has faced.

Updated hierarchy: *Peralta | Hatcher | Baez.
*closer-by-committee

April 12, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers – Chris Hatcher had another brutal outing on Sunday, allowing 3 runs to score while only recording one out. Joel Peralta came in afterwards to lock down the 1-out save, and is now firmly in the lead in the Los Angeles committee; in fact, the way things have gone thus far, it would surprise us to see anyone other than Peralta used in the 9th going forward. We’ll hold off on lifting the asterisk for one more save, but frankly, Hatcher might not even stay in the bigs for very much longer if he keeps pitching the way he has (33.75 ERA) over the season’s first week.

Updated hierarchy: *Peralta | Hatcher | Howell.
*closer-by-committee

April 10, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers — The Dodgers acquired righty reliever Ryan Webb from the Orioles Thursday. Webb was recently designated for assignment, but has a career 3.38 ERA and gives LA some much-needed bullpen depth. Webb has never recorded a save, but could conceivably enter a game in the late innings if Chris Hatcher or Joel Peralta falter. His situation is worth watching.

Hierarchy remains: *Hatcher | Peralta | Howell.
*closer-by-committee

April 9, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers – As was predicted in the Vulture Save Watch, it was Joel Peralta who got the call to close out a two-run game. Peralta was the only reliever that did not pitch yesterday, so it could be that it was simply his turn in the committee, but it is hard to ignore the disaster outing Hatcher had Tuesday. This is still a committee, but Peralta is worth a pickup if he is available after the past couple days.

Hierarchy remains: *Hatcher | Peralta | Howell.
*closer-by-committee

April 7, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers – Chris Hatcher picked up his first career save on Opening Day in the Dodgers’ win over the Padres. Joel Peralta was sent in to face the heart of the San Diego order in the 8th, showing Don Mattingly’s willingness to use his best guys in tough spots. For now we will move Hatcher to the front of the class, but don’t be surprised if Mattingly gets comfortable mixing and matching. Either way, this bears close watching, as Kenley Jansen was still in a walking boot yesterday.

Updated hierarchy: *Hatcher | Peralta | Howell.
*closer-by-committee

April 3, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers – Speculation continues to swirl around who might be handed the keys to the 9th inning in Los Angeles. A committee still seems like the most likely outcome, at least in the early going, and we continue to believe that Joel Peralta is the best reliever to own. Sergio Santos, meanwhile, gave up a HR to Mike Trout last night in his final bid to make the club. He still could earn a spot, but probably won’t be a top option in the late innings.

Updated hierarchy: *Peralta | Hatcher | Howell.
*closer-by-committee

March 31, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers – We’re continuing to look for some clarity in the Los Angeles bullpen, but it seems more and more likely that Don Mattingly will head into the regular season with a closer-by-committee. The two leading candidates for the job, Joel Peralta (5.68 ERA in 6.1 spring IPs) and Chris Hatcher (7.36 ERA in 7.1 IPs) have done little to distinguish themselves; meanwhile, once-darkhorse Sergio Santos had a rough outing the other day and saw his own spring ERA jump to 4.70. Santos is still an interesting candidate, as he’s got the past experience and is consistently missing bats (10 Ks in 7.2 IPs). But given his contract status, he’s not even a lock to make the team. Those in deep leagues or leagues with holds may want to look at the only reliever who has been dominant for the Dodgers this spring: lefty Paco Rodriguez (9.1 IPs, 0.00 ERA, 0.32 WHIP, 12 Ks, 0 BBs). Given J.P. Howell’s pedestrian spring (6.2 IPs, 8.10 ERA), Rodriguez could jump him as the go-to lefty in the Dodgers pen, and potentially snag an occasional save when matchups are right.

Hierarchy remains: Peralta* | Hatcher | Santos.
*closer-by-committee

March 26, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers — Chris Hatcher and his Wilsonesque beard have endured some rough outings lately, pushing his spring ERA over 10. Although Hatcher is a virtual lock to make the team because he’s out of minor league options, Joel Peralta may have edged in front of him in the race to lead what appears to be a confirmed committee situation that could also include Sergio Santos, Juan Nicasio, and lefties J.P. Howell and Paco Rodriguez. As expected, Brandon League will join Kenley Jansen on the DL to start the season, and some in LA are looking Rafael Soriano’s way.

Updated hierarchy: Peralta* | Hatcher | Santos.
*closer-by-committee

March 18, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers – A new name has emerged in the most unsettled bullpen in the big leagues. Chris Hatcher, a former catcher (just like Kenley Jansen!) has been turning heads in camp, and some members of the media have anointed him the frontrunner for the closer job. Don Mattingly has remained quiet about bullpen roles, and we still think Joel Peralta is a very strong possibility (and his most recent outing was a good one), but beat writers tend to know best, so we’ll move him to the top of the committee for now. Another candidate to watch is former Blue Jays closer Sergio Santos. Santos wasn’t even considered a lock to make the team as recently as a few weeks ago, but a strong spring has put him in the conversation. Meanwhile, Brandon League is taking some time off due to shoulder soreness.

Updated hierarchy: Hatcher* | Peralta | Santos.
*closer-by-committee

March 8, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers – Andrew Friedman took his big-thinking mindset away from the small-market Tampa area and to sunny southern California, and when he arrived, he took a wrecking ball to a Dodgers team that won two straight division titles. Most important to the Closer Monkey is the injury to the electric Kenley Jansen, who will miss the first month of the season, with no clear replacement behind him. Brian Wilson is gone, leaving two recent acquisitions — Joel Peralta and Dustin McGowan — to duke it out with Brandon League for save chances. We think it’ll either be Peralta or League to start the season, with McGowan getting a look if they both struggle in the spring.

Starting 2015 hierarchy: | Peralta | League | McGowan.
Holds candidates: League, JP Howell.

September 4, 2014
Los Angeles Dodgers — The six men who make up the hierarchies of the Dodgers and Nationals combined on Wednesday for three blown saves, eight runs (seven earned), and a whopping 2.47 WHIP. They also make an average of just over $7 million a year, which works out to about $7,000 per pitch. Feel free this morning to revel, just a little, in their failure.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Wilson | League.

August 15, 2014
Los Angeles Dodgers – Brian Wilson had an ugly outing last night, allowing three earned runs in 0.2 innings and forcing Kenley Jansen into an extended appearance. Prior to last night, Wilson had been sort of decent lately, and his strikeout totals are still excellent (50 in 39.1 IPs). But he’s still walking way too many guys, leading to an ERA and WHIP of 5.26 and 1.70 — unseemly numbers for the would-be set-up man on the NL’s best team. With Brandon League pitching very effectively lately, Wilson might not be Jansen’s handcuff at this point. We’ll watch how this unfolds in the coming days.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Wilson | League.

July 16, 2014
Los Angeles Dodgers – The profligate Dodgers are in the market for relievers; although they’ve been linked to Koji Uehara, they’d be fools to overlook how unlucky Kenley Jansen has been (3.49 ERA, 1.87 FIP). TRADE DEADLINE BUY/SELL: None.

June 26, 2014
Los Angeles Dodgers — As predicted in Wednesday’s Vulture Save Watch, Kenley Jansen got the night off and Brian Wilson picked up his first save in 26 months, oblivious to the endless litany of catty tweets he inspired.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Wilson | League.

June 18, 2014
Los Angeles Dodgers — With solid performances over the past three weeks, Brian Wilson has earned his job back, supplanting Brandon League as next in line behind Kenley Jansen.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Wilson | League.

June 15, 2014
Los Angeles Dodgers — Brian Wilson pitched a perfect 8th inning ahead of closer Kenley Jansen last night.  Wilson has only given up one run in his last 12 appearances and looks like he is working his way back into the Dodgers late-inning bullpen plans.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | League | Wilson.

June 1, 2014
Los Angeles Dodgers — Jamey Wright collected a three inning save last night in a Dodgers blow out win.  The 39-year-old reliever lowered his ERA under 3.00, but even with most of the Dodgers bullpen struggling we don’t see him being used in high leverage spots right now.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | League | Howell.

May 27, 2014
Los Angeles Dodgers — After Hyun-Jin Ryu lost his perfect game and shutout in the eighth inning, Brian Wilson entered and loaded the bases while yielding two inherited runs. Kenley Jansen bailed everyone out with a four-out save, but the rest of the Dodgers’ bullpen has become a series of question marks. Wilson has allowed an astonishing 36 baserunners in 16.2 innings, and Chris Perez’s ERA over the last three weeks is 17.35. On the whole, LA relievers are 4-12 with a 1.42 WHIP. Brandon League and J.P. Howell have been pitching the best, if only by default, but Howell is limited by his status as the only non-Paul Maholm lefty in the pen. We think Wilson’s last outing has dropped him below these two, but in this bullpen right now, nothing is certain.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | League | Howell.

May 24, 2014
Los Angeles Dodgers — The Dodgers called on Brandon League in the 7th inning last night with a 2 run lead.  League loaded the bases while recording no outs.  J.P. Howell came on and finished off the 7th inning by stranding all three runners.  Howell has 10 holds on the season, an ERA just over 2, and proved last night that he can be trusted to pitch in tough spots in the later innings.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Wilson | Howell.

May 22, 2014
Los Angeles Dodgers — Chris Perez hasn’t pitched since May 17, and when he has been used, he’s been strikingly ineffective in some low-leverage spots. We can’t yet tell you whether injury, fatigue, or ineffectiveness is to blame for him being passed over in situations like Wednesday’s tight seventh and eighth, but we’re concerned enough to move him out of the top three until he proves he’s okay.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Wilson | League.

May 12, 2014
Los Angeles Dodgers – Kenley Jansen allowed 5 baserunners to reach in the 10th inning on Sunday, and after 3 of them scored, saddling him with the loss, his ERA climbed to 4.58. Once considered a top closer in the game, Jansen has had a rough go of it so far this year, and with Chris Perez doing fine work in the 8th inning, the hard-throwing righty has reasons to be concerned about his job. Kenley Jansen to Hot Seat.

May 4, 2014
Los Angeles Dodgers – The Dodgers gave Kenley Jansen the night off last night and went with Chris Perez in the 9th inning.  Perez blew the save by walking in the game tying run.  Jansen is tied for the league lead in appearances this season, and he hasn’t been his usual dominant self, giving up 25 base runners in 15.1 innings.  The Dodgers will probably try to monitor Jansen’s usage moving forward so Chris Perez could continue to see save opportunities when Jansen is rested.  No hierarchy change.

May 2, 2014
Los Angeles Dodgers – Chris Perez came on in a save spot in the 8th inning, and then stayed on for the 9th after the Dodgers stretched their lead for his first save of the year.  He’s entrenched as the Los Angeles set-up man and stands to inherit the job should anything happen to Kenley Jansen.  No hierarchy change.

April 27, 2014
Los Angeles Dodgers – Brian Wilson struggled for the second straight outing last night.  After giving up 4 runs on Thursday, Wilson was pulled last night after walking the first two batters he faced.  Chris Perez has pitched very well so far this season, as he has given up only 5 hits in 11.2 innings.   Hierarchy change: Chris Perez to Set-up, Brian Wilson to 2nd in line.

April 18, 2014
Los Angeles Dodgers – Brian Wilson was activated from the disabled list earlier this week, and on Thursday, he picked up where he left off, earning an 8th inning hold in a 2-run ballgame.  Hierarchy change: Brian Wilson to Set-up, Chris Perez to 2nd in line.

April 7, 2014
Los Angeles Dodgers – J.P. Howell picked up his first hold of the year on Sunday.  Should something happen to Kenley Jansen, we don’t think Howell would be tapped for the 9th inning ahead of Chris Perez, but the lefty has been a key cog in the Los Angeles bullpen thus far.  Three of his four appearances have come in the 8th inning ahead of Jansen.  Hierarchy change: J.P. Howell to 2nd in line, replacing Brandon League.

April 2, 2014
Los Angeles Dodgers — How about this? We let you know that Brian Wilson is headed to the disabled list with nerve irritation, and you just go ahead and make up your own punchline. Hierarchy change: Chris Perez to Set-up, Brandon League to 2nd in line, Brian Wilson to DL.

March 31, 2014
Los Angeles Dodgers – Brian Wilson pitched a scoreless inning in Australia, but his first 2014 appearance in the states wasn’t a memorable one, as he gave up three runs and took the loss against the Padres.  Wilson’s 8th inning gig isn’t in danger yet, but there are lots of former closers hanging out in the Los Angeles bullpen, so Don Mattingly has other options if Wilson’s hiccup turns into something worse.  No hierarchy change.

March 13, 2014
Los Angeles Dodgers — For the first 4 1/2 years of his career, Kenley Jansen was a catcher who struck out in 27% of his at-bats. Over his last 4 1/2 years as a pitcher, he’s made hitters look even sillier, striking out 40% of batters faced. Ranked #3 in our preseason closer rankings.

March 7, 2014
Los Angeles Dodgers – The Dodgers have unlimited money, which allows them to do silly things like pay Brian Wilson $10 million.  Though The Beard won’t close — Kenley Jansen finally has a firm grasp on that job — his contract means he’s almost assuredly the set-up man.  Behind Jansen and Wilson is another former closer looking to return to form, as Chris Perez is in town on a 1-year deal.  Starting 2014 hierarchy: Closer – Kenley Jansen, Set-up – Brian Wilson, 2nd in line – Chris Perez. 

September 13, 2013
Los Angeles Dodgers – Six days ago, Brian Wilson allowed a walk, a stolen base, and a single in the 10th inning of a tied game against the Reds, counting for the only run he’s allowed since returning to the big leagues.  Last night, Wilson was on the better end of it, pitching a scoreless 10th after a Kenley Jansen blown save and earning the win when the Dodgers walked off.  Wilson now sports a 1.17 ERA, and though he hasn’t been getting used in any big set-up spots yet, we anticipate that this might be a scenario where a non-8th-inning guy jumps the set-up men to close.  Paco Rodriguez and Ronald Belisario continue to competently share that set-up role, but if Jansen goes down, Wilson’s experience makes him the best bet for saves.  Hierarchy change: Brian Wilson to Set-up, Paco Rodriguez to 2nd in line.

September 4, 2013
Los Angeles Dodgers — With Kenley Jansen indeed unavailable on Tuesday, Don Mattingly used Paco Rodriguez up two in the eighth, presumably holding Ronald Belisario or Brian Wilson back for a save situation. When Rodriguez gave up a homer and a walk, Belisario entered and escaped further trouble — then stayed on for the ninth after LA’s lead grew to four. But Belisario gave up a run and put another guy on, so it was young Chris Withrow who got the call for his first major league save. No hierarchy change.

September 1, 2013
Los Angeles Dodgers — Brian Wilson pitched a scoreless 8th inning in a tie game last night.  He ended up getting the win and now has made five scoreless appearances since joining the Dodgers. Hierarchy change: Brian Wilson to 2nd in line, replacing Ronald Belisario.

August 20, 2013
Los Angeles Dodgers — Brian Wilson joined the crowded Dodgers bullpen on Monday, where he will wear #00 and battle Carlos Marmol and Brandon League to be king of the disgraced former closers. He may yet do so without his famed beard, if an upstart razor company has its way. No hierarchy change.

August 6, 2013
Los Angeles Dodgers — Kenley Jansen got the night off, so Paco Rodriguez nailed down a strong two-inning vulture save in a tight game. No hierarchy change.

July 31, 2013
Los Angeles Dodgers — Bearded weirdo Brian Wilson was signed to a minor-league contract, reportedly worth a cool $1 million, plus performance bonuses. After a few weeks in the minors, he’ll get a shot at the big club, where he’s expected to take on a set-up role, hopelessly confuse many older Beach Boys fans, and ultimately become the first active major league player to marry Lady Gaga during a regulation game (in a non-strike season). No hierarchy change.

July 18, 2013
Los Angeles Dodgers – LA might move Brandon League (if anyone would bite) or bring in another setup guy, but none of the changes should affect anyone’s ninth inning. TRADE DEADLINE BUY/SELL: None.

June 26, 2013
Los Angeles Dodgers — As predicted, the Dodgers gave Kenley Jansen the night off and went to Brandon League with a three-run lead in the ninth — but League gave up three straight hits to quickly make it a one-run game. Paco Rodriguez took over and allowed another single before retiring the next three hitters to earn his first career save. This outing will almost certainly end League’s reign of terror in late/close situations; Don Mattingly says he will use League in easier spots until and unless he improves. Hierarchy change: Paco Rodriguez to Set-Up, Ronald Belisario to 2nd in line.

June 16, 2013
Los Angeles Dodgers — Brandon League picked up the save in the 11th inning last night after Kenley Jansen blew the save in the 9th.  Even with the blown save, Mattingly is not thinking about making another change back to League.  No hierarchy change.

June 12, 2013
Los Angeles Dodgers — On a tense night that saw five hit batsmen, two bench-clearing brawls, and Mark McGwire’s first ejection in almost 12 years, the Dodgers rallied to take the lead in the bottom of the eighth. Newly anointed closer Kenley Jansen came out for the save and struck out two in a perfect ninth. Meanwhile, Don Mattingly got to take out some of his frustration on Alan Trammell. No hierarchy change.

June 11, 2013
Los Angeles Dodgers — In his pregame comments on Tuesday, Don Mattingly announced that Kenley Jansen will replace Brandon League as the Dodgers’ closer. Mattingly was not yet sure how the rest of the Dodger bullpen would fall in line, so we’ll keep the status quo intact until he gives some further indication. Hierarchy change: Kenley Jansen to Closer, Brandon League to Set-Up.

June 11, 2013
Los Angeles Dodgers — After an effective eighth from Kenley Jansen, Brandon League was a comprehensive disaster, allowing four runs to earn the Dodgers their league-leading 13th blown save of the year. League has a 6.00 ERA and four blown saves; Jansen has 44 strikeouts in 32 innings and a WHIP of 1.00. Don Mattingly suggested that he was playing matchups by using League to close, but the best type of matchup for the Dodgers right now is the one that leaves him in the bullpen. Brandon League to Hot Seat.

June 5, 2013
Los Angeles Dodgers — Paco Rodriguez pitched a high-leverage seventh on Monday night; meanwhile, Ronald Belisario has been spanked in each of his last two outings, including a stint in the sixth last night. Hierarchy change: Paco Rodriguez to 2nd in line, replacing Ronald Belisario.

June 1, 2013
Los Angeles Dodgers –  Don Mattingly went to Kenley Jansen with runners on 1st and 2nd and nobody out in the 8th.  That left Brandon League for the 9th and he blew his second save in his last four chances.  Ronald Belisario ended up picking up the save in extra innings.  Ronald Belisario to 2nd in line, replacing Paco Rodriguez.

May 26, 2013
Los Angeles Dodgers – For the first time in 11 days, someone on the Dodgers got a save, and that someone was Brandon League.  Kenley Jansen, who Don Mattingly has continued to use in the highest-pressure situations, pitched in the 7th and 8th innings against the heart of the St. Louis lineup, striking out 4 in 1.1 innings of work.  With high-pressure situations occurring earlier rather than later for the Dodgers, League is probably the better bet for saves for the time being.  Hierarchy change: Brandon League to Closer, Kenley Jansen to Set-up.

May 19, 2013
Los Angeles Dodgers – With 1 out in the 8th and the Dodgers up 1, Don Mattingly went to Kenley Jansen.  Jansen immediately gave up a 2 run homer to Evan Gattis and ended up taking the loss.  Mattingly will continue to use his best reliever Jansen in high pressure situations.  For Kenley owners, hopefully these high-pressure situations will occur in the 9th inning more often than otherwise.  However, it appears Brandon League will still see save opportunities on nights when Jansen is used prior to the 9th.    Kenley Jansen to Hot Seat.

May 16, 2013
Los Angeles Dodgers – Don Mattingly said yesterday afternoon that he wasn’t ready to anoint Kenley Jansen as the new closer yet, and a few hours later, it was Jansen who emerged from the bullpen for a four-out hold in the 7th and 8th innings.  Brandon League got the save in the 9th.  There’s no hints yet as to whether this is a platoon — in which Jansen will have a serious edge — or whether League still has a good chance to hold the job.  League’s next outing will likely be key, as another good inning might give him a chance to fully reclaim the role for the time being.  No hierarchy change.

May 15, 2013
Los Angeles Dodgers – After 132 pitches got Clayton Kershaw only 26 outs, Don Mattingly turned to Kenley Jansen, not Brandon League, to finish off the 2-0 win. Although Mattingly recently declared League his closer “for now,” that tepid reassurance apparently came with an expiration date. The Dodger relievers might swap roles over the next few weeks, but Jansen — clearly the best pitcher in the pen — is likely to take full advantage of this opportunity. Hierarchy change: Kenley Jansen to Closer, Brandon League to Set-up, Paco Rodriguez to 2nd in line.

May 13, 2013
Los Angeles Dodgers – Brandon League entered Sunday’s game with the Dodgers up by four, and promptly allowed two runs to score before nailing down the final out.  His ERA climbed to 6.28 after the crummy outing, and he remains firmly on the Hot Seat.  One more bad outing, and Kenley Jansen could finally inherit the job.  No hierarchy change.

May 8, 2013
Los Angeles Dodgers – Brandon League had the night off after a 30-pitch outing on Wednesday, so Kenley Jansen got the save last night.  League’s job is not in jeopardy at the moment.  No hierarchy change.

February 24, 2013
Los Angeles Dodgers – Starting 2013 hierarchy: Closer- Brandon League, Set-up- Kenley Jansen, 2nd in line- Ronald Belisario.

September 22, 2012
Los Angeles Dodgers – Kenlsey Jansen pitched the 7th inning in a tie game last night. Manager Don Matthingly said that he would like to ease Jansen back into the closer role. Brandon League picked up the save in extras and could see a couple more save opps before Jansen is back to closing. Hierarchy change: Kenley Jansen to Set-up, Ronald Belisario to 2nd in line.

