Philadelphia Phillies Fantasy Baseball Daily Bullpen Updates and Closer Depth Chart
| Closer | 1st in line | 2nd in line | 2025 Closer | Updated | |
| PHI | Jordan Romano | Orion Kerkering | José Alvarado | TBD | 12/9/24 |
| (IL) |
* = closer-by-committee
Previous updates:
Philadelphia Phillies – Per Jeff Passan, the Phillies have agreed to a one-year, 7.75 million dollar contract with Jordan Romano. He passed his physical and could emerge as the preferred save share at the onset of the season. Fantasy managers must remember this team’s “floating closer” concept, but early velocity readings on Romano may determine his ceiling. Based on this signing, he takes over our adjusted hierarchy.
Updated Hierarchy: Jordan Romano | Orion Kerkering | José Alvarado
Philadelphia Phillies – After using the “floating closer” concept most of the season, Rob Thomson used Carlos Estévez as his closer after the trade deadline. However, Estévez and Jeff Hoffman will be unrestricted free agents at the end of the season. Will the Phillies try re-signing them or turn to Orion Kerkering as the closer of the future?
September 29, 2024
Philadelphia Phillies – Recording his first career save, José Ruiz navigated around two hits and a walk with two strikeouts in a scoreless bottom of the ninth against the Nationals. He threw 25 pitches (64 Strike%) and induced two whiffs.
- Matt Strahm fired a clean eighth and recorded two strikeouts for his 18th hold.
- Tanner Banks retired the side in the seventh, striking out two for his eighth hold.
- José Alvarado notched his tenth hold, tossing a clean sixth and recording one strikeout.
Projected 2025 Hierarchy: *Orion Kerkering | *Matt Strahm | José Alvarado
*= closer-by-committee
September 23, 2024
Philadelphia Phillies – For the first time in 13 years, the Phillies won the National League East. Carlos Estévez closed out a four-run win over the Cubs with a scoreless ninth. He worked around Christian Bethancourt’s one-out double and Mike Tauchman’s two-out walk with a game-ending flyout. He threw 23 pitches (17 strikes – 73.9 Strike%) and induced two whiffs.
- Jeff Hoffman tossed a scoreless eighth, walking and striking out one.
- Matt Strahm notched his 17th hold, retiring the side and recording one strikeout.
Hierarchy remains: Carlos Estévez | Jeff Hoffman | Matt Strahm
September 18, 2024
Philadelphia Phillies – Taking over a tied game at the bottom of the ninth, Carlos Estévez allowed Jackson Chourio’s lead-off triple, intentionally walked William Contreras, recorded a strikeout, walked Willy Adames, and suffered his fitfh loss on Jake Bauers’ walk-off single. He’s given up a run in two of his last four games.
- Orion Kerkering fired a clean bottom of the eighth and recorded two strikeouts on 16 pitches (75 Strike%) with one whiff.
Hierarchy remains: Carlos Estévez | Jeff Hoffman | Matt Strahm
September 15, 2024
Philadelphia Phillies – After working a clean top of the ninth, José Ruiz collected his fourth win on a walk-off rally at the bottom of the inning. He threw 12 pitches (75 Strike%) and induced one whiff against the Mets’ 5-6-7 lineup pocket.
- Orion Kerkering tossed a scoreless eighth, allowing a hit and striking out two on 15 pitches (11 strikes – 73.3 Strike%) with four whiffs (26.7 SwStr%).
Hierarchy remains: Carlos Estévez | Jeff Hoffman | Matt Strahm
September 14, 2024
Philadelphia Phillies – After allowing a lead-off single at the top of the ninth, Carlos Estévez bore down, retiring the next three batters and securing his 26th save while preserving a two-run win over the Mets. He threw 19 pitches (14 strikes – 73.3 Strike%) and induced one whiff against the 9-1-2-3 hitters. He’s been scoreless in eight of nine appearances since August 21 with two wins and converted five of six save chances.
- Jeff Hoffman recorded his 21st hold with a scoreless top of the eighth. He hit a batter and benefited from his defense on a long flyout by J.D. Martinez.
- Orion Kerkering collected his fifth win, firing a clean seventh and striking out one on 12 pitches (66.7 Strike%) with two whiffs (16.7 SwStr%).
Hierarchy remains: Carlos Estévez | Jeff Hoffman | Matt Strahm
September 11, 2024
Philadelphia Phillies – Securing his 25th save, Carlos Estévez preserved a one-run win over the Rays with a scoreless ninth. He allowed a hit, but his defense picked him up with a caught stealing before a game-ending groundout. He threw ten pitches (70 Strike%) without a whiff. He’s been scoreless in seven of his last eight games, converting four of five save chances.
- José Alvarado notched his ninth hold, tossing a clean eighth and striking out one.
- Matt Strahm recorded his 15th hold, retiring the side in the seventh.
Hierarchy remains: Carlos Estévez | Jeff Hoffman | Matt Strahm
September 9, 2024
Philadelphia Phillies – Despite allowing Brandon Lowe’s game-tying lead-off home run at the top of the ninth, Carlos Estévez collected his fourth win and a fifth blown save, courtesy of a walk-off rally in the bottom of the frame. He finished with two hits and the earned run on 27 pitches (17 strikes – 63 Strike%) with two whiffs. This snapped his six-game scoreless streak, but he’s converted four of five saves and won three of four decisions since his acquisition.
- Jeff Hoffman navigated around two hits and recorded two strikeouts in a scoreless eighth, securing his 20th hold.
- Orion Kerkering nailed down his 13th hold with a clean seventh, striking out one.
Hierarchy remains: Carlos Estévez | Jeff Hoffman | Matt Strahm
September 5, 2024
Philadelphia Phillies – Securing his third save, Matt Strahm retired the side while recording one strikeout during a three-run win in Miami. He threw ten pitches (90 Strike%) and induced one whiff. He’s notched a save in his last two outings and been scoreless in six of his last seven.
- Orion Kerkering allowed a hit and an unearned run with two strikeouts in the eighth.
- Max Lazar gave up three hits and an earned run in the seventh.
- José Ruiz tossed a clean sixth and recorded two strikeouts.
Hierarchy remains: Carlos Estévez | Jeff Hoffman | Matt Strahm
September 4, 2024
Philadelphia Phillies – Securing his 24th save, Carlos Estévez tossed a scoreless bottom of the ninth, issuing a walk and recording two strikeouts while preserving a two-run win in Toronto. He threw 19 pitches (10 strikes – 52.6 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (15.8 SwStr%). He’s been scoreless in his last five outings, spanning six innings, with a win and three saves while posting a 6:2 K:BB.
- Jeff Hoffman fired a clean eighth and recorded a strikeout for his 19th hold. He’s amid a seven-game scoreless stretch with a save, two holds, and six strikeouts versus one walk.
Hierarchy remains: Carlos Estévez | Jeff Hoffman | Matt Strahm
September 3, 2024
Philadelphia Phillies – Capping a comeback win, Matt Strahm held on for his second save. He allowed Leo Jiménez’s two-out solo home run and recorded two strikeouts, closing a one-run win in Toronto. He threw 21 pitches (12 strikes – 57.1 Strike%) and induced four whiffs (19 SwStr%).
- Orion Kerkering worked a scoreless eighth, yielding a hit and collecting his fourth win.
- José Ruiz tossed a scoreless seventh, giving up a hit and striking out one.
Hierarchy remains: Carlos Estévez | Jeff Hoffman | Matt Strahm
August 31, 2024
Philadelphia Phillies – Finishing a shutout victory over Atlanta, Carlos Estévez tossed a scoreless top of the ninth while securing his 23rd save. He threw 12 pitches (83.3 Strike%) and produced four whiffs (33.3 SwStr%) while recording two strikeouts. He’s been scoreless over his last four outings and converted three of four save chances since his acquisition.
- Jeff Hoffman worked a scoreless eighth, yielding a hit and striking out two for his 18th hold. He’s allowed one earned run over his last nine games with nine strikeouts versus one walk.
Hierarchy remains: *Carlos Estévez | *Jeff Hoffman | Matt Strahm
*= closer-by-committee
August 29, 2024
Philadelphia Phillies – With the bullpen rested, Rob Thomson called upon Jeff Hoffman to protect a one-run lead at the top of the ninth. He responded by retiring the side and striking out one for his tenth save. He threw 14 pitches (71.4 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (14.3 SwStr%). This represents his first save since July 10, and he’s been scoreless over his last four appearances.
- Matt Strahm fired a clean eighth and struck out two, securing his 14th hold.
- Orion Kerkering stranded two runners in the sixth and tossed 1.1 clean frames with two strikeouts while collecting his third win.
Adjusted Hierarchy: *Carlos Estévez | *Jeff Hoffman | Matt Strahm
*= closer-by-committee
August 26, 2024
Philadelphia Phillies – After stranding the “place” runner in the top of the tenth, Matt Strahm collected his sixth win courtesy of a walk-off rally in the bottom of the inning. He retired the top of the Astros lineup on eight pitches (75 Strike%).
- Carlos Estévez tossed a clean ninth, including pinch-hitter Jose Altuve, on 11 pitches (72.7 Strike%) with two whiffs (18.2 SwStr%).
- Jeff Hoffman worked around a hit and a walk for a scoreless eighth.
- Orion Kerkering allowed a hit and recorded a strikeout in a scoreless seventh.
Hierarchy remains: Carlos Estévez | Jeff Hoffman | Matt Strahm
August 21, 2024
Philadelphia Phillies – Despite issuing a lead-off walk, Carlos Estévez secured his 22nd save, second for the Phillies, with a scoreless ninth while preserving a one-run win. He also allowed a one-out single, with the runners second and third with two outs, but Estévez bore down, inducing a game-ending groundout. He threw 16 pitches (9 strikes – 56.3 Strike%) and produced two whiffs.
- Orion Kerkering tossed a clean eighth and recorded a strikeout for his 12th hold.
- Matt Strahm collected his fifth win. He retired the side in the seventh and struck out one ahead of his team’s go-ahead rally in the top of the eighth.
- Jeff Hoffman stranded two runners while retiring both batters faced in the sixth.
Hierarchy remains: Carlos Estévez | Jeff Hoffman | Matt Strahm
August 16, 2024
Philadelphia Phillies – Suffering his first blown save since April 16, Carlos Estévez allowed an opposite-field single, a bloop single, and José Tena’s RBI single before recording an out. The game-tying run scored on a fielder’s choice RBI groundout. Estévez bore down, recording consecutive strikeouts, keeping the game tied. He collected his second win courtesy of a walk-off rally in the bottom of the inning. Of more considerable concern, he’s allowed a run in four of his first eight appearances since the trade deadline while converting one save.
- Jeff Hoffman stranded a runner and secured his 17th hold, retiring both batters in the eighth, one via strikeout.
- Matt Strahm stranded two runners in the seventh and left with a runner on in the eighth, resulting in his 12th hold.
Hierarchy remains: Carlos Estévez | Jeff Hoffman | Matt Strahm
August 14, 2024
Philadelphia Phillies – Preserving a four-run win, Carlos Estévez retired the side and recorded two strikeouts against the Marlins. He threw 15 pitches (60 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (20 SwStr%).
- José Alvarado worked around a hit and a walk for a scoreless eighth.
- Jeff Hoffman gave up a hit and struck out three in a scoreless seventh, notching his 16th hold.
- Matt Strahm fired a clean sixth, striking out one for his 11th hold.
- José Ruiz collected his third win. He stranded a runner while retiring both batters, one via strikeout, in the top of the fifth.
Hierarchy remains: Carlos Estévez | Jeff Hoffman | Matt Strahm
August 8, 2024
Philadelphia Phillies – Despite allowing a run due to his errant pick-off attempt, Carlos Estévez secured his 21st save and first with his new team, closing out a two-run win in Arizona. His outing began with Geraldo Perdomo’s lead-off single, followed by two strikeouts. Perdomo moved to second on a throwing error by the closer and scored on Jake McCarthy’s RBI single with two outs before a game-ending flyout by Lourdes Gurriel Jr. Estévez threw 17 pitches (13 strikes – 76.5 Strike%) and induced one whiff.
- José Alvarado worked around two walks and recorded two strikeouts in a scoreless eighth for his eighth hold.
- Jeff Hoffman notched his 15th hold, yielding a hit and striking out two in a scoreless seventh.
- Orion Kerkering was credited with his 11th hold. He allowed two hits, including a two-run home run by McCarthy, and two walks while striking out two in the sixth.
Hierarchy remains: Carlos Estévez | Jeff Hoffman | José Alvarado
August 3, 2024
Philadelphia Phillies – In an extended outing, Carlos Estévez retired the side in the ninth, keeping the game tied, but he suffered his fourth loss on a walk-off walk in the bottom of the tenth. During the tenth, he issued Cal Raleigh an intentional walk and induced a flyout and a strikeout. But with two outs, he hit a batter and walked Mitch Haniger, forcing in the game-winning run. Estévez threw 28 pitches (16 strikes—57.1 Strike%).
- José Alvarado worked a scoreless eighth, allowing a hit and striking out one.
- Matt Strahm fired a clean seventh, striking out the side.
- Jeff Hoffman gave up four hits, four earned runs, and a walk while striking out two in the sixth, resulting in his fourth blown save.
Hierarchy remains: Carlos Estévez | Jeff Hoffman | José Alvarado
July 30, 2024
Philadelphia Phillies – Suffering his second loss, Orion Kerkering allowed a lead-off Jazz Chisolm Jr. single and a go-ahead sacrifice fly, scoring the “place” runner in the top of the 12th. He also recorded a strikeout while throwing 12 pitches (75 Strike%) and getting two whiffs (16.7 SwStr%).
- Jeff Hoffman logged two innings, spanning the 10th and 11th, giving up two hits, an unearned run, and striking out one.
- Carlos Estévez retired the side in the ninth against the Yankees’ 3-4-5 lineup pocket on 15 pitches during his team debut.
- José Ruiz tossed a scoreless eighth, issuing a walk and striking out two.
- Matt Strahm was tagged with his sixth blown save, issuing two walks and serving up a go-ahead Chisolm Jr. three-run home run.
- José Alvarado retired his only batter in the sixth for his seventh hold and stranded two runners.
Adjusted Hierarchy: Carlos Estévez | Jeff Hoffman | José Alvarado
July 27, 2024
Philadelphia Phillies – One of the big closer chips was moved. Carlos Estévez has been traded to Philadelphia for two breakout pitching prospects, announced first by Ken Rosenthal. This year, Estévez owns a 0.74 WHIP with 32 strikeouts against five walks (21.8 K-BB percentage) and converted 20 of 23 save chances. He will join the Phillies amid an 18-game scoreless streak with a robust 15:2 K:BB and minuscule 0.28 WHIP through 18 innings. His role in the team’s “floating closer” concept can cause some apprehension, but he will be firmly affixed in save chances and moves atop our hierarchy:
Adjusted Hierarchy: *Carlos Estévez | *Jeff Hoffman | *José Alvarado
July 24, 2024
Philadelphia Phillies – Vying for a larger leverage role, Gregory Soto was summoned into a tied contest in the bottom of the ninth. However, his command did him in. He hit Trevor Larnach, putting the lead-off hitter aboard, uncorked a wild pitch, moving him to second, and a sacrifice bunt got him to third with one out. Soto induced a groundball by Max Kepler, but it was up the middle and let the runner score for a walk-off rally, resulting in his fourth loss.
- Jeff Hoffman tossed a scoreless eighth, allowing a hit and striking out two on 21 pitches (66.7 Strke%) with three whiffs (14.3 SwStr%).
- Matt Strahm suffered his fifth blown save, letting all three inherited runners score on a fielder’s choice groundout and Carlos Santana’s two-RBI double.
- Orion Kerkering gave up three earned runs on a hit batter and two walks during his one-third of the seventh but was credited with his tenth hold.
Hierarchy remains: *Jeff Hoffman | *José Alvarado | Gregory Soto
*= floating closer
July 23, 2024
Philadelphia Phillies – Capping a ninth-inning rally, Matt Strahm secured his first save. He retired the side and recorded two strikeouts in the bottom of the ninth against the Twins, throwing 11 pitches (63.6 Strike%) with two whiffs (18.2 SwStr%).
- Gregory Soto collected his first win, issuing a walk and stranding two runners in the bottom of the eighth, retiring his only batter via a fielder’s choice groundout.
- Jeff Hoffman issued two walks and recorded two strikeouts in the eighth but was removed after two outs. He remains unscored upon through seven appearances in July, but this outing represents the first time all year he’s allowed more than one walk.
Hierarchy remains: *Jeff Hoffman | *José Alvarado | Gregory Soto
*= floating closer
July 19, 2024
Philadelphia Phillies – Summoned with a one-run lead in Pittsburgh, José Alvarado suffered his fourth loss and his third blown save. It started with Connor Joe’s lead-off single and an Andrew McCutchen walk. After striking out Bryan Reynolds, a double steal put runners in scoring position, and Oneil Cruz produced a game-tying infield chopper, followed by a walk-off Nick Gonzalez single. Alvarado allowed two hits, two earned runs, and a walk while striking out one during his one-third of the ninth. He threw 18 pitches (55.6 Strike%) and induced two whiffs. He’s allowed at least a run in consecutive outings and four of his last five.
- Jeff Hoffman notched his 13th hold by striking out the side in the eighth on 15 pitches (66.7 Strike%) with three whiffs (20 SwStr%).
- Orion Kerkering was credited with his ninth hold despite giving up three hits and two earned runs while striking out one in the seventh.
- Gregory Soto navigated around two hits for a scoreless sixth and his seventh hold.
Updated Hierarchy: *Jeff Hoffman | *José Alvarado | Gregory Soto
*= floating closer
July 18, 2024
Philadelphia Phillies – Keeping the starting pitchers rested and the bullpen healthy for the postseason will be at the forefront of this team’s thoughts for the second half. Since Tyler Phillips and Spencer Turnbull could make multiple-inning outings over the last two-plus months, getting one more leverage option for the late innings makes sense. How big depends on Dave Dombrowski. Stay tuned.
Hierarchy remains: *José Alvarado | *Jeff Hoffman | Orion Kerkering
*= floating closer
July 13, 2024
Philadelphia Phillies – Entering with a seven-run cushion, José Alvarado struggled against Oakland. He gave up a one-out single, followed by a two-out RBI double by Miguel Andujar, issued consecutive walks loading the bases, then bore down, producing a game-ending strikeout against Brent Rooker. Alvarado threw 27 pitches (11 strikes – 40.7 Strike%) and induced three whiffs. He’s allowed at least a run in three of his last four games while recording four walks against two strikeouts.
- Jeff Hoffman secured his 12th hold, issuing a walk and striking out three in a scoreless eighth.
- Gregory Soto stranded two runners while striking out his only batter in the eighth for his sixth hold.
- Orion Kerkering gave up two hits and recorded two strikeouts in the seventh, getting credit for his eight hold.
Hierarchy remains: *José Alvarado | *Jeff Hoffman | Orion Kerkering
*= floating closer
July 11, 2024
Philadelphia Phillies – Taking over with a four-run lead, José Alvarado worked a scoreless ninth and finished a sweep of the Dodgers. He allowed a one-out walk, then induced a game-ending double-play groundout. He threw 14 pitches (8 strikes – 57.1 Strike%) and induced one whiff while striking out one in his non-save appearance.
- Jeff Hoffman worked into and out of trouble in the eighth. He recorded a strikeout, had a runner reach on an error, issued a walk, and gave up a single, loading the bases before an inning-ending lineout double play. Hoffman secured his 11th hold and extended his modest scoreless streak to five.
- Matt Strahm walked one during a scoreless seventh for his ninth hold.
Hierarchy remains: *José Alvarado | *Jeff Hoffman | Orion Kerkering
*= floating closer
July 10, 2024
Philadelphia Phillies – Protecting a one-run lead, Jeff Hoffman retired the side and recorded a strikeout in the top of the ninth, facing the Dodgers 7-8-9 lineup pocket. He threw 12 pitches (7 strikes – 58.3 Strike%) and generated four whiffs (33.3 SwStr%). He’s recorded four saves in four scoreless appearances since June 30.
- José Alvarado gave up a one-out double by Andy Pages and Miguel Rojas’ RBI single, who was thrown out at second base. This marked Alvarado’s sixth hold, but he’s allowed a run in consecutive outings and three of his last five.
- Matt Strahm secured his eighth hold, retiring both batters, one via strikeout, while stranding two runners in the seventh.
- Orion Kerkering was credited with his seventh hold despite giving up two hits and striking out one in one-third of the seventh.
Hierarchy remains: *José Alvarado | *Jeff Hoffman | Orion Kerkering
*= floating closer
July 5, 2024
Philadelphia Phillies – Facing Atlanta’s 7-8-9 lineup pocket, Jeff Hoffman nailed down his eighth save, retiring the side and striking out one while preserving a two-run win. He threw 14 pitches (9 strikes – 64.3 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (14.3 SwStr%). He’s been scoreless and recorded a save in his last three outings.
- José Alvarado gave up two hits, including a three-run home run by Marcell Ozuna and a walk during the bottom of the eighth. This represents the third time Alvarado’s allowed multiple runs in an appearance this year.
- Orion Kerkering tossed a scoreless seventh, giving up a hit and striking out two. He owns a modest six-game scoreless streak.
Hierarchy remains: *José Alvarado | *Jeff Hoffman | Orion Kerkering
*= floating closer
July 3, 2024
Philadelphia Phillies – Recording his 13th save, José Alvarado worked around a one-out single by David Bote with a lineout and a game-ending strikeout, finishing a two-run win over the Cubs. He threw 17 pitches (12 strikes – 70.6 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (17.6 SwStr%). This marked his first save since June 11, and he’s been scoreless in six of his last seven games, with seven strikeouts against zero walks.
- Orion Kerkering notched his sixth hold, giving up a hit and striking out two in a scoreless eighth.
- Although Matt Strahm suffered his fourth blown save, he collected his fourth win courtesy of a two-run rally in the top of the eighth by his teammates. He allowed two hits, including a game-tying RBI single by Cody Bellinger, and recorded two strikeouts in the seventh.
Hierarchy remains: *José Alvarado | *Jeff Hoffman | Orion Kerkering
*= floating closer
July 2, 2024
Philadelphia Phillies – Forced into action in the bottom of the ninth, Jeff Hoffman was summoned with a two-run lead after José Ruiz allowed a three-run home run without recording an out. Hoffman recorded his seventh save, retiring all three batters and striking out two. He threw 11 pitches (72.7 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (27.3 SwStr%). He’s turned in two straight scoreless outings with a save in each.
- Yunior Marte worked a clean eighth.
- Orion Kerkering fired a clean seventh and recorded a strikeout. He owns a modest four-game scoreless streak.
- Gregory Soto fired a clean sixth, striking out two.
Hierarchy remains: *José Alvarado | *Jeff Hoffman | Orion Kerkering
*= floating closer
June 30, 2024
Philadelphia Phillies – Summoned with a one-run lead in the ninth, Jeff Hoffman recorded his sixth save. He worked around an error by Trea Turner with a scoreless ninth and one strikeout. He threw 10 pitches (80 Strike%) and produced two whiffs. He made 11 appearances in June and finished 12 strikeouts against one walk with a win, a save, and three holds.
- Gregory Soto fired a clean eighth and recorded two strikeouts for his fifth hold.
- Seranthony Domínguez collected his third win, working a scoreless seventh, allowing a hit and a walk while striking out one.
Hierarchy remains: *José Alvarado | *Jeff Hoffman | Orion Kerkering
*= floating closer
June 27, 2024
(RP | PHI): Jeff Hoffman allowed a go-ahead solo home run with the game tied in the top of the eighth. He finished with two hits allowed and two runs (one earned) while striking out one, resulting in his first loss.
Hierarchy remains: *José Alvarado | *Jeff Hoffman | Orion Kerkering
*= floating closer
June 26, 2024
(RP | PHI): Entering in the bottom of the fifth, José Ruiz retired the side and recorded two strikeouts. He was awarded his second win by the Tigers’ home scorer.
Analysis
Philadelphia Phillies – Making a non-save appearance, José Alvarado allowed two hits and an earned run while striking out one. He closed out a four-run win but gave up a lead-off double, threw a wild pitch, and an RBI single by Andy Ibañez before retiring the next three batters. He threw 16 pitches (50 Strike%) and induced two whiffs. This snapped his four-game scoreless streak, and he last secured a save on June 11. This snapped his four-game scoreless streak, and he last secured a save on June 11. Jeff Hoffman retired the side in the eighth. Orion Kerkering fired a clean seventh. Matt Stahm worked a scoreless sixth, yielding a hit. José Ruiz collected his second win, tossing a clean fifth and striking out two.
Hierarchy remains: *José Alvarado | *Jeff Hoffman | Orion Kerkering
*= floating closer
June 19, 2024
(RP | PHI): Taking over a tied game in the top of the seventh, Orion Kerkering suffered his first loss. He allowed a hit batter and two hits, including a go-ahead RBI single by Luis Arraez. Kerkering also recorded a strikeout while throwing 29 pitches (18 strikes—62.1 Strike%) with two whiffs.
Hierarchy remains: *José Alvarado | *Jeff Hoffman | Orion Kerkering
*= floating closer
June 18, 2024
(RP | PHI): Appearing with his team down one in the top of the ninth, Jeff Hoffman retired the side and struck out two. He collected his third win courtesy of a walk-off rally in the bottom of the inning.
Analysis
Philadelphia Phillies – Keeping his team within one, Jeff Hoffman fired a clean top of the ninth and recorded two strikeouts. He threw 14 pitches (71.4 Strike%) and generated four whiffs (28.6 SwStr%). Courtesy of a walk-off rally, he collected his third win. He owns an 11-game scoreless streak, posting 13 strikeouts against one walk in his last 10.2 innings. Matt Strahm retired the side in the eighth. Orion Kerkering tossed a clean seventh, striking out one.
