April 7, 2023
Los Angeles Dodgers – In two of the past three days, Evan Phillips has picked up two clean saves and is another consecutive one away from kicking the asterisk, though it should be noted Brusdar Graterol was not available Thursday due to back tightness. With Graterol ailing and Daniel Hudson slow to recover from knee surgery, Phillips could grab hold of the job and keep it for a long, long time for one of the best teams in baseball.
Hierarchy remains: *Phillips | Graterol | Vesia.
* = closer-by-committee
Colorado Rockies — Pierce Johnson has the first two saves for the Rockies this season, including one Thursday night against the Nationals. Another save for Johnson could lead us to drop the asterisk here, too, at least until Daniel Bard, who is working on his mechanics during side sessions but is not yet ready for game action, returns.
Hierarchy remains: *Johnson | Hand | Lamet.
* = closer-by-committee
Atlanta Braves — Collin McHugh was placed on the IL with right shoulder inflammation. Nick Anderson (3.2 IP, 6 Ks and a hold) has looked impressive so we’ll give him a chance in the hierarchy. Jesse Chavez and Kirby Yates also loom. Meanwhile, Raisel Iglesias has not resumed throwing yet, so AJ Minter, who got the win Thursday, should continue to gobble up save chances.
Updated hierarchy: Minter | Jimenez | Anderson.
Toronto Blue Jays — The Vulture Save Watch correctly projected an off day Thursday for Jordan Romano, but it was Adam Cimber, not Yimi Garcia, who scored the save. Garcia had the last two outs of the eighth, leaving Cimber to pitch a 1-2-3 ninth. We’ll move Cimber into our hierarchy given this usage.
Updated hierarchy: Romano | Swanson | Cimber
Chicago White Sox — Congratulations are due for Liam Hendriks, who finished his final round of chemo earlier this week! He was only placed on the 15-day IL to start the year – not the 60-day IL. This suggests he could return sooner than June. Stay tuned!
Hierarchy remains: *Lopez | Graveman | Kelly.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Joe Jimenez (ATL) – AJ Minter has pitched in three of four.
2. Alex Vesia (LAD) – Evan Phillips has gone in three of five. Plus, Brusdar Graterol is currently nursing a tight back.
Saturday:
1. Brad Hand (COL) – If he goes Friday, that would be three of four for Pierce Johnson.
2. Erik Swanson (TOR) – Same as above for Jordan Romano.