September 13, 2012
Los Angeles Dodgers – Ronald Belisario pitched the 8th inning with the Dodgers down a run last night. Although Don Mattingly has yet to commit to Brandon League as the interim closer, League’s experience seems to have given him the edge in the platoon. Hierarchy change: Brandon League to Closer, Ronald Belisario to Set-up.

September 9, 2012
Los Angeles Dodgers – Brandon League on Saturday picked up his second save since joining the Dodgers, pitching a clean 9th inning. League, who altered his delivery after joining Los Angeles, has been pitching spectacularly lately, and is sharing opportunities with Ronald Belisario until Kenley Jansen returns in about two weeks. No hierarchy change.

September 1, 2012
Los Angeles Dodgers – As predicted in yesterday’s vulture save watch, Brandon League picked up the save while Belisario was recovering from a 26 pitch outing the night before. No hierarchy change.

September 1, 2012
Los Angeles Dodgers – Matt Guerrier returned from the 60-day DL on Friday, allowing one run and taking the loss after he entered a tie game in the 11th inning. Guerrier had not pitched since April 18. He will move back into the 7th-inning role that he held before his injury. Hierarchy change: Matt Guerrier to 2nd in line, replacing Jamey Wright.

August 30, 2012
Los Angeles Dodgers – Ronald Belisario picked up the save on Wednesday, throwing 1.2 innings with the Dodgers up by two runs. After the game, the Dodgers revealed that Kenley Jansen is battling a heart condition that kept him out for a month last year. Seemingly out of nowhere, his season is in jeopardy. Belisario should close, but behind him, there are few sure things. Deadline acquisition Brandon League is the best bet to move in to the set-up role. Hierarchy change: Ronald Belisario to Closer, Brandon League to Set-up, Jamey Wright to 2nd in line.

July 21, 2012
Los Angeles Dodgers – Javy Guerra finished off the 7th inning, and has worked his way back in to a late-innings role for the Dodgers. Josh Lindblom has struggled as of late, including on Friday, when he allowed three baserunners while only recording one out in the 6th inning. Hierarchy change: Javy Guerra to 2nd in line, replacing Josh Lindblom.

July 12, 2012
Los Angeles Dodgers – The Dodgers’ bullpen is solid, with Kenley Jansen still racking up strikeouts at an absurd rate. They’re unlikely to be factors in the bullpen market at the deadline. TRADE DEADLINE BUY/SELL: None.

June 5, 2012
Los Angeles Dodgers – Ronald Belisario pitched the 8th inning in a tie game on Monday, eventually earning the win after the Dodgers broke through against Jonathon Papelbon. Belisario (1.26 ERA) continues his quick ascent in the Dodgers’ pen, as he is now the primary set-up man for Kenley Jansen. Hierarchy change: Ronald Belisario to Set-up, Josh Lindblom to 2nd in line.

June 4, 2012
Los Angeles Dodgers – Ronald Belisario pitched another scoreless inning on Sunday, a day after pitching the 8th inning ahead of Kenley Jansen. Belisario, with a 1.35 ERA, has surpassed Javy Guerra on the Dodgers depth chart. Hierarchy change: Ronald Belisario to 2nd in line, replacing Javy Guerra.

May 10, 2012
Los Angeles Dodgers – Javy Guerra’s demotion seems to have dropped him several spots down the Dodgers bullpen hierarchy; Josh Lindblom pitched the 8th inning in a close game last night. Hierarchy change: Josh Lindblom to Set-up, Javy Guerra to 2nd in line.

May 8, 2012
Los Angeles Dodgers – Don Mattingly before Monday’s series opener said that he was removing Javy Guerra from the closer role. Kenley Jansen will close in his place, Mattingly said. Hierarchy change: Kenley Jansen to Closer, Javy Guerra to Set-up.

May 7, 2012
Los Angeles Dodgers – Javy Guerra blew another save on Sunday, and for the first time, manager Don Mattingly expressed wavering confidence in the righty, saying that he’d have to keep looking at the closer role. Guerra will likely get one more shot to close before being benched, though he remains firmly on the Hot Seat and is a good bet to lose his job with one more blown save. No hierarchy change.

April 30, 2012
Los Angeles Dodgers — As predicted in Sunday’s Vulture Save Watch, Kenley Jansen collected the save for the Dodgers, striking out the side with two walks. Don Mattingly stressed after the game that he intends to keep Javy Guerra in the closer role, however. No hierarchy change.

April 29, 2012
Los Angeles Dodgers – Josh Lindblom pitched the 8th last night and has been used recently in close game situations in the later innings. Scott Elbert started the 9th because there were two lefties up and it looks like he will be used more as a situational lefty. Ultimately Javy Guerra came on and gave up the go ahead runs. Mattingly may have been trying help his closer out by having Elbert start against the lefties which is a sign that he might be losing faith in Guerra. No closer change yet but it will be interesting to see who gets called on for the next save opportunity. Hierarchy change: Josh Lindblom to 2nd in line, replacing Scott Elbert.

April 28, 2012
Los Angeles Dodgers – Kenley Jansen got the save last night. Manager Don Mattingly said after the game on Wednesday that Guerra was still his guy so he might have just been giving him a day off after taking a line drive off his jaw his last time out. Guerra is already on the hot seat but hasn’t lost his job yet. No hierarchy change.

April 26, 2012
Los Angeles Dodgers – Javy Guerra blew the save last night and took the loss for the second consecutive game. Guerra has gone 0-2 and only 2/4 in save opportunities in his last 5 games. Kenley Jansen pitched a scoreless 8th and could take Guerra’s job if he continues to pitch poorly.Javy Guerra to Hot Seat.

April 25, 2012
Los Angeles Dodgers – Matt Guerrier was placed on the DL Tuesday with elbow tendinitis. Scott Elbert pitched the 7th in a tie game and will likely move back into that role. Hierarchy change: Scott Elbert to 2nd in line, replacing Matt Guerrier.

April 14, 2012
Los Angeles Dodgers – Kenley Jansen came in for the save with the Dodgers up 2 in the 9th but was unable to convert the save opportunity. Javy Guerra is still clearly the closer and was just getting a day off after pitching three consecutive days. No hierarchy change.

April 6, 2012
Los Angeles Dodgers- Matt Guerrier pitched the 7th inning in a two-run game last night. With Guerrier and the also-talented Mike MacDougal eating up the middle innings for the Dodgers, Scott Elbert might be reduced to a LOOGY role. Hierarchy change: Matt Guerrier to 2nd in line, replacing Scott Elbert.

April 1, 2012
Los Angeles Dodgers- Javy Guerra will start as the closer based on last year, but he’ll be looking over his shoulder at fireballer Kenley Jansen, who is a strong candidate to close soon. Scott Elbert picked up the odd save chances for the Dodgers last year, and with no major additions, he could assume the role if Guerra and Jansen go down. Starting 2012 hierarchy: Closer- Javy Guerra, Set-up- Kenley Jansen, 2nd in line- Scott Elbert.

Sept. 15, 2011
Los Angeles Dodgers- With Javy Guerra getting the night off, it was Kenley Jansen, not Mike MacDougal, who picked up the save in last night’s Dodgers victory. Guerra should resume closing tonight, though he’s been knocked around as of late. Hierarchy change: Kenley Jansen to Set-up, Mike MacDougal to 2nd in line. Javy Guerra to Hot Seat.

Sept. 9, 2011
Los Angeles Dodgers- Kenley Jansen pitched the 7th inning last night, while Mike MacDougal pitched the 8th. It was Jansen, not MacDougal, who picked up a scavenger save when Guerra had a recent night off, but over the past two weeks, MacDougal has pitched later in games than Jansen. Hierarchy change: MacDougal to Set-up, Jansen to 2nd in line.

Sept. 2, 2011
Los Angeles Dodgers- Since returning from the DL, Kenley Jansen has been thrust back in to his late-inning role. With Javy Guerra on the bench after pitching two straight days, Jansen was called upon for the save last night. Hierarchy change: Jansen to Set-up, MacDougal to 2nd in line.

Aug. 23, 2011
Los Angeles Dodgers- Scott Elbert was used rather early in last night’s game while the Dodgers were losing. Their 8th inning role has been muddled, but Elbert’s early outing coupled with Mike MacDougal and his stellar 2.18 ERA suggest that MacDougal is the go-to guy now, should Guerra go down. Hierarchy change: MacDougal to Set-Up, Elbert to 2nd in line.

May 24, 2024

(RP | LAD): Entering in the bottom of the fifth, Yohan Ramírez let his only inherited runner score, and three earned runs on his own ledger, allowing a walk and two hit-batters without recording an out en route to his second loss. 

Hierarchy remains: *Daniel Hudson | *Blake Treinen | Alex Vesia

*= closer-by-committee

May 20, 2024

(RP | LAD): Daniel Hudson recorded two strikeouts while collecting his third save of the season after tossing a scoreless ninth against the Diamondbacks.

Analysis

Los Angeles Dodgers – Nailing down his third save, Daniel Hudson fired a clean top of the ninth and recorded two strikeouts during a two-run win over Arizona. He threw 20 pitches (60 Strike%) and generated four whiffs (20 SwStr%). He owns a modest five-game scoreless streak; this was his first save since May 8. Elieser Hernández served up two solo home runs in the eighth. Anthony Banda stranded a runner in the seventh despite giving up a hit during his two-thirds inning.

Hierarchy remains: *Daniel Hudson | *Blake Treinen | *Alex Vesia

*= closer-by-committee

May 19, 2024

(RP | LAD): Benefiting from a walk-off in the bottom of the tenth, Anthony Banda collected his first win, during his first appearance with the team. He retired the side in the top of the inning, stranding the “place” runner.

Analysis

Los Angeles Dodgers – As everyone planned, Anthony Banda collected his first win, tossing a clean top of the tenth and stranding the “place” runner while striking out one. Blake Treinen navigated around two hits for a scoreless ninth, recording one strikeout. Alex Vesia suffered his first blown save, letting one of three inherited runners score by issuing a bases-loaded walk, but he settled in and logged 1.2 scoreless frames with three strikeouts. Ryan Yarbrough allowed a hit, an earned run, and two walks while striking out one over 1.2 innings. 

Hierarchy remains: *Daniel Hudson | *Blake Treinen | *Alex Vesia

*= closer-by-committee

May 17, 2024

(RP | LAD): During a non-save outing, Daniel Hudson tossed a clean top of the ninth, closing out a four-run victory over Cincinnati.

Analysis

Los Angeles Dodgers – Although there was no save, Daniel Hudson turned in a clean top of the ninth, finishing a four-run win over the Reds. He retired the 3-4-5 hitters on eight pitches (75 Strike%) and induced one whiff. He’s been scoreless over his last three games but has not secured a save since May 8. Blake Treinen match-up with the 9-1-2 lineup pocket, recording his third hold with a clean outing and striking out one on seven pitches (all strikes) with two whiffs (28.6 SwStr%). He’s racked up three holds and a win while producing five shutout innings since his return from the injured list. Michael Grove collected his second win, tossing a clean top of the seventh and striking out one ahead of his team’s rally in the bottom of the inning.

Hierarchy remains: *Daniel Hudson | *Blake Treinen | *Alex Vesia

*= closer-by-committee

May 13, 2024

(RP | LAD): Recording his first save of the season, and first since 2022, J.P. Feyereisen tossed a scoreless bottom of the tenth, walking one and striking out one during a two-run win in San Francisco.

Analysis

Los Angeles Dodgers – Handed a two-run lead in the bottom of the tenth, J.P. Feyereisen not only secured his first save of the season, it’s his first since 2022. He worked around a walk and recorded a strikeout, finishing the contest on a game-ending double play ground out. He threw 14 pitches (9 strikes – 64.3 Strike%)) and induced two whiffs (14.3 SwStr%). Blake Treinen collected his first win, navigating around a hit and a walk while striking out one in a scoreless ninth. He entered against the 4-5-6 lineup pocket. Daniel Hudson fired a clean eighth, striking out two versus the top of the Giants’ batting order. Michael Grove tossed a clean seventh, striking out two. Alex Vesia stranded two runners and recorded his only out via strikeout in the sixth.

This outing reflected a match-up-based approach with Hudson and Treinen facing lineup lanes.

Hierarchy remains: *Daniel Hudson | *Blake Treinen | *Alex Vesia

*= closer-by-committee

May 10, 2024

(RP | LAD): Entering a tied game in the bottom of the ninth, Michael Grove allowed a lead-off double, and a one-out, walk-off RBI single resulting in his second loss.

Hierarchy remains: *Daniel Hudson | *Blake Treinen (HLR) | *Alex Vesia

*= closer-by-committee

May 8, 2024

(RP | LAD): Assuaging fantasy player’s fears, Daniel Hudson was called upon for the save chance against Miami and fired a clean ninth, producing one strikeout while recording his second save.

Analysis

Los Angeles Dodgers – Back in the saddle, and in a familiar role in the ninth, Daniel Hudson secured his second save, retiring the side and striking out one while finishing a two-run win over the Marlins. He matched up with the 3-4-5 lineup pocket and attacked them, throwing 12 pitches (83.3 Strike%) while generating three whiffs (25 SwStr%). Michael Grove notched his fourth hold, firing a clean eighth and striking out one.

Hierarchy remains: *Daniel Hudson | *Blake Treinen (HLR) | *Alex Vesia

*= closer-by-committee

May 6, 2024

(RP | LAD): With a three-run lead in the ninth, Alex Vesia was given the save opportunity for the Dodgers. He retired the side and recorded his first save of the season.

Analysis

Los Angeles Dodgers – Benefiting from a match-up-based approach, Alex Vesia converted his first save of the season, firing a clean top of the ninth while preserving a three-run win over Miami. He took over against the 5-6-7 lineup pocket, and the Marlins countered with two right-handed pinch hitters without any results. Vesia threw 13 pitches (9 strikes – 69.2 Strike%) and produced two whiffs (15.4 SwStr%) with one strikeout. After a slow start, he’s given up an unearned run over his last eight appearances with 10 strikeouts versus four walks, and a 0.88 WHIP over eight innings. Blake Treinen operated like an HLR, retiring the 2-3-4 batters in the eighth, recording a strikeout on 10 pitches (80 Strike%) with one whiff. Ryan Yarbrough collected his third win, logging three scoreless frames and allowing a hit with two strikeouts.

Adjusted Hierarchy: *Daniel Hudson | *Blake Treinen (HLR) | *Alex Vesia

*= closer-by-committee

May 5, 2024

(RP | LAD): Appearing for the first time since October 2022, Blake Treinen notched his first hold, retiring the 9-1-2 hitters from Atlanta in order while recording two strikeouts.

Analysis

Los Angeles Dodgers – Finishing a four-run win, and a sweep of Atlanta, Michael Grove fired a clean top of the ninth, recording two strikeouts. He threw 11 pitches (72.7 Strike%) and produced two whiffs (18.2 SwStr%). Blake Treinen made his first MLB appearance since October 2022, firing a clean eighth, and striking out two against the 9-1-2 lineup pocket, throwing 11 pitches (54.5 Strike%) with two whiffs (18.2 SwStr%). Joe Kelly notched his ninth hold, retiring his only batter via strikeout and stranding an inherited runner.

Adjusted Hierarchy: *Daniel Hudson | *Blake Treinen | *Joe Kelly

*= closer-by-committee

(RP | LAD): Before Sunday’s contest, the Dodgers’ placed Evan Phillips (Grade 1 hamstring) on the 15-day injured list. This may result in a shared save situation and it may take a game for fantasy players to find out, but with this in mind, here’s the adjusted hierarchy.

Adjusted Hierarchy: *Daniel Hudson | *Blake Treinen | *Joe Kelly

May 3, 2024

(RP | LAD): After retiring the side against the top of Atlanta’s lineup, Michael Grove recorded his first win courtesy of a walk-off rally in the bottom of the 11th.

Analysis

Los Angeles Dodgers – Courtesy of a walk-off rally, Michael Grove collected his first win of the season after retiring the side in the top of the 11th, stranding the “place” runner against Atlanta’s top of the lineup. Alex Vesia allowed an unearned run in the tenth and recorded a strikeout. Evan Phillips fired a clean ninth, striking out one on 11 pitches (81.8 Strike%) with three whiffs (27.3 SwStr%). He’s given up two unearned runs over his last nine appearances while posting 11 strikeouts against three walks over nine innings. Daniel Hudson suffered his second consecutive blown save, serving up a game-tying solo home run by Ronald Acuña Jr. in the top of the eighth. He’s allowed at least a run in four of his last six. Joe Kelly retired the side in the seventh, securing his eighth hold.

Hierarchy remains (for now): Evan Phillips | Daniel Hudson | Joe Kelly

April 30, 2024

(RP | LAD): Even though he tossed a clean bottom of the ninth keeping the game tied, Nabil Crismatt suffered his first loss, serving up a walk-off, two-run home run by Christian Walker in the tenth.

Analysis

Los Angeles Dodgers – Handed a one-run lead in the bottom of the tenth, Nabil Crismatt suffered his first loss, allowing a walk-off, two-run home run by Christian Walker, after tossing a clean ninth. Daniel Hudson suffered his first blown save in the eighth, giving up three hits and an earned run. Joe Kelly secured his seventh hold, tossing a scoreless seventh, yielding a hit and striking out one. Michael Grove worked a scoreless sixth, navigating around a hit and a walk with two strikeouts for his third hold.

Hierarchy remains: Evan Phillips | Daniel Hudson | Joe Kelly

April 29, 2024

(RP | LAD): Making a non-save appearance, Evan Phillips turned in a clean bottom of the ninth, striking out one while closing out a four-run win in Arizona.

Analysis

Los Angeles Dodgers – Closing out an 8-4 win, Evan Phillips fired a clean bottom of the ninth in a non-save outing, recording a strikeout. He threw 12 pitches (66.7 Strike%) without a whiff. He’s logged 10 appearances in April, converting all six save chances with a 13:4 K:BB over 10.1 innings. Alex Vesia worked a scoreless eighth, walking one and striking out one. Joe Kelly notched his sixth hold, giving up a hit during a scoreless seventh. Daniel Hudson fired a clean sixth for his seventh hold.

Hierarchy remains: Evan Phillips | Daniel Hudson | Joe Kelly

April 27, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – Although he allowed an unearned run, Evan Phillips secured his eighth save. He recorded two quick strikeouts, and then Davis Schneider reached on a throwing error by the pitcher and scored on a single by Cavan Biggio. Phillips threw 25 pitches (68 Strike%) and produced four whiffs (16 SwStr%). He owns a 1.11 WHIP with 15 strikeouts versus four walks over 11.2 innings. Ryan Brasier fired a clean eighth, striking out two for his fourth hold. Joe Kelly took over in the seventh, stranding a runner while retiring his three batters faced, two via strikeout, notching his fifth hold.

Hierarchy remains: Evan Phillips | Daniel Hudson | Joe Kelly

April 25, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – Snapping back into form, Evan Phillips secured his seventh save, firing a clean bottom of the ninth, and striking out two. He threw 14 pitches (71.4 Strike%) and produced two whiffs (14.3 SwStr%). He owns a 1.13 WHIP with 13 strikeouts against four walks through his first 10.2 innings while converting all seven save chances. Daniel Hudson recorded his sixth hold, giving up two hits and an earned run while striking out one. Alex Vesia worked a scoreless seventh, yielding a hit and striking out three on 15 pitches (80 Strike%) with five whiffs (33.3 SwStr%).

Hierarchy remains: Evan Phillips | Daniel Hudson | Joe Kelly

April 23, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – A rare, traffic-infused outing for Evan Phillips, but he held on for his sixth save of the season. It started with a strikeout, followed by consecutive one-out walks, and a CJ Abrams single, with Luis García Jr. being thrown out at home. With two outs, Phillips walked Eddie Rosario, loading the bases before a game-ending strikeout of Jesse Winker. He labored through 32 pitches (50 Stirke%) and induced five whiffs (15.6 SwStr%). He’s displayed some rust after not appearing for six days before his previous outing on April 20. Daniel Hudson secured his fifth hold, walking one during a scoreless eighth. Alex Vesia collected his first win, logging 1.1 scoreless innings, yielding a hit and striking out one. Michael Grove worked a scoreless combined inning, walking one and striking out one.

Hierarchy remains: Evan Phillips | Daniel Hudson | Joe Kelly

April 19, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – Representing one of the few weaknesses on this team, the bullpen struggled during this loss against the Mets. Taking over a tied game in the top of the seventh, Daniel Hudson allowed two runs (one earned), on a two-run, go-ahead home run by Francisco Lindor, and recorded two strikeouts, resulting in his first loss. Joe Kelly gave up three hits, two earned runs, and a walk while striking out one in the eighth. Ryan Brasier also allowed a run in the ninth, giving up three hits and striking out one. Combined, they yielded seven hits, five runs (four earned), and a walk with four strikeouts over three innings in this contest.

Hierarchy remains: Evan Phillips | Daniel Hudson | Joe Kelly

April 16, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – Operating as the “bulk follower”, Ryan Yarbrough secured his second win, tossing five innings while giving up two hits and two earned with three strikeouts. Joe Kelly notched his fourth hold, walking one and striking out one during a scoreless eighth. Daniel Hudson worked a scoreless ninth, in a non-save capacity, allowing a hit and striking out one.

Hierarchy remains: Evan Phillips | Daniel Hudson | Joe Kelly

April 13, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – Despite dealing with some traffic in the ninth, Evan Phillips finished his fifth save with a scoreless outing. He allowed consecutive one-out singles by Manny Machado and Jurickson Profar, then induced a fielder’s choice groundout, and a game-ending groundout, preserving the 5-2 win. Phillips threw 23 pitches (17 strikes – 73.9 Strike%) and produced four whiffs (17.4 SwStr%). He’s recorded a 0.91 WHIP with seven strikeouts versus one walk over his first 7.2 innings. Daniel Hudson fired a clean eighth, striking out the side for his fourth hold. Michael Grove retired his only batter faced via strikeout in the seventh, securing his second hold.