Hierarchy remains: *José Alvarado | *Jeff Hoffman | Orion Kerkering
*= floating closer
June 14, 2024
(RP | PHI): Handed a two-run lead in the bottom of the 11th, Seranthony Domínguez shut the door on his first save, retiring the side and striking out two in Baltimore.
Analysis
Philadelphia Phillies – Capping a two-run win in extra-innings after a prolonged rain delay, Seranthony Domínguez fired a clean bottom of the 11th, striking out two for his first save. He threw 11 pitches (63.6 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (18.2 SwStr%). Orion Kerkering was one out removed from his first career save, then uncorked a wild pitch, scoring the game-tying run. He suffered his second blown save and collected his second win after giving up an unearned run, a walk, and a hit batter with two strikeouts in the tenth. José Alvarado retired the side in the ninth, keeping the game tied. Matt Strahm was tagged with his second blown save and lost his 27-game scoreless streak, serving up a game-tying solo shot by Anthony Santander. Jeff Hoffman stranded two runners while issuing a walk, striking out one in one-third of the seventh.
Hierarchy remains: *José Alvarado | *Jeff Hoffman | Orion Kerkering
*= floating closer
June 12, 2024
(RP | PHI): Taking over in the bottom of the fifth with the score tied, José Ruiz gave up three hits and two earned runs while striking out one, resulting in his first loss.
Hierarchy remains: *José Alvarado | *Jeff Hoffman | Orion Kerkering
*= floating closer
June 11, 2024
(RP | PHI): Even though he allowed a one-out single and a wild pitch, José Alvarado closed out a 4-1 win in Boston for his 12th save.
Analysis
Philadelphia Phillies – Lined up against the top of Boston’s batting order in the ninth, José Alvarado navigated around a one-out single by David Hamilton and a wild pitch with a pop-out, then a game-ending strikeout of Rafael Devers for his 12th save. He threw 20 pitches (65 Strike%) and induced one whiff. He’s converted three of four save opportunities this month and been scoreless in four of his last five contests. Matt Strahm fired a clean bottom of the eighth, striking out the side for his seventh hold. He’s given up one unearned run since March 31, with 38 strikeouts against four walks over 26.2 innings.
Hierarchy remains: *José Alvarado | *Jeff Hoffman | Orion Kerkering
*= floating closer
June 9, 2024
(RP | PHI): Handed a one-run lead in the top of the ninth, José Alvarado battled his command while suffering his third loss and second blown save. He allowed two hits, three runs (two earned), a hit batter and two walks with two strikeouts during his two-thirds of the ninth.
Analysis
Philadelphia Phillies – Entering with a one-run lead, José Alvarado struggled with his command (51.5 Strike%), suffering his third loss and a second blown save. He began his outing with a lead-off walk, followed by consecutive singles, tying the game. He loaded the bases on a Luis Torrens walk and recorded a strikeout against Francisco Lindor before hitting Pete Alonso with a pitch, scoring the go-ahead run. A passed ball plated a third run, and Alvarado recorded a strikeout before his removal. He finished with two hits allowed, three runs (two earned), a hit batter, and two walks while striking out two. Jeff Hoffman fired 1.1 clean frames, striking out one. Matt Strahm worked a scoreless combined inning, giving up a hit and a walk while striking out one. Gregory Soto was tagged with his first blown save, letting both inherited runners score on two hits and a walk, with an earned run on his ledger.
Hierarchy remains: *José Alvarado | *Jeff Hoffman | Orion Kerkering
*= floating closer
June 8, 2024
(RP | PHI): During a win in London, Orion Kerkering retired all four batters faced, three via strikeout, and stranded to runners in the sixth. He threw 24 pitches (66.7 Strike%) and induced one whiff. He owns an eight-game scoreless streak and has recorded multiple strikeouts in four of his last five appearances (10 strikeouts of 18 batters faced – 55.6 K%).
Hierarchy remains: *José Alvarado | *Jeff Hoffman | Orion Kerkering
*= closer-by-committee
June 5, 2024
(RP | PHI): Nailing down his 11th save, José Alvarado allowed a one-out hit and recorded three strikeouts, preserving a combined shutout of Milwaukee.
Analysis
Philadelphia Phillies – Taking over the ninth inning against the top of the Brewers’ lineup, José Alvarado navigated around a one-out single by William Contreras with consecutive strikeouts, shutting the door on his 11th save. He recorded all three outs via strikeout, throwing 21 pitches (71.4 Strike%) while generating five whiffs (23.8 SwStr%). He’s been scoreless in eight of his last nine outings, posting 11 strikeouts against three walks over 8.2 innings. Jeff Hoffman notched his ninth hold, turning a scoreless eighth, issuing a walk, and striking out one. He owns a seven-game scoreless streak with two saves and three holds.
Hierarchy remains: *José Alvarado | *Jeff Hoffman | Orion Kerkering
*= closer-by-committee
June 4, 2024
(RP | PHI): Benefiting from a walk-off rally in the bottom of the tenth, Seranthony Domínguez collected his second win after working a scoreless top of the inning.
Analysis
Philadelphia Phillies – Tasked with the top of the tenth, Seranthony Domínguez hit a batter and benefited from a runner being thrown out at home in a scoreless outing, resulting in his second win. Matt Strahm allowed consecutive hits in the ninth but bore down and retired the next three batters, one via strikeout for a scoreless outing. Orion Kerkering fired a clean seventh, striking out two on 10 pitches (80 Strike%) and induced one whiff. José Ruiz worked a scoreless seventh, yielding a hit and striking out two.
Hierarchy remains: *José Alvarado | *Jeff Hoffman | Orion Kerkering
*= closer-by-committee
June 3, 2024
(RP | PHI): Converting his tenth save of the season, José Alvarado retired the side in the top of the ninth and recorded one strikeout against the Brewers.
Analysis
Philadelphia Phillies – Nailing down his tenth save, José Alvarado fired a clean top of the ninth and recorded one strikeout, preserving a two-run win. He threw 10 pitches (70 Strike%) and induced one whiff. He’s been scoreless in seven of his last eight with two saves, three holds, and an 8:3 K:BB 7.2 innings. He allowed five earned runs on Opening Day and has only given up four in his 27 games since. Jeff Hoffman notched his eighth hold with a clean eighth, striking out one. He’s allowed one earned run since April 10 (22 games) while posting 27 strikeouts versus four walks through 21.1 innings.
Hierarchy remains: *José Alvarado | *Jeff Hoffman | Orion Kerkering
*= closer-by-committee
June 2, 2024
(RP | PHI): Gregory Soto took over in the top of the tenth, and suffered his third loss, allowing a go-ahead single by Nolan Gorman among his two hits.
Analysis
Philadelphia Phillies – Tasked with the top of the tenth, Gregory Soto suffered his third loss, allowing two hits, including a go-ahead single by Nolan Gorman, scoring the “place” runner. José Alvarado fired a clean ninth, striking out one on nine pitches (66.7 Strike%) with one whiff. Jeff Hoffman navigated around two hits for a scoreless eighth and recorded a strikeout. Orion Kerkering turned in a clean seventh, striking out one. Matt Strahm worked a clean sixth, striking out one.
Hierarchy remains: *José Alvarado | *Jeff Hoffman | Orion Kerkering
*= closer-by-committee
June 1, 2024
(RP | PHI): Providing three strong innings, Spencer Turnbull collected his third win, filling in affably for Ranger Suárez, who left after being hit by a comebacker on his hand. Turnbull racked up six strikeouts over three scoreless frames on 49 pitches (32 strikes – 65.3 Strike%) and induced four whiffs.
Hierarchy remains: *José Alvarado | *Jeff Hoffman | Orion Kerkering
*= closer-by-committee
May 31, 2024
(RP | PHI): Capping a two-run win, and helping his team become the first in the majors with 40, Jeff Hoffman retired the side while striking out two for his fifth save.
Analysis
Philadelphia Phillies – Nailing down his fifth save, Jeff Hoffman retired the side and recorded two strikeouts, preserving his team’s 40th win. He faced the Cardinals’ 3-4-5 lineup pocket and threw 13 pitches (8 strikes – 61.5 Strike%) with four whiffs (30.8 SwStr%). He made 11 appearances in May, converting three of four save chances and four holds while posting a 14:2 K:BB over 10.2 innings. José Alvarado fired a clean eighth against the 9-1-2 batters for his fifth hold. He worked in 13 games this month, closing out four of five save opportunities while recording four holds with an 11:3 K:BB through 12.2 innings. Matt Strahm retired both batters in the seventh, one via strikeout for his sixth hold.
Hierarchy remains: *José Alvarado | *Jeff Hoffman | Orion Kerkering
*= closer-by-committee
May 28, 2024
(RP | PHI): Blinking first in a walk-off loss, Matt Strahm gave up consecutive flyouts, including a walk-off sacrifice fly, scoring the game’s only run in the bottom of the tenth.
Analysis
Philadelphia Phillies – Suffering his first loss and having his 20-game scoreless streak snapped, Matt Strahm began the bottom of the tenth by issuing Heliot Ramos an intentional walk. With two runners on, he gave up a flyout by Wilmer Flores, advancing the “place” runner to third, and a sacrifice fly by Luis Matos, providing the game’s only run. Jeff Hoffman navigated around two hits and recorded a strikeout during a scoreless ninth. José Alvarado issued two walks, one intentional (Matos), and struck out one during a scoreless eighth. Orion Kerkering retired the side in the seventh, striking out two.
Hierarchy remains (match-up-based): *José Alvarado | *Jeff Hoffman | Orion Kerkering
*= closer-by-committee
May 25, 2024
(RP | PHI): After working a scoreless bottom of the eighth despite giving up a hit and a walk while striking out two, José Ruiz collected his first win courtesy of a six-run rally in the top of the ninth.
Hierarchy remains (match-up-based): *José Alvarado | *Jeff Hoffman | Orion Kerkering
*= closer-by-committee
May 24, 2024
(RP | PHI): Suffering his first blown save, José Alvarado allowed Jacob Stallings’s game-tying, two-out solo home run in the bottom of the ninth. He finished with two hits against, an earned run, and two strikeouts in his outing.
Hierarchy remains (match-up-based): *José Alvarado | *Jeff Hoffman | Orion Kerkering
*= closer-by-committee
Analysis
Philadelphia Phillies – Entering a tied contest in the bottom of the 11th, Gregory Soto suffered his second loss, allowing an unearned run on two walks and a walk-off RBI single by Ezequiel Tovar in Colorado. José Ruiz tossed a scoreless tenth, issuing a walk and striking out one. José Alvarado was tagged with his first blown save, serving up a game-tying solo home run by Jeremy Stallings with two outs in the bottom of the ninth. He finished with two hits allowed, an earned run, two strikeouts on 18 pitches (66.7 Strike%), and inducing three whiffs (16.7 SwStr%). Jeff Hoffman secured his seventh hold, retiring the side in the eighth. Orion Kerkering logged 1.2 scoreless innings, stranding two runners and giving up a hit.
Hierarchy remains: *José Alvarado | *Jeff Hoffman | Orion Kerkering
*= closer-by-committee
May 23, 2024
(RP | PHI): Benefiting from the leverage match-ups, Jeff Hoffman locked down his fourth save, retiring the side in the top of the ninth, and recording one strikeout against the Rangers.
Analysis
Philadelphia Phillies – Nailing down his fourth save, Jeff Hoffman fired a clean top of the ninth, striking out one against the Rangers’ 6-7-8 lineup pocket. He threw 23 pitches (18 strikes – 78.3 Strike%) and produced four whiffs (17.4 SwStr%). Through eight outings in May, he’s recorded 11 strikeouts against two walks with two saves in three opportunities. José Alvarado took over against the 2-3-4 hitters and turned in a scoreless appearance despite allowing a hit and a walk while striking out one for his fourth hold. He’s been scoreless in six of his last seven.
Hierarchy remains: *José Alvarado | *Jeff Hoffman | Orion Kerkering
*= closer-by-committee
May 22, 2024
(RP | PHI): Entering in the top of the fifth, Matt Strahm stranded both inherited runners and logged 1.1 scoreless frames en route to his third win. He owns a 20-game scoreless streak with 29 strikeouts versus two walks over 20.1 innings.
Hierarchy remains: *José Alvarado | *Jeff Hoffman | Orion Kerkering
*= closer-by-committee
May 21, 2024
(RP | PHI): Securing his ninth save, José Alvarado tossed a scoreless top of the ninth, yielding a hit and striking out two.
Analysis
Philadelphia Phillies – Closing out a three-run win, José Alvarado worked a scoreless top of the ninth and recorded his ninth save. A batter did reach on an error and another on a single, but the southpaw recorded consecutive strikeouts, ending the game. He threw 17 pitches (12 strikes – 70.6 Strike%) and generated six whiffs (35.3 SwStr%). He’s been scoreless in five of his last six and converted all four save chances in May. Matt Strahm stranded two runners while retiring his only batter in the eighth, securing his fifth hold. Jeff Hoffman allowed three hits, including a solo home run (Corey Seager), and recorded one strikeout over two-thirds innings for his sixth hold.
Hierarchy remains: *José Alvarado | *Jeff Hoffman | Orion Kerkering
*= closer-by-committee
May 18, 2024
(RP | PHI): Navigating around the “place” runner in the top of the tenth, despite uncorking a wild pitch, Gregory Soto turned in a scoreless outing and collected his first win courtesy of a walk-off sacrifice fly in the bottom of the inning.
Analysis
Philadelphia Phillies – Tasked with the top of the tenth, Gregory Soto stranded the “place” runner despite throwing a wild pitch while retiring all three batters, two via strikeout. He collected his first win courtesy of a walk-off in the bottom of the frame. Orion Kerkering allowed two hits, including a go-ahead RBI single by Jesse Winker, and a hit-batter, while striking out one in the ninth. He threw 24 pitches (17 strikes – 70.8 Strike%) with three whiffs (12.5 SwStr%). Matt Strahm tossed a scoreless eighth, yielding a hit and striking out one. He owns an 18-game scoreless streak with a 29:1 K:BB over 18.2 innings (0.59 WHIP).
Hierarchy remains: *José Alvarado | *Jeff Hoffman | Orion Kerkering
*= closer-by-committee
May 17, 2024
(RP | PHI): During his third save, Jeff Hoffman worked around a hit for a scoreless ninth, preserving a two-run win over the Nationals.
Analysis
Philadelphia Phillies – Save number three for Jeff Hoffman. He worked around a one-out double by Joey Gallo by retiring the next two batters for a scoreless ninth, preserving the two-run win. He threw 10 pitches (80 Strike%) without a whiff. This represents his first save since April 30. José Alvarado faced the first two hitters in the Nationals lineup, both left-handed, in the eighth and retired both for his third hold. He’s finished five of his eight appearances this month (62.5 Games-Finished%).
Hierarchy remains: *José Alvarado | *Jeff Hoffman | Orion Kerkering
*= closer-by-committee
May 16, 2024
(RP | PHI): Entering in the top of the 11th, José Alvarado suffered his second loss, giving up two hits, two runs (one earned), and striking out two against the Mets.
Analysis
Philadelphia Phillies – Suffering his second loss, José Alvarado gave up two hits, including a go-ahead RBI single by J.D. Martinez leading off the 11th, a double, and a run on a wild pitch. He also recorded two strikeouts in his outing, throwing 15 pitches (66.7 Strike%) while producing three whiffs (20 SwStr%). José Ruiz logged two clean frames, striking out three. Jeff Hoffman was tagged with his third blown save, allowing a hit, two unearned runs, and a walk while striking out two in the eighth, courtesy of a throwing error by Bryson Stott. Gregory Soto retired the side in the seventh. Orion Kerkering worked a scoreless sixth, yielding a hit and striking out three. Matt Strahm fired 1.2 clean innings, striking out two.
Hierarchy remains: *José Alvarado | *Jeff Hoffman | Orion Kerkering
*= closer-by-committee
May 13, 2024
(RP | PHI): Locking down his eighth save, José Alvarado retired the side in the bottom of the tenth, preserving a one-run win over the Mets.
Analysis
Philadelphia Phillies – Slamming the door on his eighth save, José Alvarado retired the side in the bottom of the tenth against the Mets’ 6-7-8 lineup pocket. He threw nine pitches (77.8 Strike%) without recording a whiff. He’s been scoreless in seven of his last eight appearances, converting all four save chances with six strikeouts over eight innings. Orion Kerkering collected his first win, firing a clean ninth and striking out one. José Ruiz tossed a clean eighth, recording one strikeout. Gregory Soto retired both batters in the seventh, stranding one of two runners. Seranthony Domínguez gave up a hit, an unearned run, and two walks over two-thirds combined innings.
Hierarchy remains: *José Alvarado | *Jeff Hoffman | Orion Kerkering
*= closer-by-committee
May 12, 2024
(RP | PHI): Taking over in the bottom of the tenth, Gregory Soto was tagged with his first loss, giving up a walk-off single by Emmanuel Rivera without recording an out.
Analysis
Philadelphia Phillies – Suffering his first loss, Gregory Soto issued an intentional walk in the bottom of the tenth, then gave up a walk-off, RBI single by Emmanuel Rivera. Jeff Hoffman worked a scoreless ninth, walking one and striking out one, keeping the game tied. Matt Strahm fired a clean eighth, striking out the side on 20 pitches (65 Strike%) and producing two whiffs. José Alvarado retired the side in the seventh, facing the Marlins’ 3-4-5 batters. Spencer Turnbull tossed a scoreless sixth, yielding a hit and striking out two. Orion Kerkering turned in a clean fifth, striking out one.
Hierarchy remains: *José Alvarado | *Jeff Hoffman | Orion Kerkering
*= closer-by-committee
May 10, 2024
(RP | PHI): Wrapping up a six-run win, José Alvarado fired a clean bottom of the ninth, striking out one in Miami. He threw 16 pitches (75 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (12.5 SwStr%). This marked his first outing since May 5, and he’s been scoreless in five of his last six games with six strikeouts versus zero walks over six innings.
Hierarchy remains: *José Alvarado | *Jeff Hoffman | Orion Kerkering
*= closer-by-committee
May 6, 2024
(RP | PHI): During a non-save appearance, Orion Kerkering recorded his second game-finished, firing a clean ninth while wrapping up a five-run win over the Giants.
Hierarchy remains: *José Alvarado | *Jeff Hoffman | Orion Kerkering
*= closer-by-committee
Analysis
Philadelphia Phillies – Recording his second game-finished, Orion Kerkering retired the side while preserving a five-run win over the Giants. He matched up with the 4-5-6 lineup pocket. He threw 14 pitches (8 strikes – 57.1 Strike%) and induced one whiff. He’s been scoreless in seven of eight appearances with a 0.92 WHIP and six strikeouts through 8.2 innings. Matt Strahm worked a scoreless eighth, facing the top of the lineup, giving up a hit, and recording two strikeouts on 17 pitches (12 strikes – 70.6 Strike%) with four whiffs (23.5 SwStr%).
Hierarchy remains: *José Alvarado | *Jeff Hoffman | Orion Kerkering
*= closer-by-committee
May 5, 2024
(RP | PHI): Hanging on for his seventh save, José Alvarado navigated around a solo home run, and recorded a strikeout, capping a one-run win over the Giants.
Analysis
Philadelphia Phillies – Despite giving up a solo home run, José Alvarado recorded his seventh hold, closing out a one-run win over the Giants. He threw 17 pitches (11 strikes – 64.7 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (17.6 SwStr%) while striking out one in his outing. This ended his modest four-game scoreless streak. Jeff Hoffman notched his fifth hold, allowing a hit and striking out three on 19 pitches (12 strikes – 63.2 Strike%) with four whiffs (21.1 SwStr%). He’s recorded 15 strikeouts against his last 23 batters faced (65.2 K%). Gregory Soto held on for his fourth hold, walking one during two-thirds scoreless in the seventh.
Hierarchy remains: *José Alvarado | *Jeff Hoffman | Orion Kerkering
*= closer-by-committee
May 3, 2024
(RP | PHI): Recording his sixth save, José Alvarado navigated around a lead-off single by retiring the next three hitters, including a game-ending strikeout against the Giants.
Analysis
Philadelphia Phillies – Matched up with the 8-9-1 lineup pocket of the Giants, José Alvarado recorded his sixth save, working around a lead-off single by Thairo Estrada by retiring the next three batters, including a game-ending strikeout of Wilmer Flores. He threw 12 pitches (83.3 Strike%) and produced one whiff. He’s He’s been scoreless in 13 of his last 14 games, converting all six save chances with 13 strikeouts against five walks over 13 innings. Jeff Hoffman fired a clean eighth, striking out the side on 15 pitches (60 Strike%) and generating three whiffs (20 SwStr%). Orion Kerkering was credited with his second hold, but gave up three hits and an earned run in the seventh. Seranthony Domínguez turned in a clean sixth and struck out one for his fourth hold. Matt Strahm earned run his second win, tossing a clean fifth and striking out two.
Hierarchy remains: *José Alvarado | *Jeff Hoffman | Orion Kerkering
*= closer-by-committee
May 1, 2024
(RP | PHI): With pin the tail on the ninth inning landing on Gregory Soto, he responded by securing his second save, working around two hits, and striking out one, preserving a one-run win over the Angels.
Analysis
Philadelphia Phillies – Running the “floating closer” concept, Rob Thomson pulled the strings while finishing a one-run win over the Angels. Gregory Soto navigated around two hits and recorded a strikeout during a scoreless ninth, notching his second save. He threw 16 pitches (62.5 Strike%) and induced three whiffs (18.8 SwStr%). José Alvarado held on for his second hold, working around three hits, and benefited from a caught stealing, erasing a baserunner while throwing 24 pitches (66.7 Strike%) with three whiffs (12.5 SwStr%). Orion Kerkering tossed a scoreless seventh, walking one and striking out two for his first hold. Matt Strahm fired a clean sixth while striking out two, securing his third hold.
Hierarchy remains: *José Alvarado | *Jeff Hoffman | Orion Kerkering
*= closer-by-committee
April 30, 2024
(RP | PHI): Locking down his second save, Jeff Hoffman fired a clean bottom of the ninth, capping his team’s comeback rally in the top of the frame. José Alvarado collected his first win, tossing a scoreless eighth, allowing a hit and striking out one.
Analysis
Philadelphia Phillies – Following a three-run rally in the top of the ninth, Jeff Hoffman recorded his second save with a clean outing while striking out one against the Angels. He threw 13 pitches (9 strikes – 69.2 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (15.4 SwStr%) against the 8-9-1 batters. This outing extended his scoreless streak to nine games, during which he owns a 0.80 WHIP with 11 strikeouts against two walks over 8.2 innings. José Alvarado collected his first win, allowing a hit and striking out one in a scoreless eighth, throwing 11 pitches (72.7 Strike%) with three whiffs (27.3 SwStr%). Matt Strahm turned in a scoreless seventh, giving up a hit and striking out one. Yunior Marte suffered his first blown save in the sixth. He gave up three hits and three runs (two earned), along with letting an inherited runner score.
Hierarchy remains: *José Alvarado | *Jeff Hoffman | Orion Kerkering
*= closer-by-committee
April 29, 2024
(RP | PHI): Suffering his second loss, Seranthony Domínguez allowed three hits and two earned runs in the bottom of the eighth in San Diego.
Analysis
Philadelphia Phillies – Taking over in the bottom of the sixth with two runners on and no outs, Orion Kerkering suffered his first blown save. He recorded two quick outs on a sacrifice bunt, and an RBi fielder’s choice ground out, but let the second inherited runner score on an RBI single by Cole Tucker with two outs. Kerkering worked a scoreless outing, yielding only one hit on nine pitches (88.9 Strike%). Seranthony Domínguez was tagged with his second loss, allowing three hits and two earned runs while striking out one in the bottom of the seventh. Gregory Soto worked a scoreless bottom of the eighth, walking one and striking out one.
Hierarchy remains: *José Alvarado | *Jeff Hoffman | Orion Kerkering
*= closer-by-committee
April 28, 2024
(RP | PHI): Wrapping up a two-run win in San Diego, José Alvarado recorded his fifth save, firing a clean ninth and striking out two.
Analysis
Philadelphia Phillies – Nailing down his fifth save, and first since April 20, José Alvarado fired a clean bottom of the ninth, recording two strikeouts in San Diego. He threw 11 pitches (81.8 Strike%) and induced one whiff. He’s been scoreless in nine of ten appearances in April, converting all four save chances with 10 strikeouts versus five walks and a 0.78 WHIP. Yunior Marte retired the side in the eighth for his second hold. Jeff Hoffman gave up a hit and retired two batters in the seventh for his third hold.
Hierarchy remains: *José Alvarado | *Jeff Hoffman | Orion Kerkering
*= closer-by-committee
April 27, 2024
Philadelphia Phillies – Closing out a four-run win, Jeff Hoffman fired a clean bottom of the ninth, striking out the side against the Padres’ 9-1-2 batters. He threw 15 pitches (80 Strike%) and generated six whiffs (40 SwStr%). He last recorded a save on April 10 but has produced seven scoreless outings from this outing forward with 10 strikeouts versus two walks and a 0.86 WHIP since.
Hierarchy remains: *José Alvarado | *Jeff Hoffman | Orion Kerkering
* = closer-by-committee
April 25, 2024
Philadelphia Phillies – Appearing in a non-save capacity, Jeff Hoffman preserved a combined shutout, stranding two runners in the eighth, and logging 1.1 scoreless frames, yielding a hit, and striking out three. He threw 20 pitches (75 Strike%) and generated seven whiffs (35 SwStr%). Through 11 games, he owns a 1.15 WHIP with 14 strikeouts against five walks. Orion Kerkering turned in a clean seventh, then ran into trouble in the eighth, giving up a hit and a walk before being removed. He finished with 1.2 scoreless frames and recorded two strikeouts throwing 39 pitches (61.5 Strike%) with five whiffs (12.8 SwStr%).
