September 27, 2018
Los Angeles Angels — Jim Johnson, who had given up nine hits in his last two appearances, was Mike Scioscia’s first choice to pitch the ninth inning in a save situation on Wednesday night. And although it’s no longer 2013, Johnson made it work. After the game, we learned that Ty Buttrey would be shut down for the rest of the season with bursitis in his right knee.
Updated hierarchy: *Parker | Robles | Johnson.
* = closer-by-committee
Chicago Cubs — The Cubs ultimately won last night, clinching a playoff spot and hopefully saving this poor sap from needing police protection — but the real story was the team’s top three relievers combining to blow a four-run lead over the last two innings. Joe Maddon went with CJ Edwards, Steve Cishek, and Justin Wilson in that order — but with Wilson blowing the save through a single and two doubles, we can’t be sure he’ll get the next shot.
Hierarchy remains: *Cishek | Wilson | Edwards.
* = closer-by-committee
Tampa Bay Rays — Every save is beautiful in its own way, but last night Sergio Romo earned one that only a Monkey could love. Romo got out of a light inherited jam in the eighth with the Rays up one, and then the team scored four runs to put things out of reach. Or so we thought. With a walk and five straight singles, the Yankees put the go-ahead run on first, and Romo — the eighth Rays pitcher of the game — still had two outs to get. He managed, somehow, and the coveted four-run, four-out save was all his.
Hierarchy remains: *Romo | Alvarado | Roe.
* = closer-by-committee
New York Mets — As we forecast Wednesday morning, Robert Gsellman got the gnight off and Seth Lugo picked up his third save of the year.
Hierarchy remains: Gsellman | Lugo | Swarzak.
Baltimore Orioles — The Orioles went into the ninth up three, but after they beat up on Craig Kimbrel for four runs, they sent Paul Fry back out for the bottom of the ninth where he earned an interesting three-inning save.
Hierarchy remains: Givens | Fry | Wright Jr.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Jose Alvarado — Romo needed 41 pitches last night.
2. Dellin Betances — Aroldis Chapman might not be quite there yet.
Friday:
1, Hector Rondon — If Roberto Osuna pitches today, it’ll be three out of four.