Hierarchy remains: Evan Phillips | Daniel Hudson | Joe Kelly

April 12, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – Appearing for the third time in four days, Alex Vesia suffered his second loss, allowing a two-out RBI single by Jackson Merrill in the top of the 11th, scoring the place runner. Ryan Yarbrough tossed a scoreless tenth, walking one. Evan Phillips worked a scoreless ninth, yielding a hit. He’s posted a 0.75 WHIP with seven strikeouts against one walk through his first 6.2 innings. Joe Kelly fired a clean eighth, striking out two. Ryan Brasier was tagged with his second blown save, giving up two hits, including a game-tying two-run home run by Fernando Tatis Jr. among his three earned runs, and walking one in the seventh. Daniel Hudson gave up a solo home run (Jake Cronenworth) and recorded a strikeout in the sixth.

Hierarchy remains: Evan Phillips | Daniel Hudson | Ryan Brasier

April 8, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – Locking down his fourth save, Evan Phillips fired a clean ninth, striking out one. He threw 11 pitches (72.7 Strike%) without recording a whiff. He owns a 0.71 WHIP with seven strikeouts against one walk over 5.2 innings. Daniel Hudson secured his third hold, retiring the side in order in the eighth and striking out one. Ryan Brasier turned in a clean seventh, striking out one for his third hold.

Hierarchy remains: Evan Phillips | Daniel Hudson | Ryan Brasier

April 6, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – During a non-save outing, Evan Phillips struggled, like many closers do, allowing two hits, an earned run, and a walk, while striking out one, finishing off a 4-1 win over the Cubs. He threw 23 pitches (14 strikes – 60.9 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (13 SwStr%). He owns a 0.86 WHIP with six strikeouts versus one walk through his first 4.2 innings. Daniel Hudson worked a scoreless eighth, giving up a hit and striking out one. Joe Kelly secured his third hold, firing a clean seventh and striking out two. Ryan Brasier tossed a scoreless sixth, yielding a hit and recording all three outs via strikeout for his second hold.

Hierarchy remains: Evan Phillips | Daniel Hudson | Joe Kelly

April 3, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – Providing Evan Phillips with rest, Dinelson Lamet recorded his first career save, firing a clean top the ninth, striking out two. He threw 11 pitches 63.6 Strike%) with one whiff. Daniel Hudson faced the top of the lineup while recording his second hold, giving up a solo home run (Jorge Soler), and striking out one. Joe Kelly rebounded with a clean seventh, recording two strikeouts.

April 2, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – Finishing off a bullpen contest, Evan Phillips recorded his third save, allowing a hit and striking out two over 1.1 scoreless frames. He threw 17 pitches (14 strikes – 82.4 Strike%) and produced one whiff. He’s posted a minuscule 0.27 WHIP with five strikeouts versus zero walks through 3.2 innings. Michael Grove notched his first hold, working 1.2 scoreless innings, giving up a hit and a walk while striking out two. Alex Vesia stranded an inherited runner and retired both batters in the sixth, striking out one for his first hold. Ryan Yarbrough collected his first win logging 4.1 innings while yielding seven hits, four earned runs, and a walk with one strikeout.

March 31, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – Recording his first save since July 5, 2023, Daniel Hudson closed out a one-run comeback win over the Cardinals with a clean ninth, striking out two. He threw 16 pitches (62.5 Strike%) and produced five whiffs (31.3 SwStr%). Through two outings, he’s recorded a win and a save. Nabil Crismatt logged two scoreless frames, giving up a hit and striking out three for his first win during his team debut. Alex Vesia worked into, and out of trouble, issuing two walks, hitting a batter, and allowing an unearned run while striking out two in the sixth. 

March 30, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – Appearing on consecutive days, Evan Phillips retired his only batter faced via strikeout on five pitches (60 Strike%) with one whiff (20 SwStr%). Kyle Hurt suffered his first loss, giving up a hit and an unearned run while striking out three over 2.2 innings. Alex Vesia stranded a runner and walked one during his one-third of the seventh. Joe Kelly went nuclear allowing three hits, five runs (four earned), a hit batter, a balk, and a walk resulting in his first blown save. Daniel Hudson secured his first hold, firing a clean sixth, striking out one.

March 29, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – Securing his second save, Evan Phillips fired a clean top of the ninth, striking out one. He threw 11 pitches (6 strikes – 54.5 Strike%) and recorded one whiff. He’s registered two strikeouts over two clean outings this season. Ryan Brasier let all three inherited runners score on a two-RBI double and a sacrifice fly during a scoreless eighth. Michael Grove struggled, giving up three hits, three earned runs, and a walk while striking out one in a combined inning of relief.

March 28, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – Taking the baton from Tyler Glasnow, an old-school save for Ryan Yarbrough logging three scoreless frames, allowing a hit, and striking out one, while closing out a six-run win over the Cardinals.

March 24, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – During an exhibition game with the Angels, Evan Phillips fired a clean eighth, striking out the side on 13 pitches (9 strikes – 69.2 Strike%) and producing four whiffs (30.8 SwStr%). With a save under his belt, he’s ready for his stateside Opening Day on Thursday. Ryan Brasier had a rough outing, giving up three hits, three earned runs, and a walk over two-thirds of the seventh. Alex Vesia retired his only batter faced in the sixth, stranding an inherited runner.

March 21, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – Some rough outings in an eventual loss in Game 2 of the Seoul Series. Gus Varland retired his only batter faced in the bottom of the eighth, stranding an inherited runner. J.P. Feyereisen displayed some rust in his first major-league appearance since June 22, 2022. He gave up three hits, three earned runs, and a walk while striking out one in a combined inning of relief. Ryan Yarbrough logged 1.2 innings, giving up a hit, an unearned run, and two walks while striking out one. Alex Vesia allowed a hit, an earned run, and a walk while striking out two in the sixth. Kyle Hurt worked two innings, yielding three hits, an earned run, and a walk.

March 20, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – Securing the first save of 2024, Evan Phillips fired a clean bottom of the ninth while striking out one against the Padres 5-6-7 lineup pocket. He threw 12 pitches (75 Strike%) and produced one whiff. Joe Kelly notched his first hold, allowing a hit during a scoreless eighth. Daniel Hudson collected his first win, working a scoreless seventh, giving up a hit and striking out one. Ryan Brasier retired the side in order in the sixth, recording one strikeout.

March 19, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – Before its first game in South Korea against San Diego, the Dodgers placed two relievers, Brusdar Graterol (shoulder) and Blake Treinen (lung), on the 10-day injured list per Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic on “X”. It will be interesting how Dave Roberts structures his leverage ladder during a save chance, which could happen soon while many have their morning coffee.

March 10, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers – A bevy of notes about the Dodgers leverage ladder. First, Brusdar Graterol will not participate in the two games in South Korea with hip and shoulder tightness, reported by Juan Toribio of MLB.com on “X”. This paves the way for Daniel Hudson opening the season with the team. Blake Treinen was struck in the ribs on comebacker on Saturday, and did not suffer any breaks, but will receive a few days off during his recovery. If you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a ball, thankfully the reliever will be on his feet throwing soon.

September 18, 2023
Los Angeles Dodgers – The Dodgers’ top arms needed a rest, and fortunately, some early offense and a strong bulk outing by Ryan Yarbrough allowed them to turn to struggling rookie Gavin Stone for the final out of the 6th inning. Stone proceeded to turn in by far the best outing of his young career — it was, in fact, the first of his 7 career appearances whereby he didn’t allow a run — and recorded the game’s final 10 outs for his first save.

Hierarchy remains: Phillips | Graterol | Ferguson.

September 4, 2023
Los Angeles Dodgers – After throwing 1.2 innings last night, Evan Phillips was apparently unavailable on Sunday, so Dave Roberts turned to Brusdar Graterol for the save. Graterol converted for his 7th of the year.

Hierarchy remains: Phillips | Graterol | Ferguson.

August 31, 2023
Los Angeles Dodgers — For the second time in two weeks, Ryan Yarbrough earned a super-sized save. Wednesday he gave the rest of the bullpen the night off by powering through four innings of scoreless ball in a 7-0 win.

Hierarchy remains: Phillips | Graterol | Ferguson.

August 29, 2023
Los Angeles Dodgers – Evan Phillips did not pitch Monday, as projected by the Vulture Save Watch, but it was Caleb Ferguson and not Brusdar Graterol who got the opportunity in the ninth, earning his third save. He has been used as an opener recently, but this save chance proves he still belongs in the hierarchy. Graterol last worked Friday, throwing 31 pitches, so perhaps manager Dave Roberts wanted an additional day of rest to keep him fresh.

Hierarchy remains: Phillips | Graterol | Ferguson.

August 20, 2023
Los Angeles Dodgers – Evan Phillips pitched a perfect 9th inning in game one to earn his 19th save of the season.  The Dodgers won game two of the doubleheader also and this time Brusdar Graterol closed it out for his 6th save of the season.  Score another one for the Vulture Save Watch.

Hierarchy remains: Phillips | Graterol | Ferguson.

August 16, 2023
Los Angeles Dodgers – Ryan Yarbrough entered the seventh inning with a 6-1 lead and gave up a home run to the first batter he faced. That was his only blemish, however, as he retired the next nine hitters in a row to earn his first MLB save.

Hierarchy remains: Phillips | Graterol | Ferguson.

August 11, 2023
Los Angeles Dodgers – Here’s one we did predict, as Brusdar Graterol notched his 5th save of the year in place of a resting Evan Phillips. VSW +1.

Hierarchy remains: Phillips | Graterol | Ferguson.

August 4, 2023
Los Angeles Dodgers – Emmett Sheehan tossed the final four innings Thursday for his first career save. The rookie has promise, but likely as a starter in his future. He won’t factor into the normal late-innings mix for the Dodgers.

Hierarchy remains: *Phillips | Graterol | Ferguson.
* = closer-by-committee

July 30, 2023
Los Angeles Dodgers – Evan Phillips recorded the final four outs of the Dodgers’ 3-2 victory yesterday to pick up his 13th save of the season.  It was only Phillips’ second save in July but he is still the best bet for a save on any given night for the Dodgers.

Hierarchy remains: *Phillips | Graterol | Ferguson.
* = closer-by-committee

July 18, 2023
Los Angeles Dodgers – Plucked off the scrap heap after an unceremonious end to his tenure in Boston, Ryan Brasier has pitched surprisingly well (12.1 IP, 2 ER) for the Dodgers since being called up from AAA in June. Yesterday, with Evan Phillips getting a breather, Brasier picked up his first save as a Dodger.

Hierarchy remains: *Phillips | Graterol | Ferguson.
* = closer-by-committee

July 7, 2023
Los Angeles Dodgers — It was another good news/bad news day for the Dodgers’ bullpen on Thursday. The bad news is that Daniel Hudson, who earned his first save in 392 days on Wednesday, landed on the IL with an MCL sprain on his right knee. Hudson is expected to miss at least 1-2 months, if not longer. The good news is that Brusdar Graterol, who was expected to end up on the IL yesterday, avoided that and looked sharp in an efficient eighth-inning hold. With Evan Phillips still unavailable, that left the save to Alex Vesia, who was recalled from Triple-A that afternoon. Vesia looked sharp as well, earning his first save in nearly a year. Caleb Ferguson, who desperately needed a day off after three straight outings, returns to the hierarchy following the Hudson injury, but we’ll keep an eye on Vesia to see if he continues to get high-leverage looks even when the Dodgers have their full complement of relievers available.

Updated hierarchy: *Phillips | Graterol | Ferguson.
* = closer-by-committee

July 6, 2023
Los Angeles Dodgers — LA has wasted little time getting Daniel Hudson back into the late-innings mix, turning to him for a rocky save on Wednesday — his first in 392 days — when Evan Phillips needed rest. The bad news for the Dodgers is that Brusdar Graterol was unavailable with an “arm thing” that could land him on the IL as early as today.

Updated hierarchy: *Phillips | Graterol | Hudson.
* = closer-by-committee

July 1, 2023
Los Angeles Dodgers – The Dodgers activated Daniel Hudson from the IL yesterday, after missing nearly a year with an ACL injury. The Dodgers immediately gave him the ball in the 8th inning of a 6 run game. He pitched a clean frame with 2 strikeouts and is a welcome addition to the back end of the Dodgers bullpen. Hudson was one of the most reliable set up men before his injury last year, and we will see if he can return to form. Don’t be surprised if he starts moving up the hierarchy quickly, but we will wait to see how he is deployed before making a move.

Hierarchy remains: *Phillips | Graterol | Ferguson.
* = closer-by-committee

June 25, 2023
Los Angeles Dodgers – After a Ryne Stanek balk in the top of the 9th inning allowed the go-ahead run to score, Evan Phillips earned his 10th save of the season with a scoreless bottom of the 9th inning.  Phillips is the best bet to get a save on any given night but Brusdar Graterol has been solid this season and could steal some saves from Phillips.

Hierarchy remains: *Phillips | Graterol | Ferguson.
* = closer-by-committee

June 24, 2023
Los Angeles Dodgers – Just prior to last night’s game, Dave Roberts said that despite having Thursday off he wanted to stay away from Evan Phillips due to his recent workload. True to his word, this left the 9th inning for Brusdar Graterol, who needed only 7 pitches to close out a 1 run game. Phillips and Graterol continue to be the best options in the Dodgers bullpen, and while Phillips seems to be the top choice, Graterol is very much in the mix.

Hierarchy remains: *Phillips | Graterol | Ferguson.
* = closer-by-committee

June 11, 2023
Los Angeles Dodgers – Andre Jackson pitched three scoreless innings to finish off a 9-0 Dodgers’ win and pick up his second save of the season.  Jackson also pitched three scoreless innings for a save in his debut this season but has given up 13 runs of his other 5 appearances.  Apparently Jackson struggles in non-save situations (of the three inning variety) like some closers so maybe the Dodgers would be best to save him for those three inning save situations.

Hierarchy remains: *Phillips | Graterol | Ferguson.
* = closer-by-committee

June 11, 2023
Los Angeles Dodgers – The Dodgers’ committee kept rolling yesterday as Brusdar Graterol got the 7th inning, Evan Phillips pitched the 8th and started the 9th before Caleb Ferguson came on for the last two outs to pick up the save.  Philllips recorded four saves in a row in early May but has not recorded any of the last three.  We will see if this continues or if the Dodgers start to turn to Phillips again more regularly in save chances.

Hierarchy remains: *Phillips | Graterol | Ferguson.
* = closer-by-committee

May 28, 2023
Los Angeles Dodgers – The Dodgers’ committee kept rolling yesterday as Brusdar Graterol got the 7th inning, Evan Phillips pitched the 8th and started the 9th before Caleb Ferguson came on for the last two outs to pick up the save.  Philllips recorded four saves in a row in early May but has not recorded any of the last three.  We will see if this continues or if the Dodgers start to turn to Phillips again more regularly in save chances.

Hierarchy remains: *Phillips | Graterol | Ferguson.
* = closer-by-committee

May 23, 2023
Los Angeles Dodgers – We’re back to committee mode in Los Angeles, as Evan Phillips was used in the 5th(!) inning of a tight game against Atlanta. Four other relievers combined to finish the game, which ended with a 4-out save from Brusdar Graterol, who is likely the lead beneficiary of Phillips’ fireman usage.

Updated hierarchy: *Phillips | Graterol | Ferguson.
* = closer-by-committee

May 14, 2023
Los Angeles Dodgers – The Dodgers’ flip-flopped Evan Phillips and Brusdar Graterol last night with Phillips getting the 8th inning and Graterol getting the 9th.  Phillips pitched a scoreless inning and Graterol recorded outs on the first two batters he faced, but after allowing back-to-back singles, Caleb Ferguson came on in relief of Graterol.  Ferguson struck out the only batter he faced and picked up his first save of the season.  We will see if this sort of usage continues and pushes this back towards a committee. 

Hierarchy remains: Phillips | Graterol | Ferguson.

May 10, 2023
Los Angeles Dodgers – With the tying run on deck in a 6-2 game, Evan Phillips came on in relief of Brusdar Graterol to pick up the final out of the ninth and earn the save. To be fair to Graterol, he didn’t allow a run and was in that jam largely because of an error, but this was Phillips’ fourth straight save and third since May 6, which is enough to kick the asterisk. In other news, Caleb Ferguson is the latest Dodger to hit the paternity list.

Hierarchy remains: Phillips | Graterol | Ferguson.

May 7, 2023
Los Angeles Dodgers – Evan Phillips struck out the side to pick up his 4th save of the season.  Brusdar Graterol recorded the 8th inning hold ahead of Phillips.  Phillips now has the last two Dodgers’ saves and should continue to be the best bet for saves in this committee.

Hierarchy remains: *Phillips | Graterol | Ferguson.
* = closer-by-committee

May 1, 2023
Los Angeles Dodgers – The Dodgers used five relievers to get the game’s final 13 outs, and the last of those was Evan Phillips, who picked up his third save (though his first in a while), much to the relief of his fantasy owners. He’s still top dog in this committee for now.

Hierarchy remains: *Phillips | Graterol | Ferguson.
* = closer-by-committee

April 30, 2023
Los Angeles Dodgers – Evan Phillips pitched a scoreless 8th inning with a pair of strikeouts and Brusdar Graterol finished off the 1-0 win with a scoreless 9th inning to record his second save of the season.  Phillips and Graterol both have two saves this season, but Phillips’ both came in early April while Graterol’s have both come in the past week.  We will leave Phillips on top for now since he was away on paternity leave for one of those Graterol saves but there could be a shift at the top of this committee if things continue this way.

Hierarchy remains: *Phillips | Graterol | Ferguson.
* = closer-by-committee

April 26, 2023
Los Angeles Dodgers – Evan Phillips’ move to the bereavement list was indeed procedural and he rejoined the Dodgers on Tuesday following the birth of his child, while Brusdar Graterol replaced Phillips on the paternity list. With his team trailing by two in the bottom of the sixth, Phillips made sure he got some work in and pitched a 1-2-3 inning. The Dodgers eventually took the lead, and after Caleb Ferguson left the bases loaded in the eighth, Shelby Miller completed the ninth for his first career save, which the Vulture Save Watch thought might happen. Miller has allowed just two earned runs all season but has not yet recorded a hold.

Hierarchy remains: *Phillips | Graterol | Ferguson.
* = closer-by-committee

April 25, 2023
Los Angeles Dodgers – Evan Phillips was moved from the paternity list to the bereavement list, which we’re praying is a procedural move rather than something more ominous. Additionally, Brusdar Graterol also went on the paternity list, leaving the Dodgers thin at the back end of the bullpen. We don’t traditionally update hierarchies for short-term leave like this, so check the Vulture Save Watch for speculative save chances for the next few days.

Hierarchy remains: *Phillips | Graterol | Ferguson.
* = closer-by-committee

April 24, 2023
Los Angeles Dodgers – With Evan Phillips on the paternity list, Brusdar Graterol got the call on Sunday, pitching the game’s final two innings for his first save of the season. The Vulture Save Watch was on this, of course.

Hierarchy remains: *Phillips | Graterol | Ferguson.
* = closer-by-committee

April 21, 2023
Los Angeles Dodgers – Evan Phillips was placed on the paternity list, so he will be out of action for a few days. Expect Brusdar Graterol to get the bulk of the save chances in his stead. While we’re talking about the Dodgers, it’s time to address how bad Alex Vesia has been to start the season – 11.12 ERA, 3.53 WHIP. He won’t be sniffing the ninth anytime soon. We’ll slide up Caleb Ferguson, who has looked impressive in the early going (2.45 ERA, 1.09 WHIP).

Updated hierarchy: *Phillips | Graterol | Ferguson.
* = closer-by-committee

April 7, 2023
Los Angeles Dodgers – In two of the past three days, Evan Phillips has picked up two clean saves and is another consecutive one away from kicking the asterisk, though it should be noted Brusdar Graterol was not available Thursday due to back tightness. With Graterol ailing and Daniel Hudson slow to recover from knee surgery, Phillips could grab hold of the job and keep it for a long, long time for one of the best teams in baseball.

Hierarchy remains: *Phillips | Graterol | Vesia.
* = closer-by-committee

April 2, 2023
Los Angeles Dodgers – Andre Jackson picked up the first save of the season for the Dodgers as he pitched the last three innings of their lopsided 10-1 victory yesterday.  Jackson only allowed one hit over three scoreless innings but he is not expected to be included in more conventional save chances moving forward.

Hierarchy remains: *Phillips | Graterol | Vesia.
* = closer-by-committee

March 25, 2023
Los Angeles Dodgers – Brusdar Graterol is working on secondary pitches to go with his 100mph fastball, and if he can find some success there, he could turn into a dominant closer.  We will slide him up one spot to first in line and see if he can put it all together this season.

Updated hierarchy: *Phillips | Graterol | Vesia.
* = closer-by-committee

March 16, 2023
Los Angeles Dodgers – The Dodgers head into 2023 without a designated closer, with Blake Treinen not expected to pitch this year and Daniel Hudson set to miss the early part of the season. Expect folks like Evan Phillips, Alex Vesia, Brusdar Graterol and Caleb Ferguson to be in the mix for saves, with Phillips likely having the slight edge on the group.

Starting 2023 hierarchy: *Phillips | Vesia | Graterol.
* = closer-by-committee
Holds candidates: Vesia, Graterol, Ferguson.

October 2, 2022
Los Angeles Dodgers — Brusdar Graterol pitched a perfect 9th inning for his fourth save of the season.   Graterol served as an opener in his previous outing so that just shows how wide open this bullpen is.

Hierarchy remains: *Phillips | Vesia | Kahnle.
* = closer-by-committee

September 30, 2022
Los Angeles Dodgers — Alex Vesia got the final two outs of the eighth ahead of David Price, who was pitching for the first time in a month. Price recorded the final three outs for his second save of the season. Evan Phillips and Tommy Kahnle had pitched in two straight entering Thursday.