Updated Hierarchy: *José Alvarado | *Jeff Hoffman | Orion Kerkering
* = closer-by-committee
April 24, 2024
Philadelphia Phillies – An ugly evening for the bullpen began with Seranthony Domínguez suffering his first loss and first blown save, giving up two hits, four earned runs, and two walks while striking out one in two-thirds of the sixth. Matt Strahm took over, allowing both inherited runners to score, yielding two hits and striking out one in one-third of the sixth. Gregory Soto gave up two hits, an earned run, and a walk while striking out two in the seventh. José Alvarado permitted an earned run on a one-out single (Elly De La Cruz), two stolen bases, a Spencer Steer sacrifice fly, a walk, and a strikeout in the bottom of the eighth.
Updated Hierarchy: *José Alvarado | *Jeff Hoffman | Orion Kerkering
* = closer-by-committee
April 22, 2024
Philadelphia Phillies – Wrapping up a combined shutout, Jeff Hoffman fired a clean bottom of the ninth, striking out two on 12 pitches (7 strikes – 58.3 Strike%) and producing two whiffs (16.7 SwStr%). He last appeared on April 17 but owns a 1.20 WHIP with 11 strikeouts versus five walks over 10 innings. Gregory Soto turned in a clean eighth, recording two strikeouts. He threw 11 pitches (81.8 Strike%) and generated four whiffs (36.4 SwStr%).
Updated Hierarchy: *José Alvarado | *Jeff Hoffman | Seranthony Domínguez
* = closer-by-committee
April 20, 2024
Philadelphia Phillies – A fantasy favorite, and rare occasion, José Alvarado took over a bases-loaded situation in the top of the ninth and induced a game-ending groundout to first base for a one-pitch save. This marked his fourth save of the season and he’s been scoreless this month with seven strikeouts versus four walks over seven innings. Ricardo Pinto gave up five hits, five earned runs, and two walks while striking out one in two-thirds of the ninth. Seranthony Domínguez stranded an inherited runner while allowing a hit and a walk over two-thirds of the eighth.
Updated Hierarchy: *José Alvarado | *Jeff Hoffman | Seranthony Domínguez
* = closer-by-committee
April 19, 2024
Philadelphia Phillies – Preserving a combined shutout, Orion Kerkering fired a clean top of the ninth, striking out one against the 3-4-5 hitters of the White Sox. He threw 18 pitches (13 strikes – 72.2 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (11.1 SwStr%). Matt Strahm worked a scoreless eighth, allowing a hit and a walk while striking out one.
Updated Hierarchy: *José Alvarado | *Jeff Hoffman | Seranthony Domínguez
* = closer-by-committee
April 17, 2024
Philadelphia Phillies – Completing a sweep of the Rockies, José Alvarado tossed a scoreless ninth, allowing a two-out single by Elehuris Montero, and striking out one for his third save. He threw 18 pitches (13 strikes – 72.2 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (11.1 SwStr%). He’s posted a 1.20 WHIP with nine strikeouts versus six walks through his first 8.1 innings. Jeff Hoffman recorded his second hold, but let all three inherited runners score on an RBI groundout and two RBI single while recording two outs in the top of the eighth. He finished with two-thirds scoreless, giving up a hit and a walk. Gregory Soto imploded, allowing three hits, five earned runs, and two walks over one-third of the eighth. Yunior Marte gave up a hit and recorded a strikeout during a scoreless seventh.
Hierarchy remains (for now): *José Alvarado | *Jeff Hoffman | Gregory Soto
* = closer-by-committee
April 15, 2024
Philadelphia Phillies – Taking over the top of the tenth, Seranthony Domínguez retired the side in order, stranding the “place” runner and collecting his first win courtesy of a walk-off rally in the bottom of the frame. Jeff Hoffman worked a scoreless ninth, giving up a hit and a walk while striking out one, keeping the game tied. He threw 15 pitches (66.7 Strike%) and produced one whiff. José Alvarado stranded a runner and induced an inning-ending double play groundout, throwing two pitches.
Hierarchy remains: *José Alvarado | *Jeff Hoffman | Gregory Soto
* = closer-by-committee
April 13, 2024
Philadelphia Phillies – Benefiting from a walk-off rally, Jeff Hoffman collected his second win after firing a clean top of the ninth, keeping the score tied. He threw 17 pitches (11 strikes – 64.7 Strike%) without a whiff. He owns a 1.09 WHIP with eight strikeouts versus three walks over 7.1 innings. José Alvarado tossed a clean eighth, striking out one on 10 pitches (80 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (30 SwStr%). Gregory Soto navigated around a hit and a walk for a scoreless seventh. Matt Strahm logged two clean frames, recording five strikeouts, throwing 36 pitches (25 strikes – 69.4 Strike%), and inducing five whiffs (13.8 SwStr%).
Hierarchy remains: *José Alvarado | *Jeff Hoffman | Gregory Soto
* = closer-by-committee
April 10, 2024
Philadelphia Phillies -Securing his first save, Jeff Hoffman worked around a lead-off single with a flyout and a game-ending double-play grounder. He threw seven pitches (6 strikes – 85.7 Strike%) without a whiff. He owns a 1.26 WHIP with seven strikeouts versus three walks over 6.1 innings. Seranthony Domínguez notched his third hold despite letting one of two inherited runners score on a Nolan Arenado RBI single during his one-third of the eighth. Gregory Soto recorded two outs while giving up two hits, an earned run, and a walk over two-thirds of the eighth for his third hold. Matt Strahm fired a clean seventh, striking out one for his third hold.
Hierarchy remains: *José Alvarado | *Jeff Hoffman | *Gregory Soto
* = closer-by-committee
April 8, 2024
Philadelphia Phillies – Securing his first save of the season, Gregory Soto stranded the “place” runner despite allowing a one-out single with consecutive strikeouts. He threw 20 pitches (55 Strike%) and induced two whiffs. Jeff Hoffman suffered his second blown save and collected his first win. He gave up two hits, two earned runs, and a walk while striking out one in the bottom of the ninth. José Alvarado entered the eighth against the 9-1-2 lineup pocket, all left-handed hitters, notching his first hold, walking one, and striking out one in a scoreless outing. Seranthony Domínguez registered his second hold, allowing a solo home run (Ivan Herrera), and striking out one in the seventh.
Updated hierarchy: *José Alvarado | *Jeff Hoffman | *Gregory Soto
* = closer-by-committee
April 6, 2024
Philadelphia Phillies – Appearing for a second straight day, José Alvarado worked a scoreless ninth, walking one and striking out one for his second save of the season. He threw 28 pitches (19 strikes – 67.9 Strike%) and induced one whiff. He’s on a modest four-game scoreless streak and owns a 1.00 WHIP through his first 3.2 innings. Gregory Soto notched his second hold, retiring his only batter faced in the eighth. Jeff Hoffman logged 1.2 scoreless frames, allowing a walk and striking out one on 22 pitches (13 strikes – 59.1 Strike%).
Updated Hierarchy: José Alvarado | Jeff Hoffman | Gregory Soto
April 2, 2024
Philadelphia Phillies – After six years between appearances with the Phillies, Ricardo Pinto provided his teammates much-needed rest by logging four innings for his first save of the season, and the first save of his career. He allowed three hits and two earned runs while striking out four, throwing 73 pitches with seven whiffs.
April 1, 2024
Philadelphia Phillies – Entering with his team down by four, Nick Nelson retired his only batter faced via strikeout, stranding a runner. Connor Brogdon suffered his first loss, giving up four runs (three earned) on a grand slam in the top of the 10th after issuing two walks. He finished with three walks versus two strikeouts in his two-thirds of an inning. José Alvarado worked a scoreless ninth, walking one and striking out two. He threw 15 pitches (60 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (18.8 SwStr%). Yunior Marte tossed a clean eighth, striking out one. Matt Strahm fired a clean seventh, striking out one. Jeff Hoffman was tagged with his first blown save, letting both inherited runners score while allowing two hits and striking out two in the sixth.
March 31, 2024
Philadelphia Phillies – A resilient outing by José Alvarado, nailing down his first save and preserving a one-run win over Atlanta while facing the 4-5-6 lineup pocket. He threw 13 pitches (69.2 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (15.4 SwStr%). This outing cut his bloated ERA in half. Gregory Soto retired his only batter faced, stranding two runners in the eighth for his first hold. Seranthony Domínguez got credit for his first hold, giving up three hits and an earned run while striking out two. Matt Strahm collected his first win, allowing a hit and striking out two in a scoreless seventh. Jeff Hoffman fired a clean sixth, recording two strikeouts on 14 pitches (64.3 Strike%) without a whiff.
March 29, 2024
Philadelphia Phillies -In ascending order of appearances, Matt Strahm took over a shutout but struggled, allowing three hits and two earned runs while striking out one in one-third of the seventh inning. He gets tagged with his first blown save. Jeff Hoffman replaced him, stranding a runner, issuing a walk, and striking out one over two-thirds of an inning. Taking over a tied game in the eighth, José Alvarado struggled with his command, giving up three hits, five earned runs, and two walks while striking out one in two-thirds of an inning. He threw 30 pitches (50 Strike%) and induced one whiff, resulting in his first loss. Connor Brogdon took over a bases-loaded situation and issued two walks before yielding a bases-clearing double by Matt Olson. Yunior Marte worked a scoreless ninth.
March 28, 2024
Philadelphia Phillies – Although Orion Kerkering opened the season on the injured list, he threw on Thursday and hit 98 m.p.h. during his outing per Todd Zolecki on “X” in this tweet.
March 25, 2024
Philadelphia Phillies – In ascending order of appearance, Gregory Soto recorded two outs and issued two walks while striking out one in the the fifth. Jeff Hoffman retired his only batter faced, stranding two runners. José Alvarado suffered his first blown save, serving up a solo home run and striking out one in the sixth. Seranthony Domínguez fired a clean seventh, striking out one on seven pitches (85.7 Strike%) and getting three whiffs (42.9 SwStr%).
March 24, 2024
Philadelphia Phillies – Rookie Orion Kerkering will open the season on the injured list, but as Matt Gelb reports on “X”, he can be activated by April 9, then we will see how he’s deployed in leverage situations.
March 22, 2024
Philadelphia Phillies – Entering against two left-handed hitters in the top of the sixth, José Alvarado retired both batters faced, including a pinch hitter, for his second hold this spring. He threw 10 pitches (80 Strike%) with no whiffs. He owns a 1.11 WHIP with six strikeouts versus two walks over 6.1 innings this spring. Jeff Hoffman fired a clean seventh, striking out the side on 14 pitches (71.4 Strike%) on 14 pitches (71.4 Strike%) and induced three whiffs (21.4 SwStr%). He’s posted a 0.91 WHIP with 10 strikeouts versus two walks through 7.2 innings. Seranthony Domínguez secured his third hold, allowing a hit and striking out one in a scoreless eighth. Gregory Soto suffered his first loss and blown save, giving up four hits, including two home runs, and four earned runs in the ninth.
March 18, 2024
Philadelphia Phillies – In a column by Scott Lauber of the Philadelphia Inquirer, Orion Kerkering has not thrown since March 1 and may not be ready for Opening Day. Projected as one of six locks for the leverage ladder, the team will not rush him into game action, especially since he’s fatigued from an illness.
March 2, 2024
Philadelphia Phillies – It’s early in spring contests, but José Alvarado only allowed two home runs on his sinker last year but served one up against Ryan Jeffers in this outing, among his two hits allowed. Alvarado threw 19 pitches (12 strikes – 63.2 Strike percentage) and induced one whiff. Matt Strahm fired a clean fourth, striking out two on 14 pitches (71.4 Strike percentage) with three whiffs (21.4 swinging strike percentage). Gregory Soto worked around two hits for a scoreless fifth, recording one strikeout. Jeff Hoffman tossed a scoreless sixth, walking one. He threw 14 pitches (8 strikes – 57.1 Strike percentage) with three whiffs (21.4 swinging strike percentage).
February 24, 2024
Philadelphia Phillies – In Todd Zolecki’s keys for Phillies success post on MLB.com, he highlighted Orion Kerkering working on his sinker this winter. This will be a key for the rookie’s success in high-leverage events since he threw his sweeper 85 percent of the time during his limited exposure in the majors last year.
September 28, 2023
Philadelphia Phillies — The day after Jose Alvarado and Craig Kimbrel pitched to a blown save, Philly turned to Gregory Soto in the ninth (after using Seranthony Dominguez in the fifth and sixth). Soto struck out the side and can be safely returned to the hierarchy for the final few games.
Updated hierarchy: *Kimbrel | Alvarado | Soto.
* = closer-by-committee
September 25, 2023
Philadelphia Phillies – Craig Kimbrel had pitched three straight from Wednesday to Friday, and Jose Alvarado had gone in three of the last four, so the Phillies decided to look elsewhere to protect a seemingly-comfortable 3-run lead in the late innings. The strategy paid off, as the debuting Orion Kerkering (already a candidate for the hierarchy of top middle reliever names — watch out Arquimedes Caminero) and veteran Michael Lorenzen both pitched perfect innings to close out the Mets. It was Lorenzen’s first save of the year.
Hierarchy remains: *Kimbrel | Alvarado | Dominguez.
* = closer-by-committee
September 24, 2023
Philadelphia Phillies — Score another for the Vulture Save Watch as Jose Alvarado was summoned to protect a 2 run lead. He got the job done for his 10th save on the year. The Phillies are close to securing a wildcard spot so the last week could see some more use of Alvarado and Dominguez as they ramp up for the playoffs.
Hierarchy remains: *Kimbrel | Alvarado | Dominguez.
* = closer-by-committee
September 22, 2023
Philadelphia Phillies — On Thursday, Jose Alvarado notched his third save in September — in all of the saves, Craig Kimbrel served as his setup man, so this situation definitely has entered committee status. Kimbrel himself has just two saves in September.
Updated hierarchy: *Kimbrel | Alvarado | Dominguez.
* = closer-by-committee
September 21, 2023
Philadelphia Phillies — Craig Kimbrel pitched the ninth in a tied game, leaving the tenth-inning save to Matt Strahm, making him the sixth Phillie reliever with at least two saves. Strahm, Gregory Soto, Jeff Hoffman, and Seranthony Dominguez are all neck-and-neck (and other-neck-and-other-neck) for that second-in-line spot in Philadelphia’s bullpen.
Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Alvarado | Dominguez.
September 16, 2023
Philadelphia Phillies – Craig Kimbrel took the 8th inning last night, and after 2 quick outs he walked the bases loaded before escaping without giving up a run. This left the save to Jose Alvarado, who also loaded the bases (and gave up a run) before getting a strikeout to end the game and pick up his 8th save on the year. Kimbrel has been solid in September so there’s no reason to think he’s losing his grip on the closers role right now, but the Phillies have been using him as a high leverage reliever and as they fight for a wildcard spot don’t be surprised to see Alvarado vulture a few more save chances down the stretch.
Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Alvarado | Dominguez.
September 5, 2023
Philadelphia Phillies – Craig Kimbrel was used as a fireman on Monday, facing the top of the order in the 8th inning, which left the 9th to Jose Alvarado. Alvarado converted for his 7th save.
Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Alvarado | Dominguez.
August 22, 2023
Philadelphia Phillies — Jose Alvarado has returned from the injured list and will resume a high-leverage role right away.
Updated hierarchy: Kimbrel | Alvarado | Dominguez.
August 4, 2023
Philadelphia Phillies – Seranthony Dominguez earned his second save in the past three days on Thursday, allowing one hit with one strikeout in a scoreless ninth inning. Score one for the Vulture Save Watch. While Gregory Soto was likely unavailable Thursday, Dominguez’s success this week is hard to ignore. If you recall, in his first converted save earlier this week, he pitched the ninth inning and Soto pitched the eighth inning (Soto’s appearance came in a tie game, it’s worth noting). We will speculatively move Dominguez up to No. 2 in this hierarchy. As for Craig Kimbrel, he blew the save Wednesday, and the Phillies now believe he was tipping his pitches. We’ll keep an eye on usage this weekend.
Updated hierarchy: Kimbrel | Dominguez | Soto.
August 2, 2023
Philadelphia Phillies – With Craig Kimbrel unavailable, Gregory Soto pitched the eighth with the Phillies trailing by a run. Seranthony Dominguez came on once the Phillies took a 3-1 lead in the ninth and earned his first save of the season. Both Dominguez and Soto are candidates to fill in for Kimbrel in the ninth, as they have now each recorded a save since Dominguez returned from the IL last week.
Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Soto | Dominguez.
July 27, 2023
Philadelphia Phillies – With the 3-4-5 hitters due up in the 8th inning, the Phillies went to Craig Kimbrel, who retired the side in order. That left the 9th to Gregory Soto, who converted for his second save. The Phillies haven’t done this with Kimbrel very often, as he’s been used as a traditional closer for pretty much the whole season. We’ll see if this marks a shift in how they deploy things in the late innings and will attach a committee tag if necessary.
Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Soto | Dominguez.
July 26, 2023
Philadelphia Phillies – The Phillies activated Seranthony Dominguez from the IL on Tuesday and he immediately returns to the hierarchy. We’ll see whether the Phillies go back to Dominguez in the eighth inning ahead of Craig Kimbrel or if they stick with Gregory Soto in that role.
Updated hierarchy: Kimbrel | Soto | Dominguez.
July 24, 2023
Philadelphia Phillies – With a 4-run lead in extra innings, and with Craig Kimbrel and Gregory Soto having already pitched, the Phillies turned to Jeff Hoffman for the bottom of the 10th. Hoffman allowed the first three hitters he faced to reach, and Yunior Marte was summoned to bail him out. Marte got the job done, retiring all three hitters he faced for his second save.
Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Soto | Hoffman.
July 10, 2023
Philadelphia Phillies – The Phillies placed Jose Alvarado on the IL with elbow inflammation, retroactive to July 7. Jeff Hoffman and Matt Strahm are likely to see more hold opportunities as a result, while Gregory Soto moves to the handcuff spot for now.
Updated hierarchy: Kimbrel | Soto | Hoffman.
June 18, 2023
Philadelphia Phillies — Jeff Hoffman picked up the 12th inning save for the Phillies yesterday. Also, Seranthony Dominguez was placed on the IL. Gregory Soto should see more time in the later innings while Dominguez is out.
Updated hierarchy: Kimbrel | Alvarado | Soto.
June 15, 2023
Philadelphia Phillies — Craig Kimbrel pitched the ninth with the score tied, allowing Jose Alvarado to pick up the save in the bottom of the tenth.
Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Alvarado | Dominguez.
June 14, 2023
Philadelphia Phillies – Luis Ortiz was recalled from Triple-A on Tuesday and immediately earned his first MLB save, pitching the final three innings of a 15-3 win.
Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Alvarado | Dominguez.
June 9, 2023
Philadelphia Phillies – Jose Alvarado is slated to return Friday and we’ll slot him in accordingly. He’ll likely compete for saves but Craig Kimbrel has been better as of late (1 ER in 4 IP with two saves and win in June).
Updated hierarchy: Kimbrel | Alvarado | Dominguez.
June 7, 2023
Philadelphia Phillies – Seranthony Dominguez has secured an eighth-inning hold in each of Craig Kimbrel’s last two saves, including last night’s 1-0 win. We’ll swap him with Gregory Soto, who got the seventh inning in his last appearance.
Updated hierarchy: Kimbrel | Dominguez | Soto.
June 2, 2023
Philadelphia Phillies – Jose Alvarado will begin a rehab assignment Saturday for the team’s Triple-A affiliate. He would likely work his way back into the late-innings mix, but whether he regains the closer’s role is not clear.
Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Soto | Dominguez.
May 27, 2023
Philadelphia Phillies – Craig Kimbrel became the 8th player to earn 400 career saves last night, pitching a clean 9th inning against Atlanta, the team that drafted him. Over 14 menacing seasons Kimbrel and his unique stance led the NL in saves 4 times, finished in the top 10 of MVP voting twice, won a World Series with the Red Sox and is one of only 4 players (and the only reliever) to strike out 4 batters in an inning multiple times. It’ll be years before we see another reliever crack 400 saves, so a hearty congratulations to one of the best to ever do it!
Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Soto | Dominguez.
May 18, 2023
Philadelphia Phillies — Gregory Soto pitched the eighth on Wednesday in a tie game and gave up three runs on a series of ground ball singles. It wasn’t a terrible performance, but it probably gives Craig Kimbrel even more of a leash.
Hierarchy remains: *Kimbrel | Soto | Dominguez.
* = closer-by-committee
May 14, 2023
Philadelphia Phillies — As the Vulture Save Watch predicted, Craig Kimbrel got the day off yesterday and Gregory Soto pitched a perfect 9th inning for his first save of the season.
Hierarchy remains: *Kimbrel | Soto | Dominguez.
* = closer-by-committee
May 11, 2023
Philadelphia Phillies — As we alerted you yesterday afternoon, Jose Alvarado went on the injured list Wednesday, but an MRI showed nothing more than inflammation. Craig Kimbrel looked effective in the tenth inning against Toronto on Wednesday, and Rob Thomson will use him and Gregory Soto in the way he had been using Kimbrel and Alvarado. Seranthony Dominguez is also in the late-innings mix, with Matt Strahm — not yet able to pitch on back-to-back nights — also an occasional option.
Updated hierarchy: *Kimbrel | Soto | Dominguez.
* = closer-by-committee
May 10, 2023
Philadelphia Phillies – Jose Alvarado hit the injured list on Wednesday with left elbow inflammation. We’ll slide Craig Kimbrel to the lead spot and slap on a committee tag. Serathony Dominguez and Gregory Soto could be in the mix, too, but it’s worth noting Matt Strahm has the most-recent save after beginning the year in the starting rotation, so we’ll give Strahm the second-in-line spot and monitor this situation moving forward.
Updated hierarchy: *Kimbrel | Dominguez | Strahm.
* = closer-by-committee
May 8, 2023
Philadelphia Phillies – Matt Strahm came on for the 8th inning to protect a 3-run lead, then stayed on for the 9th after the Phillies stretched their lead further, earning his first career save. But in what is potentially more relevant news, Jose Alvarado was used in the 7th against the heart of the Boston lineup, which makes it more likely we’re headed back to a committee situation here. Watch this space for updates.
Hierarchy remains: Alvarado | Kimbrel | Dominguez.
May 4, 2023
Philadelphia Phillies — Jose Alvarado has been excellent this year, but when called on in the eighth on Wednesday, he gave up several hits and blew a one-run lead. The Phillies tied it up in the top of the ninth, though, setting the table for Craig Kimbrel, who promptly flipped it over. Two walks and a single loaded the bases for Max Muncy, and he delivered a walk-off grand slam. It’s not clear why Rob Thomson decided to flip Alvarado and Kimbrel’s roles, but it could be a while before he tries it again.
Hierarchy remains: Alvarado | Kimbrel | Dominguez.
April 28, 2023
Philadelphia Phillies — Craig Kimbrel picked up his third save of the season Thursday, striking out two in an inning of work. Jose Alvarado was notably absent Thursday, but he did throw 22 pitches when he earned the save Wednesday. He also worked on Sunday and last Friday. We’ll presume Kimbrel is still behind for now, but stay tuned.
Hierarchy remains: Alvarado | Kimbrel | Dominguez.
April 27, 2023
Philadelphia Phillies — It was Seranthony Dominguez in the seventh, Craig Kimbrel in the eighth, and Jose Alvarado with the save in the ninth for Philadelphia and, aside from vulture opportunities, it looks more and more like that’s the team’s preferred arrangement. We bid adieu to Jose Alvarado’s asterisk.
Updated hierarchy: Alvarado | Kimbrel | Dominguez.
April 23, 2023
Philadelphia Phillies – The Vulture Save Watch had Craig Kimbrel listed yesterday and sure enough, Jose Alvarado got the day off as predicted and Kimbrel got the 9th inning. He pitched a perfect inning for his second save of the season. After giving up runs in three of his first four appearances this season, Kimbrel now has six straight scoreless appearances. Alvarado is still the head of the committee at this point but Kimbrel could work his way into more save chances if he continues to pitch like this.
Hierarchy remains: *Alvarado | Kimbrel | Dominguez.
* = closer-by-committee
April 22, 2023
Philadelphia Phillies – Jose Alvarado continues to impress in the early going, pitching a clean 9th inning and recording his 3rd save in the last 4 days. Craig Kimbrel wasn’t used last night, but he did pick up holds in Alvarado’s other 2 saves this week. Normally 3 clear saves in a row is enough to kick an asterisk, but Kimbrel has been just as good over the last 2 weeks, striking out 8 of the 14 batters he has faced. If Alvarado gets the next save though, it looks like he will have the job to himself.
Hierarchy remains: *Alvarado | Kimbrel | Dominguez.
* = closer-by-committee
April 19, 2023
Philadelphia Phillies – Saves have been few and far between for the Phillies this year with Craig Kimbrel getting one on April 7 and Jose Alvarado delivering the team’s second save on Tuesday. Kimbrel faced the top of the order in the seventh inning while Seranthony Dominguez pitched the eighth. What’s most impressive about Alvarado this season is that 18 of the 22 outs he has recorded his season have been strikeouts. We’ll move him to the top of this committee and see if he can get a few more save opportunities.
Updated hierarchy: *Alvarado | Kimbrel | Dominguez.