Hierarchy remains: *Phillips | Vesia | Kahnle.
* = closer-by-committee

September 29, 2022
Los Angeles Dodgers — Tommy Kahnle threw his hat into the Dodgers’ closer committee ring, grabbing a tenth-inning save and allowing LA to join the Yankees with 12 pitchers with saves entering the final week of the season. Kahnle’s last save was with New York in August 2018, but both he and the freshly returned David Price could have important bullpen roles to play this postseason for Los Angeles.

Updated hierarchy: *Phillips | Vesia | Kahnle.
* = closer-by-committee

September 26, 2022
Los Angeles Dodgers – Andre Jackson picked up the save for the Dodgers on Sunday, coming in with a 3-run lead in the 7th and staying on all the way through the game’s end. With a 21-game lead, expect more of this laissez-faire bullpen approach from Los Angeles down the stretch.

Hierarchy remains: *Phillips | Vesia | Martin.
* = closer-by-committee

September 24, 2022
Los Angeles Dodgers – The Dodgers said yesterday that Craig Kimbrel would be used in a variety of roles and that the Dodgers will be switching to a closer by committee, presumably for the rest of the season. Kimbrel did pitch a clean inning last night, but it was with the Dodgers down by 8 in the 6th inning. We think Evan Phillips and Alex Vesia are the best bet to get saves. The Dodgers have other options as well, as Chris Martin recently vultured a save, and Brusdar Graterol has electric stuff. We will see how the Dodgers deploy their arms moving forward, but it is a good time to speculate with the season drawing to a close.

Updated hierarchy: *Phillips | Vesia | Martin.
* = closer-by-committee

September 23, 2022
Los Angeles Dodgers – The Dodgers announced today that Craig Kimbrel is out as the closer, and they would be using a committee to close games. Kimbrel will be used in a variety of roles going forward. This opens the door for Evan Phillips and Alex Vesia to showcase their stuff, while Tuesday’s vulture save earner Chris Martin also joins the hierarchy. 

Updated hierarchy: *Phillips | Vesia | Martin

September 21, 2022
Los Angeles Dodgers – When the Dodgers rallied for five runs in the eighth to take a 6-5 lead in game one of Tuesday’s doubleheader, they turned to Chris Martin for the ninth. Martin retired all three hitters he faced for his second save of the season. Martin vultured a save at the end of August but hasn’t seen much high-leverage work this month. We’ll see if that changes as the Dodgers set up their bullpen for the playoffs. 

Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Phillips | Vesia.

September 19, 2022
Los Angeles Dodgers – After a 4-inning outing by starter Andrew Heaney, the Dodgers needed seven relievers to navigate the remainder of their 10-inning affair with the Giants. At the end of the contest, with the bases loaded, 2 outs, and the Dodgers up by a run, out came lefty Justin Bruihl, who battled Lamonte Wade Jr. through a seven-pitch at-bat before inducing a groundout. It was Bruihl’s first save of the year.

Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Phillips | Vesia.

September 15, 2022
Los Angeles Dodgers — Craig Kimbrel gave up a one-run lead in the tenth courtesy of a three-run homer, but Dave Roberts remained confident in his closer, who had not allowed a hit in his previous eight appearances.

Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Phillips | Vesia.

September 3, 2022
Los Angeles Dodgers – The Dodgers activated Blake Treinen after nearly five months on the IL yesterday. Treinen was in line to be the primary set up man for Los Angeles, but his shoulder injury derailed the season before it got going. If Treinen can return to form, he could snag a few save chances down the stretch, but we will see how he is deployed prior to getting him back in the hierarchy.

Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Phillips | Vesia.

August 31, 2022
Los Angeles Dodgers – The Dodgers didn’t have many relievers available on Tuesday, which meant that Jake Reed got the ball in the ninth inning with a one-run lead against the Mets. Reed, who pitched for the Mets earlier this season, recorded the final three outs for his first MLB save.

Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Phillips | Vesia.

August 30, 2022
Los Angeles Dodgers – After Craig Kimbrel, who was in his second inning of work, issued two walks to load the bases with one out, Chris Martin came on and wriggled out of the jam, getting a strikeout and popout to end the game. It was Martin’s first save of the season.

Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Phillips | Vesia.

August 20, 2022
Los Angeles Dodgers — In a 1 run game the Dodgers went with Evan Phillips instead of heavily worked closer Craig Kimbrel. Phillips got the job done for his second save of the year. Kimbrel had pitched in 4 of the last 6 and after the game manager Dave Roberts said that the reason he didn’t go to Kimbrel was “usage.” It is worth nothing that Kimbrel has been a little bit shaky as of late, giving up runs in 4 of his last 6 appearances, but with only 1 blown save during that stretch, and the Dodgers being safely in the lead of the NL West, his job is safe for the moment.

Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Phillips | Vesia.

July 24, 2022
Los Angeles Dodgers — Craig Kimbrell got the day off as the Vulture Save Watch predicted but it could not predict that David Price would record the save.  The Dodgers were up four runs heading into the 9th inning but after Reyes Maronta walked a couple batters, Price entered the game.  He allowed a couple of hits but was able to record the final out to get his first save of the season.  Price became the seventh different pitcher to record a save for the Dodgers this season.

Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Phillips | Vesia.

July 15, 2022
Los Angeles Dodgers — Brusdar Graterol (right shoulder inflammation) on Thursday joined a growing list of Dodgers relievers on the IL. Look for Alex Vesia, who recently secured his first save, to get some more late-inning looks.

Updated hierarchy: Kimbrel | Phillips | Vesia.

July 14, 2022
Los Angeles Dodgers — The Dodgers wanted to be sure to use Craig Kimbrel on Wednesday, so in he came in the eighth inning of a game the team trailed. When they took the lead in the top of the ninth, though, that left Evan Phillips to pick up his first save of the season.

Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Graterol | Phillips.

July 11, 2022
Los Angeles Dodgers – Craig Kimbrel got Sunday off having pitched in three of the last four games, so Brusdar Graterol went the final two innings for the save. Vulture Save Watch! Read it!

Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Graterol | Phillips.

July 8, 2022
Los Angeles Dodgers – Craig Kimbrel had a tough outing in the ninth on Thursday, allowing a run on a double. He also threw a wild pitch and allowed a walk. He recorded two outs before being pulled for Alex Vesia, who struck out the final batter for his first save. Kimbrel had a recent injury scare so it’s possible it affected his performance. Though, it’s also worth noting Kimbrel can be wild, at times. The situation is worth keeping an eye on. On a side note, Brusdar Graterol left Thursday’s game with right side soreness. We’ll keep an eye on that as well!

Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Graterol | Phillips.

July 6, 2022
Los Angeles Dodgers – Craig Kimbrel’s CT scan came back clean yesterday, which means he will avoid the IL and be available today. Brusdar Graterol closed out Tuesday’s win for his second save of the season.

Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Graterol | Phillips.

July 5, 2022
Los Angeles Dodgers – Yency Almonte picked up a one-out save after Reyes Moronta, staked with a four-run lead in the 9th, got in trouble. The Dodgers will continue to mix and match in the late innings with Craig Kimbrel day-to-day.

Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Graterol | Phillips.

June 27, 2022
Los Angeles Dodgers – Brusdar Graterol got an 11th inning save on Sunday night after Craig Kimbrel had pitched earlier in the game. Also, keep an eye here on Reyes Moronta, who pitched two scoreless innings in this one and has been stellar when healthy this season.

Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Graterol | Phillips.

June 25, 2022
Los Angeles Dodgers — While protecting a 3 run lead in the 8th inning, Daniel Hudson fell awkwardly off the mound, and suffered a season ending ACL injury. Hudson had been the team leader in holds, and was the only Dodger with a save besides Craig Kimbrel. Brusdar Graterol will take over the primary set-up responsibilities, while Evan Phillips (who pitched a clean 7th inning last night) will jump into the hierarchy. We wish Hudson a speedy recovery.

Updated Hierarchy: Kimbrel, Graterol, Phillips

June 11, 2022
Los Angeles Dodgers — The Dodgers activated Craig Kimbrel from the paternity list, and he is expected to resume closing immediately.

Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Hudson | Graterol

June 9, 2022
Los Angeles Dodgers — As expected, Daniel Hudson picked up the save with Craig Kimbrel welcoming a child. Kimbrel will be out through Saturday.

Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Hudson | Graterol.

June 8, 2022
Los Angeles Dodgers — Craig Kimbrel was placed on the paternity list yesterday. Daniel Hudson will take over the ninth inning until Kimbrel returns this weekend.

Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Hudson | Graterol.

June 4, 2022
Los Angeles Dodgers —  Daniel Hudson entered the 8th inning with the tying run on deck. He got the last out of the 8th, stranding 2 runners, and then stuck around for the 9th after the Dodgers pushed their lead to 5 to earn his 4th save on the year. Craig Kimbrel pitched a clean inning on Thursday, so there’s no reason to think that this was anything other than a situational save for Hudson, and Kimbrel should be ready to go this weekend.

Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Hudson | Graterol.

June 2, 2022
Los Angeles Dodgers — Craig Kimbrel was unavailable the last two days as he focused on fixing issues with his delivery that may have contributed to his recent struggles. Dave Roberts says that Kimbrel will work regularly from here on out, taking no more than two days off in a row.

Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Hudson | Graterol.

May 29, 2022
Los Angeles Dodgers — Craig Kimbrel wasn’t feeling well last night so the Dodgers went with Daniel Hudson to close out their 3-2 win.  Kimbrel should be fine moving forward.

Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Hudson | Graterol.

May 19, 2022
Los Angeles Dodgers — Craig Kimbrel was rested, as the VSW projected, and it was Daniel Hudson who picked up the save, his second of the year.

Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Hudson | Graterol.

April 24, 2022
Los Angeles Dodgers — Blake Treinen was placed on the IL retroactive to April 18th.  Brusdar Graterol pitched the 8th inning of a tie game last night and we will slide him onto the hierarchy, but the Dodgers have a very strong bullpen and Phil Bickford and Evan Phillips should also see more time in the later innings while Treinen is out.

Updated hierarchy: Kimbrel | Hudson | Graterol.

April 17, 2022
Los Angeles Dodgers — After Mitch White turned a 5 run lead into a save situation, Daniel Hudson came on to record the last two outs and pick up his first save of the season.  Craig Kimbrel was unavailable as the Dodgers don’t want to use him in consecutive games yet.

Updated hierarchy: Kimbrel | Treinen | Hudson.

April 1, 2022
Los Angeles Dodgers — It’s no April Fools’ joke; Craig Kimbrel is headed to LA, where he’s expected to close games. This will free Blake Treinen to be used in various high-leverage spots, with Daniel Hudson and Brusdar Graterol also taking important innings.

Updated hierarchy: Kimbrel | Treinen | Hudson.

March 30, 2022
Los Angeles Dodgers — Manager Dave Roberts has said that Blake Treinen will not be used as a traditional closer and now Treinen has said he prefers the flexible role.  We will see how this plays out but it sounds like Daniel Hudson and maybe even Brusdar Graterol could see more save chances and that’s bad news for Treinen fantasy owners.

Updated hierarchy: *Treinen | Hudson | Graterol.
* = closer-by-committee

March 24, 2022
Los Angeles Dodgers — With longtime closer Kenley Jansen headed off to Atlanta, it may not be as simple as plugging Blake Treinen into the ninth inning. Dave Roberts has been discussing a committee approach that would give him the freedom to use Treinen in the highest-leverage moments. Treinen has the best stuff in the Dodgers’ pen, and so remains the best bet, but don’t be surprised to see Daniel Hudson, lefty Alex Vesia, or others pulling down saves from time to time.

Starting 2022 hierarchy: *Treinen | Hudson | Vesia.
* = closer-by-committee
Holds candidates: Hudson, Vesia, Brusdar Graterol.

September 29, 2021
Los Angeles Dodgers — Kenley Jansen was available on Tuesday night, but Dave Roberts decided to go to a better-rested Blake Treinen for the ninth inning. Treinen converted his seventh save of the season, allowing Roberts to keep his closer “frisky and fresh.”

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Treinen | Kelly.

September 22, 2021
Los Angeles Dodgers — Blake Treinen earned a 10th-inning save after Kenley Jansen pitched a scoreless ninth to send the game to extras.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Treinen | Kelly.

September 22, 2021
Los Angeles Dodgers — After Joe Kelly, Blake Treinen and Kenley Jansen kept the game tied in the seventh, eighth and ninth inning, respectively, the Dodgers turned to Brusdar Graterol to protect a one-run lead in the 10th. Graterol retired the first two hitters he faced, but after walking the next batter, Dave Roberts called on Alex Vesia to get the final out. Vesia did just that to collect his first MLB save. Roberts recently said Vesia is a guy that the Dodgers trust in high-leverage spots, so don’t be surprised if we see more of the lefty as Los Angeles fights for a division title.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Treinen | Kelly.

September 2, 2021
Los Angeles Dodgers — Kenley Jansen and Blake Treinen had each gone in three of four, so Joe Kelly grabbed Wednesday’s save for the Dodgers.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Treinen | Kelly.

August 31, 2021
Los Angeles Dodgers – With Kenley Jansen resting after pitching two straight, Blake Treinen picked up the save. Just like the Vulture Save Watch said he would.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Treinen | Kelly.

August 26, 2021
Los Angeles Dodgers — Joe Kelly was activated from the COVID-19 IL on Wednesday and should return to sharing seventh-inning duties with Corey Knebel. Kelly got one out in the seventh last night, several hours before eighth-in-line Shane Greene pitched a scoreless sixteenth to earn his first save in a few years.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Treinen | Kelly.

August 20, 2021
Los Angeles Dodgers — Kenley Jansen got the night off Thursday after pitching in two of three, giving way for Blake Treinen to strike out the side in the ninth for his fourth save.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Treinen | Knebel.

August 15, 2021
Los Angeles Dodgers — Kenley Jansen and Blake Treinen were both unavailable last night, but you already knew that was going to happen after reading yesterday’s Vulture Save Watch.  Corey Knebel came on to record the final out of the game and record his third save of the season.  Score another one for the VSW.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Treinen | Knebel.

August 11, 2021
Los Angeles Dodgers — The Dodgers traded Joe Kelly to the IL in exchange for the return of Corey Knebel on Tuesday. Knebel, making his first MLB appearance since April, allowed his first two batters to reach but followed that by striking out Bryce Harper and J.T. Realmuto before Justin Bruihl finished the sixth inning. The Dodgers will hope Knebel can be an important part of their late-inning plans as they fight for a division title.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Treinen | Knebel.

August 5, 2021
Los Angeles Dodgers — Kenley Jansen’s struggles may not be behind him — he gave up a two-run homer last night before striking out the side — but his fantasy owners might just want to keep an eye on who’s catching when they set their lineups. With Austin Barnes behind the plate, Jansen has been nearly perfect; when Will Smith catches him, it’s the wild, wild west.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Treinen | Kelly.

July 26, 2021
Los Angeles Dodgers – With Kenley Jansen and Blake Treinen getting the day off, Joe Kelly picked up his first save of the season.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Treinen | Kelly.

July 25, 2021
Los Angeles Dodgers – Kenley Jansen bounced back with a scoreless ninth inning in a Dodgers 1-0 win to pick up his 22nd save of the season.   It was an encouraging outing for Jansen after three straight blown saves, and the Dodgers (and fantasy owners) will hope this gets him back on track.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Treinen | Kelly.

July 23, 2021
Los Angeles Dodgers – Yikes. After another blown save Thursday, Kenley Jansen has now allowed seven earned runs since Wednesday (!) and eight overall this week after giving up just five all season. Thursday’s loss wasn’t all his fault, though. The Giants’ Jason Vosler was originally ruled out at second for the game’s final out but that was overturned on replay. Then, Darin Ruf appeared to go around on a checked swing on a 3-2 pitch with the bases loaded, but the third-base umpire ruled that Ruf held the swing and sent him to first, enraging manager Dave Roberts, who after the game said, “I don’t think all the blame should be on Kenley.” While he’s kind of right, we’re talking three straight blown saves for Jansen since the break. So, will there be a new closer in LA? Not quite yet, as Roberts steadfastly supported Jansen after the game. Still, we’ll keep a close eye on the situation. Stay tuned. 

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Treinen | Kelly.

June 30, 2021
Los Angeles Dodgers – Joe Kelly has transformed into Joseph Kelly of late, having allowed just one earned run in his last eight innings of work. That includes a perfect 1.1 IP on Tuesday night, when he got the Dodgers out of a jam in the seventh before throwing a 1-2-3 eighth inning.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Treinen | Kelly.

June 16, 2021
Los Angeles Dodgers – We were right in thinking that Kenley Jansen would be unavailable, but despite having a similar workload as Jansen, Blake Treinen was available on Tuesday and grabbed his third save of the season.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Treinen | Nelson.

June 15, 2021
Los Angeles Dodgers – Converted starter Jimmy Nelson has found a new home in the Los Angeles bullpen. So far this season, he’s posted 36 Ks in 21.2 innings — his best strikeout rate ever by a very wide margin — to go along with a 2.08 ERA and 1.06 WHIP. He got the 8th inning ahead of Kenley Jansen last night and could see more high-leverage work if his success continues.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Treinen | Nelson.

June 11, 2021
Los Angeles Dodgers — Thursday’s Dodgers-Pirates game was shortened by rain, allowing Phil Bickford to earn the vulturiest of saves with a scoreless seventh inning.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Treinen | Kelly.

June 10, 2021
Los Angeles Dodgers — Joe Kelly’s numbers aren’t inspiring, but he’s been getting high-leverage work lately, including a sixth-inning hold in a tight game Wednesday night.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Treinen | Kelly.

May 22, 2021
Los Angeles Dodgers — Chalk another one up for the vulture save watch.  Kenley Jansen got the night off so it was Blake Treinen who got the save opportunity in a 1 run game. He converted for his second save of the year. The recently acquired Nate Jones got his first appearance for the Dodgers and threw 5 outs to nab a hold. Jones has closing experience and could make an impact in LA at some point, but he won’t crack the hierarchy just yet.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Treinen | Gonzalez.

May 9, 2021
Los Angeles Dodgers — In a game where the Dodgers’ once led 13-0, it’s amazing that there even was a save opportunity yesterday, but with a 14-11 lead in the ninth, the Dodgers called on Blake Treinen.  Treinen struck out a pair in a scoreless ninth for his first save of the season.  Manager Dave Roberts said that Kenley Jansen was available but since Treinen had already warmed up in case he was needed in the 8th, they just let him finish the game.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Treinen | Gonzalez.

April 28, 2021
Los Angeles Dodgers — Dave Roberts confirmed late last night that Victor Gonzalez went on the IL for vaccine-related reasons. He could be back as early as today.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Treinen | Gonzalez.

April 26, 2021
Los Angeles Dodgers — With Corey Knebel on the injured list and projected to be out for months, the Dodgers will have to turn to guys like Victor Gonzalez, Scott Alexander and Brusdar Graterol to fill that hole. Graterol and Gonzalez didn’t exactly inspire confidence last night during the Dodgers’ late-inning collapse, nor did Jimmy Nelson, who blew a chance at his first career save in the ninth.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Treinen | Gonzalez.

April 18, 2021
Los Angeles Dodgers — Kenley Jansen got the day off yesterday as the Vulture Save Watch predicted, but it was lefty Victor Gonzalez who ended up recording the last two outs of the game to pick up the save.  However, let’s be clear, the save really should have gone to Mookie Betts for this ridiculous game-saving catch for the last out of the game.  Gonzalez became the fourth Dodger to record a save so far this season, and manager Dave Roberts previously mentioned he felt comfortable using Knebel, Treinen, or Gonzalez when Jansen is rested.  The Dodgers are going to win a lot of games this year and they will likely rest Jansen a lot throughout the season so there could be a decent number of save chances for the other guys in their bullpen as we have already seen so far this season. 

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Knebel | Treinen.

April 16, 2021
Los Angeles Dodgers — It was a special night in Los Angeles on Thursday as David Price pitched a clean ninth to earn his first save since the 2008 ALCS. Manager Dave Roberts said he told Price before the game he’d get the opportunity to close if the situation presented itself. When Price converted to close Jackie Robinson Day across Major League Baseball, Roberts said, “I think (it) capped a really good night off.” Price could be looking at some high-leverage bullpen work moving forward, so we’ll track his upcoming usage. 

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Knebel | Treinen.

April 10, 2021
Los Angeles Dodgers — With a 1 run lead in the 9th, the Dodgers turned to Cory Knebel for the save opportunity. He converted for his second of the year. After the game, Dave Roberts said that he didn’t want to use Kenley Jansen because it would have been his 3rd outing in 4 days. The Dodgers are stacked so they can afford to rest their bullpen, but Knebel’s two saves are enough to move him to first in line.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Knebel | Treinen.

April 5, 2021
Los Angeles Dodgers — With Kenley Jansen unavailable after a five-out save on Saturday, it was Corey Knebel picking up a vulture save — his first save since the 2018 NLCS against the Dodgers.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Treinen | Knebel.

March 5, 2021
Los Angeles Dodgers – For better or worse, the Dodgers seem determined on having Kenley Jansen start the year as their closer. Jansen wasn’t exactly a beacon of reliability in 2020, and it was Julio Urias, not Jansen, to record the final outs of the Dodgers’ NLCS and World Series clinchers. With Urias pegged for a spot in the rotation, the job seems like Jansen’s to lose. Blake Treinen will be lurking behind Jansen, as will Corey Knebel. If Brusdar Graterol isn’t put in the rotation, he could see some high-leverage spots as well.

Starting 2021 hierarchy: Jansen | Treinen | Knebel.
Holds candidates: Treinen, Knebel, Graterol, Joe Kelly.

September 27, 2020
Los Angeles Dodgers — The Dodgers have already locked up the best record in baseball so they rested their entire hierarchy on Saturday.  Adam Kolarek ended up getting the last two outs of the game for his first save of the season.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Treinen | Baez.

September 17, 2020
Los Angeles Dodgers — As predicted in the Vulture Save Watch, Kenley Jansen and Blake Treinen got the night off which meant Pedro Baez got the last two outs of a 2 run game to pick up his second save of the year. This win clinched a playoff berth for the Dodgers, so they may start giving their top arms a bit more rest, which will be easier with Joe Kelly just being activated from the IL. We will wait to see how Kelly is used, but he could see some high leverage innings down the stretch.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Treinen | Baez.