* = closer-by-committee
March 16, 2023
Philadelphia Phillies – Rob Thomson said early in 2023 that he preferred a “floating closer, if you will” and the Phillies appear headed for a closer-by-committee to start the season. There’s no shortage of options with offseason acquisitions Craig Kimbrel and Gregory Soto having both closed last season. Jose Alvarado will join Soto in matching up with tough lefties, while Seranthony Dominguez has had stretches where he’s looked unhittable — though he’s never really put together a full season of dominance. It’s hard to pick a favorite here, and Spring Training has offered few clues thus far, as the Philadelphia saves have been scattered amongst players who are all unlikely to make the team. Stay tuned for updates as the preseason slate rolls on; we’ll put Kimbrel in the lead for now given his solid preseason so far.
Starting 2023 hierarchy: *Kimbrel | Dominguez | Alvarado.
* = closer-by-committee
Holds candidates: Dominguez, Alvarado, Soto, Bellatti.
October 4, 2022
Philadelphia Phillies – Converted starter Zach Eflin got his first save of the season, pitching a scoreless 9th in the Phillies 3-run, playoff-clinching victory. It doesn’t seem likely that Eflin will get another save chance, but he has been quite good as a reliever so far, with 1 ER allowed in 7.2 innings.
Hierarchy remains: *Robertson | Dominguez | Alvarado.
* = closer-by-committee
October 2, 2022
Philadelphia Phillies — Christopher Sanchez pitched the final three innings of a 8-2 Phillies lead to pick up his first save.
Hierarchy remains: *Robertson | Dominguez | Alvarado.
* = closer-by-committee
September 23, 2022
Philadelphia Phillies — Jose Alvarado got the last out of the eighth and was left in to finish things off in the ninth Thursday for his second save. David Robertson, Seranthony Dominguez and Alvarado all pitched the day before, but the Phillies stuck with Alvarado, who came into the game against a tough lefty (Matt Olson) and retired him on just one pitch. After the game, interim manager Rob Thomson explained the decision to stick with Alvarado in the ninth, saying, “We wanted to see by the end of the year if Alvarado could pitch the ninth and more than one inning and he did that tonight.”
Hierarchy remains: *Robertson | Dominguez | Alvarado.
* = closer-by-committee
September 14, 2022
Philadelphia Phillies — Seranthony Dominguez has returned from the IL and has already bolstered the Phillies’ bullpen, as he pitched the eighth inning in a 2-1 win last night. David Robertson earned the save with a perfect ninth inning. One thing to monitor will be how often the Phillies turn to Dominguez, as they want to initially stay away from back-to-back outings.
Updated hierarchy: *Robertson | Dominguez | Alvarado.
* = closer-by-committee
September 10, 2022
Philadelphia Phillies — As the vulture save watch noted, David Robertson was not available last night, so the 9th inning started with Brad Hand, but after the tying run got on base he got pulled for Nick Nelson. Nelson got the last out to earn his first career save. Nelson normally doesn’t factor into the late innings, but there is help on the way, as Seranthony Dominguez is expected to be activated before Sunday’s game. He will likely put this right back into a committee.
Hierarchy remains: Robertson | Alvarado | Hand.
September 8, 2022
Philadelphia Phillies — David Robertson got a night off and the Phillies went off the board in the ninth to Connor Brogdon. Brogdon started the inning with a home run and a single, but settled down and managed to earn his second save of the year.
Hierarchy remains: Robertson | Alvarado | Hand.
August 27, 2022
Philadelphia Phillies – The Phillies used Jose Alvarado to get out of a jam in the 7th inning, and had David Robertson face the heart of the Pirates lineup in the 8th, which left the 9th inning to Brad Hand. Hand took a ball off his foot to convert his 5th save of the year, but it is his first since before the all-star break. Robertson is still the best arm to own in this bullpen, but this usage may be the hint of a relief ace emerging in Philadelphia.
Hierarchy remains: Robertson | Alvarado | Hand.
August 23, 2022
Philadelphia Phillies – With most of the Phillies bullpen unavailable, Andrew Bellatti picked up his second save of the season with a scoreless 9th inning.
Hierarchy remains: Robertson | Alvarado | Hand.
August 22, 2022
Philadelphia Phillies – As mentioned yesterday, Seranthony Dominguez is headed to the IL with a triceps injury; David Robertson will take over as closer while Dominguez is out. The Phillies also got news later in the day that Corey Knebel’s season is over due to a tear in his shoulder capsule.
Updated hierarchy: Robertson | Alvarado | Hand.
August 21, 2022
Philadelphia Phillies– Seranthony Dominguez is headed to the IL. David Robertson will take over as closer while Dominguez is out.
Updated hierarchy: Robertson | Alvarado | Hand.
August 21, 2022
Philadelphia Phillies – The Vulture Save Watch predicted that David Robertson might get a save yesterday but it certainly didn’t play out as we planned. Seranthony Dominguez was unavailable because of tightness in his right tricep. Dominguez will likely have an MRI today and we will send an alert if it comes back with bad news.
Hierarchy remains: *Dominguez | Robertson | Alvarado.
* = closer-by-committee
August 16, 2022
Philadelphia Phillies – Seranthony Dominguez picked up another save on Monday, and maintains his spot atop this committee. David Robertson, who got the 8th, should continue to see chances from time to time. Meanwhile, Corey Knebel was placed on the IL.
Hierarchy remains: *Dominguez | Robertson | Alvarado.
* = closer-by-committee
August 13, 2022
Philadelphia Phillies — Seranthony Dominguez pitched the 9th inning of a tie game, and took home the win after the Phillies scored the ghost runner in the top of the 10th. Closing out the game was David Robertson, who notched his 16th save on the year. Dominguez and Robertson will continue to trade save chances as the surging Phillies keep fighting for a playoff spot.
Hierarchy remains: *Dominguez | Robertson | Alvarado.
* = closer-by-committee
August 11, 2022
Philadelphia Phillies — That’s back-to-back saves for Seranthony Dominguez, with David Robertson not appearing in Wednesday’s game. These two relief aces look to keep splitting save chances, but for now, it’s the 27-year-old with the slight edge.
Updated hierarchy: *Dominguez | Robertson | Alvarado.
* = closer-by-committee
August 10, 2022
Philadelphia Phillies — David Robertson pitched a perfect eighth inning against the Marlins’ 4-5-6 hitters, which allowed Seranthony Dominguez to secure a five-pitch save in the ninth. This will remain a committee until further notice. Meanwhile, Jose Alvarado struck out two in a scoreless seventh inning for his second hold in a week. He seems to be the preferred late-inning lefty in Philadelphia, as Brad Hand hasn’t recorded a hold since July 15.
Updated hierarchy: *Robertson | Dominguez | Alvarado.
* = closer-by-committee
August 4, 2022
Philadelphia Phillies — As we expected, it was freshly acquired David Robertson who got the first shot at a save on Wednesday, following up Seranthony Dominguez and Jose Alvarado to shut down the Braves. We’ll keep this a committee based on Rob Thomson’s comments, but we think it’s one that Robertson will handily lead.
Hierarchy remains: *Robertson | Dominguez | Hand.
* = closer-by-committee
August 3, 2022
Philadelphia Phillies – The Phillies upgraded their bullpen by adding Cubs closer David Robertson on Tuesday. We expect Robertson to be the leader for saves in Philadelphia, but apparently Seranthony Dominguez and Brad Hand will still get plenty of save opportunities while Robertson “figures into the late-inning mix.” You don’t say.
Updated hierarchy: *Robertson | Dominguez | Hand.
* = closer-by-committee
August 2, 2022
Philadelphia Phillies – David Robertson should be the leader for saves in Philadelphia after the Phillies acquired him from the Cubs on Tuesday.
Updated hierarchy: Robertson | Dominguez | Hand.
July 30, 2022
Philadelphia Phillies – With Brad Hand and Seranthony Dominguez already having pitched, and Corey Knebel resting from an appearance Thursday, the Phillies turned to Connor Brogdon when they took the lead in the 10th inning. Brogdon pitched a perfect inning for his first save of the year. The entire Phillies bullpen has been excellent lately, and Brogdon has been a solid contributor, but he isn’t normally in line for saves in this committee.
Hierarchy remains: *Dominguez | Hand | Knebel.
* = closer-by-committee
July 26, 2022
Philadelphia Phillies – While the Phillies are continuing to look for bullpen help — including someone that could potentially supplant Seranthony Dominguez as closer — the righty has been making a case that, well, maybe he should stick in the role after all. Since mid-July, Dominguez has allowed just two runs in 12 innings and has picked up all five of his saves in the process, including a perfect 9th inning against the Braves last night.
Hierarchy remains: *Dominguez | Hand | Knebel.
* = closer-by-committee
July 25, 2022
Philadelphia Phillies – A disheartening sweep at the hands of the lowly Cubs dropped the Phillies out of the final Wild Card spot, but perhaps a minor silver lining is that former closer Corey Knebel had two more solid outings, extending his scoreless streak to 10.1 innings. The Phillies would certainly love if he could reclaim this job, so we’ll creep him back on to this hierarchy and see if it sticks.
Updated hierarchy: *Dominguez | Hand | Knebel.
* = closer-by-committee
July 18, 2022
Philadelphia Phillies – Jose Alvarado is on fire. He finished the final two outs with two men on Sunday, in relief of Aaron Nola, to record his first save of the year. Alvarado last allowed an earned run June 12, when his season ERA was 8.36. He’s now at 4.39 after 12.2 scoreless innings and deserves recognition in this hierarchy. Corey Knebel last pitched July 12, so he was likely available but was not used Sunday.
Updated hierarchy: *Dominguez | Hand | Alvarado.
* = closer-by-committee
July 16, 2022
Philadelphia Phillies – The Phillies took a 1 run lead in the 7th inning and bridged the gap to Seranthony Dominguez with clean innings from Jose Alvarado and Brad Hand. Dominguez made it interesting, walking the bases loaded with 1 out, but a force out at home and a strikeout secured his 4th save of the year. Proving that the Phillies are dedicated to this committee, the last three saves form Philadelphia have gone to Dominguez, Knebel and Hand, and there isn’t any reason to think that any one has separated themselves from the pack at this point.
Hierarchy remains: *Dominguez | Hand | Knebel.
* = closer-by-committee
July 10, 2022
Philadelphia Phillies – Seranthony Dominguez and Brad Hand both got Saturday off after pitching in two straight games and the Phillies turned to their old closer Corey Knebel for the save chance in the 9th. Knebel allowed a lead-off walk and then an error put runners on first and third with nobody out but Knebel was able to work out of it and pick up the save. Knebel now has eight straight scoreless appearances and has only given up one hit in those eight appearances. That’s enough to get him back on the hierarchy and we will see if he can keep it up.
Updated hierarchy: *Dominguez | Hand | Knebel.
* = closer-by-committee
July 9, 2022
Philadelphia Phillies – Facing the top of the order in the 8th the Phillies turned to Seranthony Dominguez, which left the 9th inning to Brad Hand. Hand converted for his 4th save of the year. Dominguez and Hand will continue to trade save chances based on matchups.
Hierarchy remains: *Dominguez | Hand | Bellatti.
* = closer-by-committee
July 2, 2022
Philadelphia Phillies – With the 3-4-5 hitters coming up in the 8th inning, the Phillies turned to Seranthony Dominguez to protect a 2 run lead. He gave up the single that Nolan Arenado needed to complete the cycle, but was otherwise unscathed. This left Brad Hand to close the game out, and he pitched a perfect 9th for his 3rd save of the year. Dominguez and Hand continue to be a 2 headed committee, with either one likely to get a save chance based on matchups.
Hierarchy Remains: *Dominguez | Hand | Bellatti.
* = closer-by-committee
June 27, 2022
Philadelphia Phillies – Seranthony Dominguez and Brad Hand had gone two of the past three days, so after Corey Knebel and Jose Alvarado put up zeroes in the 7th and 8th innings, Andrew Bellatti got the 9th inning and retired the side in order. Bellatti now has 35 Ks in just 23.2 innings and could see more late-inning action.
Updated hierarchy: *Dominguez | Hand | Bellatti.
* = closer-by-committee
June 26, 2022
Philadelphia Phillies – Seranthony Dominguez pitched a perfect 9th inning for his second straight save. Dominguez is having a dominant season, but manager Rob Thomson is not ready to declare him closer yet. We will leave this as is a committee for now and see if Dominguez can pull away from the committee.
Hierarchy Remains: *Dominguez | Hand | Alvarado
* = closer-by-committee
June 19, 2022
Philadelphia Phillies – For the second straight day, the Phillies sent Brad Hand out for the 9th inning to try and close out a win. Unfortunately for Phillies fans and fantasy owners, Hand could not convert. The Phillies took the lead again in the 10th inning and this time Seranthony Dominguez got the call and he impressed with a scoreless inning for his first save of the season. If Hand had converted his chance he would have moved to the top of the committee but we will leave Dominguez there for now after he was able to get the job done yesterday.
Hierarchy Remains: *Dominguez | Hand | Alvarado
* = closer-by-committee
June 18, 2022
Philadelphia Phillies — In the first game of a doubleheader yesterday, the Phillies used Seranthony Dominguez to protect a two-run lead in the eighth. This left the ninth for Brad Hand, who converted for his second save. The second game went to extra innings, where Jose Alvarado got the last out of the ninth, then secured a win by finishing the ninth with only the ghost runner scoring. Hand got the save in game one, but Dominguez faced the 4-5-6 hitters, so he arguably had the higher-leverage spot. We think Dominguez has the best chance for saves, but we’ll see if anyone can separate from the pack.
Hierarchy Remains: *Dominguez | Hand | Alvarado
* = closer-by-committee
June 16, 2022
Philadelphia Phillies — As we told you last night, Corey Knebel will get some time off from the ninth inning, with Seranthony Dominguez and Brad Hand the most likely to fill the closer role for the Phillies.
Updated hierarchy: *Dominguez | Hand | Alvarado.
* = closer-by-committee
June 15, 2022
Philadelphia Phillies – After another rough outing on Tuesday night, Corey Knebel managed to avoid the IL, but interim manager Rob Thomson did say that he would be demoted until he “gets right.” Seranthony Dominguez and Brad Hand are the two favorites for saves depending on matchups, though Thomson did indicate the other day that recently called-up José Alvarado could also be in the mix.
Updated hierarchy: *Dominguez | Hand | Alvarado.
* = closer-by-committee
June 15, 2022
Philadelphia Phillies – Corey Knebel’s struggles continued on Tuesday night, as he blew a one-run lead in the ninth inning thanks to a less-than-encouraging performance. Knebel was a candidate for the IL over the weekend and he has a good chance of landing there later today.
Hierarchy remains: Knebel | Dominguez | Hand.
June 13, 2022
Philadelphia Phillies – Corey Knebel had an encouraging round of catch on Sunday, and while an IL stint is possible, it seems that he might be available again relatively soon. Seranthony Dominguez seems like the most likely fill-in closer at the moment.
Updated hierarchy: Knebel | Dominguez | Hand.
June 12, 2022
Philadelphia Phillies – Corey Knebel was warming up to come on for the 9th inning but ultimately didn’t pitch due to shoulder tightness. Knebel will be evaluated today, but if he is forced to miss any time, Brad Hand and Seranthony Dominguez would likely be in the mix for saves along with maybe Jeuris Familia.
Hierarchy remains: Knebel | Hand | Dominguez.
May 31, 2022
Philadelphia Phillies – It’s been a rough couple of days for Corey Knebel. On Sunday, the righty blew the 9th inning save chance against the Mets and then took the loss in the 10th after allowing the automatic runner to score; and yesterday, he came in to a tie game in the 9th and allowed the go-ahead home run to Evan Longoria in a game the Phillies would again lose in extra innings. Seranthony Dominguez (2.00 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, no runs allowed in his last 9 appearances) and Brad Hand (1.29 ERA despite a 1.50 WHIP) both could lay claim to this job soon.
Hierarchy remains: Knebel | Hand | Dominguez.
May 28, 2022
Philadelphia Phillies — The Phillies optioned Jose Alvarado to AAA yesterday to make room for last night’s starter, Bailey Falter. Alvarado had hit a rough stretch, giving up runs in 4 of his last 6 games and ballooning his ERA to 7.62. This leaves Brad Hand as the only left handed option in the Phillies’ bullpen. Seranthony Dominguez has put together 7 straight scoreless appearances and will take Alvarado’s place in the hierarchy.
Updated hierarchy: Knebel | Hand | Dominguez.
May 14, 2022
Philadelphia Phillies — Vulture Save Watch readers knew that Corey Knebel needed a night off, and the save chance fell to Jeurys Familia. He gave up a pair of runs, and the game went to extra innings, where the next chance went to top relief prospect Francisco Morales, making just his second career appearance staked to a 3 run lead. Morales made it interesting, loading the bases on a pair of walks, but got a double-play and a groundout to end the game and earn his first career save. Morales is a converted starter who was tearing up the minors, striking out 28 in 16.1 innings and only giving up a single run. He may not stick in the majors this time around, but could be a fixture in Philly for years to come.
Hierarchy remains: Knebel | Alvarado | Hand.
May 6, 2022
Philadelphia Phillies — Maybe the Mets aren’t “going to Mets” this year, after all. They’re now 19-9 and completed a furious comeback in the ninth inning Thursday against the Phillies, netting seven runs in the final frame to wipe out a 7-1 deficit. James Norwood was the first reliever to give the Mets a chance in the ninth, allowing an infield single, a homer, a double and a single. He mixed in one out but was pulled for Corey Knebel, who could not stop the bleeding, allowing an infield single, a double a single and another double to cough up the lead and take the ugly loss. He’ll probably need Friday off.
Hierarchy remains: Knebel | Alvarado | Hand.
April 14, 2022
Philadelphia Phillies — It didn’t take Corey Knebel long to recover; he’s already back with the Phillies after a one-day stint on the COVID IL. We anticipate he’ll move right back into the ninth inning.
Updated hierarchy: Knebel | Alvarado | Hand.
April 13, 2022
Philadelphia Phillies – The Phillies placed Corey Knebel on the COVID IL on Tuesday. Look for them to take a committee approach in his absence, with Seranthony Dominguez being the most likely choice to get a save on any given night.
Updated hierarchy: *Dominguez | Hand | Familia.
* = closer-by-committee
April 12, 2022
Philadelphia Phillies – The Phillies placed Corey Knebel on the COVID IL this afternoon. Look for them to take a committee approach in his absence, with Seranthony Dominguez being the most likely choice to get a save on any given night.
Updated hierarchy: *Dominguez | Hand | Familia.
* = closer-by-committee
April 12, 2022
Philadelphia Phillies – Corey Knebel is day to day with “flu-like symptoms,” allowing Brad Hand to pick up the save. Seranthony Dominguez had already pitched, but Hand’s perfect 9th is good enough to move him into the hierarchy. Also, note that if Knebel’s symptoms turn out to be COVID, he could miss a decent stretch of time.
Updated hierarchy: Knebel | Dominguez | Hand.
March 24, 2022
Philadelphia Phillies – It’s possible the Phillies go into the season with a closer by committee, but if they give someone the job out of the gate, it’s most likely to be new signing Corey Knebel, who has impressed his coaches and teammates so far this spring. Two other signings, Jeurys Familia and Brad Hand, figure to factor in to the late inning mix as well, though Jose Alvarado figures to be ahead of them both. Seranthony Dominguez, who struck out the side in his first spring appearance, could also play a role if he can recapture his pre-injury form.
Starting 2022 hierarchy: *Knebel | Alvarado | Dominguez.
* = closer-by-committee
Holds candidates: Alvarado | Dominguez | Familia | Hand.
September 26, 2021
Philadelphia Phillies – The Phillies placed Archie Bradley on the injured list on Saturday, which means he will miss the rest of the season. The Phillies still have a chance to make the playoffs, so if they get to third option to close, we could see Hector Neris steal a chance later in the week. Keep an eye on the vulture save watch and we will let you know when Kennedy needs a break.
Updated Hierarchy: Kennedy | Alvarado | Neris
August 31, 2021
Philadelphia Phillies – Jose Alvarado picked up his 5th save of the season on Monday, as the Phillies rested Ian Kennedy after he’d pitched two of three.
Hierarchy remains: Kennedy | Alvarado | Bradley.
August 27, 2021
Philadelphia Phillies — Jose Alvarado returned from the IL on Thursday. He should slide right back into his usual high-leverage role for the Phillies.
Updated hierarchy: Kennedy | Alvarado | Bradley.
August 12, 2021
Philadelphia Phillies — Jose Alvarado is headed to the injured list with a shoulder impingement, leaving the Phillies without a lefty reliever. Hector Neris yo-yos back into the top three as a result.
Updated hierarchy: Kennedy | Bradley | Neris.
August 6, 2021
Philadelphia Phillies – The Vulture Save Watch correctly called for some rest for Ian Kennedy, but it was Archie Bradley who took advantage of the opportunity on Thursday to nail down his second save of the year. José Alvarado pitched earlier in the game and Hector Neris did not appear. Let’s speculatively slide Bradley (2.81 ERA) into the hierarchy.
Updated hierarchy: Kennedy | Alvarado | Bradley.
August 4, 2021
Philadelphia Phillies – As we hinted at in yesterday’s Vulture Save Watch, José Alvarado got the ninth inning for the Phillies on Tuesday and earned his fourth save of the season.
Hierarchy remains: Kennedy | Alvarado | Neris.
August 3, 2021
Philadelphia Phillies – Ranger Suarez, who was closing a few days ago, just got a start for the Phillies, who will transition him to the rotation now that they’ve got Ian Kennedy on board.
Updated hierarchy: Kennedy | Alvarado | Neris.
July 31, 2021
Philadelphia Phillies — The Phillies got some help in the bullpen, trading for Ian Kennedy. Kennedy had been one of the bright spots for the Rangers, saving 16 games for them. Ranger Suarez has been excellent on the year, and will remain a high leverage option as the Phillies try to make a run in the NL East. We think Kennedy was brought in to close games, and Suarez will take the 8th inning, but with the playoff race sitting in the balance don’t be surprised if the Phillies play the hot hand.
Updated hierarchy: Kennedy | Suarez | Alvarado.
July 30, 2021
Philadelphia Phillies — The acquisition of Ian Kennedy should move Ranger Suarez into a setup role along with Jose Alvarado and Archie Bradley.
Updated hierarchy: Kennedy | Suarez | Alvarado.
July 4, 2021
Philadelphia Phillies — With the Phillies up two runs heading into the 9th, manager Joe Girardi called on Ranger Suarez to try and close out the game. Suarez responded with a clean inning to earn his first career save. Girardi said that Jose Alvarado was available but he went with Suarez instead because he felt better about Suarez facing the heart of the Padres order in Fernando Tatis Jr., Jake Cronenworth, and Manny Machado. Jose Alvarado has really struggled recently so Suarez’s perfect inning last night against a tough lineup jumps him straight to the top of this committee.
Updated hierarchy: *Suarez | Alvarado | Bradley.
* = closer-by-committee
July 2, 2021
Philadelphia Phillies — The Phillies have activated Brandon Kintzler to help their beleaguered bullpen and designated Neftalí Feliz for assignment. We’ll monitor Kintzler’s usage and give updates as necessary, but don’t be surprised if he finds his way into the hierarchy sooner rather than later.
Hierarchy remains: *Alvarado | Bradley | Neris.
* = closer-by-committee
June 30, 2021
Philadelphia Phillies — José Alvarado finally got a save in the post-Neris-but-still-sometimes-Neris era, though it certainly wasn’t pretty. He inherited two runners with two outs in the eighth and the Phillies ahead by four. After a walk and a wild pitch, Alvarado was able to escape with a three-run lead, but he then allowed a two-run homer in the ninth before hanging on for the 4-3 win. We’ll see which Phillies reliever will get the next save opportunity, but whoever it is will make sure it’s an adventure.
Hierarchy remains: *Alvarado | Bradley | Neris.
* = closer-by-committee
June 28, 2021
Philadelphia Phillies — Last night it was Archie Bradley’s turn to take the 9th inning for the Phillies in the post-Hector Neris era. Bradley got the job done, giving up a solo shot to Kevin Pillar, but otherwise escaping unscathed. Jose Alvarado pitched the 8th inning ahead of Bradley, but Alvarado was brought in to face the top of the Mets lineup in a close game. We think that Alvarado is still the top choice in Philadelphia for now, but this has more of a committee feel to it than it did going into the weekend.
Hierarchy remains: *Alvarado | Bradley | Neris.
* = closer-by-committee
June 27, 2021
Philadelphia Phillies — With Jose Alvarado and Archie Bradley throwing a lot of pitches on Friday, manager Joe Girardi said that ex-closer Hector Neris could get the save chance again on Saturday. Sure enough, after the Phillies scored to take a one-run lead in the top of the 9th, Neris was summoned for the bottom of the 9th. Unfortunately, Neris walked in the tying run after loading the bases on an error, walk, and hit and then allowed a walk-off sac fly to take the loss. We will throw Neris back on the hierarchy but we don’t expect him to see many save chances behind Alvarado and Bradley.
Updated hierarchy: Alvarado | Bradley | Neris.
June 26, 2021
Philadelphia Phillies — Joe Girardi certainly didn’t start Jose Alvarado off easy in the closer role, summoning him with the bases loaded in a one-run game and keeping him on for what would have been the first five-out save of his career. Alvarado almost came through, foiled only by his own error that led to the eventual tying run. Philadelphia lost the game, but Alvarado looked good as long as he was throwing toward home plate. In the nightcap, Archie Bradley blew a save in similar fashion, with the error coming from Alec Bohm; naturally, the hero who earned the save in extra innings was Hector Neris. Just like Joe drew it up.
Hierarchy remains: Alvarado | Bradley | Suárez.
June 25, 2021
Philadelphia Phillies — We told you Thursday morning that Hector Neris was about to lose his job and that José Alvarado was the likely replacement, and sure enough Joe Girardi made it official this afternoon. With Sam Coonrod placed on the IL this morning, guys like Archie Bradley and Ranger Suárez will potentially gets some high-leverage looks as well.