September 13, 2020
Los Angeles Dodgers — The Dodgers activated Pedro Baez before yesterday’s game and immediately used him in the 7th inning of a tight game.  Baez threw a scoreless inning and should continue to work in a set-up role ahead of closer Kenley Jansen.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Treinen | Baez.

September 11, 2020
Los Angeles Dodgers — Joe Kelly was activated from the injured list on Thursday, but must now begin serving his five-game suspension.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Treinen | Ferguson.

September 10, 2020
Los Angeles Dodgers — As predicted in the Vulture Save Watch, Kenley Jansen was given the night off after a 31 pitch outing on Tuesday, so the extra innings save chance fell to Blake Treinen. Treinen pitched a clean inning to get his first save of the year. Treinen has been good this year, only giving up runs in 3 appearances, but he isn’t a threat to take over for Jansen, who is enjoying a return to form after a couple of down years.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Treinen | Ferguson.

September 4, 2020
Los Angeles Dodgers — Two former hierarchy members are on their way back. Joe Kelly will throw to live hitters this weekend; whenever he’s activated, he needs to serve a five-game suspension. Plus, Pedro Baez threw a bullpen session Thursday and will face live hitters early next week. He is nearing a return as well.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Treinen | Ferguson.

August 26, 2020
Los Angeles Dodgers — Blake Treinen got the Dodgers out of a sixth-inning jam and then stayed on for the seventh, but he only made it through the first two outs before lefty Caleb Ferguson completed the frame and then finished the eighth, totaling three strikeouts in the process. Ferguson did face a lefty-heavy portion of the lineup in the eighth, but he’s been tough against both lefties and righties this year and his numbers (0.71 ERA, 0.63 WHIP, 13.5 K/9) and usage last night suggest he is ahead of Brusdar Graterol in the Dodgers’ hierarchy.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Treinen | Ferguson.

August 21, 2020
Los Angeles Dodgers — Pedro Baez suffered a groin strain and was moved to the 10-day IL Thursday. Expect some late-inning hold chances for Brusdar Graterol, Caleb Ferguson and Jake McGee.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Treinen | Graterol.

July 31, 2020
Los Angeles Dodgers — As the Vulture Save Watch predicted, Kenley Jansen was rested Thursday after he pitched in three of the previous four days. Blake Treinen had also pitched in two straight, so the Dodgers turned to Pedro Baez, who converted the chance for his first save of the season.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Treinen | Baez.

February 26, 2020
Los Angeles Dodgers — Kenley Jansen will once again be the Dodgers’ closer, although he is coming off a second straight season with inflated numbers. Jansen’s K/9 was well off his career average and his velocity took a small, but noticeable, dip. Setting up Jansen is free agent addition Blake Treinen, who followed an exceptional 2018 with a lukewarm 2019 which saw him relinquish the closer’s role in Oakland to Liam Hendriks. Pedro Baez, Joe Kelly and Scott Alexander all return to their familiar roles in the Dodgers bullpen and will look to get the ball through the middle innings to Jansen. Of these three, Alexander’s value may take a hit as he was primarily a LOOGY and under the new three batter rules he may not see as many cheap holds as before. Jansen is still an excellent source of saves, as the Dodgers will likely challenge for the best record in the league, but he has fallen from his position as the best closer in the game.

Starting 2020 hierarchy: Jansen | Treinen | Baez.
Holds candidates: Treinen, Baez, Kelly, Alexander.

September 27, 2019
Los Angeles Dodgers — As the Vulture Save Watch warned, Kenley Jansen was due for some rest after going three of four and did not pitch Thursday in a 1-0 win. Pedro Baez did pitch, but not in the bottom of the ninth, instead tossing a scoreless eighth inning. Adam Kolarek got the ball to begin the ninth and allowed a hit before being lifted for Kenta Maeda, who slammed the door for his third save. The Dodgers have nothing to play for, but Jansen could be due for a tuneup this weekend to keep him fresh. Joe Kelly won’t likely pitch until Sunday, so keep Maeda in mind for any vulture save opportunities this weekend.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Kelly | Baez.

September 19, 2019
Los Angeles Dodgers — Kenley Jansen pieced together three straight solid outings, leading Dodgers fans to wonder if the closer had finally turned the corner and regained his edge. Then came Wednesday and his career-high eighth blown save. The only upside for LA was that their loss kept the Yankees up late and didn’t let them clinch the AL East.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Kelly | Baez.

September 16, 2019
Los Angeles Dodgers – Dave Roberts told Kenley Jansen that he would pitch the eighth inning on Sunday, and Jansen came through with a solid 1-2-3 frame to keep the game tied at 2-2. After the Dodgers took the lead in the top of the ninth, Adam Kolarek got the first out of the bottom of the frame before Kenta Maeda notched the final two outs to pick up the save. Pedro Baez had already faced the top of the order in the sixth inning and Joe Kelly was presumably off following two straight days of work. The Dodgers have the luxury of only needing to clinch home field advantage for the playoffs at this point, so you could see a lot of different names get save chances over the next two weeks. The good news for Jansen owners is that the embattled closer has put together two straight strong outings.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Kelly | Baez.

September 4, 2019
Los Angeles Dodgers – It wasn’t pretty, but Kenley Jansen picked up the save last night despite allowing another run thanks to a one-out walk and a double. Dave Roberts, who wasn’t exactly thrilled with the walk last night, has not only said that he wants to manage Jansen’s workload, but he also is willing to pitch his closer in non-save situations. If you’re searching for saves in your chase for a title, Joe Kelly and Pedro Baez could be worth adding.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Kelly | Baez.

September 3, 2019
Los Angeles Dodgers – Kenta Maeda picked up the rare 4-inning save on Monday, closing out a blowout win for the Dodgers. Maeda was just moved to the bullpen so he can prepare for his likely postseason role as a reliever; it’s possible he gets another save chance or two since the Dodgers are trying not to overwork Kenley Jansen down the stretch.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Kelly | Baez.

September 2, 2019
Los Angeles Dodgers – Pedro Baez collected his first save of the year on Sunday, throwing a scoreless 11th inning after the Dodgers took a 1-run lead. Kenley Jansen and Joe Kelly had already pitched earlier in the game.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Kelly | Baez.

August 30, 2019
Los Angeles Dodgers — Kenley Jansen received a vote of confidence from Dave Roberts before Thursday’s game. Jansen blew his seventh save on Wednesday but is still the man to own in LA, even if his workload will be limited down the stretch. 

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Kelly | Baez.

August 29, 2019
Los Angeles Dodgers — Kenley Jansen blew the lead in the ninth, allowing Casey Sadler to earn his first career save in extras.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Kelly | Baez.

August 17, 2019
Los Angeles Dodgers — Julio Urias came in to protect a two-run lead in the seventh inning. He then stuck around for the final two frames after the Dodgers extended the lead to five to earn his fourth save of the year. Urias sees some longer relief appearances, but the Dodgers are not afraid to use him in higher-leverage spots. 

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Kelly | Baez.

July 31, 2019
Los Angeles Dodgers — Julio Urias opened Tuesday’s game and allowed two earned runs over 2.2 innings and 61 pitches. Tony Gonsolin pitched the final four innings to collect his first career save in just his second career MLB appearance. Urias’ last save was a three-inning effort on June 13, and while he is a versatile option out of the bullpen for Dave Roberts, it’s more likely Pedro Baez gets a save chance than Urias.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Kelly | Baez.

July 20, 2019
Los Angeles Dodgers — As Dave Roberts indicated, Kenley Jansen was available last night after his injury scare. He delivered a great performance, striking out the side in a one-run game to pick up his 24th save of the year. Jansen owners will be happy to see him back and appearing healthy.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Kelly | Urias.

July 19, 2019
Los Angeles Dodgers — Kenley Jansen (ankle) did not pitch Thursday, but manager Dave Roberts said before the game the closer was likely available. So it’s safe for fantasy owners to trot him out there this weekend.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Kelly | Urias.

July 18, 2019
Los Angeles Dodgers — Kenley Jansen felt better yesterday after taking a comebacker off his ankle, but he was still unavailable for Wednesday’s game. Jansen’s absence should only be temporary however, as he is not expected to need an IL stint and likely would be able to close today if needed. Dave Roberts confirmed before last night’s game that Julio Urias or Joe Kelly would serve as closer if the situation arose. An almost three-hour rain delay threw a wrench into those plans, however, as Julio Urias had to serve as the long man and throw 61 pitches over 2.2 innings of work. Urias handed a one-out, bases-loaded jam to Pedro Baez in the sixth, and while Baez allowed the tying run to score on a groundout, Baez pitched well over 1.2 IP. The Dodgers eventually took a five-run lead, so Kelly pitched a stress-free eighth inning to help lock down the win. Based on Roberts’ pregame comments, we’ll replace Baez with Kelly in our hierarchy for now. Kelly has pitched much better of late, allowing only two runs over his last 15 innings. We’ll see if Roberts completely abandons Baez or if this sudden trust in Kelly sticks.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Kelly | Urias.

July 17, 2019
Los Angeles Dodgers — Kenley Jansen took a comebacker off his right ankle, then gave up four straight hits to blow a two-run lead. After the game, he was noticeably limping and blamed the injury for the loss. Pedro Baez has been struggling, but if Jansen hits the IL tomorrow, it’s probably still Baez with the edge over Julio Urias and Joe Kelly. The Dodgers seem ever more likely to make a move for a reliever.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Baez | Urias.

July 15, 2019
Los Angeles Dodgers – The much-maligned Joe Kelly picked up his first save of the season on Sunday, pitching the bottom of the 13th inning in a 3-run game. Virtually every other Dodgers reliever had already pitched, including Pedro Baez, who has had a rough go of it lately, having allowed 6 ERs in his last three appearances. He’s still probably the handcuff to Kenley Jansen, but we’ll watch to see how the Dodgers respond to his troubles in the coming days.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Baez | Urias.

June 27, 2019
Los Angeles Dodgers — The MLB-leading Dodgers are considering an upgrade to one of their few weak spots, kicking the tires on two premier closers: divisional rival Will Smith and Pirates stalwart Felipe Vazquez. Kenley Jansen is as unhittable as ever (.192 BAA, 12.0 K/9), but the middle innings have been sketchy — and as the Yankees have shown recently, a contender can never have too many lights-out relievers.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Baez | Urias.

June 21, 2019
Los Angeles Dodgers — With Rich Hill out at least a month and Julio Urias’s spot start a smashing success, the young lefty may be headed to the rotation soon.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Baez | Urias.

June 20, 2019
Los Angeles Dodgers — Julio Urias will make a spot start on Thursday against the Giants, but Dave Roberts said that Urias will return to the bullpen and not remain part of a six-man rotation.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Baez | Urias.

June 14, 2019
Los Angeles Dodgers — Julio Urias pitched the final three innings Thursday to nail down his third save. Kenley Jansen was warming occasionally, but manager Dave Roberts never went to him with LA up four.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Baez | Urias.

May 23, 2019
Los Angeles Dodgers — Good news for the Dodgers, as Pedro Baez is doing better and could pitch again as early as this Friday.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Baez | Urias.

May 22, 2019
Los Angeles Dodgers – Julio Urias returned to the active roster Tuesday, and manager Dave Roberts said he won’t hesitate to use Urias in high-leverage situations right away. The timing is good for the Dodgers, as Pedro Baez took a comebacker off his right leg at 103 mph. Fortunately for Baez, X-rays were negative. The Dodgers plan to assess where Baez is at over the next couple days, but hopefully Baez can avoid a stint on the injured list.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Urias | Floro.

May 15, 2019
Los Angeles Dodgers – MLB placed Julio Urias on administrative leave following his arrest on suspicion of domestic battery. Righty Dylan Floro and lefty Scott Alexander should see more hold opportunities in Urias’ absence.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Baez | Floro.

May 11, 2019
Los Angeles Dodgers – With the Dodgers up three, they turned to Julio Urias for the seventh inning. After scoring twice more in the bottom half of the frame, Urias stuck around for the final two innings to pick up his second save of the year. Urias has been solid out of the bullpen, but some question whether he should be there at all. Still, until he cracks the rotation, he can be a good source of holds and the occasional save when Kenley Jansen is not available.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Baez | Urias.

May 7, 2019
Los Angeles Dodgers – Kenley Jansen had pitched three straight, so he got the night off, and former starter Julio Urias earned the save. This appeared to be matchup based, but we’ll watch to see if Urias gets additional high-leverage spots going forward.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Baez | Urias.

April 28, 2019
Los Angeles Dodgers — Pedro Baez entered yesterday’s game with the bases loaded and nobody out.  Baez did an outstanding job to strand all three runners and protect the Dodgers’ two-run lead.   Baez now has two wins and three holds in his past five appearances.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Kelly | Baez.

April 26, 2019
Los Angeles Dodgers — Not that his job is in jeopardy at all, but it’s worth mentioning that Kenley Jansen has allowed a run in five of his last seven appearances. Despite that, he’s 2-0 with four saves over that span. Each time, damage was limited to just one run, but he did yield three home runs in that stretch, including on Thursday when he gave up a solo shot with a 2-0 lead. He still managed to earn the save, but he has been playing with fire a bit these days.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Kelly | Alexander.

April 17, 2019
Los Angeles Dodgers — Scott Alexander struck out Joey Votto to end the seventh inning and keep the Dodgers’ 4-1 advantage intact. The Dodgers haven’t had many close leads to protect lately,  but Alexander should factor into the Dodgers’ late-inning plans, especially against left-handed hitters.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Kelly | Alexander.

April 6, 2019
Los Angeles Dodgers — Joe Kelly was hit on the wrist by a comebacker in the 9th inning last night. X-rays came back negative, and Dave Roberts doesn’t expect him to miss much time, but if he does hit the IL, other members of the bullpen could get a chance to prove themselves. Scott Alexander has been solid in the early going and may pick up some of the slack if Kelly misses a few games.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Kelly | Ferguson.

April 4, 2019
Los Angeles Dodgers — Joe Kelly and Pedro Baez have been really bad to start the season, and their struggles have given Caleb Ferguson a chance to shine. The 22-year-old lefty protected a one-run lead in front of Kenley Jansen on Wednesday, and although we think Kelly will get a chance to right the ship, Ferguson has earned a slot in the hierarchy. Meanwhile, Jansen will be making his first trip back to Denver since he was sidelined with a heart condition there last August.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Kelly | Ferguson.

March 31, 2019
Los Angeles Dodgers – It took two games, but we finally got our first position player pitching appearance of 2019.  Russell Martin pitched a perfect ninth inning with the Dodgers up by 13 and manager Dave Roberts acknowledged after the game that Martin has been their most efficient pitcher so far.  Although Martin seems to be as good at pitching as he is at hitting at this point in his career, he doesn’t quite factor into the Dodgers’ late inning bullpen plans yet.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Kelly | Baez.

February 21, 2019
Los Angeles Dodgers – After (presumably) hurling Ryan Madson into Chavez Ravine, the Dodgers bullpen looks strong again in 2019. Kenley Jansen is feeling healthy and confident after heart surgery and a new, strict diet featuring absolutely no ice cream. To shore up the eighth inning, LA signed Joe Kelly, who was as dominant in the World Series as Madson wasn’t, and the team will also bring back key contributors like Pedro Baez, Scott Alexander, and Josh Fields.

Starting 2019 hierarchy: Jansen | Kelly | Baez.
Holds candidates: Kelly, Baez, Alexander.

September 28, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers — Kenley Jansen hasn’t pitched in four days and is putting off heart surgery for a chance at a World Series ring. He’s ready to go.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Maeda | Alexander.

September 10, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers — Scott Alexander got the save chance on Sunday in Kenley Jansen’s absence, and he converted, picking up his third save this year. Now that the Dodgers have left the high altitude of Colorado, which poses a danger to those with atrial fibrillation, Jansen will be back with the team.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Maeda | Alexander.

September 8, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers — As we noted previously, Kenley Jansen did not make the trip to Colorado due to his heart condition. The Dodgers used five relievers to protect a three-run lead over the last three innings, which ended up with Kenta Maeda locking down his second save of the year. Jansen will rejoin the team when they leave Colorado, but in the meantime Maeda is well rested and will likely get any other save chances this weekend.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Maeda | Alexander.

September 6, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers — On the advice of his cardiologist, Kenley Jansen will not make the weekend trip to Colorado with the team. Dave Roberts refused to commit to a particular closer in Jansen’s absence, but the options will include Kenta Maeda, Scott Alexander, Ross Stripling — if he makes it back from the DL as expected — and even Pedro Baez or Ryan Madson.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Maeda | Alexander.

September 5, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers — Kenley Jansen may miss the Dodgers’ upcoming series in Colorado, which is where he showed symptoms of an irregular heartbeat less than a month ago. We’ll keep an eye on this, especially if Dave Roberts gives any indication if he has a specific plan for the ninth inning if Jansen skips the trip to Denver.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Maeda | Alexander.

September 2, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers — Kenley Jansen had his second straight scoreless outing en route to his 34th save of the season.  Dodgers fans and fantasy owners might be able to rest a little easier now and Jansen insists he will be available on Sunday as well.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Maeda | Alexander.

September 1, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers — The Dodgers acquired Ryan Madson yesterday to bolster their bullpen going into the playoffs. Madson didn’t have a great year with the Nationals, and his recent results have not been good, but it wouldn’t be the first time a change in scenery prompted a bump in performance. The Dodgers plan to use him in the late innings, and Kenley Jansen’s recent struggles (seven runs allowed in the last five games) may have prompted the trade, although Jansen did pick up a clean save last night. Madson will probably have to prove he has turned a corner before he consistently cracks the late innings, but if he can get anywhere close to his 2017 form, he is the best set-up option the Dodgers would have.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Maeda | Alexander.

August 31, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers — Josh Fields was activated from the 60-day disabled list on Thursday. We imagine he’ll eventually factor into a setup role, but that remains to be seen with Kenta Maeda and Scott Alexander currently manning the ship in front of Kenley Jansen. Dave Roberts reiterated before Thursday’s game that Jansen will continue to be the closer despite recent performance issues.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Maeda | Alexander.

August 30, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers — The Dodgers elected to rest Kenley Jansen and give Wednesday’s save chance to Kenta Maeda. Maeda put three men on and allowed a run, but ultimately eked out his first save of the year.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Maeda | Alexander.

August 29, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers — Kenley Jansen’s struggles continued on Tuesday, as he allowed a run in a fourth straight appearance for the first time in his career. Thankfully for the Dodgers, yesterday’s tough outing came in the ninth inning of an 8-2 contest and Jansen finished off an 8-4 win with a nifty defensive play. Earlier Tuesday, Jansen announced that he will stop taking his heart medicine, which he blamed for his poor performances. After last night’s game, Jansen said that he’ll figure it out at some point and Dave Roberts knows Jansen will get through it. The Dodgers hope that “some point” is real soon, because they are just one game back in the NL West race.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Maeda | Alexander.

August 26, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers — Kenley Jansen blew the save yesterday by allowing a solo home run to Austin Hedges.  Jansen has made three appearances since returning from the DL and allowed at least one home run in each.  It’s the first time in his career that has allowed a home run in three straight appearances.  Jansen will get Sunday off, but would still be the closer the next time the Dodgers play on Tuesday.  Kenta Maeda might get the ninth today with Jansen unavailable so we will move him to first in line.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Maeda | Alexander.

August 23, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers — Two appearances for Kenley Jansen since his DL stint; three home runs allowed. We continue to expect this is just a blip that won’t affect his long-term value.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Alexander | Maeda.

August 21, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers – Kenley Jansen made his return from the disabled list yesterday, and promptly allowed two solo home runs in a game the Dodgers were already losing. But it was good to see him back so soon, and we have every reason to think he’ll be fine from here on out.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Alexander | Maeda.

August 18, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers – The injuries keep piling up for the Dodgers as Erik Goeddel returned to the DL yesterday. Meanwhile, the Dodgers hope to get Kenley Jansen back early next week, as the all-star closer chose to delay surgery until the offseason. The Dodgers need the help since the bullpen has been woeful in the past week, although they did a fine job protecting a 10-run lead last night. Jansen is likely to go straight back to closing as soon as he is cleared to play, so this may be the last weekend for Scott Alexander or Kenta Maeda to snag a save opportunity.

Updated hierarchy: *Alexander | Maeda | Chargois.
* = closer-by-committee

August 15, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers – Kenta Maeda made his first appearance out of the bullpen since being moved there, pitching the ninth inning a 1-1 game. Maeda, who may not be thrilled to be in the bullpen, allowed three hits and the go-ahead run. Meanwhile, Ross Stripling is meeting with a doctor today with regards to his stiff back. While he probably won’t be available today, Stripling doesn’t believe it will be anything long term. Erik Goeddel, just activated from the DL, was warming with Maeda for the ninth inning last night and should once again pitch in high-leverage spots.

Hierarchy remains: *Alexander | Maeda | Stripling.
* = closer-by-committee

August 14, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers – Scott Alexander was summoned for the 9th inning last night, but it might have been for the last time. In a one-run game, Alexander was singled to death, allowing four hits and four runs before being replaced by Pedro Baez. With Kenta Maeda and Ross Stripling moving to the bullpen, either guy could replace Alexander. Kenley Jansen is already throwing, and saying that he’ll be back sooner than people are expecting, but until then, this bullpen is deeply unsettled.

Hierarchy remains: *Alexander | Maeda | Stripling.
* = closer-by-committee

August 13, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers – With Alex Wood and Hyun-Jin Ryu ready to return to the rotation, Kenta Maeda and Ross Stripling are headed for the bullpen. They are both having perfectly fine seasons, so this isn’t really viewed as a demotion for either of them, and Dave Roberts now has some intriguing options for the late innings. Maeda is viewed as more likely to enter into the mix for saves, as the Dodgers hope that Stripling will eventually return to the rotation. But in the short term, Maeda will probably be slotted for long relief, as the Dodgers are assuming that Ryu’s first start off the DL on Wednesday will be a short one. However, we’ll still slot Maeda in behind Scott Alexander and see how the next week or so plays out.