Updated hierarchy: Alvarado | Bradley | Suárez.
June 25, 2021
Philadelphia Phillies — There is still no word on the Phillies’ closing situation, as the team had an off day Thursday. We’ll monitor things Friday to see if an announcement is made and who is the new ninth-inning man. Our bet is it’ll be Jose Alvarado, but stay tuned.
Hierarchy remains: Neris | Alvarado | Coonrod.
June 24, 2021
Philadelphia Phillies — Hector Neris is about to lose his job, and Jose Alvarado will be the one taking it. A third blown save in five outings for Neris led Joe Girardi to say he’ll take Thursday’s off day to “think about” making a change. It’s all but official, though, and with the way Girardi was praising Alvarado on Wednesday, the next guy up is pretty clear. Make the move while you can, and we’ll issue an official alert when Joe finishes mulling things over.
Hierarchy remains: Neris | Alvarado | Coonrod.
June 6, 2021
Philadelphia Phillies — The Phillies placed closer Hector Neris on the paternity list and that allowed Connor Brogdon to pick up his first save of the season. Jose Alvarado, Sam Coonrod, and Brogdon could all be in line for more work while Neris is out.
Hierarchy remains: Neris | Alvarado | Coonrod.
May 19, 2021
Philadelphia Phillies — The Phillies activated Archie Bradley off the IL on Tuesday and Bradley ended up with the win after he got the final out in the top of the eighth before his squad took the lead in the bottom half of the frame. Bradley projects to see some high-leverage opportunities, but we’ll see what exactly his workload entails before putting him back on the hierarchy.
Hierarchy remains: Neris | Alvarado | Coonrod.
May 6, 2021
Philadelphia Phillies — The Vulture Save Watch correctly predicted a Jose Alvarado vulture, but it came a day earlier than we expected, as Hector Neris got a second rest day after a 40-pitch outing, with Alvarado coming off a two-game suspension.
Hierarchy remains: Neris | Alvarado | Coonrod.
May 5, 2021
Philadelphia Phillies — With Hector Neris tired and Jose Alvarado suspended, the Phillies turned to Sam Coonrod for the final three outs of Tuesday’s 6-5 win, just as the Vulture Save Watch predicted.
Hierarchy remains: Neris | Alvarado | Coonrod.
May 1, 2021
Philadelphia Phillies — Vulture Save Watch readers knew Hector Neris needed a night off and, sure enough, the Phillies went to Jose Alvarado against the top of the Mets’ order in the eighth inning — an eventful choice given Alvarado’s fiery celebrations and recent history. Sam Coonrod wound up with the vulture save, his first of the year. Neris should be ready to go today; we know Dominic Smith will be.
Hierarchy remains: Neris | Alvarado | Coonrod.
April 20, 2021
Philadelphia Phillies – Jose Alvarado will miss at least a game or two after coming in close contact with a positive COVID case. If Alvarado has to miss time, Connor Brogdon and Brandon Kintzler could see more late inning work.
Hierarchy remains: Neris | Alvarado | Coonrod.
April 12, 2021
Philadelphia Phillies – Archie Bradley was placed on the IL with a strained oblique. Sam Coonrod slides on to the hierarchy.
Updated hierarchy: Neris | Alvarado | Coonrod.
April 6, 2021
Philadelphia Phillies – With Hector Neris getting the night off, Jose Alvarado got the call in the 9th, earning his first save of the season. Alvarado and Archie Bradley will split chances on nights where Neris is unavailable.
Hierarchy remains: Neris | Bradley | Alvarado.
March 31, 2021
Philadelphia Phillies – In a bit of a surprise, Joe Girardi said that Hector Neris will open the season as the Phillies closer. Offseason signings Archie Bradley and Jose Alvarado will serve as setup men.
Updated hierarchy: Neris | Bradley | Alvarado.
March 24, 2021
Philadelphia Phillies – Jose Alvarado is 50 pounds (!) lighter than he was last year, has been touching 100 mph this spring and throws his sinker incredibly hard and with a lot of movement. Now, he might be in the saves conversation, according to Jayson Stark and others. Alvarado is a lefty, but he’s joined by two other lefties in the bullpen, so his handedness won’t be working against him. Let’s get him in the hierarchy and call this committee until there’s more clarity.
Updated hierarchy: *Bradley | Alvarado | Neris.
* = closer-by-committee
March 5, 2021
Philadelphia Phillies – After running out a historically terrible bullpen in 2020, the Phillies brought in a bunch of new arms over the offseason, headlined by Archie Bradley, who signed a 1-year, $6 million deal and seems likely to open the season as the closer. Hector Neris will serve as his handcuff while veterans Tony Watson and Brandon Kintzler seem likely to act as the bridge through the later innings.
Starting 2021 hierarchy: Bradley | Neris | Watson.
Holds candidates: Neris, Watson, Kintzler, Jojo Romero.
September 20, 2020
Philadelphia Phillies — Tommy Hunter picked up his first save of the season by striking out two in a perfect ninth inning. The Phillies bullpen had a great day yesterday as Blake Parker and David Phelps combined with Hunter to throw three hitless innings. Neris had the day off due to rest, but it’s notable that Brandon Workman was nowhere to be found. Given Workman’s struggles since joining the Phillies, we think that will likely continue.
Updated hierarchy: *Neris | Hunter| Phelps.
* = closer-by-committee
September 19, 2020
Philadelphia Phillies — As we expected, Hector Neris got the save chance on Friday after a brutal performance from Brandon Workman the night before. Neris walked two, but got the job done. At this point, we think Neris has the best chance at a save even when everyone’s rested.
Updated hierarchy: *Neris | Workman | Phelps.
* = closer-by-committee
September 18, 2020
Philadelphia Phillies – Brandon Workman had a disastrous outing for the Phillies on Thursday, coming on in a 6-6 game in the ninth before giving up three runs, two of which came on a solo HR and an RBI triple before he was yanked. He was charged with the loss and has now allowed nine earned runs in 11 2/3 innings with the Phillies. He allowed just nine earned runs all last season! At this point, you have to wonder how long he’ll be used in high-leverage situations moving forward. Hector Neris, who didn’t pitch Thursday, is a logical bet for a save chance over the next few days.
Hierarchy remains: *Workman | Neris | Phelps.
* = closer-by-committee
September 16, 2020
Philadelphia Phillies – With Brandon Workman seemingly available, the Phillies turned to Hector Neris to close out Tuesday’s 4-1 win over the Mets. Manager Joe Girardi said that he might switch things up in the late innings, and it looks like he’s staying true to his word. We’ll slap a committee tag on this bullpen for now, but don’t be surprised if Neris wins his job back with another strong outing.
Hierarchy remains: *Workman | Neris | Phelps.
* = closer-by-committee
September 13, 2020
Philadelphia Phillies – The Phillies summoned their closer, Brandon Workman, in the 7th inning last night and you don’t need a monkey to tell you that’s not normally when a closer is used. Manager Joe Girardi said he might switch things up in the late innings and he held true to his word yesterday. Fantasy owners will hope this was just a temporary thing, but it will be worth monitoring to see if this turns into a committee.
Hierarchy remains: Workman | Neris | Phelps.
September 8, 2020
Philadelphia Phillies – Brandon Workman pitched a clean 9th in a tie game, and Hector Neris picked up his third save after the Phillies took the lead in the 10th. Workman remains the closer here.
Hierarchy remains: Workman | Neris | Phelps.
September 1, 2020
Philadelphia Phillies – The Phillies added David Phelps early Monday, giving them another solid late-inning arm. Look for Phelps to help bridge the gap to Brandon Workman.
Updated hierarchy: Workman | Neris | Phelps.
August 29, 2020
Philadelphia Phillies — Tommy Hunter has surpassed Adam Morgan in the Phillies’ bullpen, and is neck and neck with Hector Neris at this point. The Phillies also got some bad news today with word of a setback in David Robertson’s rehab from Tommy John surgery.
Updated hierarchy: Workman | Neris | Hunter.
August 23, 2020
Philadelphia Phillies — We got our first look at the Phillies’ new bullpen yesterday and Hector Neris came out for the 8th with the Phillies up two. Neris struggled as he gave up a walk and two hits before getting pulled for Brandon Workman. Workman immediately allowed a two-run double to give up the lead. After the Phillies tied the game in the top of 9th, Workman came back out for the bottom of the 9th and gave up another run to take the loss. This was not exactly what the Phillies were looking for but they will hope Workman can bounce back in his next outing.
Hierarchy remains: Workman | Neris | Morgan.
August 21, 2020
Philadelphia Phillies — Brandon Workman should close immediately for Philadelphia, sliding Hector Neris back to a setup role. Adam Morgan should back them up after Jose Alvarez’s testicular contusion.
Updated hierarchy: Workman | Neris | Morgan.
August 17, 2020
Philadelphia Phillies – Adam Morgan pitched 1.1 scoreless innings ahead of Hector Neris in a four-run game on Sunday. With virtually every Philly reliever struggling, Morgan and his 5.40 ERA represents one of their more reliable options. Fortunately, help may be on the way, as David Robertson (remember him?) is close to returning.
Updated hierarchy: Neris | Alvarez | Morgan.
August 15, 2020
Philadelphia Phillies — Everyone other than Jose Alvarez and Blake Parker has been abominable in the Philly pen this season, so it had to be exciting to see Adam Morgan and Tommy Hunter join those two guys with scoreless relief outings on Friday night. Unfortunately, Hector Neris couldn’t follow suit, blowing his second straight save and making his position in the ninth a little less secure. Neris nabbed the W in the bottom of the inning, though, proving again that the win is the only stat sillier than the save.
Hierarchy remains: Neris | Alvarez | Parker.
August 13, 2020
Philadelphia Phillies — The Phillies bullpen is still searching for an identity after a string of early postponements, but Adam Morgan has had a particularly tough run to start the year. He entered on Wednesday down one in the seventh and gave up a leadoff home run. After putting two more on base (and contributing a throwing error), he was pulled for Blake Parker. Morgan has a 10.13 ERA and hasn’t pitched with a lead in some time. We’ll ease Morgan out of the hierarchy until he starts getting higher-leverage work.
Updated hierarchy: Neris | Alvarez | Parker.
July 20, 2020
Philadelphia Phillies — Seranthony Dominguez will miss this season and probably the next after Tommy John surgery.
Updated hierarchy: Neris | Morgan | Alvarez.
February 26, 2020
Philadelphia Phillies — Gabe Kapler is gone, replaced by Joe Girardi, so the Phillies bullpen might make a little more sense this season than in years past. The situation remains fluid at the moment, but our best guess is Hector Neris gets the first chance to close, with Seranthony Dominguez setting up. Adam Morgan, Jose Alvarez, and Tommy Hunter will be contributors, and we figure at least one of the handful of veterans (Blake Parker, Francisco Liriano, Anthony Swarzak) who have gotten spring training invites will make a difference at some point. Monitor this bullpen in spring training to make sure Neris is on track.
Starting 2020 Hierarchy: Neris | Dominguez| Morgan.
Holds candidates: Dominguez, Morgan, Alvarez.
September 19, 2019
Philadelphia Phillies — Jose Alvarez keeps getting late-inning holds, including Wednesday’s eighth-inning bridge to Hector Neris. Also playing an important role in recent high-leverage spots has been Blake Parker, former Twins closer.
Updated hierarchy: Neris | Alvarez | Parker.
August 24, 2019
Philadelphia Phillies — The Phils have been searching for a bridge to get the ball to Hector Neris, running through every relief pitcher on their roster to find a reliable setup option. Maybe they’ve been looking in the wrong place. Utility man Sean Rodriguez (6.75 K/9; 0.00 ERA; lineal champion, Gatorade cooler division) got Curtis Granderson to line out on a wicked slider. If the Phillies get tired of their roller-coaster relief corps, they’ve got a 34-year-old with only a couple innings on his arm waiting in the wings.
Hierarchy remains: Neris | Morin | Alvarez.
August 21, 2019
Philadelphia Phillies — Lefty Jose Alvarez was the first Phillies reliever out of the ‘pen on Tuesday to face a pair of left-handed hitters to start the eighth inning. After retiring a pinch hitter and allowing a single, Mike Morin came in and recorded the final two outs of the frame. It was Morin’s seventh straight scoreless appearance; he also has three holds during that stretch. Alvarez meanwhile has allowed just two earned runs over his last 16.0 IP.
Updated hierarchy: Neris | Morin | Alvarez.
August 4, 2019
Philadelphia Phillies — Nick Pivetta made good on yesterday’s Vulture Save Watch prediction by getting the final six outs of a Phillies’ one run victory to record his first career save. Apparently that was the plan Friday night as well until they had to pinch hit for Pivetta in the 8th. With the Phillies blowing the lead on Friday and Pivetta converting last night, he has likely earned the role of back-up closer when Hector Neris is unavailable.
Updated hierarchy: Neris | Pivetta | Nicasio.
August 3, 2019
Philadelphia Phillies — Adam Morgan hit the IL for the second time this season and isn’t sure when he’s coming back. With Hector Neris serving a suspension and the Phillies nursing a one-run lead, Gabe Kapler turned to Nick Pivetta in the eighth inning and Juan Nicasio in the ninth. Nicasio got two outs before Kapler opted to bring in Jose Alvarez to play the matchups game. That didn’t work as the White Sox tied the game and eventually won a 15-inning affair. One bright spot was Blake Parker, who struck out four over two innings of work during extras. Based on last night, we’ll move Nicasio and Pivetta into the hierarchy, but it’s hard to trust anyone other than Neris in this bullpen. We’ll be quick to move Blake Parker into consideration if he gets a high-leverage chance and doesn’t stink.
Updated hierarchy: Neris | Nicasio | Pivetta.
August 2, 2019
Philadelphia Phillies — Blake Parker was deployed for the first time by manager Gabe Kapler, throwing a scoreless inning in a 10-2 win for the Phillies. Parker, in his first major league action since July 23, allowed two hits and struck out two. He could factor into the late innings for Philly’s beleaguered bullpen. Stay tuned. In other Phillies news, David Robertson is out for the season, and his career might also be in jeopardy.
Hierarchy remains: Neris | Morgan | Alvarez.
July 31, 2019
Philadelphia Phillies — The Phillies acquired free agent Blake Parker on Tuesday. Parker, who had been designated for assignment by the Twins, could break into the hierarchy pretty quickly in Philadelphia. We’ll see how Gabe Kapler plans to utilize his newest arm, but it wouldn’t be surprising if Parker soon sees some high-leverage work alongside recent addition to the bullpen Nick Pivetta.
Hierarchy remains: Neris | Morgan | Alvarez.
July 21, 2019
Philadelphia Phillies — The Phillies acquired veteran reliever Mike Morin and sent JD Hammer to Triple-A. Jose Alvarez hasn’t allowed any runs in July so we will slot him in Hammer’s old spot on the hierarchy.
Updated hierarchy: Neris | Morgan | Alvarez.
July 20, 2019
Philadelphia Phillies — The Phillies needed to get their bullpen a rest, so they brought on Cole Irvin to pitch the eighth inning of a two-run game. He stayed on for the ninth after the Phillies added three runs to earn his first career save. Irvin has been shaky in his rookie season, mostly as a spot starter and long reliever, so this save might be his last one for a while. The rest of the bullpen probably appreciated the break, as Hector Neris, Adam Morgan, JD Hammer and Jose Alvarez had all seen plenty of work in the last week.
Hierarchy remains: Neris | Morgan | Hammer.
July 19, 2019
Philadelphia Phillies — Hector Neris recorded the save Thursday, but his ugly stretch continued (10 ER in 7 IP). He allowed a home run in an inning of work and ended the day by hurling a loud expletive at the Dodgers dugout, which nearly led to a kerfuffle and prompted Max Muncy to respond: “He’s blown about eight saves against us over the last two years, so I guess he was finally excited he got one.” Neris is appealing a three-game suspension for hitting David Freese, so tensions between the squads were running high. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was not pleased with Neris’s “unacceptable” conduct.
Hierarchy remains: Neris | Morgan | Hammer.
July 18, 2019
Philadelphia Phillies — MLB suspended Hector Neris for three games after he intentionally threw a pitch near David Freese’s head on Tuesday. Neris will appeal the suspension. If the struggling Neris does miss any time, it’s likely Adam Morgan will get the first save chance for the depleted Phillies’ bullpen. JD Hammer was the first man out of the ‘pen following last night’s lengthy rain delay; he finished the third inning and stayed on for the fourth. A dark horse to see some more high-leverage opportunities is lefty Ranger Suarez, who got two big outs for the Phillies on Sunday.
Updated hierarchy: Neris | Morgan | Hammer.
July 14, 2019
Philadelphia Phillies — On June 11th, Hector Neris had a 1.88 ERA and was 14 for 14 in save chances. Since then, he has blown 3 of his 6 save chances and his ERA has risen more than a run and a half to 3.52. Neris is not in danger of losing the job at this point but David Robertson hopes to return by the end of July and will challenge Neris for the job. Veteran Tommy Hunter pitched a scoreless 7th inning yesterday for his first hold of the season. Hunter has five scoreless appearances since joining the Phillies and could sneak on to the hiearchy with a couple more strong outings.
Hierarchy remains: Neris | Hammer | Morgan.
July 5, 2019
Philadelphia Phillies — Doctors in Philadelphia continue to be extremely busy, as they are caring for yet another Phillies relief pitcher: Juan Nicasio. The veteran righthander was placed on the IL for a left groin strain that manager Gabe Kapler called “mild.” Adam Morgan returned from the injured list in late June and has a couple of holds since then, so he should see more activity ahead of JD Hammer and Hector Neris.
Updated hierarchy: Neris | Hammer | Morgan.
June 26, 2019
Philadelphia Phillies — Juan Nicasio needed some help from Hector Neris last night, but he got out of the eighth inning unscathed to continue his scoreless month of June. Nicasio hasn’t allowed a run in nine appearances (7.2 IP) this month and should continue to see high-leverage spots along with Adam Morgan and JD Hammer. Morgan bounced back from a rough return to action on Saturday with a scoreless seventh inning last night.
Updated hierarchy: Neris | Hammer | Nicasio.
June 21, 2019
Philadelphia Phillies — Pat Neshek went right back on the IL Thursday with a hamstring injury, after three weeks on the shelf with shoulder trouble. There is no timetable for his return. Are there any healthy Phillies relievers these days? Vince Velasquez’s move to the starting rotation could be permanent, apparently leaving Cole Ervin (7.82 ERA, 1.58 WHIP) and Jose Alvarez (4.26 ERA, 1.50 WHIP) to back up Hector Neris and JD Hammer. Juan Nicasio could also play a part, as well as Adam Morgan when he’s activated today.
Updated hierarchy: Neris | Hammer | Alvarez.
June 16, 2019
Philadelphia Phillies — After blowing his first save in over a year, Hector Neris promised it wouldn’t happen again if he got the chance on Saturday. Neris made good on his promise with an uneventful 7-pitch ninth inning for his 15th save of the season. And since it’s Father’s Day, here is a nice article on Phillies’ reliever JD Hammer and his father.
Hierarchy remains: Neris | Velasquez | Hammer.
June 8, 2019
Philadelphia Phillies — As expected, Seranthony Dominguez became the seventh Phillies reliever to hit the IL. The news isn’t looking good for Dominguez’s return, either, as he likely needs Tommy John surgery. Last night’s late innings went according to the team’s new plan, as Vince Velasquez struck out two in a clean eighth inning before giving the ball to Hector Neris for the save.
Hierarchy remains: Neris | Velasquez | Hammer.
June 7, 2019
Philadelphia Phillies — The MRI results on Seranthony Dominguez’s elbow have not been released but, assuming he is placed on the IL, Vince Velasquez is expected to step into a setup role, with JD Hammer behind him. We’ll have more information as soon as it’s available.
Updated hierarchy: Neris | Velasquez | Hammer.
June 6, 2019
Philadelphia Phillies — What are you doing Friday night? Can you get to Philly by 7 pm to throw some middle relief? Seranthony Dominguez could be the seventh Phillies reliever to hit the injured list after showing symptoms of an elbow strain on Wednesday. Edgar Garcia has been crushed in his last two appearances (7 ER, 0.2 IP), and beyond him, the cupboard is pretty bare: Juan Nicasio, converted starter Vince Velasquez, and J.D. Hammer and his Rick “Wild Thing” Vaughn glasses. Unless you can make it to Citizens Bank Park tomorrow. A spot in the hierarchy awaits.
Hierarchy remains: Neris | Dominguez | Garcia.
May 30, 2019
Philadelphia Phillies — Adam Morgan (left forearm strain) joins David Robertson and Pat Neshek on the sidelines in the Phillies’ beleaguered bullpen. 22-year-old rookie Edgar Garcia and his killer slider will see more high-leverage looks.
Updated hierarchy: Neris | Dominguez | Garcia.
May 25, 2019
Philadelphia Phillies – Pat Neshek will go on the IL today because of a sore shoulder. The Phillies got an impressive effort from their bullpen last night, including lefty Adam Morgan, who pitched the eighth inning ahead of Hector Neris.
Updated hierarchy: *Neris | Dominguez | Morgan.
* = closer-by-committee
May 22, 2019
Philadelphia Phillies – Juan Nicasio had a chance to pick up his second save in as many nights on Tuesday, but the Cubs erased a 2-1 deficit to earn a 3-2 victory in the ninth. Hector Neris had appeared in three of the last four games while Pat Neshek warmed up on Monday after pitching Sunday, which kept him out of Tuesday’s game. Seranthony Dominguez meanwhile threw 32 pitches on Monday.
Hierarchy remains: *Neris | Neshek | Dominguez.
* = closer-by-committee
May 21, 2019
Philadelphia Phillies – After the Phillies took the lead in the top of the 10th, Adam Morgan and Juan Nicasio combined to close out the game, with Nicasio earning his first save of the season. Hector Neris had pitched earlier in the game.
Hierarchy remains: *Neris | Neshek | Dominguez.
* = closer-by-committee
May 20, 2019
Philadelphia Phillies – Pat Neshek picked up his third save of the season, pitching a clean 9th inning against the Rockies. Hector Neris had pitched 3 innings over the previous two days, though if you read yesterday’s Vulture Save Watch, you already knew this.
Hierarchy remains: Neris | Neshek | Dominguez.
* = closer-by-committee.
May 16, 2019
Philadelphia Phillies — Stand down, everybody, we found Hector Neris, pitching the ninth in a three-run loss, nailing the walk-balk-hit batsman trifecta. Expect him to keep getting save chances with David Robertson out at least another month.
Hierarchy remains: *Neris | Neshek | Dominguez.
* = closer-by-committee
May 14, 2019
Philadelphia Phillies – Despite appearing just once in the past 10 games, Hector Neris stayed in the bullpen with the Phillies up three in the 9th inning; instead, Pat Neshek got his second save of the year. We’ll watch this one closely to see if any news about Neris emerges in the coming days.
Hierarchy remains: *Neris | Neshek | Dominguez.
* = closer-by-committee
May 4, 2019
Philadelphia Phillies — Hector Neris closed out a two-run game to pick up his fifth save. Neris is the only Phillies pitcher to record a save since Jared Eickhoff’s four scoreless innings on April 16, and has been the clear choice for Gabe Kapler when available. Pat Neshek pitched the eighth, and has found the late innings more often than Seranthony Dominguez recently, so he’ll take over at first in line. Neris might still fall prey to the “relief ace” role a bit, but until somebody else gets a clear save chance, it’s time to kick the asterisk.
Updated hierarchy: Neris | Neshek | Dominguez.
April 28, 2019
Philadelphia Phillies — The Phillies again went with Hector Neris in a save opportunity and he converted for his fourth save of the season. Neris has now recorded the Phillies’ last three saves and is close to shedding the committee asterisk.
Hierarchy remains: *Neris | Dominguez | Neshek.
* = closer-by-committee
April 21, 2019
Philadelphia Phillies — Hector Neris recorded the last five outs yesterday for his third save of the season. Neris struck out two and did not allow a base runner. That is now nine straight scoreless appearances for Neris. In other Phillies’ bullpen news, Victor Arano was placed on the IL and we expect Pat Neshek to fill his role in the later innings.
Updated hierarchy: *Neris | Dominguez | Neshek.
* = closer-by-committee
April 18, 2019
Philadelphia Phillies — After inheriting two runners with a two-run lead, Hector Neris loaded the bases with an RBI infield single and a hit-by-pitch before getting a second strikeout to escape with his second save of the year.
Hierarchy remains: *Neris | Dominguez | Arano.
April 17, 2019
Philadelphia Phillies — Jerad Eickhoff struck out six Mets in four scoreless innings to earn his first career save in a 14-3 win. Eickhoff currently has more saves than David Robertson but does not normally factor into the Phillies’ late-inning plans.
Hierarchy remains: *Neris | Dominguez | Arano.
* = closer-by-committee
April 15, 2019
Philadelphia Phillies — David Robertson was placed on the injured list Monday afternoon with right elbow soreness. The Phillies’ ninth-inning situation will become even more unsettled, with Hector Neris, Seranthony Dominguez, and possibly the revitalized Victor Arano contending for saves.
Updated hierarchy: *Neris | Dominguez | Arano.
* = closer-by-committee
April 15, 2019
Philadelphia Phillies – A 14-inning marathon saw the Phillies use seven relievers, the last of whom was Jose Alvarez, who locked down his first save of the season.
Hierarchy remains: *Robertson | Neris | Dominguez.
* = closer-by-committee
April 10, 2019
Philadelphia Phillies – Edubray Ramos almost became the third different Phillie reliever to record a save in as many days, but he only got two outs before allowing a solo homer to tie the game. Seranthony Dominguez got the final two outs of the seventh while Hector Neris walked two batters in a scoreless eighth inning against the heart of the Nationals’ order. Neris, who earned Sunday’s save, has pitched better than Dominguez (and Robertson for that matter) this year. Gabe Kapler likes the fact Neris can strike out anybody in a given lineup, but whether that translates into more save chances remains to be seen.
Updated hierarchy: *Robertson | Neris | Dominguez.
* = closer-by-committee
April 9, 2019
Philadelphia Phillies – Another 8th inning appearance for David Robertson meant another save opportunity for a non-Robertson reliever, and this time, it was veteran Pat Neshek. Neshek made things interesting, allowing a leadoff homer and then a double, but retired the next three hitters for his first save.
Hierarchy remains: *Robertson | Dominguez | Neris.
* = closer-by-committee
April 8, 2019
Philadelphia Phillies – Facing a pinch hitter followed by the top of the order, the Phillies opted for David Robertson in the 8th inning, and Robertson posted his second straight scoreless outing. Hector Neris got the save in the 9th. Robertson seems to be working out his issues, and while Gabe Kapler will continue to deploy him everywhere, he’s still the most likely Phillie to get a save on any given night.
Hierarchy remains: *Robertson | Dominguez | Neris.
* = closer-by-committee
April 4, 2019
Philadelphia Phillies — Tough loss for Philly. Up two in the eighth, they turned to Seranthony Dominguez, who gave up two hits but allowed the tying run only when Rhys Hoskins forgot how to catch. Entrusted with a tie game in the ninth, David Robertson yielded a single and three straight walks, inflating his WHIP (5.00) to half of his salary. On the bright side, his early 18.00 ERA all but ensures the Phils won’t have to pay Robertson the $100,000 Cy Young Award bonus. A different member of this committee might get the next save chance.
Hierarchy remains: *Robertson | Dominguez | Neris.
* = closer-by-committee
March 29, 2019
Philadelphia Phillies – Last year, the Phillies seemingly had no assigned roles for any of their relievers, and the offseason signing of David Robertson was expected to solidify things a bit. Nope! Robertson began warming before the eighth inning with Philadelphia hanging onto a 6-3 lead and the heart of the Braves order due up. By the time Robertson entered, though, his team had a 7-run lead. Still, in came Robertson, who allowed a couple of hits but was able to escape the eighth inning unscathed. Based on this “relief ace” usage alone, we have to institute an asterisk for this closing situation. For those of you with roster space, and if he’s still available, maybe consider adding Seranthony Dominguez.
Hierarchy remains: *Robertson | Dominguez | Neris.
* = closer-by-committee
February 21, 2019
Philadelphia Phillies – The Phillies were among the more maddening bullpens for fantasy owners in 2018, as nine different pitchers logged saves, including five who managed to tally three or more. But the addition of David Robertson likely stabilizes the 9th inning for now, allowing Gabe Kapler to deploy the likes of Seranthony Dominguez and Hector Neris earlier in the game. Beyond those three, there’s a logjam of qualified guys in camp, and it’s likely to be a spring training battle for the remaining slots, with newcomers Juan Nicasio, Jose Alvarez, and James Pazos competing with holdovers Pat Neshek, Victor Arano, Tommy Hunter, Adam Morgan, and Edubray Ramos.
Starting 2019 hierarchy: Robertson | Dominguez | Neris.
Holds candidates: Dominguez, Neris, Neshek.
September 30, 2018
Philadelphia Phillies — Seranthony Dominguez pitched a scoreless ninth for his 15th save of the season. The rookie right-hander had an up and down season but finished strong with five straight scoreless appearances and will likely be in the mix for saves in 2019 for the Phillies.
Updated hierarchy: *Dominguez | Neris | Neshek.
* = closer-by-committee
September 22, 2018
Philadelphia Phillies — The Phillies bullpen fell apart last night, with Pat Neshek giving up four runs and taking the loss. Seranthony Dominguez pitched a scoreless 6th inning, and his use in the late innings has not been consistent. The guy to watch here is Hector Neris, who pitched the 9th inning last night and has only allowed four earned runs in the last 15 innings, including a scoreless August. His overall numbers are not great, but if you are chasing saves in the playoffs, Neris may sneak one or two for you. He got the last save opportunity, and in this wide open committee, that’s as good a sign as any.
Updated hierarchy: *Hunter | Neshek | Neris.
* = closer-by-committee
September 19, 2018
Philadelphia Phillies — On this episode of “It’s Always a Committee in Philadelphia,” four different relievers kept the Mets scoreless over the final 3.1 innings, with Hector Neris ultimately recording his 11th save of the season. Pat Neshek recorded the final out of the sixth inning to keep the Phillies trailing by just two. After the Phillies took the lead in the bottom half of the frame, Seranthony Dominguez and Tommy Hunter pitched the seventh and eighth innings, respectively. Neshek has been the best of the bunch lately, as he hasn’t allowed an earned run over his last seven appearances, but the next save chance could go to any of the aforementioned arms.
Hierarchy remains: *Hunter | Neshek | Dominguez.
* = closer-by-committee
September 16, 2018
Philadelphia Phillies — Pat Neshek pitched a perfect 9th inning yesterday for the save, although Tommy Hunter had arguably the tougher task as he faced the 3-4-5 hitters for the Marlins in the 8th inning. Neshek and Hunter should both continue to see save chances down the stretch for the Phillies.
Hierarchy remains: *Hunter | Neshek | Dominguez.
* = closer-by-committee
September 8, 2018
Philadelphia Phillies — Seranthony Dominguez pitched the 8th inning of a one-run game and Tommy Hunter pitched a perfect 9th to earn his fourth save of the year. Dominguez hasn’t gotten a save since August 16th, while both Hunter and Pat Neshek have two saves in that time. Dominguez hasn’t been bad over the last few weeks, but he appears to have fallen out of favor for now. Since August 15, Hunter has held opponents to a .088 batting average en route to a 1.64 ERA in 11.0 IP. This should remain a committee for the rest of the season with Hunter and Neshek as the current best bets for saves as the Phillies fight for a playoff spot.
Updated hierarchy: *Hunter | Neshek | Dominguez.
* = closer-by-committee
August 30, 2018
Philadelphia Phillies — The Phillies bullpen continues to be unpredictable. Wednesday night, Victor Arano and Hector Neris split the sixth, Seranthony Dominguez earned the win in the seventh, and Pat Neshek and Luis Avilan tried and failed to get an out in the eighth. Naturally, this left Tommy Hunter to pitch two scoreless innings for his third save of the season.
Hierarchy remains: *Dominguez | Neshek | Neris.
* = closer-by-committee
August 30, 2018
Philadelphia Phillies — The Phillies bullpen continues to be unpredictable. Wednesday night, Victor Arano and Hector Neris split the sixth, Seranthony Dominguez earned the win in the seventh, and Pat Neshek and Luis Avilan tried and failed to get an out in the eighth. Naturally, this left Tommy Hunter to pitch two scoreless innings for his third save of the season.
Hierarchy remains: *Dominguez | Neshek | Neris.
* = closer-by-committee
August 27, 2018
Philadelphia Phillies – Seranthony Dominguez bounced back with a clean 9th inning on Sunday, though it’s notable that it came in a game that the Phillies were winning by five. The team’s use of Hector Neris going forward also bears watching, as he has been probably the best relief pitcher in baseball since returning from the minors (6.2 IP, 15 Ks, 4 baserunners, 0 ERs). Look for the Phillies — three games back in the division and entering a crucial stretch — to ride their hottest arms in the weeks ahead.
Updated hierarchy: *Dominguez | Neshek | Neris.
* = closer-by-committee
August 26, 2018
Philadelphia Phillies — Seranthony Dominguez started the 8th inning with the Phillies up 1, and it did not go well for the young right-hander. Dominguez only recorded one out and loaded the bases before getting pulled for Victor Arano. Arano came on and allowed all three inherited runners to score. Including yesterday’s outing, Dominguez has now given up runs in half of his eight appearances in the month of August. He has also been charged with three blown saves, and that doesn’t even include yesterday since Arano got credited with that blown save. Pat Neshek might be a better source of saves moving forward and watch out for our old friend Hector Neris, who has struck out 12 of the 20 batters he has faced since getting called back up.
Hierarchy remains: *Dominguez | Neshek | Arano.
* = closer-by-committee
August 24, 2018
Philadelphia Phillies — All of a sudden, Pat Neshek has racked up four saves, including one Thursday against the Nationals with a clean ninth inning. He should continue to compete for opportunities in the weeks ahead with Seranthony Dominguez, who has allowed five earned runs in his last seven appearances.
Updated hierarchy: *Dominguez | Neshek | Arano.
* = closer-by-committee
August 18, 2018
Philadelphia Phillies — Seranthony Dominugez earned a break following two straight nights of work, which left the door open for Pat Neshek to record his third save of the year after Victor Arano pitched against the top of the Mets order in the eighth.
Hierarchy remains: *Dominguez | Arano | Neshek.
* = closer-by-committee
August 17, 2018
Philadelphia Phillies — It’s not often we discuss the bullpen of a team who lost by 20 runs, but old friend Hector Neris made his return in as low-leverage a situation you can get in Game 1 of a doubleheader on Thursday, with the Phillies down 15-4 in the sixth inning, right before the position players took the hill. Neris mowed down a Mets offense — one that was clearly on fire — striking out the side in order. He may break into the hierarchy before long, but let’s see some high-leverage looks first. In the nightcap, Seranthony Dominguez nailed down the save.
Hierarchy remains: *Dominguez | Arano | Neshek.
* = closer-by-committee
August 15, 2018
Philadelphia Phillies – Hector Neris is back with the Phillies for the third different time this season. Will the third time be the charm? Gabe Kapler seems to think so, saying that he won’t hesitate to use Neris in a tight spot. We’ll certainly hesitate to put Neris back in the hierarchy right away, though Kapler’s confidence in Neris is not unfounded. In 19 appearances at Lehigh Valley, Neris did not allow a home run, posted a 1.45 ERA and allowed just 17 baserunners in 18.2 IP.
Hierarchy remains: *Dominguez | Arano | Neshek.
* = closer-by-committee
August 8, 2018
Philadelphia Phillies – Seranthony Dominguez earned a night off after throwing 29 pitches over the last two days, which led to Pat Neshek earning his second save of the season on Tuesday. Victor Arano preserved the Phillies’ lead by getting out of an inherited jam in the eighth inning.
Hierarchy remains: *Dominguez | Arano | Neshek.
* = closer-by-committee
August 6, 2018
Philadelphia Phillies – The Phillies used Seranthony Dominguez in the 7th inning yesterday against the heart of the order, which meant a save chance two innings later for Tommy Hunter, who converted.
Hierarchy remains: *Dominguez | Arano | Neshek.
* = closer-by-committee
July 14, 2018
Philadelphia Phillies – As the vulture save watch predicted, Seranthony Dominguez was given a night off. However, Gabe Kapler chose to use Victor Arano in the 8th inning and Pat Neshek in the 9th to close out a 2-0 win. Neshek became the ninth Phillies player to record a save this year, which ties a franchise record. Neshek has been excellent in his five appearances this year and will continue to get late-inning looks.
Updated hierarchy: *Dominguez | Arano | Neshek.
* = closer-by-committee
July 10, 2018
Philadelphia Phillies – It was an eventful doubleheader for Victor Arano. In game 1, the righty threw five pitches, the last of which was hit over the wall for a walkoff home run, but the Phillies went right back to him to get the final out of a 2-run game in the nightcap, and he earned his third save of the year. Arano now appears the second-most-likely candidate to receive save chances in Gabe Kapler’s anything-goes bullpen. (For his part, committee-leader Seranthony Dominguez threw two scoreless innings in game one and likely wasn’t available for game 2.)
Hierarchy remains: *Dominguez | Arano | Ramos.
* = closer-by-committee
July 8, 2018
Philadelphia Phillies — Victor Arano pitched a scoreless ninth on Saturday for his second save in four days. Seranthony Dominguez pitched a scoreless eighth inning ahead of Arano. The Pirates had their 2-3-4 hitters due up in the 8th so the Phillies used Dominguez in that spot and left Arano for the 6-7-8 hitters. Dominguez had been used in a save situation in his last six appearances so this one hold isn’t enough to move him from the top of our committee. However, he will likely see a few more high leverage spots prior to the ninth throughout the rest of the season, and Victor Arano should be in the mix for saves in those situations.
Updated hierarchy *Dominguez | Ramos | Arano.
* = closer-by-committee
July 7, 2018
Philadelphia Phillies — Edubray Ramos was activated from the DL and immediately saw action in the 5th inning last night, getting the last two outs of what was at the time a one-run game en route to earning his third win of the year. Ramos was a top arm in the Phillies bullpen before he got injured, and a solid outing last night puts him right back into the mix in the late innings.
Updated hierarchy *Dominguez | Ramos | Hunter.
* = closer-by-committee
July 5, 2018
Philadelphia Phillies — 23-year-old rookie Victor Arano didn’t quite convert his first save opportunity (June 18), but he made it through two scoreless innings on Wednesday to become the eighth Phillies reliever with a save in 2018. Only five of Arano’s 28 appearances this season have come in late/close situations, but he has good numbers (2.32 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 9.6 K/9) and could see an increased role going forward.
Hierarchy remains: *Dominguez | Hunter | Neshek.
* = closer-by-committee
July 2, 2018
Philadelphia Phillies — Pat Neshek returned from the disabled list and made his season debut, allowing a single and inducing a groundout in the seventh. Neshek is almost 38, but not many middle relievers can match his success over the past few years, and he should get a chance to re-establish himself in the seventh inning for the Phils.
Updated hierarchy: *Dominguez | Hunter | Neshek.
* = closer-by-committee
July 1, 2018
Philadelphia Phillies – Yesterday, Seranthony Dominguez recorded his seventh save in eight chances. In other Phillies’ bullpen news, the team leader in saves, Hector Neris, got sent back down to Triple-A after giving up three homers on Friday night.
Updated hierarchy: *Dominguez | Hunter | Morgan.
* = closer-by-committee
June 29, 2018
Philadelphia Phillies – With a 3-run lead entering the 9th, Gabe Kapler opted for Tommy Hunter, but when Hunter proceeded to allow the first two batters to reach base, Seranthony Dominguez started getting loose. After a groundout, Dominguez was summoned, and he would strike out the two batters he faced, locking down the save. Count on Kapler deploying his bullpen in an unusual manner from time to time, but over the past month, Dominguez has 5 saves while the entire rest of the bullpen has 4. He remains the favorite going forward.
Hierarchy remains: *Dominguez | Hunter | Neris.
* = closer-by-committee
June 26, 2018
Philadelphia Phillies — Edubray Ramos was placed on the 10-day DL because of a right shoulder impingement. Gabe Kapler said the move is very much precautionary and that Ramos should spend the minimum amount of time on the DL. That makes room for Hector Neris to make his return to the majors after a pair of outings in Triple-A. He allowed one hit, walked one and struck out two over two innings with Lehigh Valley. If Gabe Kapler is desperate over the next 10 days, don’t be surprised if Neris gets a save chance. In other news, Pat Neshek is close to returning, though there’s no specific timetable in place.
Updated hierarchy: *Dominguez | Hunter | Neris.
* = closer-by-committee
June 24, 2018
Philadelphia Phillies — Seranthony Dominguez returned to the closer’s role on Saturday and responded with a perfect inning, including two strikeouts. Dominguez is the best reliever that the Phillies have but don’t expect him to be used like a traditional closer. Manager Gabe Kapler will likely continue to mix and match and that hurts Dominguez’s chances for racking up saves.
Hierarchy remains: *Dominguez | Ramos | Hunter.
* = closer-by-committee
June 21, 2018
Philadelphia Phillies — Phillies fans booed as Adam Morgan (15.75 June ERA) came in with the tying run on second and one out in the ninth, but the lefty retired Matt Carpenter and Tommy Pham to become the seventh different pitcher to earn a save for the team. We won’t add Morgan to the hierarchy at this point, but he could grab more platoon-based save chances down the road.
Hierarchy remains: *Dominguez | Ramos | Hunter.
* = closer-by-committee
June 19, 2018
Philadelphia Phillies — Hector Neris, who actually picked up a save last Saturday and had an outside chance to grab the closer’s role again, has been demoted to Triple-A. Neris allowed four runs in his last outing and manager Gabe Kapler wants him to “clear his head.”
Hierarchy remains: *Dominguez | Ramos | Hunter.
* = closer-by-committee
June 18, 2018
Philadelphia Phillies – The Phillies emptied their bullpen in support of an uncharacteristically short start by Aaron Nola, and were seemingly in control when they handed the ball to Hector Neris with a five-run lead in the 9th. But Neris melted down, and with only Edubray Ramos and Jake Thompson left in the pen — and with Ramos having pitched in each of the last two games — Thompson got the ball. Fortunately, he needed just one pitch to pick up his second save of the year. Despite Gabe Kapler’s general bullpen wackiness, we don’t expect Thompson to regularly factor into the 9th very often.
Hierarchy remains: *Dominguez | Ramos | Hunter.
* = closer-by-committee
June 17, 2018
Philadelphia Phillies – The Phillies used their hierarchy in order yesterday, but it was for the sixth, seventh, and eighth innings. That left the ninth inning to our old friend Hector Neris. Neris’ last save was on May 21st and he wasn’t exactly pitching well enough to earn another shot as he had given up a run in five of his past seven appearances before yesterday. However, manager Gabe Kapler went with Neris and he responded with a perfect inning for his tenth save of the season. The Phillies’ bullpen is the most unpredictable in baseball right now, and seemingly anybody could see a save chance at this point.
Hierarchy remains: *Dominguez | Ramos | Hunter.
* = closer-by-committee
June 11, 2018
Philadelphia Phillies – Gabe Kapler called upon Tommy Hunter to protect a 4-1 lead in the eighth, and Hunter delivered. The Phillies’ bullpen is still a bit unsettled, but it’s safe to say Hunter is ahead of Hector Neris at this point.
Updated Hierarchy: *Dominguez | Ramos | Hunter.
* = closer-by-committee
June 11, 2018
Philadelphia Phillies – Bullpen Chaos Theory continued its run of moderate success on Sunday, as Seranthony Dominguez and Luis Garcia combined for 8 of the final 9 outs before Garcia gave way to Tommy Hunter, who needed two pitches to record his first save of the season. This bullpen remains wide open.
Hierarchy remains: *Dominguez | Ramos | Neris.
* = closer-by-committee
June 7, 2018
Philadelphia Phillies — The Phillies tried to get two innings out of Seranthony Dominguez — even letting him draw a walk against Brandon Morrow in his first plate appearance in seven years of professional baseball — but the 23-year-old followed up his first walk as a hitter with his first walk as a pitcher. After a one-out single, Gabe Kapler called on lefty Adam Morgan, who walked the bases loaded, then got the Cubs down to their final strike before Jason Heyward hit a walk-off grand slam.
Hierarchy remains: *Dominguez | Ramos | Neris.
* = closer-by-committee
June 1, 2018
Philadelphia Phillies — Seranthony Dominguez continued his scoreless start in the major leagues Thursday, securing his second save and making it look easy. He has faced 43 batters to start his career, fanning 15 while allowing just two hits. Wow. He’s the guy to own for the Phillies, who find themselves just one game out of first place in the NL East. Save chances should be plentiful this year.
Hierarchy remains: *Dominguez | Ramos | Neris.
* = closer-by-committee
May 30, 2018
Philadelphia Phillies – Hector Neris got the ball in the eighth inning against the top of the Dodgers’ order, tasked with protecting a four-run lead. It did not go well for Neris, as three hits and one earned run later, he gave way to Tommy Hunter to get out of the inning. The Phillies tacked on two more runs in the top of the ninth, but if they didn’t, Seranthony Dominguez was probably going to get the save chance. Dominguez has been lights out this year, but he has yet to pitch two straight days. Neris has not been good in his last two appearances, and it may do him (and the Phillies) some good if he pitches in lower-leverage spots.
Updated hierarchy: *Dominguez | Ramos | Neris.
* = closer-by-committee
May 27, 2018
Philadelphia Phillies – Seranthony Dominguez continued his scoreless streak and also recorded his first win after the Phillies took the lead in the bottom of the eighth. Who got the call for the save in the ninth? Luis Garcia, of course. Garcia pitched a scoreless inning to pick up his first save of the season. The Phillies are in full committee mode and have a number of options to close out games.
Hierarchy remains: *Neris | Ramos | Dominguez.
* = closer-by-committee
May 22, 2018
Philadelphia Phillies – After a few outings in non-save situations, Hector Neris got the 9th inning with a three-run lead on Monday night, converting for his 9th save. Seranthony Dominguez threw a scoreless 8th, allowing his first baserunner of the season but extending his scoreless streak to 7.2 innings to start his career. Since Gabe Kapler started his no-defined-roles approach, it’s been these two — along with Edubray Ramos — who are most often stirring in the bullpen when the Phillies have a lead late in games.
Hierarchy remains: *Neris | Ramos | Dominguez.
* = closer-by-committee
May 20, 2018
Philadelphia Phillies — Seranthony Dominguez has had a very impressive start to his major league career and on Saturday, he recorded his first career save. Dominguez has not allowed a hit or walk in his first six career appearances, the longest such streak to start a career in major league history. With Gabe Kapler, you never know who is going to get the next save, but Dominguez certainly deserves to be in the mix.
Hierarchy remains: *Neris | Ramos | Dominguez.
* = closer-by-committee
May 17, 2018
Philadelphia Phillies — Gabe Kapler has declared war on your fantasy team and by-the-book bullpen management, treating the ninth inning of a three-run May matinee like the wild card playoff. Tommy Hunter and Luis Garcia split up the eighth, and after Edubray Ramos struck out the first two guys in the ninth on six pitches, it sure looked like he’d be in line for a second straight save. But Kapler liked Hector Neris’s splitter against lefty Chris Davis, so one groundout later, the Phillies had their win and nobody got the save. For as long as Kapler keeps this up, Phillies relievers will be trading at a discount.
Hierarchy remains: *Neris | Ramos | Dominguez.
* = closer-by-committee
May 14, 2018
Philadelphia Phillies – Two days after Hector Neris blew a save against the Mets, Gabe Kapler declared that the Phillies will no longer have a consistent 9th inning approach. This was Kapler’s initial plan in spring training, but the first six weeks of the season saw Neris in the role; now, it seems that it’ll be full-on chaos theory in Philadelphia going forward. Sure to be in the mix is Edubray Ramos, who go the save on Sunday. Neris is still in, too — he was warming up while Ramos was pitching. Seranthony Dominguez, who pitched a clean 8th and has yet to allow a baserunner in 4 major league innings so far, could get a look. So could Tommy Hunter and Luis Garcia. We’re putting Neris and Ramos at the top for now, with the understanding that, if Kapler keeps his word, the 9th inning could truly belong to almost anyone on any given night.
Updated hierarchy: *Neris | Ramos | Dominguez.
* = closer-by-committee
May 12, 2018
Philadelphia Phillies — Tommy Hunter has been excellent since his return from the DL, picking up five holds while bridging the gap to Hector Neris, who has been less than excellent of late. Neris allowed three earned runs to blow yesterday’s save, and he has two blown saves in his last four outings to push his ERA to 5.17. After Friday’s disaster, Gabe Kapler remained confident that Neris would overcome these recent struggles and that he’d be willing to use Neris tonight if necessary. We’ll keep a close eye on this to see if Neris can keep his job or if a committee of Hunter and Luis Garcia will rule the late innings in Philadelphia.
Updated hierarchy: Neris | Hunter | Garcia.
May 11, 2018
Philadelphia Phillies — Introducing Seranthony Dominguez, who will likely be tracked by the Closer Monkey for years to come. The rookie righty recorded his first career hold Thursday and has a perfect inning with one strikeout in each of his first three career appearances. If he does that again, he’ll be the first pitcher to do so in 110 years. He’s worth keeping an eye on.
Hierarchy remains: Neris | Garcia | Hunter.
April 28, 2018
Philadelphia Phillies — Tommy Hunter pitched a clean eighth inning ahead of Hector Neris, and has not given up a run since his return from the DL last week. Until last night, he had not pitched with a lead; his first hold of the year gets him back into the hierarchy.
Updated hierarchy: Neris | Garcia | Hunter.
April 21, 2018
Philadelphia Phillies — Hector Neris picked up his third save last night, with Adam Morgan and Luis Garcia getting him the ball. The roles in the Philadelphia pen seem solid enough to pull the committee asterisk.
Updated hierarchy: Neris | Garcia | Morgan.
April 10, 2018
Philadelphia Phillies – Hector Neris finally got his first save of the season last night, and for Neris’s second straight appearance, it was Luis Garcia who pitched the 8th before him. He’s the most likely to get a save for the Phillies on nights where Neris is unavailable.
Updated hierarchy: Neris | Garcia | Morgan.
March 31, 2018
Philadelphia Phillies — Pat Neshek was placed on the 10-day DL with a right shoulder strain and the Phillies missed him immediately. In his stead the team turned to Luis Garcia to protect a one-run lead in the eighth. Garcia gave up a run, and could have given up another if not for replay review. Despite the blown save, Garcia is likely in line for more late-inning appearances, at least until Neshek and Tommy Hunter return.
Updated hierarchy: *Neris | Morgan | Garcia.
* = closer-by-committee
March 27, 2018
Philadelphia Phillies – Tommy Hunter, expected to be one of the main set-up men for Hector Neris — or possibly even serve as a 9th inning candidate if Neris gets the Andrew Miller treatment — will do neither for a while, as the Phillies announced that he will start the season on the DL. Pat Neshek and Adam Morgan figure to get the lion’s share of holds while Hunter is out.
Updated hierarchy: *Neris | Neshek | Morgan.