Updated hierarchy: *Alexander | Maeda | Stripling.
* = closer-by-committee

August 11, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers — Kenley Jansen will miss at least a month with a recurrence of an irregular heartbeat. With Jansen out, Dave Roberts plans to use a committee to close out games. Roberts said that Scott Alexander is the team’s best reliever and he will be deployed in the highest-leverage moments, not just the ninth inning. In addition, Kenta Maeda is also likely to join the bullpen and compete for saves, though that subject has not yet been broached with Maeda yet. We’ll leave Maeda out of our hierarchy for the moment, but his owners should be prepared for his eventual shift to the late innings.

Updated hierarchy: *Alexander | Floro | Chargois.
* = closer-by-committee

August 10, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers — Kenley Jansen will miss at least a month with a recurrence of an irregular heartbeat — the same problem that sidelined him in 2011 and 2012, eventually leading to offseason surgery. With Jansen out, Scott Alexander should see the bulk of any save chances, including the one he converted Thursday night.

Updated hierarchy: Alexander | Floro | Chargois. 

August 6, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers – An early July trade that barely made headlines brought journeyman Dylan Floro back to the Dodgers, but the righty has impressed in his time in Los Angeles, having allowed just 4 hits and 2 walks in 12.1 innings of work. He picked up his fifth hold of the season yesterday, which is good enough to climb above John Axford — who got absolutely shelled on Saturday — in this hierarchy.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Alexander | Floro. 

August 4, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers – Erik Goeddel was placed on the 10-day DL with right lat inflammation and newly acquired John Axford was activated. We’ll slide Axford into the hierarchy for now and see if the Dodgers use him in any high-leverage spots during Goeddel’s absence.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Alexander | Axford.

August 1, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers – John Axford, acquired by the Dodgers on Tuesday, is expected to join the squad on Friday. Dodgers GM Farhan Zaidi said that he doesn’t see the club having a set eighth-inning guy and expects Axford to get outs wherever needed, though that may include the seventh or eighth innings depending on matchups.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Goeddel | Alexander.

July 23, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers – After three rough starts to begin in major league career, 22-year-old Caleb Ferguson has thrived in long relief for the Dodgers. Since being moved to the bullpen, he’s allowed just 2 ER in 16 innings, and has struck out 20 hitters against just 2 walks. Yesterday, he picked up his second save of the season with three scoreless innings.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Goeddel | Alexander.

July 14, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers — With a one-run lead in the 8th and with Kenley Jansen resting after back-to-back appearances, the Dodgers went with Erik Goeddel to face the 2, 3 and 4 hitters of the Angels. After Goeddel got through that inning, it was left to Scott Alexander to close out the game. Alexander stranded the tying run on third to convert his first save of the season. Because Goeddel faced the most dangerous part of the Angels lineup (read: Mike Trout), we will keep him right behind Jansen in the hierarchy despite Alexander getting the save. The Dodgers bullpen is very fluid behind Kenley Jansen, but Goeddel and Alexander seem to be the top two options.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Goeddel | Alexander.

July 13, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers — Dylan Floro returned to LA in a trade with the Reds and has picked up back-to-back eighth-inning holds in front of Kenley Jansen. The Dodgers’ hierarchy behind Jansen has been murky all year long — so we won’t make a setup move just yet — but Floro and Daniel Hudson are certainly strong holds candidates alongside Scott Alexander and Erik Goeddel.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Goeddel | Alexander.

July 3, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers — Caleb Ferguson has pitched in six career games (three starts) and has factored into the decision three times already, with a win, a loss and his first career save, which came Monday night. The save was a very vulturey three-inning one in a 17-1 win. Free Closer Monkey Premium goes to the first person to prove they had Ferguson in their fantasy lineup for that save.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Goeddel | Alexander.

June 30, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers — Setup man Josh Fields was placed on the 10-day DL with shoulder inflammation. Manager Dave Roberts has indicated he will use a variety of pitchers to replace Fields in the 8th. Fields’ absence isn’t likely to be very long, but while he is out we think Scott Alexander is likely to see a bump in responsibilities. Alexander has five holds in his last eight appearances, but as a lefty his situational use may cut down on clear save opportunities.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Goeddel | Alexander.

June 13, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers — In just his second appearance of the season, Daniel Corcino pitched the final three innings of the Dodgers’ 12-5 victory over Texas to pick up his first career save.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Fields | Goeddel.

June 8, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers — Just as quickly as he was sent down, Pedro Baez is back with the big club after Tony Cingrani was placed on the disabled list. Baez pitched the third and fourth innings Thursday in a bizarre 8-7 win in which the Dodgers used a franchise-record nine pitchers! Don’t sleep on Erik Goeddel, who hasn’t allowed a run since joining the Dodgers in May. He pitched in a tight spot in his first appearance for LA (earning a win with a scoreless eighth inning on May 19) and earned his third hold Thursday night. Goeddel, Baez, and Josh Fields should be the favorites for holds in front of Kenley Jansen moving forward.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Fields | Goeddel.

June 7, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers — Tony Cingrani has been getting more and more late-inning responsibility for the Dodgers since his return from the disabled list in late May. Over his last nine appearances, Cingrani has pitched eight scoreless innings with 14 Ks and only two hits allowed.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Cingrani | Fields. 

May 21, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers – Josh Fields came on with the Dodgers up three runs in the 8th, then stayed on for the 9th once they stretched the lead to five. He probably would’ve stayed on regardless, though, since Kenley Jansen was likely unavailable. But you read the Vulture Save Watch yesterday, so you already knew that, didn’t you?

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Fields | Baez. 

May 5, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers — The Dodgers managed to throw a combined no-hitter in Mexico last night, and they didn’t use anyone in their hierarchy to do it. Congratulations to Tony Cingrani, Yimi Garcia, and Adam Liberatore (and rookie starter Walker Buehler) for their historical moments.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Fields | Baez.

April 24, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers — As predicted in Monday’s Vulture Save Watch, Kenley Jansen got a night off and Josh Fields collected the save for the Dodgers.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Fields | Baez.

April 23, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers – Though his control still leaves a lot to be desired (6 BB in 10 IP), Pedro Baez is getting results, and the Dodgers’ confidence in him has returned. Last night, Baez got the last two outs of the 8th inning ahead of Kenley Jansen to pick up his 2nd hold of the year. If anything were to happen to Jansen, Baez or Josh Fields would be the likely beneficiaries.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Fields | Baez.

April 18, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers – Kenley Jansen now has as many blown saves as he does converted saves after he allowed the Padres to tie Tuesday’s tilt in the ninth. Jansen got off to a rough start to the season, and a combination of low velocity and poor command of his cutter was once again on display Tuesday. After the game, manager Dave Roberts said that Jansen wasn’t right, but also said that he’d run Jansen back out there again. Jansen said he’d figure it out, and he’s earned a longer leash than others. Meanwhile, keep an eye out for Pedro Baez, who earned his first hold of the season on Tuesday thanks to four strikeouts. He has 12 strikeouts against just two walks in 8.2 IP and a 1.04 ERA.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Fields | Cingrani.

April 4, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers – Josh Fields was placed on paternity leave, which means he will likely be back Friday. Expect Pedro Baez, who allowed two inherited runners to score on Tuesday night when he entered a bases-loaded jam, to see some more high-leverage work in Fields’ absence.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Fields | Cingrani.

April 3, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers – Kenley Jansen, who turned heads with both his low velocity and reluctance to even discuss said velocity after his season debut on Friday, was throwing a little bit harder on Monday night. The results were still bad, though — he got two quick outs, but then walked back to back hitters and surrendered a 3-run home run. Dave Roberts doesn’t seem concerned at all, calling Jansen “our guy” after the game. And of all the closers in baseball, Jansen has earned perhaps the longest leash of anyone. But if you have roster space, Josh Fields isn’t the worst guy in the world to own right now — he posted three clean 8th innings thus far. Tony Cingrani is also off to a good start.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Fields | Cingrani.

February 28, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers – The reigning National League champions will enter 2018 with perhaps the game’s most dominant closer in Kenley Jansen. The Dodgers did lose a valuable setup man, however, as Brandon Morrow moved on to close for the Cubs. That means the Dodgers will look to an assortment of options to get the ball to Jansen. Josh Fields is back and figures to be one of the top contenders to pitch the eighth along with Pedro Baez, who is hoping to rebound after a disastrous end to 2017. Don’t sleep on lefty Scott Alexander, acquired via trade from the Royals, who posted an impressive ground ball rate of 73.8% last year. Lefty Tony Cingrani will also be in the mix for holds after joining the Dodgers for last year’s postseason push.

Starting 2018 hierarchy: Jansen | Fields | Alexander.
Holds candidates: Fields, Alexander, Baez, Cingrani.

September 25, 2017
Los Angeles Dodgers – Kenley Jansen pitched back to back games on Thursday and Friday, and the Dodgers opted to give him a second day off on Sunday, which opened the door for Brandon Morrow to get his second save of the season. Morrow is the clear 8th inning man in Los Angeles now and should get the call if Jansen needs any additional rest the final week.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Morrow | Watson.

September 20, 2017
Los Angeles Dodgers — Pedro Baez continued his dreadful September on Tuesday, allowing four runs on two hits and two walks to blow a one-run lead. His ERA this month is a miserable 22.50, and not only has he pitched himself out of the hierarchy, he probably pitched himself off the playoff roster. Tony Watson and Ross Stripling are the most likely options now in the seventh as the Dodgers get ready for October.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Morrow | Watson.

August 25, 2017
Los Angeles Dodgers — Kenley Jansen got his second straight day off Thursday after pitching in four of the previous five games. Brandon Morrow served admirably in his place, notching his first save. The Dodgers win a lot, so Jansen will need his rest from time to time down the stretch. Expect Morrow and Pedro Baez to be in the mix for saves during those times.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Morrow | Baez.

August 23, 2017
Los Angeles Dodgers — One night after being used for only one out in the eighth, Tony Watson was summoned in the fifth inning on Tuesday. He earned the win, but seems to have lost his role as Kenley Jansen’s handcuff.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Baez | Fields.

August 22, 2017
Los Angeles Dodgers – After all the usual suspects had been used, Ross Stripling came on in the 12th inning of Monday’s game to record his second save of the season.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Watson | Baez.

August 6, 2017
Los Angeles Dodgers – Tony Watson recorded up his second consecutive eighth inning hold since being acquired by the Dodgers.  The Dodgers have a strong bullpen and could use a number of different guys in the later innings, but it looks like Watson has quickly ascended to the set-up role.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Watson | Baez.

August 1, 2017
Los Angeles Dodgers – The Dodgers picked up Tony Watson and Tony Cingrani at the deadline, giving them plenty of flexibility in the late innings. Watson is the more likely of the two to get late inning work, though we won’t bump Pedro Baez or Brandon Morrow out of their hierarchy positions yet.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Baez | Morrow.

July 26, 2017
Los Angeles Dodgers — Three scoreless innings from Josh Ravin earned the 29-year-old righty his first save in a tumultuous career. If you can prove he was in your starting lineup for that save, we’ll sign you up for free Closer Monkey Premium!

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Baez | Morrow.

July 8, 2017
Los Angeles Dodgers — 25-year-old Brock Stewart pitched a perfect seventh and eighth with a three-run lead to get the ball to Kenley Jansen. Stewart still projects as a #3 or #4 starter long-term, but he wouldn’t be the first one of those to wind up at the back end of the bullpen. Worth keeping an eye on.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Baez | Morrow.

June 30, 2017
Los Angeles Dodgers – Brandon Morrow has gone back and forth between the minors and the big leagues, but since first arriving in Los Angeles in late May, he’s quietly allowed zero runs while amassing 14 Ks and just one walk in 11.2 innings of work. That includes a pair of strikeouts on Thursday to help the Dodgers escape an eighth-inning, bases-loaded jam with their four-run lead in tact. Don’t be surprised if Morrow begins to see some more high-leverage work.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Baez | Morrow.

June 21, 2017
Los Angeles Dodgers – Appearing in his first major league game of the season, Brock Stewart pitched three solid innings for the Dodgers in a 12-0 blowout, earning the save. If you somehow had Stewart in your lineup, email us a screenshot and win free Closer Monkey Premium for a year.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Baez | Avilan.

June 20, 2017
Los Angeles Dodgers – For two months, Josh Fields toiled in obscurity, racking up strikeouts and posting awesome ratios while mostly pitching when the game wasn’t especially close. But maybe the Dodgers knew something we didn’t, as Fields started to unravel when he was given higher-leverage opportunities, and yesterday, the Dodgers sent him down so he could work out the issues. In a corresponding move, Sergio Romo returns to the bullpen, and will make his way on to the hierarchy if he can prove he’s effective again.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Baez | Avilan.

June 10, 2017
Los Angeles Dodgers — In his first relief appearance since he was a 20-year-old Hiroshima Carp, Kenta Maeda picked up his first career save, pitching the last four innings of a five-run game. Maeda was excellent, striking out six and giving up a solo home run. Maeda hopes to be back in the rotation soon and, with performances like last night, he may get his wish.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Baez | Fields.

May 28, 2017
Los Angeles Dodgers — The three inning save seems to be trendy this year, as Ross Stripling was the latest reliever to pick one up on Saturday night.  Stripling has pitched well in relief for the Dodgers this year, but he is currently being used mostly in middle and long relief for now.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Baez | Fields.

May 26, 2017
Los Angeles Dodgers — In his first major-league relief appearance, Hyun-Jin Ryu tossed the final four innings of the Dodgers’ 7-4 win to pick up a sneaky vulture save. It’s his first save since he was a 19-year-old playing rookie ball in South Korea. There’s no room for Ryu in the rotation, so he may get more opportunities like this in the near future, especially when starter Kenta Maeda pitches, manager Dave Roberts said. Oh, and we bet it’s likely some of you had Ryu left over on your roster from his days as a starter. If so, be the first to snap a photo of him starting for you on Thursday and you’ll get a year of Closer Monkey Premium (EDIT: We’ve got this winner too. Not as many emails as Montgomery, but dang, you people own a lot of weird pitchers).

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Baez | Fields.

May 7, 2017
Los Angeles Dodgers — Kenley Jansen got the last out of the eighth inning on Saturday night after he entered with the bases loaded and the Dodgers up four runs.  The Dodgers added five more runs in the top of the ninth, but Jansen still came back out for the bottom of the ninth to attempt the save in a 10-1 game.  Unfortunately for fantasy owners, Jansen was not able to get the job done and instead earned his first hold of the season after Chris Hatcher got the last out of the game.  Jansen was still in a playful mood post game as he jokingly told reporters, “I’m not getting sent down” after a closed door meeting between manager Dave Roberts and general manager Farhan Zaidi.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Baez | Fields.

May 6, 2017
Los Angeles Dodgers — Josh Fields earned a four-out save in a game the Dodgers broke open in the top of the ninth. He doesn’t figure to get many more chances, but he does appear to have an advantage over lefty Luis Avilan, who entered in the sixth last night.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Baez | Fields.

May 1, 2017
Los Angeles Dodgers – Luis Avilan pitched a scoreless 7th inning for the Dodgers on Sunday, wrapping up another solid week for the lefty (3 IPs, 2 holds). Going forward, look for the lefty to continue on in that role, likely sharing the role with former Astro Josh Fields, who is also pitching well. Pedro Baez continues to play with fire, walking almost a batter per inning, but he’s been effective and continues to be the most frequently used option in the 8th for the Dodgers. Sergio Romo, meanwhile, has to get things figured out if he wants additional late inning looks — his ERA is still over 9.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Baez | Avilan.

April 22, 2017
Los Angeles Dodgers — Sergio Romo’s bases-loaded balk (the first of his major league career) opened the floodgates to a nine-run implosion by one of the highest-paid bullpens in baseball. Romo has been underwhelming, with six walks, six hits, and only four strikeouts over his 5.1 innings (11.81 ERA). He has plenty of time to turn this around, but Pedro Baez could be there to pick up the slack.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Romo | Baez.

April 15, 2017
Los Angeles Dodgers — Pedro Baez was activated from the disabled list and immediately saw late-inning action with a lead. A six-run lead, sure, and only against three batters, but Baez was solid, striking out one and throwing 11 of his 15 pitches for strikes. We expect Baez to take over the seventh inning now that he has returned.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Romo | Baez.

March 30, 2017
Los Angeles Dodgers — Adam Liberatore will start the season in the minors. Grant Dayton, Luis Avilan, and Chris Hatcher are the names to know in his stead.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Romo | Dayton.

March 1, 2017
Los Angeles Dodgers — Kenley Jansen turned down a massive offer from the Washington Nationals to re-sign with the Dodgers this offseason. LA also picked up longtime Giant (but longer-time Dodger fan) Sergio Romo to handle the eighth inning. The seventh inning is up in the air: Pedro Baez has a bone bruise on his pitching hand, leaving a battle among lefties Adam Liberatore, Grant Dayton, and Luis Avilan. Chris Hatcher and Josh Fields are the best remaining righties.

Starting 2017 hierarchy: Jansen | Romo | Liberatore.
Holds candidates: Romo, Liberatore, Dayton, Avilan.

September 7, 2016
Los Angeles Dodgers — Pedro Baez returned from extended rest at Double-A and picked up an immediate seventh-inning hold. It appears as if Baez has bumped lefty Adam Liberatore back out of the hierarchy, while Liberatore attempts to recapture his form from earlier this year.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Blanton | Baez.

August 20, 2016
Los Angeles Dodgers — Adam Liberatore returned from the DL and pitched a scoreless inning in a loss last night. He’ll replace Pedro Baez, who has had a rough stretch of games, giving up seven runs over his last five appearances. Don’t be surprised if Liberatore presses Joe Blanton for the eighth inning; before his injury, Liberatore had put in an excellent season.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Blanton | Liberatore.

August 4, 2016
Los Angeles Dodgers – Adam Liberatore was placed on the 15-day DL Wednesday due to left elbow inflammation. Pedro Baez and Joe Blanton will be the likely candidates for saves if Kenley Jansen is unavailable.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Blanton | Baez.

July 27, 2016
Los Angeles Dodgers – Adam Liberatore was unavailable on Tuesday because of a sore right knee, which he injured while covering a base Sunday in St. Louis. If the injury, which is not serious, keeps him out for another couple days, expect Pedro Baez to see more high-leverage opportunities in Liberatore’s stead.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Liberatore | Blanton.

July 22, 2016
Los Angeles Dodgers – Adam Liberatore continued his impressive run on Thursday, pitching a clean eighth inning to set things up for closer Kenley Jansen in the ninth. In fact, Liberatore has pitched the eighth inning ahead of Jansen twice this week and has not allowed a run since May 18, when he forked over his only two earned runs allowed this season (0.56 ERA, 0.84 WHIP, nine holds).

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Liberatore | Blanton.

July 17, 2016
Los Angeles Dodgers – Adam Liberatore has been outstanding in July, picking up holds in five of his six appearances so far this month. That included a seventh-inning hold on Saturday in an eventual Dodgers loss, which lowered his ERA to 0.59. He has only allowed two earned runs all season, both of which came in the same outing, has a WHIP of 0.82 and is averaging over a strikeout per inning. With the Dodgers looking to make a second-half run, Liberatore may be a key cog for them in the late innings.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Blanton | Liberatore.

June 21, 2016
Los Angeles Dodgers – Joe Blanton, age 35, is coming into his own as a set-up man in L.A. Three of his last four appearances have come in the eighth inning, including a hold ahead of Kenley Jansen last night. In one of the more unlikely bullpen developments of 2016, he now appears to be Dave Roberts’s go-to guy in the eighth.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Blanton | Baez.

June 15, 2016
Los Angeles Dodgers – The latest pitcher to join the CJ Nitkowski All Stars (AKA the Bad Starter Decent Reliever club) is Joe Blanton, who got his 6th hold of the season last night pitching the 8th inning ahead of Kenley Jansen. Blanton’s control has always been good, and he’s upped his strikeouts in his role in relief (35 IP, 35 Ks, 9 BBs). So far this year, he boasts a 2.31 ERA and 0.71 WHIP, and his success is no fluke — he did the same thing last season as well. Lately, the Dodgers have been mixing-and-matching in perpetuity in their attempts to bridge to Jansen, so look for Blanton to challenge Pedro Baez for 8th inning opportunities going forward.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Baez | Blanton.

May 26, 2016
Los Angeles Dodgers — Louis Coleman has holds in his last three appearances and appears to have moved ahead of Chris Hatcher in the Dodgers’ hierarchy.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Baez | Coleman.

April 30, 2016
Los Angeles Dodgers — From last Friday to yesterday, Chris Hatcher made four appearances, yielding eight runs and 11 baserunners over three innings. Pedro Baez earned three holds over the same time period, and we have to believe he’d be the choice if Kenley Jansen needs a break.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Baez | Hatcher.

March 2, 2016
Los Angeles Dodgers – After nearly trading for Aroldis Chapman, the Dodgers will head into 2016 with Kenley Jansen as the closer once again. Jansen has been one of the best closers in baseball over the last three seasons, and while his bridge is full of potential candidates, two appear to be leading the pack. Chris Hatcher got the majority of the eighth-inning work at the end of the season and will likely retain that role to begin 2016. If Pedro Baez can locate his 100-mph fastball, he’ll be a good seventh-inning option. Yimi Garcia is also in the mix for the seventh, with lefties Luis Avilan and JP Howell candidates for holds.

Starting 2016 hierarchy: Jansen | Hatcher | Baez.
Holds candidates: Hatcher, Baez, Garcia, Howell.