* = closer-by-committee
February 28, 2018
Philadelphia Phillies – Like Mickey Callaway in New York, Philly’s new skipper, Gabe Kapler, has taken off the K-Swiss and suggested that he may employ his best reliever, Hector Neris, all over the place. For his part, Neris is on board with the decision (note: original story source is here, but is paywalled), so there’s a chance that the plan could stick, meaning Tommy Hunter or Pat Neshek could potentially get save chances. Luis Garcia and Adam Morgan round out the Phillies’ top five.
Starting 2018 hierarchy: *Neris | Hunter | Neshek.
* = closer-by-committee
Holds candidates: Hunter | Neshek | Garcia.
September 8, 2017
Philadelphia Phillies – Adam Morgan, who has allowed just two runs over his last 25 innings, has recorded a hold in each of his last three appearances, twice pitching after Edubray Ramos. While the lefty isn’t likely to get a save during the final week, he may be worth an add if you’re looking for holds.
Updated hierarchy: Neris | Garcia | Morgan.
September 8, 2017
Philadelphia Phillies – With Juan Nicasio leaving town as quickly as he’d arrived, the Phillies will likely give Edubray Ramos more looks in the 7th inning. Nicasio may crack the St. Louis hierarchy sooner rather than later, but he hasn’t made an appearance yet.
Updated hierarchy: Neris | Garcia | Ramos.
September 1, 2017
Philadelphia Phillies — Claiming Juan Nicasio from the Pirates while being out of contention is a puzzling move for the Phillies, too. They’re on the hook for the remaining $600,000 and are in line for the top pick in next year’s draft as long as they continue to lose…which will be harder now that they have a better bullpen. There were reports the Phillies may have instead wanted to trade him, but they didn’t do so. By default, Nicasio will likely be a factor for the Phillies in the late innings, if that’s how manager Pete Mackanin chooses to play it.
Updated hierarchy: Neris | Garcia | Nicasio.
August 13, 2017
Philadelphia Phillies — After Hoby Milner got the first out of the ninth, Luis Garcia came on and recorded the last two outs for his second save of the season. As we mentioned in the Vulture Save Watch, Hector Neris had pitched a lot recently, and it looks like the Phillies will use Milner and Garcia in the ninth when Neris is not available.
Hierarchy remains: Neris | Garcia | Milner.
August 10, 2017
Philadelphia Phillies — Not only did Hoby Milner earn his second straight eighth-inning hold on Wednesday, but Pete Mackanin specifically mentioned that Milner would get more late-inning opportunities over the last seven weeks of the season. Luis Garcia hasn’t appeared in a game since picking up his second straight loss on August 4, but given the great season that preceded this week, we’ll wait for confirmation before moving him around.
Updated hierarchy: Neris | Garcia | Milner.
August 9, 2017
Philadelphia Phillies – While Jesen Therrien may still get a look down the stretch of a lost season, the last couple days suggest that Edubray Ramos will be the most likely seventh-inning option in Philadelphia when the Phillies have a lead. Hoby Milner is one of just two lefties in the Phillies’ bullpen, and he earned an eighth-inning hold on Tuesday against a lefty-heavy Braves lineup. Expect Milner to also get some more late-inning chances as matchups dictate.
Updated hierarchy: Neris | Garcia | Ramos.
August 1, 2017
Philadelphia Phillies – With Joaquin Benoit gone, the Phillies don’t really have any major league caliber relievers left other than Hector Neris and Luis Garcia, so we’ll take our best guess and give Jesen Therrien the 7th inning job for now. The righty has only been in the bigs for a few days, but he had 9 saves in the minors.
Updated hierarchy: Neris | Garcia | Therrien.
July 29, 2017
Philadelphia Phillies — Up 8-3 in the eighth inning, the Phillies called on Joaquin Benoit with two outs and the bases loaded. After Benoit induced a flyout, he stayed on for the ninth to earn his second save of the season.
Hierarchy remains: Neris | Garcia | Benoit.
July 27, 2017
Philadelphia Phillies – The Phillies traded Pat Neshek to Colorado on Wednesday, which means even more chances for Joaquin Benoit and Luis Garcia to get the ball to Hector Neris.
Updated hierarchy: Neris | Garcia | Benoit.
July 24, 2017
Philadelphia Phillies – The Phillies took their usual approach to the 7th and 8th innings on Sunday (Pat Neshek, then Joaquin Benoit), but instead of using Hector Neris for the third straight day, they summoned Luis Garcia for the ninth inning. Against all odds, Garcia has been nails lately, and the Phillies might have been showcasing him to see if they could get someone to trade a prospect for a 30-year-old reliever who has never even been decent before the last month or so. Anyway, we’ll bump Garcia up to 2nd in line with the understanding that if Neris needs a game off in the future, any of three relievers could vulture a save.
Updated hierarchy: Neris | Garcia | Benoit.
July 10, 2017
Philadelphia Phillies – The Phillies almost never win, which makes it a little harder to say this for certain, but it appears that Hector Neris has reclaimed the 9th inning. That’s where he pitched yesterday — following Pat Neshek and Joaquin Benoit, who got the 7th and 8th, respectively — and the young righty seems to have rediscovered his control and his splitter, posting relatively good numbers over his past six appearances (3.00 ERA, 8 Ks vs 1 BB). We’ll remove his asterisk as we head into the second half.
Updated hierarchy: Neris | Neshek | Benoit.
June 29, 2017
Philadelphia Phillies — As a starter, Ricardo Pinto was the top pitcher in the Phillies’ minor league system in 2015. These days he’s been getting some looks out of the bullpen, and he earned a win Wednesday with three scoreless innings. Pinto could be a name to remember for next season and beyond — just don’t confuse him with the adventure sports photographer, the Portuguese fantasy writer, the Brazilian goalie, or the male model based in France. Wait, are these all the same guy?
Hierarchy remains: *Neris | Neshek | Garcia.
* = closer-by-committee
June 23, 2017
Philadelphia Phillies – The Phillies used Pat Neshek, who has a nifty 15-inning scoreless streak, in the eighth inning Thursday to get out of a jam with a two-run lead. Luis Garcia was warming for the save opportunity, and when the ninth rolled around and the lead became four, Garcia still finished the game with a clean inning. As pointed out by yesterday’s Vulture Save Watch, Hector Neris had pitched in three of the previous four days and needed rest, but Garcia’s usage was enough for the monkey to recognize his growing role for manager Pete Mackanin.
Updated hierarchy: *Neris | Neshek | Garcia.
* = closer-by-committee
June 19, 2017
Philadelphia Phillies – Hector Neris blew another save yesterday, leading to an eventual Phillies loss, and now has just three saves in the past 46 games, and might not get the next save chance. But given recent usage, and the notion that Pat Neshek actually prefers a set-up role, suggested here, it might be Joaquin Benoit that gets the next opportunity. If you’re the type of person who values a save chance every two weeks, then this is a situation to watch closely.
Hierarchy remains: *Neris | Neshek | Benoit.
* = closer-by-committee
June 16, 2017
Philadelphia Phillies – In a tight 1-0 win Thursday, the Phillies turned to Pat Neshek… in the eighth inning (1 H, 1 K, 0 R, 1 W) and Hector Neris in the ninth (1 BB, 2 Ks, 0 R, 1 SV). Don’t sound the alarm, but it’s starting to look like it’s Neris’s job again — and perhaps he never lost it. The Phillies are auditioning Neshek to boost his trade value, but if Neris gets the next save or two for Philly, we’ll remove the asterisk.
Hierarchy remains: *Neris | Neshek | Benoit.
* = closer-by-committee
June 13, 2017
Philadelphia Phillies – A week ago, Pat Neshek bailed out Hector Neris and picked up his first save of the season. With Pete Mackanin saying that Neris needed to work out his splitter and the Phillies looking to showcase Neshek as trade bait, we figured that the veteran would get a few more chances in the 9th inning going forward. The Phillies haven’t had a save opportunity since then, but Neshek has pitched twice, both in the seventh inning. Neris pitched after him on Sunday, and then was ostensibly going to be the 9th inning guy last night, but Joaquin Benoit blew the save. At the very least, Neris seems to have climbed back into the committee lead for the time being.
Updated hierarchy: *Neris | Neshek | Benoit.
* = closer-by-committee
June 9, 2017
Philadelphia Phillies – Pat Neshek is likely to get a bunch of save opportunities between now and the trade deadline but maybe not after that, as the veteran fully expects to be traded to a contender. He’ll be OK with that as long as he doesn’t return to the Astros. While he’s happy in Philly, it is still rebuilding, so holding on to Neshek doesn’t make much sense for the Phillies or him. Stay tuned.
Hierarchy remains: *Neshek | Neris | Gomez.
* = closer-by-committee
June 7, 2017
Philadelphia Phillies – Pat Neshek earned his first save since 2015 on Tuesday, closing out a ninth inning that Hector Neris started. This is the second time in three appearances that Neris has started the ninth before giving way to another reliever. Pete Mackanin didn’t want to say whether or not Neshek will begin to close games, but he did mention that Neris needs to figure out his splitter. Given Neris’ recent struggles and Neshek’s terrific numbers (0.82 ERA, 0.77 WHIP, 21 Ks), we’re moving Neshek to the top of the Phillies’ committee for now. Even if Neshek isn’t named the full-time closer, it would make sense for the Phillies to start showing off the 36-year-old reliever to contenders as the trade deadline approaches.
Updated hierarchy: *Neshek | Neris | Gomez.
* = closer-by-committee
June 4, 2017
Philadelphia Phillies – Jeanmar Gomez came in to clean up Hector Neris’ mess in the ninth inning yesterday and retired the only batter he faced for his second save of the season. Joaquin Benoit has been placed on the disabled list with a sore left knee. Pat Neshek struck out the side in the eighth inning on Saturday and should take over the set-up duties and could occasionally see save opportunities while Benoit is out.
Updated hierarchy: *Neris | Neshek | Gomez.
* = closer-by-committee
May 26, 2017
Philadelphia Phillies – In his first season with the Phillies, Pat Neshek has impressed. After another scoreless outing Thursday, he’s got a 1.04 ERA and 0.87 WHIP with five holds. He has seemed to occupy the seventh inning pretty often lately, unlike Edubray Ramos (3.66 ERA, 1.63 WHIP), who, before Thursday’s extra-inning win, hadn’t pitched in a win since May 1. He also doesn’t have a hold since April 3.
Updated hierarchy: *Neris | Benoit | Neshek.
* = closer-by-committee
April 30, 2017
Philadelphia Phillies – Just when it looked like Hector Neris may have settled into the closer’s role after converting three straight saves, he blew up on Saturday night. Neris gave up back-to-back-to-back homers to the first three batters he faced in the ninth inning trying to protect a three run lead. After the game manager Pete Mackanin stated the obvious that he would “like to have a lights-out closer, but we don’t have one right now.” Neris should still see most save chances but this slip up could allow Benoit to get back into the conversation.
Hierarchy remains: *Neris | Benoit | Ramos.
* = closer-by-committee
April 21, 2017
Philadelphia Phillies – In his seemingly continuous quest to frustrate fantasy team owners, Phillies manager Pete Mackanin opted to use his newly anointed closer Joaquin Benoit in the eighth inning Thursday to face the 4-5-6 hitters, giving likely closer-of-the-future Hector Neris a shot in the ninth. Neris slammed the door shut for his first save of the year. After the game, Mackanin said, “I was going to use Benoit for the time being. It just occurred to me: It’s nice to have two guys who can close. It was a good opportunity for me to use Neris. He came through very well.” Furthermore, he called Benoit and Neris guys he trusts in the late innings, refused to actually name a closer and then refused to call the situation a closer-by-committee. We’ll do Mackanin’s job for him by calling this a committee and sliding Neris to the top — he’s much younger and better than Benoit — though Benoit may get save chances as Mackanin sees fit.
Updated hierarchy: *Neris | Benoit | Ramos.
* = closer-by-committee
April 17, 2017
Philadelphia Phillies – Joaquin Benoit allowed his first runs of the season on Sunday, blowing the save when Bryce Harper hit a 3-run walkoff against him in Washington. Benoit had been great to this point, allowing only one hit in five innings previously, but given that the wasn’t the person that most people (including us) thought should replace Jeanmar Gomez, another slip-up could cost him the job.
Hierarchy remains: Benoit | Neris | Ramos.
April 10, 2017
Philadelphia Phillies — After Pete Mackanin was able to talk to Jeanmar Gomez, he announced a change in the Phillies’ closer role. As some writers predicted, Mackanin has settled on the more experienced Joaquin Benoit, electing to leave Hector Neris in his current eighth-inning role.
Updated hierarchy: Benoit | Neris | Ramos.
April 10, 2017
Philadelphia Phillies – After four Phillies pitchers combined to shut out the Nationals for eight innings, Jeanmar Gomez came in and surrendered a three-run, game-tying homer. He earned the win when the Phillies walked off, but after the game, Pete Mackanin told reporters he was going to have a talk with Gomez, saying ominously “I’ll have something for you tomorrow.” We think it’s likely that the Phillies have a new closer by the time they take the field tonight against the Mets, and that Hector Neris is the most likely candidate. Joaquin Benoit is worth an add in deep leagues as well.
Hierarchy remains: Gomez | Neris | Benoit.
April 4, 2017
Philadelphia Phillies — After Jeanmar Gomez (ranked as our #30 preseason closer) gave up a two-run homer in his 2017 debut, manager Pete Mackanin allowed that he was “concerned.” With several superior arms backing Gomez up — Hector Neris, Joaquin Benoit, Edubray Ramos, and Pat Neshek — Mackanin should probably go ahead and act on that concern.
Hierarchy remains: Gomez | Neris | Benoit.
March 1, 2017
Philadelphia Phillies — Jeanmar Gomez wouldn’t be our choice to close in Philadelphia, but he’ll start the season as the ninth inning guy in Pete Mackanin’s bullpen. There’s a chance he’ll be fine, of course — he saved 37 games last year and was quite good for much of the season despite paltry strikeout totals. But he faltered down the stretch, and then the Phillies couldn’t find a taker for him in the offseason, and there’s probably a good reason for that. We expect Hector Neris, who struck out 102 batters last year and spent the winter adding a third pitch, or maybe even the recently-signed Joaquin Benoit, to take the job at some point during the year.
Starting 2017 hierarchy: Gomez | Neris | Benoit.
Holds candidates: Neris, Benoit, Edubray Ramos, Pat Neshek.
October 1, 2016
Philadelphia Phillies — Michael Mariot pitched the seventh inning with the Phillies down, and gave up a couple runs in the process. It’s hard to see how anybody but Hector Neris gets any final save chances this year — that is, if the Phillies can somehow grab a lead over the Mets.
Updated hierarchy: *Gomez | Neris | Mariot.
*closer-by-committee
September 30, 2016
Philadelphia Phillies — Jeanmar Gomez entered Thursday’s game with the score tied in the eighth inning and gave up four runs on three hits, taking the loss. We don’t know whether Michael Mariot or Hector Neris is the better bet to close in Philadelphia’s final series, but it would be hard to believe Gomez sees another save chance this season.
Hierarchy remains: *Gomez | Mariot | Neris.
*closer-by-committee
September 25, 2016
Philadelphia Phillies — With Jeanmar Gomez getting a break from closing, Michael Mariot got the call in the ninth inning on Saturday. He gave up a lead-off homer to the first batter he faced, and walked a couple batters, but was still able to convert the save chance. Hector Neris pitched the eighth inning ahead of Mariot and gave up a run on a hit and two walks. Neither pitcher was particularly impressive, so we will move Mariot ahead of Neris for now based on how manager Pete Mackanin used them yesterday. Cue the bad Mariot jokes on twitter.
Updated hierarchy: *Gomez | Mariot | Neris.
* = closer-by-committee
September 24, 2016
Philadelphia Phillies — The Phillies made the confusing announcement that although Jeanmar Gomez will be the closer for the rest of the season, he will get a “break” for the next few save chances — in favor of Hector Neris, Edubray Ramos, or even lefthander Joely Rodriguez. We’ll call this a committee for now, but Neris is a strong candidate for what few saves remain for Philadelphia.
Updated hierarchy: *Gomez | Neris | Ramos.
* = closer-by-committee
September 23, 2016
Philadelphia Phillies — While the Phillies are out of it and there’s not much time left in the season, manager Pete Mackanin is about to make a change that will impact the fantasy baseball playoffs. Mackanin is expected to announce Friday that he’s removing Jeanmar Gomez from the closer’s role, handing the job over to Hector Neris. Gomez has a 16.20 ERA in September, but the numbers have been even worse over the last four games: 1.2 IP, 8 ER (including 2 ER to blow the save Thursday). His ERA was under 3.00 at the end of August and now sits at 4.28 just three weeks later. Good riddance.
Hierarchy remains (for now): Gomez | Neris | Ramos.
September 21, 2016
Philadelphia Phillies — It’s been awhile since we’ve updated you on the Phillies’ bullpen, but the final days of the season have become more interesting. Jeanmar Gomez entered Tuesday’s ninth inning with a 7-3 lead and retired two of the first three batters. However, an infield single, walk, wild pitch and double made it 7-6 and paved the way for Michael Mariot to earn his first career save. After the game, manager Pete Mackanin hinted that he is considering a change in closer. With the season long out of reach and Gomez struggling mightily of late, don’t be surprised if “potential closer” Hector Neris gets the first crack at saves soon, with Edubray Ramos also likely to get at least one chance before the season ends.
Hierarchy remains: Gomez | Neris | Ramos.
July 7, 2016
Philadelphia Phillies — Edubray Ramos has pitched in three straight close seventh innings, including a Wednesday appearance with a tied score. As Philly’s closer of the future, his role could continue to grow in the second half of the season — especially if the team trades Jeanmar Gomez before he hits arbitration. For his part, David Hernandez has allowed 13 earned runs over his last nine appearances (9.2 IP).
Updated hierarchy: Gomez | Neris | Ramos.
June 30, 2016
Philadelphia Phillies — Just a few days removed from entering a game in the fourth inning, Brett Oberholtzer was called on in the tenth to earn his first career save. Jeanmar Gomez and Hector Neris had already pitched, and David Hernandez was coming off a lengthy outing on Tuesday. Although Oberholtzer doesn’t project to make a difference going forward, Edubray Ramos is a name worth watching. Pete Mackanin has already described him as a future closer, and he could get a shot if Gomez is traded next month.
Hierarchy remains: Gomez | Neris | Hernandez.
May 15, 2016
Philadelphia Phillies – David Hernandez benefited from an incredible double play to end the game and picked up his first save of the season. Jeanmar Gomez and Hector Neris were both unavailable after appearing in two straight and three of the past four.
Hierarchy remains: Gomez | Neris | Hernandez.
May 2, 2016
Philadelphia Phillies – Jeanmar Gomez had pitched in four of the five previous games, so he got the day off on Sunday and Hector Neris picked up his first career save for the surprisingly decent Phillies. Neris remains a good candidate for holds going forward.
Hierarchy remains: Gomez | Neris | Hernandez.
April 29, 2016
Philadelphia Phillies — Hector Neris, who has been among the biggest surprises in any bullpen this season (13 IP, 1 ER, 20 Ks) needed a night off after pitching two games in a row. Despite the need for a bridge to closer Jeanmar Gomez, the Phillies still stayed away from veteran David Hernandez, instead allowing Elvis Araujo and Dalier Hinojosa to navigate the eighth inning. Much of what Hernandez has done this year has been positive — he has 16 strikeouts in just 9.1 innings. But he’s also had two particularly tough outings, and yesterday is an indication that he needs to do a little more if he’s ever going to push Gomez for the closer role again.
Updated hierarchy: Gomez | Neris | Hernandez.
April 27, 2016
Philadelphia Phillies — Hector Neris pitched a clean eighth inning on Tuesday to lower his ERA to 0.75. Not only is he second on the Phillies with four holds, but he is also second among all MLB relievers with 20 strikeouts. The team believes that Neris is one of its best relievers, and that means he should be getting more high-leverage chances as the season progresses.
Updated hierarchy: Gomez | Hernandez | Neris.
April 22, 2016
Philadelphia Phillies — The Phillies called up former A’s closer Andrew Bailey from the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs (book your workplace visit from Hambone or Chris P. Bacon here!) on Wednesday. You may see some speculative pickups in your leagues, but it’s too early to tell whether Bailey can bounce back from his late spring struggles and factor into manager Pete Mackanin’s late-inning plans.
Hierarchy remains: Gomez | Hernandez | Hinojosa.
April 13, 2016
Philadelphia Phillies – Jeanmar Gomez is now 3-for-3 in save opportunities this season and has yet to give up a run. Pete Mackanin doesn’t want to jinx Gomez, but we’re taking away the asterisk and giving Gomez the full-time gig.
Hierarchy remains: Gomez | Hernandez | Hinojosa.
April 11, 2016
Philadelphia Phillies – Jeanmar Gomez solidified his position at the top of the Phillies committee on Sunday, posting another easy save against the Mets. Though Pete Mackanin hasn’t officially named him the closer yet, Gomez is now in a position where he can expect to be used as the closer until he blows a save, and even then, he might get another shot after the two successful outings this weekend.
Hierarchy remains: *Gomez | Hernandez | Hinojosa.
* = closer-by-committee
April 10, 2016
Philadelphia Phillies — The Phillies won their first game of the season on Saturday, and it was Jeanmar Gomez who picked up the save. He only needed six pitches to retire the Mets in order. David Hernandez pitched a perfect 8th inning with two strikeouts. Meanwhile, Dalier Hinojosa came on in the 6th inning on Friday. Gomez should get the next save opportunity based on his strong performance last night and we will move Hernandez back ahead of Hinojosa for now.
Updated hierarchy: *Gomez | Hernandez | Hinojosa.
* = closer-by-committee
April 8, 2016
Philadelphia Phillies — The Phillies are now 0-3 after Thursday’s loss, and although there was no save chance, the closer situation became even murkier. After the game, manager Pete Mackanin said he was thinking about using Jeanmar Gomez in a save opportunity: “I was thinking about Gomez. We’re auditioning. We’ve got to find out. It’s a daily question. Why not Gomez? Let’s see what he can do.” Later he called the situation “up for grabs” and a “toss-up.” This kind of uncertainty is not what fantasy managers want to hear. Either way, it could be worth snatching up the new leader in the majors’ most volatile committee.
Updated hierarchy: *Gomez | Hinojosa | Hernandez.
* = closer-by-committee
April 7, 2016
Philadelphia Phillies – For the second straight game the Philadelphia bullpen could not close out a one-run game. This time it was Dalier Hinojosa who blew a 9th-inning lead, loading the bases before allowing a walk-off double. After the game, Pete Mackanin said he might go back to Hinojosa, but also praised Jeanmar Gomez and David Hernandez, leaving little clarity in what is quickly becoming the majors’ most volatile bullpen. Don’t be surprised if Hernandez or Gomez gets the next save opportunity.
Hierarchy remains: *Hinojosa | Hernandez | Gomez.
* = closer-by-committee
April 5, 2016
Philadelphia Phillies – Opening day was not kind to David Hernandez. Phillies manager Pete Mackanin tapped Hernandez to hold a one-run lead in the 8th inning. It’s unclear whether Hernandez would have stayed in the game had he pitched well — Phillies beat writers were speculating that Dalier Hinojosa would get the 9th — but it was a moot as Hernandez melted down, giving up 3 earned runs on two walks and a hit, all without recording a single out. Regardless of what the plan was, it seems likely that Hinojosa will get the next opportunity.
Updated hierarchy: *Hinojosa | Hernandez | Gomez.
* = closer-by-committee
April 1, 2016
Philadelphia Phillies — Andrew Bailey is back on the outs in Philly, and (unlike Festus Ezeli) will probably be cut today. Jeanmar Gomez stands to benefit from Bailey’s fall from grace.
Updated hierarchy: *Hernandez | Hinojosa | Gomez.
* = closer-by-committee
March 31, 2016
Philadelphia Phillies – The Phillies bullpen is beginning to take shape after a few cuts, but manager Pete Mackanin is still not ready to declare a closer. He did say, however, that David Hernandez and Dalier Hinojosa are the top candidates at this point. Andrew Bailey is fighting for one of the last remaining spots in the bullpen. For now we will put Hernandez back at the top of the hierarchy, but this is a situation that we will continue to monitor.
Updated hierarchy: *Hernandez | Hinojosa | Bailey.
* = closer-by-committee
March 28, 2016
Philadelphia Phillies – A week after saying that Andrew Bailey had taken the lead in the Philadelphia closer race, Phillies skipper Pete Mackanin said that he needed “to see more out of him,” including better velocity and command. This comes in the wake of two rough outings for Bailey, and while he righted the ship with a clean inning on Sunday, there’s speculation that he could actually start the year in the minors to see if he can regain his form. Injuries have kept David Hernandez from pitching a lot this spring, but Dalier Hinojosa has thrown seven strong innings, allowing just two earned runs and a tidy 7/1 K/BB ratio. This situation is still wide open, with any of the three relievers a possibility to start the season in the 9th inning role.
Hierarchy remains: *Bailey | Hernandez | Hinojosa.
* = closer-by-committee
March 24, 2016
Philadelphia Phillies – Andrew Bailey appears to be the front-runner for the closer’s job, though manager Pete Mackanin has also said that David Hernandez and Dalier Hinojosa are also in the mix. While Edward Mujica is all but a lock to make the roster, the three aforementioned arms are the only ones being considered for the ninth inning at the moment.
Updated hierarchy: *Bailey | Hernandez | Hinojosa.
* = closer-by-committee
March 18, 2016
Philadelphia Phillies – Andrew Bailey has now pitched four scoreless spring innings, allowing just one hit and striking out five. With David Hernandez battling a sore triceps, Bailey may have emerged as the early favorite to close for Philadelphia. Among other possible candidates, Edward Mujica is also having a good spring and may make the team, but hasn’t generated much discussion for the closer spot. Ernesto Frieri, meanwhile, isn’t pitching well.
Updated hierarchy: *Hernandez | Bailey | Mujica.
* = closer-by-committee
March 2, 2016
Philadelphia Phillies – The Phillies traded one of their last valuable assets in Ken Giles during the offseason, leaving them with a hodgepodge of washed-up former closers (David Hernandez! Ernesto Frieri! Andrew Bailey! Edward Mujica!) and not-good-enough-yet youngsters vying for the 9th inning role. Though this is one of the most wide-open races in baseball, beat writers have labeled Hernandez the early favorite, as he was the only reliever to sign a guaranteed major league contract with the Phillies in the offseason. Hernandez got off to a strong start yesterday, firing a perfect inning in his first action of the spring. If he wins the job, his handcuff will probably be whichever former closer listed above can make the roster. If none of them do, Luis Garcia and Jeanmar Gomez are both, uh, kind of OK.
Starting 2016 hierarchy: Hernandez | Garcia | Gomez.
Holds candidates: Garcia, Gomez.
October 2, 2015
Philadelphia Phillies — As we predicted, Ken Giles got a day off and Luis Garcia grabbed the save against the Mets on Thursday.
Hierarchy remains: Giles | Garcia | Hinojosa.
September 30, 2015
Philadelphia Phillies — While Ken Giles is the only Philadelphia reliever worth having in your lineup at this point, if you’re looking for a couple extra holds this week, Dalier Hinojosa may be an option. A September call-up, Hinojosa has a 1.29 ERA this month, and has lowered his overall ERA to just 0.90 thanks to six straight scoreless appearances. Meanwhile, Jeanmar Gomez has entered a game with his team ahead since Sept. 12.
Updated hierarchy: Giles | Garcia | Hinojosa.
August 29, 2015
Philadelphia Phillies — Jerome Williams, by all accounts a friendly guy, is nonetheless the very worst pitcher on the very worst team in baseball. On Friday, demoted from the rotation, Jerome pitched a high-leverage eighth to give his beleaguered bullpen a rest, then headed back out for a pressure-free save, newly staked to a six-run lead. That strange feeling, Philadelphia? It’s joy. It’ll pass. Eat Arby’s.
Hierarchy remains: Giles | Garcia | Gomez.
August 20, 2015
Philadelphia Phillies — Ken Giles remains the class of the Philadelphia bullpen, but if you are speculating on a handcuff or holds, Luis Garcia may be the next best option. His last three appearances have come in the 8th inning, while Jeanmar Gomez has picked up spots in the 6th and 7th. While it is tough to recommend any Philadelphia reliever besides Giles, if anything happens to him, Garcia has the inside track.
Updated hierarchy: Giles | Garcia | Gomez.
July 29, 2015
Philadelphia Phillies — The Phillies finally dealt away Jonathan Papelbon yesterday, clearing the 9th inning for longtime heir apparent Kenneth Giles, who earned his first save of the season last night. Giles first turned heads at the major league level in 2014, when he posted what was one of the best seasons for a reliever in the game (1.18 ERA, 0.79 WHIP, 64 Ks in 45.2 innings). He hasn’t been quite as dominant this year, but early-season nagging injuries may have played a role. We’re guessing he’s already owned if your league is even remotely deep, but if not, he’s a must add. We expect he’ll be the closer in Philadelphia for a good while. Luis Garcia got the 8th on Tuesday, and he’ll join Jeanmar Gomez and occasionally Jake Diekman as the bridge to Giles.
Updated hierarchy: Giles | Gomez | Garcia.
July 28, 2015
Philadelphia Phillies — The Phillies finally dealt away Jonathan Papelbon, clearing the 9th inning for longtime heir apparent Kenneth Giles. Giles first turned heads at the major league level in 2014, when he posted what was one of the best seasons for a reliever in the game (1.18 ERA, 0.79 WHIP, 64 Ks in 45.2 innings). He hasn’t been quite as dominant this year, but early-season nagging injuries may have played a role. We’re guessing he’s already owned if your league is even remotely deep, but if not, he’s a must add. We expect he’ll be the closer in Philadelphia for a good while. Look for Jeanmar Gomez, Jake Diekman, and Luis Garcia to get more looks, holds-wise.
Updated hierarchy: Giles | Gomez | Diekman.
July 25, 2015
Philadelphia Phillies — 17 saves in 17 appearances isn’t the only streak Jonathan Papelbon is working on this season; he’s also managed to whine about wanting a trade every single time he has seen a reporter. The latest rumor has him headed inside the division, to Washington.
Hierarchy remains: Papelbon | Giles | Gomez.
July 23, 2015
Philadelphia Phillies — ESPN’s Jayson Stark is reporting that trade talks about closer Jonathan Papelbon have stalled with the three most likely landing spots (Cubs, Dodgers, Blue Jays). This is bad news for anyone that was speculating on this trade. Ken Giles won’t get a shot while Papelbon is still around, and Papelbon would see more save opportunities with a contender. Philadelphia will still be shopping Papelbon around, and Papelbon himself is still clamoring to get out, but if these reports are true he may be stuck with the Phillies for the rest of the year. At least he got the win yesterday.
Hierarchy remains: Papelbon | Giles | Gomez.
June 21, 2015
Philadelphia Phillies — With set-up man Ken Giles given the night off after pitching in three straight games, right-hander Jeanmar Gomez was called on to pitch the eighth inning in front of Jonathan Papelbon. With a scoreless inning last night, Gomez’s ERA drops to 2.38 ERA on the season. We expect him to play a larger role in the late innings for the rest of the season, especially if Pap is shipped out.
Updated hierarchy: Papelbon | Giles | Gomez.
June 12, 2015
Philadelphia Phillies — You may notice a few dozen pickups of setup man Ken Giles on your preferred fantasy platform. That’s because the Phillies are ramping up trade discussions involving closer Jonathan Papelbon. Papelbon is due to make $8 million more this season, with a $13 million option for 2016 that will vest if he finishes 26 more games this year. The Phillies are reportedly calling contenders to let them know the team will eat some of Papelbon’s salary for this season and next in order to get a better return. The Blue Jays and Cubs reportedly have talked to the Phillies this month, with the Mariners, Rays, and Marlins possibly interested as well.
Hierarchy remains: Papelbon | Giles | Garcia.
May 16, 2015
Philadelphia Phillies — As semi-foretold by yesterday’s Vulture Save Watch, Luis Garcia earned his first big league save, striking out two in two innings of clutch relief.
Hierarchy remains: Papelbon | Giles | Garcia.
April 22, 2015
Philadelphia Phillies – Luis Garcia has been terrific for the Phillies this season and he picked up his second hold of the year on Tuesday. Garcia has not allowed a run since Sept. 10, 2014, and has struck out seven batters in his last six innings of work, including two on Tuesday. With Jake Diekman’s ERA a robust 13.50, Garcia is the safer bet in the seventh inning going forward.
Updated hierarchy: Papelbon | Giles | Garcia.
April 9, 2015
Philadelphia Phillies – Ken Giles struggled with his control in his 2015 debut, walking three and giving up a pair of unearned runs. However, the story of the night was Jonathan Papelbon, who bailed out Giles to get a four-out save. Afterwards he had some fun with the press, which included his best Randy Moss impression. All this serves to highlight his rift with the Philadelphia front office, which could lead to a trade if the right buyer comes along.
Hierarchy remains: Papelbon | Giles | Diekman.
March 9, 2015
Philadelphia Phillies – Count us among the folks who can’t wait for Jonathan Papelbon to get his hostile, crotch-grabbing self traded, which would open the door for youngster Ken Giles to ascend to the role he’s destined for. Giles put up a 1.18 ERA last year along with 64 strikeouts in just 45.2 innings. If you’re in a league that drafts any middle relievers at all, he should be one of the first off the board. Jake Diekman is the other power arm in the bullpen; the lefty should gobble up any holds that don’t go Giles’s way.
Starting 2015 hierarchy: Papelbon | Giles | Diekman.
Holds candidates: Giles, Diekman.
September 27, 2014
Philadelphia Phillies — Jonathan Papelbon made his first appearance in Philadelphia since he was suspended for making a lewd gesture after blowing a save a few weeks ago. As you would expect, fans booed Papelbon when he was announced for the 9th inning, but he was still able to pick up his 39th save of the season. Papelbon still has at least one year left on his deal, but after his recent actions and the performance of rookie Ken Giles, the Phillies will likely try to trade Papelbon in the off-season.
Updated hierarchy: Papelbon | Giles | Diekman.
September 24, 2014
Philadelphia Phillies — Jonathan Papelbon returned from his seven-game suspension on Tuesday. According to Ryne Sandberg, Papelbon will immediately return to the closer role, which should make for riveting television when the last-place Phillies close their season at home this weekend.
Updated hierarchy: Papelbon | Giles | Diekman.
September 21, 2014
Philadelphia Phillies — Ken Giles pitched a perfect 9th inning last night for his first career save. Giles will continue to see save chances while closer Jonathan Papelbon is suspended.
Hierarchy remains: Giles | Diekman | De Fratus.
September 15, 2014
Philadelphia Phillies — Jonathan Papelbon’s homage to Michael Jackson has earned him a seven-game suspension, starting tonight in San Diego. Ken Giles is the man to own in the Philly pen for the next week — and perhaps thereafter. The Phillies have tired of Papelbon’s antics, issuing a statement that oozes with contempt, and the team is well aware that his $13 million option for 2016 vests with another five games finished this season.
Updated hierarchy: Giles | Diekman | De Fratus.
September 2, 2014
Philadelphia Phillies — The Phillies ‘pen combined with starter Cole Hamels for the season’s fourth no-hitter, with Jake Diekman, Ken Giles and Jonathan Papelbon not allowing a single base runner in the final three innings.
Hierarchy remains: Papelbon | Giles | Diekman.
August 23, 2014
Philadelphia Phillies — Jake Diekman got the last two outs of the 7th inning last night, protecting a one run lead. Diekman picked up his 15th hold of the season, and it was his second straight appearance pitching the 7th inning ahead of Ken Giles and Jonathan Papelbon. Antonio Bastardo, on the other hand, has taken the loss in three of his last four appearances. Diekman should continue to see time in the later innings for the Phillies.
Updated hierarchy: Papelbon | Giles | Diekman.
August 21, 2014
Philadelphia Phillies — Ken Giles is in some impressive company as the pitcher with the sixth-best K rate in the game this season; naturally, he struck out the side in the eighth on Wednesday.
Hierarchy remains: Papelbon | Giles | Bastardo.
August 5, 2014
Philadelphia Phillies — Jonathan Papelbon was placed on waivers Monday and is expected to clear on Wednesday. That will free him up for a trade, though he will only waive his no-trade clause if he can close elsewhere. Those options are few and far between, but if a trade is worked out, Ken Giles is waiting in the wings.
Hierarchy remains: Papelbon | Giles | Bastardo.
July 30, 2014
Philadelphia Phillies — Jonathan Papelbon certainly isn’t making it any easier on the Phillies, refusing to waive his no-trade clause for any team that won’t promise to let him close. A real stand-up guy, that Paps.
Hierarchy remains: Papelbon | Giles | Bastardo.
July 20, 2014
Philadelphia Phillies – Ken Giles got the ball in the 8th inning last night and picked up his third hold of the season. With Giles continuing to shine in his audition, he’s a great speculative add (as mentioned here) for teams looking for saves. Jonathan Papelbon could be shipped out soon.
Updated hierarchy: Papelbon | Giles | Bastardo.
July 16, 2014
Philadelphia Phillies – Jonathan Papelbon hasn’t won any friends in Philly by announcing his willingness to waive his no-trade clause to avoid the “mind-boggling” fate of staying on “a losing team.” With the Phillies sinking out of contention, most consider him all but gone, which would open the door for closer of the future Ken Giles — especially if Antonio Bastardo also gets moved. TRADE DEADLINE BUY+: Ken Giles. BUY: Antonio Bastardo.
July 8, 2014
Philadelphia Phillies — Ken Giles got his first taste of set-up duty on Monday night, and he was strong in recording four outs against the heart of the Brewers’ order to preserve a 3-2 lead. The heir apparent to Jonathan Papelbon lowered his ERA to 0.77 and continued to make a case for why the Phils should trade Papelbon. While this was Giles’ first high-leverage spot, his previous nine appearances had also been against opponents’ best hitters and it won’t be long before he gets a chance to close out a game for the struggling Phillies.
Updated hierarchy: Papelbon | Bastardo | Giles.
June 18, 2014
Philadelphia Phillies — Jacob Diekman and his 100 MPH fastball have been seeing some high-leverage innings lately, including Tuesday’s eighth. Although Antonio Bastardo would probably be the next choice for saves in the Philly bullpen, Diekman and Ken Giles could play larger roles as the season progresses.
Updated hierarchy: Papelbon | Bastardo | Diekman.
June 9, 2014
Philadelphia Phillies – Mike Adams was placed on the DL with a sore rotator cuff. Justin De Fratus, who is working on a 9-inning scoreless streak, moves up to take his place, but keep an eye on Ken Giles, who was just brought up to take Adams’s place. Giles has electric stuff, and could one day be the Philadelphia closer. With their season in the tank, the Phillies might give him a lengthy audition in the bigs.
Updated hierarchy: Papelbon | Bastardo | De Fratus.
April 15, 2014
Philadelphia Phillies – With both Jonathan Papelbon and Antonio Bastardo unavailable, Jacob Diekman blew the save last night in a wild game against Atlanta that no team seemed to want to win. Before Diekman’s implosion, B.J. Rosenberg made history in the eighth inning when he became the first pitcher in major league history to face three batters and allow three home runs. The Phillies did get some good bullpen news yesterday, however, as Mike Adams is set to be activated off the DL today. He’ll likely slide into the seventh inning for the time being. Hierarchy change: Mike Adams to 2nd in line, replacing B.J. Rosenberg.
April 13, 2014
Philadelphia Phillies – Antonio Bastardo pitched a scoreless 8th inning in a tie game last night. His numbers aren’t very impressive on the young season (6 walks vs only 4 k’s in 6.1 innings) but he has pitched the 8th in each of his last 3 appearances. If anything happens to Papelbon it looks like Bastardo could get the first shot to close. Hierarchy change: Antonio Bastardo to Set-up, B.J. Rosenberg to 2nd in line.
April 10, 2014
Philadelphia Phillies — In a tie game on Wednesday, the Phils called on Jake Diekman in the seventh, and he struck out the side. After Antonio Bastardo came out for the eighth, the Brewers pulled away with three runs, including a two-run triple from even bigger cheater Ryan Braun. Ryne Sandberg has been somewhat inconsistent handing out high-leverage work, but Bastardo would certainly be in the mix if Jonathan Papelbon goes down, or just keeps getting worse. Hierarchy change: Antonio Bastardo to 2nd in line, replacing Jacob Diekman.
April 6, 2014
Philadelphia Phillies — Jacob Diekman pitched a scoreless eighth inning yesterday with the Phillies up 2. He picked up his second hold of the season, and it looks like he will be used in the later innings ahead of closer Jonathan Papelbon. Hierarchy change: Jacob Diekman to 2nd in line, replacing Justin De Fratus.
March 13, 2014
Philadelphia Phillies — Decreased velocity and a plummeting strikeout rate drop the pricy Jonathan Papelbon into the bottom half of our rankings. Ranked #16 in our preseason closer rankings.
March 11, 2014
Philadelphia Phillies – This pen will go from bottom-five to top-five if Jonathan Papelbon is to be believed. On Thursday, Mike Adams will face hitters for the first time since his shoulder surgery, and Antonio Bastardo is coming off a 50-game PED suspension, so if the Phils are to see drastic improvement, it will have to start with the likes of B.J. Rosenberg, Justin De Fratus, and Jake Diekman. Starting 2014 hierarchy: Closer — Jonathan Papelbon; Set-up — B.J. Rosenberg (Mike Adams injured); 2nd in line — Justin De Fratus.
September 9, 2013
Philadelphia Phillies – Despite his relative inexperience, we boldly decided to list B.J. Rosenberg as the Philadelphia set-up man last week, but then got timid after he was given five straight days off, promoting Jacob Diekman after Rosenberg was absent on several nights where an 8th-inning hold was available. So, of course, with Jonathan Papelbon unavailable yesterday, it was Rosenberg who got the 9th inning vulture save chance. He converted for his first major league save. Stick to your guns next time, Monkey! Hierarchy change: B.J. Rosenberg to Set-up, Jacob Diekman to 2nd in line.
September 8, 2013
Philadelphia Phillies – Jacob Diekman finished the 8th inning ahead of Jonathan Papelbon on Saturday. After a tough stretch in late July and early August, the lefty has only allowed one run in his last 11.2 innings. Hierarchy change: Jacob Diekman to Set-up, B.J. Rosenberg to 2nd in line.
September 4, 2013
Philadelphia Phillies — After two straight poor outings, Justin De Fratus came on in the fifth inning of Tuesday’s loss to Washington. B.J. Rosenberg, who finished Tuesday’s game, has 10 straight scoreless appearances since coming up in mid-August, and several have come in close eighth innings. Hierarchy change: B.J. Rosenberg to Set-up, replacing Justin De Fratus.
August 6, 2013
Philadelphia Phillies — Antonio Bastardo was handed a 50-game suspension on Monday for his connection to performance-enhancing drugs. Justin De Fratus has been effective since mid-July, not allowing a run in his last six appearances — and the Phils will need him, with Mike Adams out until 2014 after shoulder surgery. Hierarchy change: Justin De Fratus to Set-up, replacing Antonio Bastardo.
July 20, 2013
Philadelphia Phillies – Justin De Fratus gave up 2 more runs on Friday night and his ERA is up to 5.23. Jacob Diekman, on the other hand, has been pitching well, as he has not allowed a run in his last 5 appearances. Hierarchy change: Jacob Diekman to 2nd in line, replacing Justin De Fratus.
July 18, 2013
Philadelphia Phillies – With Jonathan Papelbon on the market, the euphonious Antonio Bastardo is just a trade away from closing. TRADE DEADLINE BUY/SELL: BUY Antonio Bastardo.
July 10, 2013
Philadelphia Phillies — As predicted in yesterday’s Vulture Save Watch, Antonio Bastardo earned his second save of the year on Tuesday, allowing Jonathan Papelbon some much-needed rest. With Mike Adams now on the long-term disabled list and Papelbon possibly moving to Detroit or Boston, Bastardo’s value could soon increase dramatically. No hierarchy change.
June 25, 2013
Philadelphia Phillies — Almost any other closer who blew four of his last five save opportunities would be on the Hot Seat, if not looking for new work. Jonathan Papelbon, however, is not your average closer and, in fairness, he was placed in a tough spot on Monday by Charlie Manuel’s decision to let a flagging Cliff Lee start the ninth. With the Phillies bullpen sporting a league-worst 4.68 ERA and 1.50 WHIP, something has to change soon — but that’s more likely to be Papelbon’s trade value than his bullpen role. No hierarchy change.
June 23, 2013
Philadelphia Phillies – Mike Adams is back on the DL. Antonio Bastardo pitched the 8th inning ahead of Papelbon last night and should continue to be used in that set-up role. Hierarchy change: Mike Adams to DL, Antonio Bastardo to Set-up, Justin De Fratus to 2nd in line.
June 14, 2013
Philadelphia Phillies – The Philadelphia bullpen hasn’t been a point of strength this season, and it’s been touch-and-go in terms of getting the ball to Jonathan Papelbon, who until last night didn’t have a single save in June. After Antonio Bastardo got knocked around on Wednesday, blowing the game in the 7th inning and eventually taking the loss, the Phillies went to Mike Adams in the 8th inning on Thursday. Adams hasn’t been as good since coming off the disabled list, but after last night, he’s probably moved past Bastardo again on the depth chart. For speculators, the 8th-inning battle in Philly is worth watching, as Papelbon is a candidate to be dealt some time this summer. Hierarchy change: Mike Adams to Set-up, Antonio Bastardo to 2nd in line.
June 3, 2013
Philadelphia Phillies – Jonathan Papelbon missed the game on Sunday with a bad sinus infection and could be out for an additional day or two. Antonio Bastardo picked up a shaky save in his absence and will likely share 9th inning duties with Mike Adams if Papelbon needs another day to recover. Hierarchy change: Antonio Bastardo to Set-up, Mike Adams to 2nd in line.
May 30, 2013
Philadelphia Phillies – Mike Adams had a rocky return from the disabled list on Monday, but was back to his old form on Wednesday, pitching a clean 8th ahead of Jonathan Papelbon. Hierarchy change: Mike Adams to Set-up, Antonio Bastardo to 2nd in line.
May 21, 2013
Philadelphia Phillies — Mike Adams was placed on the disabled list with a strained back, retroactive to May 11. He hopes to return by the 27th, but in the meantime, Charlie Manuel has indicated that Justin De Fratus will see more action. Hierarchy change: Mike Adams to DL, Antonio Bastardo to Set-up, Justin De Fratus to 2nd in line.
February 24, 2013
Philadelphia Phillies – Starting 2013 hierarchy: Closer- Jonathan Papelbon, Set-up- Mike Adams, 2nd in line- Antonio Bastardo.
October 2, 2012
Philadelphia Phillies – Phillippe Aumont picked up his second save of the season on Monday. Jonathan Papelbon had pitched in two straight and was unavailable. No hierarchy change.
September 14, 2012
Philadelphia Phillies – The Phillies went back to Phillippe Aumont yet again in a close 8th inning, this time after Antonio Bastardo had already pitched the 7th. Although Aumont struggled with his control and was tagged with the loss, all three runs were scored after he was relieved with two outs in favor of lefty Jake Diekman. All signs point to Aumont’s ascension in the Philadelphia pen. Hierarchy change: Phillippe Aumont to Set-up, Antonio Bastardo to 2nd in line.
September 12, 2012
Philadelphia Phillies – Phillippe Aumont pitched the 8th inning ahead of Jonathan Papelbon for the second time this week. Aumont, a 23-year-old prospect who was closing for the Phillies in AAA also picked up a save last week, and may get another chance or two down the stretch. Hierarchy change: Phillippe Aumont to 2nd in line, replacing Josh Lindblom.
September 11, 2012
Philadelphia Phillies – Antonio Bastardo picked up his first save of the season on Monday. As mentioned in yesterday’s Vulture Save Watch, Jonathan Papelbon had pitched in both games of Sunday’s doubleheader. No hierarchy change.
September 4, 2012
Philadelphia Phillies – Jonathan Papelbon threw in the bullpen but that was all manager Charlie Manuel wanted out of his closer after Papelbon had pitched four of the last six days. Right-hander Phillippe Aumont came on in the ninth for his first major league save. Antonio Bastardo had also faced heavy work of late, so Justin De Fratus pitched the eighth for his first hold of the season. No hierarchy change.
August 27, 2012
Philadelphia Phillies – Josh Lindblom picked up a 1.2 inning save on Sunday, as Jonathan Papelbon had the day off after pitching three in a row. Antonio Bastardo has been the 8th inning man lately, so this may have been a match-up play– four of the five hitters Lindblom faced were righties. No hierarchy change.
August 2, 2012
Philadelphia Phillies – The Phillies picked up Josh Lindblom in the Shane Victorino trade, and proved they would use him in tight spots immediately. He was one of three relievers to record an out in the 8th to bridge the gap to Jonathan Papelbon. Hierarchy change: Josh Lindblom to 2nd in line, replacing Jake Diekman.
July 12, 2012
Philadelphia Phillies – Despite the Phillies’ struggles, they’re unlikely to sell off any valuable bullpen assets. Jonathan Papelbon has a long term contract, and they value Antonio Bastardo too highly to move him. TRADE DEADLINE BUY/SELL: None.
June 29, 2012
Philadelphia Phillies – Chad Qualls was sent to the minors on Thursday. Jake Diekman has a 2.08 ERA in June and has been pitching in some higher-leverage late-inning spots as of late, and will move up to take Qualls’s place. Hierarchy change: Jake Diekman to 2nd in line, replacing Chad Qualls.
May 25, 2012
Philadelphia Phillies – Antonio Bastardo pitched the 8th inning on Thursday, and has reclaimed his role as the Phillies set-up man after some struggles early in the season. Hierarchy change: Antonio Bastardo to Set-up, Chad Qualls to 2nd in line.
May 5, 2012
Philadelphia Phillies – Jose Contreras has struggled since returning from the disabled list, and was used early in the game on Friday. Antonio Bastardo was called on in the 7th, and he pitched a clean inning. Hierarchy change: Antonio Bastardo to 2nd in line, replacing Jose Contreras.
April 21, 2012
Philadelphia Phillies – Jose Contreras returned from the disabled list yesterday, pitching the 7th inning ahead of Chad Qualls and Jonathan Papelbon. Contreras should continue to be used in this role, as Antonio Bastardo has settled into a LOOGY role as of late. Hierarchy change: Jose Contreras to 2nd in line, replacing Antonio Bastardo.
April 16, 2012
Philadelphia Phillies – Protecting a 1-run lead in the 8th inning on Sunday, the Phillies went to Chad Qualls over Antonio Bastardo. Philadelphia also used Qualls to protect a 2-run lead in the 8th in their last win, on Thursday. Hierarchy change: Chad Qualls to Set-up, Antonio Bastardo to 2nd in line.
March 20, 2012
Philadelphia Phillies- The Phillies made the biggest bullpen splash in the offseason, signing Jonathan Papelbon in the early days of free agency. Jose Contreras, one of the bullpen holdovers, is hurt and will likely return in late April. Starting 2012 hierarchy: Closer- Jonathan Papelbon, Set-up- Antonio Bastardo, 2nd in line- Chad Qualls.
Nov. 14, 2011
Philadelphia Phillies- The Phillies signed Jonathon Papelbon to a four-year deal. He’ll be their closer for the foreseeable future. Hierarchy change: Jonathon Papelbon to Closer, replacing Ryan Madson.