September 17, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers — Kenley Jansen continued his impressive season, nailing down his 32nd save with a clean inning last night. However, with the Dodgers holding a 7.5 game lead in the NL West, they may look to limit his workload going forward in order to save him for the playoffs. Jansen wasn’t used in a non-save situation on Tuesday during a lengthy extra-innings affair, and if the Dodgers keep Jansen from throwing back-to-back days no matter what, Chris Hatcher would benefit.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Hatcher | Johnson.

September 12, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers — Jim Johnson pitched the fourth down 10, which is enough to elevate Chris Hatcher past him in the Dodger pecking order.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Hatcher | Johnson.

September 6, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers — For the second night in a row, Chris Hatcher got the call in the eighth inning in a game where closer Kenley Jansen was used in the ninth.  Hatcher has only given up a couple runs in ten appearances since returning from the disabled list in mid-August, and looks to be working his way back to a meaningful role in the back end of the Dodgers’ bullpen.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Johnson | Hatcher.

August 30, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers — Jim Johnson pitched a scoreless eighth inning ahead of closer Kenley Jansen last night.  Johnson has now picked up a save and two holds in his last three appearances for the Dodgers, and could finally be settling in to the set-up man that the Dodgers were hoping they were getting when they traded for Johnson back at the end of July.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Johnson | Avilan.

August 28, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers — Jim Johnson picked up his first save with LA since being traded from the Braves before the deadline. He pitched a clean ninth inning in a one-run game in place of Kenley Jansen, who had pitched on the previous two nights (and three of the last four) and was unavailable. Johnson’s Dodgers tenure got off to a rough start (with runs in six of his first nine appearances), and before you do anything crazy, remember that Juan Nicasio, Luis Avilan and J.P. Powell were all unavailable, too, leaving Chris Hatcher (remember him?) to pitch the eighth inning. Still, this might be a sign of higher-leverage things to come for Johnson. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Avilan | Johnson.

August 27, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers — Juan Nicasio was activated prior to Tuesday’s game, and how has now picked up two straight eighth-inning holds. Meanwhile, Pedro Baez has not pitched in a week, despite manager Don Mattingly saying that Baez is healthy. Instead, the Dodgers have used a smorgasbord of relievers in the seventh and eighth innings before getting to Kenley Jansen, including lefties Luis Avilan and J.P. Howell. Avilan has picked up two big eighth-inning holds in the last two games, striking out Jay Bruce in both contests with multiple men on base, including “our biggest out of the season” according to Mattingly on Tuesday. For now, Avilan and Nicasio appear to be the top eighth-inning options, but the situation remains fluid as the Dodgers try and find ways to get to the ninth.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Avilan | Nicasio.

August 25, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers – Yimi Garcia, who closed for a short spell for the Dodgers earlier this year, was sent to AAA yesterday. J.P. Howell slides up to take his spot on the hierarchy.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Baez | Howell.

August 15, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers — After two months, the Dodgers activated Chris Hatcher from the disabled list, only to see Juan Nicasio take his place with an abdominal strain. Yimi Garcia, recently recalled from Triple-A, should return to a higher-leverage role.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Baez | Garcia.

August 10, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers – Jim Johnson was already off to a very rocky start to his Dodgers career, and that was before Sunday night’s historically bad outing. After a shellacking like that, it’s hard to picture Don Mattingly giving Johnson any more high-leverage chances for a good while. The only two Dodgers middle relievers who have been doing their jobs as of late are Pedro Baez and Juan Nicasio, and we’ll slot them in to the hierarchy for the time being.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Baez | Nicasio.

August 8, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers — Jim Johnson pitched a clean ninth in a tie game, but when he came back out for the tenth, he loaded the bases without getting anyone out on his way to taking the loss. He’s now appeared in three games for the Dodgers, and has given up at least one earned run in each. How long can the Dodgers keep trusting him in tight spots?

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Johnson | Baez.

July 30, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers — LA has apparently acquired Jim Johnson from Atlanta, along with lefty Luis Avilan, giving the Dodgers an incredibly deep bullpen. We don’t think Johnson will challenge Kenley Jansen for save opportunities, but we do slot him ahead of Pedro Baez, J.P. Howell, Juan Nicasio, recently recalled Yimi Garcia, and Avilan, all of whom have been effective in high-leverage work.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Johnson | Baez.

July 9, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers — A day after getting a spot start, Yimi Garcia was optioned to Triple A. Manager Don Mattingly said it was to give Garcia a breather after the young righty has been used in 40 games this year. J.P. Howell has been the most effective reliever behind Jansen and Baez, so look for his role to expand with Garcia out of the mix.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Baez | Howell.

July 5, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers — J.P. Howell recorded his first save since 2011 last night, as Kenley Jansen was given the night off after pitching in three of the last four days.  Pedro Baez got the last out of the 8th and stayed on to get the first two outs of the 9th, before Howell came on to strike out the only batter he faced.  If Baez had been able to pitch a cleaner 9th inning he would have gotten the save, and since Yimi Garcia was used for one out in the 8th, it looks like Baez could be the go-to righty on days when Jansen is not available.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Baez | Garcia.

June 24, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers — Joel Peralta’s first game back from the DL did not go as smoothly as he would have liked. He loaded the bases without recording an out before Kenley Jansen was called on to put out the fire. Jansen got one out before surrendering the walk-off sac fly. Peralta’s return is a welcome sign in the beat-up Dodger bullpen, and he probably should have been given an easier first inning than the 10th in a 0-0 game.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Garcia | Peralta.

June 18, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers — The injury struggles continue for the Dodgers, as Chris Hatcher was put on the DL, retroactive to Monday, with a strained oblique. Help may be on the way soon, as Joel Peralta, Brandon League, Paco Rodriguez and Pedro Baez are all on rehab assignments, but until then look for the banged up J.P. Howell to fill in as the emergency option in the Dodgers bullpen.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Garcia | Howell.

June 5, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers — The mystery surrounding closer Kenley Jansen’s absence has been solved. Jansen, who has a history of heart trouble, felt sick to his stomach during Wednesday’s game and was found to have high blood pressure when checked by a doctor, so he was held out as a precaution while his bullpen mates blew the game. On Thursday night, no late-inning relievers were needed as LA lost 7-1. Jansen should be good to go if needed on Friday.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Hatcher | Garcia.

June 4, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers – Kenley Jansen was unavailable to shut down a two-run game in the 9th, and that proved to be costly as Adam Liberatore, Yimi Garcia, J.P. Howell and Chris Hatcher all combined to blow the lead and take the loss. Jansen refused to talk to media after the game, but a team spokesman said Jansen wasn’t feeling well, and manager Don Mattingly would only add that it came up during the game. Rick Sutcliffe, who was part of the broadcast team, even “sent prayers” to Jansen and the Dodgers. Jansen has a history of heart trouble, but it doesn’t appear to be the issue here and he may even be available Thursday. There’s certainly more to the story and hopefully Jansen or the team sheds more light on the subject Thursday. For now, Jansen remains a closer that will be closely monitored.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Hatcher | Garcia.

May 18, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers – It didn’t take long for Kenley Jansen to return to his full-time closer position, and Sunday’s 1-0 game gave a good look at how the rest of the bullpen will be employed. The Dodgers went to Yimi Garcia in the 7th and Chris Hatcher in the 8th before Jansen got his first save, and we’ll position the new asterisk-free hierarchy in the same fashion.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Hatcher | Garcia.

May 17, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers — Kenley Jansen is supposed to be eased back into the closers’ role but that might not end up happening.  After Friday’s outing, Jansen said he feels ready to close games.  Manager Don Mattingly also said that Jansen didn’t look rusty at all.  In other Dodgers’ bullpen news, Sergio Santos followed Jansen’s four strikeout inning on Friday with one of his own last night.

Hierarchy remains: *Jansen | Garcia | Hatcher.
* closer-by-committee

May 16, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers — Kenley Jansen is just showing off. Activated from the DL on Friday afternoon, he came on in the eighth with the Dodgers up two, and proceeded to strike out four batters in one inning, on only 14 pitches. Don Mattingly called on lefty Adam Liberatore for the platoon advantage in the ensuing save situation; when he put two men on, Juan Nicasio entered to earn the save. The asterisk remains with Kenley for now, but its days are numbered.

Updated hierarchy: *Jansen | Garcia | Hatcher.
* closer-by-committee

May 15, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers — The most volatile bullpen in baseball lived up to its reputation Thursday night, with Yimi Garcia coughing up a three-run homer in a rough 9th inning, blowing the save and taking the loss against the Rockies. Garcia has now allowed five runs in his last two outings, inflating his ERA from 0.63 to 3.38. Pedro Baez was likely next in line before he was placed on the disabled list with a strained pectoral muscle. Manager Don Mattingly said Baez could be out the next few weeks. Kenley Jansen, meanwhile, is healthy at the right time; he’s likely to be activated on Saturday, with a Friday return still possible. Stay tuned.

Updated hierarchy: *Garcia | Hatcher | Howell.
* closer-by-committee

May 14, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers – Kenley Jansen was due back on Saturday, but his return may get moved up a day after Pedro Baez left Wednesday’s game with a right pectoral injury. Don Mattingly said Jansen won’t be activated Thursday, but if Baez’s MRI on Thursday isn’t promising, that Friday return seems extremely likely. If Baez does indeed hit the DL, keep an eye on rookie Adam Liberatore. He took the loss on Wednesday, but had entered the game with 9.2 scoreless innings, retiring 28 of the first 29 batters he faced.

Hierarchy remains: *Garcia | Hatcher | Baez.
* = closer-by-committee.

May 12, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers – Kenley Jansen is on track to be activated from the disabled list on Saturday, but Dodgers’ manager Don Mattingly will not immediately reinstate Jansen as closer. Expect Dodger save opportunities to remain unpredictable in the short term.

Hierarchy remains: *Garcia | Hatcher | Baez.
* = closer-by-committee.

May 5, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers – Chris Hatcher was tasked with holding on to the Dodgers’ two-run lead in the 8th inning, coming into the game with 2 inherited runners on base. He was ineffective, coughing up three runs and earning his third loss and first blown save of the season. Though he might still get a chance at a hold here or there, we’d be a bit surprised to see him get any more save chances before Kenley Jansen’s return.

Hierarchy remains: *Garcia | Hatcher | Baez.
* = closer-by-committee

May 3, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers — Chris Hatcher got the call in the 9th last night and converted for his second save of the season.  Although Hatcher got the save, it was Yimi Garcia who faced the middle of the order in the 8th inning.  Garcia appears to the most important pitcher coming out of the Dodgers’ bullpen, and that should mean some save chances, but could also mean he is needed before the 9th on occasion.

Updated hierarchy: *Garcia | Hatcher | Baez.
*closer-by-committee

April 26, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers — Joel Peralta is experiencing “dead arm” and could be headed to the DL.  Peralta was the head of the Dodgers’ closer committee; it looks like Yimi Garcia could take his place while the Dodgers wait for Kenley Jansen to get back.  Chris Hatcher pitched the 9th protecting a four run lead on Saturday, and both he and Pedro Baez could still get looks as well.

Updated hierarchy: *Garcia | Baez | Hatcher.
*closer-by-committee

April 25, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers — With 16 strikeouts in nine appearances, rookie Yimi Garcia has been the best pitcher in the Dodgers’ bullpen this season. On Friday night, he finally got a shot at closing — and he mowed down the Padres with two strikeouts and a foul pop. Don Mattingly isn’t ready to abandon the committee system, but Garcia will surely be a huge part of it going forward, and a strong candidate for the setup role after Kenley Jansen returns.

Updated hierarchy: *Peralta | Garcia | Baez.
*closer-by-committee

April 24, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers — LA continues to have the most volatile closing situation in the league. On Thursday, after Chris Hatcher and Joel Peralta had already pitched, Pedro Baez got the chance at his first career save, but promptly coughed up the one-run lead, allowing a leadoff single and a game-tying triple. Although Baez managed to strand that runner on third, the Dodgers went on to lose 3-2 against the Giants. The Baez move, which puzzled the great Vin Scully, shows how wide-open things are now in the Dodgers’ ninth. The uncertainty should end soon, with Kenley Jansen scheduled to begin a rehab assignment next week.

Hierarchy remains: *Peralta | Hatcher | Baez.
*closer-by-committee

April 23, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers – Kenley Jansen is continuing his road back to bullpen this week with some bullpen sessions and a minor-league assignment could be on tap late next week. If everything goes as planned, Jansen is on target for a mid-May return.

Hierarchy remains: *Peralta | Hatcher | Baez.
*closer-by-committee

April 19, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers – Joel Peralta recorded his third save of the season last night.  Chris Hatcher got the last out of the 7th and J.P. Howell pitched the 8th.  Peralta has not given up a hit in his last four appearances and looks to be asserting himself as the primary closer until Kenley Jansen returns.

Hierarchy remains: *Peralta | Hatcher | Baez.
*closer-by-committee

April 16, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers – The most unpredictable bullpen in the majors remained that way last night as the Dodgers held onto a three-run win. Chris Hatcher got the last two outs in the seventh, while Pedro Baez took the whole eighth and the first out of the ninth. Just when you thought you could count him out, JP Howell was summoned for the last two outs of the game. However, this wasn’t quite a save situation and Howell did face Seattle’s bottom two batters. In addition, Joel Peralta was dealing with a stiff neck. This doesn’t seem to be serious, as he had hoped to be available yesterday. All of this may not matter soon, as Kenley Jansen is scheduled to begin throwing off a mound, on Saturday. His return will be a welcome sight for anyone who is a fan of bullpen stability.

Hierarchy remains: *Peralta | Hatcher | Baez.
*closer-by-committee

April 15, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers – Both JP Howell and Chris Hatcher were used while the Dodgers trailed last night, and both pitched well, particularly Hatcher. We do think this means Howell is unlikely to get a save chance, with Pedro Baez (4.0 IP, 6K, 0.00 ERA) a more likely candidate. Yimi Garcia, who leads the Dodgers in wins after last night, has also pitched well, striking out 10 of the 22 batters he has faced.

Updated hierarchy: *Peralta | Hatcher | Baez.
*closer-by-committee

April 12, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers – Chris Hatcher had another brutal outing on Sunday, allowing 3 runs to score while only recording one out. Joel Peralta came in afterwards to lock down the 1-out save, and is now firmly in the lead in the Los Angeles committee; in fact, the way things have gone thus far, it would surprise us to see anyone other than Peralta used in the 9th going forward. We’ll hold off on lifting the asterisk for one more save, but frankly, Hatcher might not even stay in the bigs for very much longer if he keeps pitching the way he has (33.75 ERA) over the season’s first week.

Updated hierarchy: *Peralta | Hatcher | Howell.
*closer-by-committee

April 10, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers — The Dodgers acquired righty reliever Ryan Webb from the Orioles Thursday. Webb was recently designated for assignment, but has a career 3.38 ERA and gives LA some much-needed bullpen depth. Webb has never recorded a save, but could conceivably enter a game in the late innings if Chris Hatcher or Joel Peralta falter. His situation is worth watching.

Hierarchy remains: *Hatcher | Peralta | Howell.
*closer-by-committee

April 9, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers – As was predicted in the Vulture Save Watch, it was Joel Peralta who got the call to close out a two-run game. Peralta was the only reliever that did not pitch yesterday, so it could be that it was simply his turn in the committee, but it is hard to ignore the disaster outing Hatcher had Tuesday. This is still a committee, but Peralta is worth a pickup if he is available after the past couple days.

Hierarchy remains: *Hatcher | Peralta | Howell.
*closer-by-committee

April 7, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers – Chris Hatcher picked up his first career save on Opening Day in the Dodgers’ win over the Padres. Joel Peralta was sent in to face the heart of the San Diego order in the 8th, showing Don Mattingly’s willingness to use his best guys in tough spots. For now we will move Hatcher to the front of the class, but don’t be surprised if Mattingly gets comfortable mixing and matching. Either way, this bears close watching, as Kenley Jansen was still in a walking boot yesterday.

Updated hierarchy: *Hatcher | Peralta | Howell.
*closer-by-committee

April 3, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers – Speculation continues to swirl around who might be handed the keys to the 9th inning in Los Angeles. A committee still seems like the most likely outcome, at least in the early going, and we continue to believe that Joel Peralta is the best reliever to own. Sergio Santos, meanwhile, gave up a HR to Mike Trout last night in his final bid to make the club. He still could earn a spot, but probably won’t be a top option in the late innings.

Updated hierarchy: *Peralta | Hatcher | Howell.
*closer-by-committee

March 31, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers – We’re continuing to look for some clarity in the Los Angeles bullpen, but it seems more and more likely that Don Mattingly will head into the regular season with a closer-by-committee. The two leading candidates for the job, Joel Peralta (5.68 ERA in 6.1 spring IPs) and Chris Hatcher (7.36 ERA in 7.1 IPs) have done little to distinguish themselves; meanwhile, once-darkhorse Sergio Santos had a rough outing the other day and saw his own spring ERA jump to 4.70. Santos is still an interesting candidate, as he’s got the past experience and is consistently missing bats (10 Ks in 7.2 IPs). But given his contract status, he’s not even a lock to make the team. Those in deep leagues or leagues with holds may want to look at the only reliever who has been dominant for the Dodgers this spring: lefty Paco Rodriguez (9.1 IPs, 0.00 ERA, 0.32 WHIP, 12 Ks, 0 BBs). Given J.P. Howell’s pedestrian spring (6.2 IPs, 8.10 ERA), Rodriguez could jump him as the go-to lefty in the Dodgers pen, and potentially snag an occasional save when matchups are right.

Hierarchy remains: Peralta* | Hatcher | Santos.
*closer-by-committee

March 26, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers — Chris Hatcher and his Wilsonesque beard have endured some rough outings lately, pushing his spring ERA over 10. Although Hatcher is a virtual lock to make the team because he’s out of minor league options, Joel Peralta may have edged in front of him in the race to lead what appears to be a confirmed committee situation that could also include Sergio Santos, Juan Nicasio, and lefties J.P. Howell and Paco Rodriguez. As expected, Brandon League will join Kenley Jansen on the DL to start the season, and some in LA are looking Rafael Soriano’s way.

Updated hierarchy: Peralta* | Hatcher | Santos.
*closer-by-committee

March 18, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers – A new name has emerged in the most unsettled bullpen in the big leagues. Chris Hatcher, a former catcher (just like Kenley Jansen!) has been turning heads in camp, and some members of the media have anointed him the frontrunner for the closer job. Don Mattingly has remained quiet about bullpen roles, and we still think Joel Peralta is a very strong possibility (and his most recent outing was a good one), but beat writers tend to know best, so we’ll move him to the top of the committee for now. Another candidate to watch is former Blue Jays closer Sergio Santos. Santos wasn’t even considered a lock to make the team as recently as a few weeks ago, but a strong spring has put him in the conversation. Meanwhile, Brandon League is taking some time off due to shoulder soreness.

Updated hierarchy: Hatcher* | Peralta | Santos.
*closer-by-committee

March 8, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers – Andrew Friedman took his big-thinking mindset away from the small-market Tampa area and to sunny southern California, and when he arrived, he took a wrecking ball to a Dodgers team that won two straight division titles. Most important to the Closer Monkey is the injury to the electric Kenley Jansen, who will miss the first month of the season, with no clear replacement behind him. Brian Wilson is gone, leaving two recent acquisitions — Joel Peralta and Dustin McGowan — to duke it out with Brandon League for save chances. We think it’ll either be Peralta or League to start the season, with McGowan getting a look if they both struggle in the spring.

Starting 2015 hierarchy: | Peralta | League | McGowan.
Holds candidates: League, JP Howell.

September 4, 2014
Los Angeles Dodgers — The six men who make up the hierarchies of the Dodgers and Nationals combined on Wednesday for three blown saves, eight runs (seven earned), and a whopping 2.47 WHIP. They also make an average of just over $7 million a year, which works out to about $7,000 per pitch. Feel free this morning to revel, just a little, in their failure.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Wilson | League.

August 15, 2014
Los Angeles Dodgers – Brian Wilson had an ugly outing last night, allowing three earned runs in 0.2 innings and forcing Kenley Jansen into an extended appearance. Prior to last night, Wilson had been sort of decent lately, and his strikeout totals are still excellent (50 in 39.1 IPs). But he’s still walking way too many guys, leading to an ERA and WHIP of 5.26 and 1.70 — unseemly numbers for the would-be set-up man on the NL’s best team. With Brandon League pitching very effectively lately, Wilson might not be Jansen’s handcuff at this point. We’ll watch how this unfolds in the coming days.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Wilson | League.

July 16, 2014
Los Angeles Dodgers – The profligate Dodgers are in the market for relievers; although they’ve been linked to Koji Uehara, they’d be fools to overlook how unlucky Kenley Jansen has been (3.49 ERA, 1.87 FIP). TRADE DEADLINE BUY/SELL: None.

June 26, 2014
Los Angeles Dodgers — As predicted in Wednesday’s Vulture Save Watch, Kenley Jansen got the night off and Brian Wilson picked up his first save in 26 months, oblivious to the endless litany of catty tweets he inspired.

Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Wilson | League.

June 18, 2014
Los Angeles Dodgers — With solid performances over the past three weeks, Brian Wilson has earned his job back, supplanting Brandon League as next in line behind Kenley Jansen.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Wilson | League.

June 15, 2014
Los Angeles Dodgers — Brian Wilson pitched a perfect 8th inning ahead of closer Kenley Jansen last night.  Wilson has only given up one run in his last 12 appearances and looks like he is working his way back into the Dodgers late-inning bullpen plans.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | League | Wilson.

June 1, 2014
Los Angeles Dodgers — Jamey Wright collected a three inning save last night in a Dodgers blow out win.  The 39-year-old reliever lowered his ERA under 3.00, but even with most of the Dodgers bullpen struggling we don’t see him being used in high leverage spots right now.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | League | Howell.

May 27, 2014
Los Angeles Dodgers — After Hyun-Jin Ryu lost his perfect game and shutout in the eighth inning, Brian Wilson entered and loaded the bases while yielding two inherited runs. Kenley Jansen bailed everyone out with a four-out save, but the rest of the Dodgers’ bullpen has become a series of question marks. Wilson has allowed an astonishing 36 baserunners in 16.2 innings, and Chris Perez’s ERA over the last three weeks is 17.35. On the whole, LA relievers are 4-12 with a 1.42 WHIP. Brandon League and J.P. Howell have been pitching the best, if only by default, but Howell is limited by his status as the only non-Paul Maholm lefty in the pen. We think Wilson’s last outing has dropped him below these two, but in this bullpen right now, nothing is certain.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | League | Howell.

May 24, 2014
Los Angeles Dodgers — The Dodgers called on Brandon League in the 7th inning last night with a 2 run lead.  League loaded the bases while recording no outs.  J.P. Howell came on and finished off the 7th inning by stranding all three runners.  Howell has 10 holds on the season, an ERA just over 2, and proved last night that he can be trusted to pitch in tough spots in the later innings.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Wilson | Howell.

May 22, 2014
Los Angeles Dodgers — Chris Perez hasn’t pitched since May 17, and when he has been used, he’s been strikingly ineffective in some low-leverage spots. We can’t yet tell you whether injury, fatigue, or ineffectiveness is to blame for him being passed over in situations like Wednesday’s tight seventh and eighth, but we’re concerned enough to move him out of the top three until he proves he’s okay.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Wilson | League.

May 12, 2014
Los Angeles Dodgers – Kenley Jansen allowed 5 baserunners to reach in the 10th inning on Sunday, and after 3 of them scored, saddling him with the loss, his ERA climbed to 4.58. Once considered a top closer in the game, Jansen has had a rough go of it so far this year, and with Chris Perez doing fine work in the 8th inning, the hard-throwing righty has reasons to be concerned about his job. Kenley Jansen to Hot Seat.

May 4, 2014
Los Angeles Dodgers – The Dodgers gave Kenley Jansen the night off last night and went with Chris Perez in the 9th inning.  Perez blew the save by walking in the game tying run.  Jansen is tied for the league lead in appearances this season, and he hasn’t been his usual dominant self, giving up 25 base runners in 15.1 innings.  The Dodgers will probably try to monitor Jansen’s usage moving forward so Chris Perez could continue to see save opportunities when Jansen is rested.  No hierarchy change.

May 2, 2014
Los Angeles Dodgers – Chris Perez came on in a save spot in the 8th inning, and then stayed on for the 9th after the Dodgers stretched their lead for his first save of the year.  He’s entrenched as the Los Angeles set-up man and stands to inherit the job should anything happen to Kenley Jansen.  No hierarchy change.

April 27, 2014
Los Angeles Dodgers – Brian Wilson struggled for the second straight outing last night.  After giving up 4 runs on Thursday, Wilson was pulled last night after walking the first two batters he faced.  Chris Perez has pitched very well so far this season, as he has given up only 5 hits in 11.2 innings.   Hierarchy change: Chris Perez to Set-up, Brian Wilson to 2nd in line.

April 18, 2014
Los Angeles Dodgers – Brian Wilson was activated from the disabled list earlier this week, and on Thursday, he picked up where he left off, earning an 8th inning hold in a 2-run ballgame.  Hierarchy change: Brian Wilson to Set-up, Chris Perez to 2nd in line.

April 7, 2014
Los Angeles Dodgers – J.P. Howell picked up his first hold of the year on Sunday.  Should something happen to Kenley Jansen, we don’t think Howell would be tapped for the 9th inning ahead of Chris Perez, but the lefty has been a key cog in the Los Angeles bullpen thus far.  Three of his four appearances have come in the 8th inning ahead of Jansen.  Hierarchy change: J.P. Howell to 2nd in line, replacing Brandon League.

April 2, 2014
Los Angeles Dodgers — How about this? We let you know that Brian Wilson is headed to the disabled list with nerve irritation, and you just go ahead and make up your own punchline. Hierarchy change: Chris Perez to Set-up, Brandon League to 2nd in line, Brian Wilson to DL.

March 31, 2014
Los Angeles Dodgers – Brian Wilson pitched a scoreless inning in Australia, but his first 2014 appearance in the states wasn’t a memorable one, as he gave up three runs and took the loss against the Padres.  Wilson’s 8th inning gig isn’t in danger yet, but there are lots of former closers hanging out in the Los Angeles bullpen, so Don Mattingly has other options if Wilson’s hiccup turns into something worse.  No hierarchy change.

March 13, 2014
Los Angeles Dodgers — For the first 4 1/2 years of his career, Kenley Jansen was a catcher who struck out in 27% of his at-bats. Over his last 4 1/2 years as a pitcher, he’s made hitters look even sillier, striking out 40% of batters faced. Ranked #3 in our preseason closer rankings.

March 7, 2014
Los Angeles Dodgers – The Dodgers have unlimited money, which allows them to do silly things like pay Brian Wilson $10 million.  Though The Beard won’t close — Kenley Jansen finally has a firm grasp on that job — his contract means he’s almost assuredly the set-up man.  Behind Jansen and Wilson is another former closer looking to return to form, as Chris Perez is in town on a 1-year deal.  Starting 2014 hierarchy: Closer – Kenley Jansen, Set-up – Brian Wilson, 2nd in line – Chris Perez. 

September 13, 2013
Los Angeles Dodgers – Six days ago, Brian Wilson allowed a walk, a stolen base, and a single in the 10th inning of a tied game against the Reds, counting for the only run he’s allowed since returning to the big leagues.  Last night, Wilson was on the better end of it, pitching a scoreless 10th after a Kenley Jansen blown save and earning the win when the Dodgers walked off.  Wilson now sports a 1.17 ERA, and though he hasn’t been getting used in any big set-up spots yet, we anticipate that this might be a scenario where a non-8th-inning guy jumps the set-up men to close.  Paco Rodriguez and Ronald Belisario continue to competently share that set-up role, but if Jansen goes down, Wilson’s experience makes him the best bet for saves.  Hierarchy change: Brian Wilson to Set-up, Paco Rodriguez to 2nd in line.

September 4, 2013
Los Angeles Dodgers — With Kenley Jansen indeed unavailable on Tuesday, Don Mattingly used Paco Rodriguez up two in the eighth, presumably holding Ronald Belisario or Brian Wilson back for a save situation. When Rodriguez gave up a homer and a walk, Belisario entered and escaped further trouble — then stayed on for the ninth after LA’s lead grew to four. But Belisario gave up a run and put another guy on, so it was young Chris Withrow who got the call for his first major league save. No hierarchy change.

September 1, 2013
Los Angeles Dodgers — Brian Wilson pitched a scoreless 8th inning in a tie game last night.  He ended up getting the win and now has made five scoreless appearances since joining the Dodgers. Hierarchy change: Brian Wilson to 2nd in line, replacing Ronald Belisario.

August 20, 2013
Los Angeles Dodgers — Brian Wilson joined the crowded Dodgers bullpen on Monday, where he will wear #00 and battle Carlos Marmol and Brandon League to be king of the disgraced former closers. He may yet do so without his famed beard, if an upstart razor company has its way. No hierarchy change.

August 6, 2013
Los Angeles Dodgers — Kenley Jansen got the night off, so Paco Rodriguez nailed down a strong two-inning vulture save in a tight game. No hierarchy change.

July 31, 2013
Los Angeles Dodgers — Bearded weirdo Brian Wilson was signed to a minor-league contract, reportedly worth a cool $1 million, plus performance bonuses. After a few weeks in the minors, he’ll get a shot at the big club, where he’s expected to take on a set-up role, hopelessly confuse many older Beach Boys fans, and ultimately become the first active major league player to marry Lady Gaga during a regulation game (in a non-strike season). No hierarchy change.

July 18, 2013
Los Angeles Dodgers – LA might move Brandon League (if anyone would bite) or bring in another setup guy, but none of the changes should affect anyone’s ninth inning. TRADE DEADLINE BUY/SELL: None.

June 26, 2013
Los Angeles Dodgers — As predicted, the Dodgers gave Kenley Jansen the night off and went to Brandon League with a three-run lead in the ninth — but League gave up three straight hits to quickly make it a one-run game. Paco Rodriguez took over and allowed another single before retiring the next three hitters to earn his first career save. This outing will almost certainly end League’s reign of terror in late/close situations; Don Mattingly says he will use League in easier spots until and unless he improves. Hierarchy change: Paco Rodriguez to Set-Up, Ronald Belisario to 2nd in line.

June 16, 2013
Los Angeles Dodgers — Brandon League picked up the save in the 11th inning last night after Kenley Jansen blew the save in the 9th.  Even with the blown save, Mattingly is not thinking about making another change back to League.  No hierarchy change.

June 12, 2013
Los Angeles Dodgers — On a tense night that saw five hit batsmen, two bench-clearing brawls, and Mark McGwire’s first ejection in almost 12 years, the Dodgers rallied to take the lead in the bottom of the eighth. Newly anointed closer Kenley Jansen came out for the save and struck out two in a perfect ninth. Meanwhile, Don Mattingly got to take out some of his frustration on Alan Trammell. No hierarchy change.

June 11, 2013
Los Angeles Dodgers — In his pregame comments on Tuesday, Don Mattingly announced that Kenley Jansen will replace Brandon League as the Dodgers’ closer. Mattingly was not yet sure how the rest of the Dodger bullpen would fall in line, so we’ll keep the status quo intact until he gives some further indication. Hierarchy change: Kenley Jansen to Closer, Brandon League to Set-Up.

June 11, 2013
Los Angeles Dodgers — After an effective eighth from Kenley Jansen, Brandon League was a comprehensive disaster, allowing four runs to earn the Dodgers their league-leading 13th blown save of the year. League has a 6.00 ERA and four blown saves; Jansen has 44 strikeouts in 32 innings and a WHIP of 1.00. Don Mattingly suggested that he was playing matchups by using League to close, but the best type of matchup for the Dodgers right now is the one that leaves him in the bullpen. Brandon League to Hot Seat.

June 5, 2013
Los Angeles Dodgers — Paco Rodriguez pitched a high-leverage seventh on Monday night; meanwhile, Ronald Belisario has been spanked in each of his last two outings, including a stint in the sixth last night. Hierarchy change: Paco Rodriguez to 2nd in line, replacing Ronald Belisario.

June 1, 2013
Los Angeles Dodgers –  Don Mattingly went to Kenley Jansen with runners on 1st and 2nd and nobody out in the 8th.  That left Brandon League for the 9th and he blew his second save in his last four chances.  Ronald Belisario ended up picking up the save in extra innings.  Ronald Belisario to 2nd in line, replacing Paco Rodriguez.

May 26, 2013
Los Angeles Dodgers – For the first time in 11 days, someone on the Dodgers got a save, and that someone was Brandon League.  Kenley Jansen, who Don Mattingly has continued to use in the highest-pressure situations, pitched in the 7th and 8th innings against the heart of the St. Louis lineup, striking out 4 in 1.1 innings of work.  With high-pressure situations occurring earlier rather than later for the Dodgers, League is probably the better bet for saves for the time being.  Hierarchy change: Brandon League to Closer, Kenley Jansen to Set-up.

May 19, 2013
Los Angeles Dodgers – With 1 out in the 8th and the Dodgers up 1, Don Mattingly went to Kenley Jansen.  Jansen immediately gave up a 2 run homer to Evan Gattis and ended up taking the loss.  Mattingly will continue to use his best reliever Jansen in high pressure situations.  For Kenley owners, hopefully these high-pressure situations will occur in the 9th inning more often than otherwise.  However, it appears Brandon League will still see save opportunities on nights when Jansen is used prior to the 9th.    Kenley Jansen to Hot Seat.

May 16, 2013
Los Angeles Dodgers – Don Mattingly said yesterday afternoon that he wasn’t ready to anoint Kenley Jansen as the new closer yet, and a few hours later, it was Jansen who emerged from the bullpen for a four-out hold in the 7th and 8th innings.  Brandon League got the save in the 9th.  There’s no hints yet as to whether this is a platoon — in which Jansen will have a serious edge — or whether League still has a good chance to hold the job.  League’s next outing will likely be key, as another good inning might give him a chance to fully reclaim the role for the time being.  No hierarchy change.

May 15, 2013
Los Angeles Dodgers – After 132 pitches got Clayton Kershaw only 26 outs, Don Mattingly turned to Kenley Jansen, not Brandon League, to finish off the 2-0 win. Although Mattingly recently declared League his closer “for now,” that tepid reassurance apparently came with an expiration date. The Dodger relievers might swap roles over the next few weeks, but Jansen — clearly the best pitcher in the pen — is likely to take full advantage of this opportunity. Hierarchy change: Kenley Jansen to Closer, Brandon League to Set-up, Paco Rodriguez to 2nd in line.

May 13, 2013
Los Angeles Dodgers – Brandon League entered Sunday’s game with the Dodgers up by four, and promptly allowed two runs to score before nailing down the final out.  His ERA climbed to 6.28 after the crummy outing, and he remains firmly on the Hot Seat.  One more bad outing, and Kenley Jansen could finally inherit the job.  No hierarchy change.

May 8, 2013
Los Angeles Dodgers – Brandon League had the night off after a 30-pitch outing on Wednesday, so Kenley Jansen got the save last night.  League’s job is not in jeopardy at the moment.  No hierarchy change.

February 24, 2013
Los Angeles Dodgers – Starting 2013 hierarchy: Closer- Brandon League, Set-up- Kenley Jansen, 2nd in line- Ronald Belisario.

September 22, 2012
Los Angeles Dodgers – Kenlsey Jansen pitched the 7th inning in a tie game last night. Manager Don Matthingly said that he would like to ease Jansen back into the closer role. Brandon League picked up the save in extras and could see a couple more save opps before Jansen is back to closing. Hierarchy change: Kenley Jansen to Set-up, Ronald Belisario to 2nd in line.

September 13, 2012
Los Angeles Dodgers – Ronald Belisario pitched the 8th inning with the Dodgers down a run last night. Although Don Mattingly has yet to commit to Brandon League as the interim closer, League’s experience seems to have given him the edge in the platoon. Hierarchy change: Brandon League to Closer, Ronald Belisario to Set-up.

September 9, 2012
Los Angeles Dodgers – Brandon League on Saturday picked up his second save since joining the Dodgers, pitching a clean 9th inning. League, who altered his delivery after joining Los Angeles, has been pitching spectacularly lately, and is sharing opportunities with Ronald Belisario until Kenley Jansen returns in about two weeks. No hierarchy change.

September 1, 2012
Los Angeles Dodgers – As predicted in yesterday’s vulture save watch, Brandon League picked up the save while Belisario was recovering from a 26 pitch outing the night before. No hierarchy change.

September 1, 2012
Los Angeles Dodgers – Matt Guerrier returned from the 60-day DL on Friday, allowing one run and taking the loss after he entered a tie game in the 11th inning. Guerrier had not pitched since April 18. He will move back into the 7th-inning role that he held before his injury. Hierarchy change: Matt Guerrier to 2nd in line, replacing Jamey Wright.

August 30, 2012
Los Angeles Dodgers – Ronald Belisario picked up the save on Wednesday, throwing 1.2 innings with the Dodgers up by two runs. After the game, the Dodgers revealed that Kenley Jansen is battling a heart condition that kept him out for a month last year. Seemingly out of nowhere, his season is in jeopardy. Belisario should close, but behind him, there are few sure things. Deadline acquisition Brandon League is the best bet to move in to the set-up role. Hierarchy change: Ronald Belisario to Closer, Brandon League to Set-up, Jamey Wright to 2nd in line.

July 21, 2012
Los Angeles Dodgers – Javy Guerra finished off the 7th inning, and has worked his way back in to a late-innings role for the Dodgers. Josh Lindblom has struggled as of late, including on Friday, when he allowed three baserunners while only recording one out in the 6th inning. Hierarchy change: Javy Guerra to 2nd in line, replacing Josh Lindblom.

July 12, 2012
Los Angeles Dodgers – The Dodgers’ bullpen is solid, with Kenley Jansen still racking up strikeouts at an absurd rate. They’re unlikely to be factors in the bullpen market at the deadline. TRADE DEADLINE BUY/SELL: None.

June 5, 2012
Los Angeles Dodgers – Ronald Belisario pitched the 8th inning in a tie game on Monday, eventually earning the win after the Dodgers broke through against Jonathon Papelbon. Belisario (1.26 ERA) continues his quick ascent in the Dodgers’ pen, as he is now the primary set-up man for Kenley Jansen. Hierarchy change: Ronald Belisario to Set-up, Josh Lindblom to 2nd in line.

June 4, 2012
Los Angeles Dodgers – Ronald Belisario pitched another scoreless inning on Sunday, a day after pitching the 8th inning ahead of Kenley Jansen. Belisario, with a 1.35 ERA, has surpassed Javy Guerra on the Dodgers depth chart. Hierarchy change: Ronald Belisario to 2nd in line, replacing Javy Guerra.

May 10, 2012
Los Angeles Dodgers – Javy Guerra’s demotion seems to have dropped him several spots down the Dodgers bullpen hierarchy; Josh Lindblom pitched the 8th inning in a close game last night. Hierarchy change: Josh Lindblom to Set-up, Javy Guerra to 2nd in line.

May 8, 2012
Los Angeles Dodgers – Don Mattingly before Monday’s series opener said that he was removing Javy Guerra from the closer role. Kenley Jansen will close in his place, Mattingly said. Hierarchy change: Kenley Jansen to Closer, Javy Guerra to Set-up.

May 7, 2012
Los Angeles Dodgers – Javy Guerra blew another save on Sunday, and for the first time, manager Don Mattingly expressed wavering confidence in the righty, saying that he’d have to keep looking at the closer role. Guerra will likely get one more shot to close before being benched, though he remains firmly on the Hot Seat and is a good bet to lose his job with one more blown save. No hierarchy change.

April 30, 2012
Los Angeles Dodgers — As predicted in Sunday’s Vulture Save Watch, Kenley Jansen collected the save for the Dodgers, striking out the side with two walks. Don Mattingly stressed after the game that he intends to keep Javy Guerra in the closer role, however. No hierarchy change.

April 29, 2012
Los Angeles Dodgers – Josh Lindblom pitched the 8th last night and has been used recently in close game situations in the later innings. Scott Elbert started the 9th because there were two lefties up and it looks like he will be used more as a situational lefty. Ultimately Javy Guerra came on and gave up the go ahead runs. Mattingly may have been trying help his closer out by having Elbert start against the lefties which is a sign that he might be losing faith in Guerra. No closer change yet but it will be interesting to see who gets called on for the next save opportunity. Hierarchy change: Josh Lindblom to 2nd in line, replacing Scott Elbert.

April 28, 2012
Los Angeles Dodgers – Kenley Jansen got the save last night. Manager Don Mattingly said after the game on Wednesday that Guerra was still his guy so he might have just been giving him a day off after taking a line drive off his jaw his last time out. Guerra is already on the hot seat but hasn’t lost his job yet. No hierarchy change.

April 26, 2012
Los Angeles Dodgers – Javy Guerra blew the save last night and took the loss for the second consecutive game. Guerra has gone 0-2 and only 2/4 in save opportunities in his last 5 games. Kenley Jansen pitched a scoreless 8th and could take Guerra’s job if he continues to pitch poorly.Javy Guerra to Hot Seat.

April 25, 2012
Los Angeles Dodgers – Matt Guerrier was placed on the DL Tuesday with elbow tendinitis. Scott Elbert pitched the 7th in a tie game and will likely move back into that role. Hierarchy change: Scott Elbert to 2nd in line, replacing Matt Guerrier.

April 14, 2012
Los Angeles Dodgers – Kenley Jansen came in for the save with the Dodgers up 2 in the 9th but was unable to convert the save opportunity. Javy Guerra is still clearly the closer and was just getting a day off after pitching three consecutive days. No hierarchy change.

April 6, 2012
Los Angeles Dodgers- Matt Guerrier pitched the 7th inning in a two-run game last night. With Guerrier and the also-talented Mike MacDougal eating up the middle innings for the Dodgers, Scott Elbert might be reduced to a LOOGY role. Hierarchy change: Matt Guerrier to 2nd in line, replacing Scott Elbert.

April 1, 2012
Los Angeles Dodgers- Javy Guerra will start as the closer based on last year, but he’ll be looking over his shoulder at fireballer Kenley Jansen, who is a strong candidate to close soon. Scott Elbert picked up the odd save chances for the Dodgers last year, and with no major additions, he could assume the role if Guerra and Jansen go down. Starting 2012 hierarchy: Closer- Javy Guerra, Set-up- Kenley Jansen, 2nd in line- Scott Elbert.

Sept. 15, 2011
Los Angeles Dodgers- With Javy Guerra getting the night off, it was Kenley Jansen, not Mike MacDougal, who picked up the save in last night’s Dodgers victory. Guerra should resume closing tonight, though he’s been knocked around as of late. Hierarchy change: Kenley Jansen to Set-up, Mike MacDougal to 2nd in line. Javy Guerra to Hot Seat.

Sept. 9, 2011
Los Angeles Dodgers- Kenley Jansen pitched the 7th inning last night, while Mike MacDougal pitched the 8th. It was Jansen, not MacDougal, who picked up a scavenger save when Guerra had a recent night off, but over the past two weeks, MacDougal has pitched later in games than Jansen. Hierarchy change: MacDougal to Set-up, Jansen to 2nd in line.

Sept. 2, 2011
Los Angeles Dodgers- Since returning from the DL, Kenley Jansen has been thrust back in to his late-inning role. With Javy Guerra on the bench after pitching two straight days, Jansen was called upon for the save last night. Hierarchy change: Jansen to Set-up, MacDougal to 2nd in line.

Aug. 23, 2011
Los Angeles Dodgers- Scott Elbert was used rather early in last night’s game while the Dodgers were losing. Their 8th inning role has been muddled, but Elbert’s early outing coupled with Mike MacDougal and his stellar 2.18 ERA suggest that MacDougal is the go-to guy now, should Guerra go down. Hierarchy change: MacDougal to Set-Up, Elbert to 2nd in line.