April 14, 2023
Detroit Tigers — That’s more like it, A.J. Hinch. Alex Lange was used in the ninth inning of a save situation Thursday, nailing down the save on just 10 pitches. He will most likely be used as the team’s closer moving forward, but we’ll continue to monitor things.
Hierarchy remains: Lange | Cisnero | Foley.
Tampa Bay Rays — The Rays continued their run of dominance Thursday, winning their 13th straight game to start the season, and they can thank the bullpen for this one after starter Jeffrey Springs left the game with an injury after just 3 IP. Braden Bristo, who was just called up prior to the game, wrapped up the Rays sweep with three shutout innings to close a 9-3 final to get the save. Sure, Rays gonna Rays, but Bristo will not normally factor into the late-inning plans.
Hierarchy remains: *Fairbanks | Adam | Poche.
*=closer-by-committee
Milwaukee Brewers – Milwaukee’s entire hierarchy pitched in Thursday’s win against the Padres, but it was Joel Payamps who picked up the save. How? Peter Strzelecki got the final out of the sixth and pitched a clean seventh. After Matt Bush blew the save in the eighth inning, allowing a tying a home run, Devin Williams pitched a clean ninth with the game still tied. That left room for Payamps to pick up the save in the 10th after the Brewers scored in the top half. He might not see another save chance this season.
Hierarchy remains: Williams | Bush | Strzelecki.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Jose Cisnero (DET) – The entire Tigers hierarchy has pitched in two straight, though Cisnero only threw one pitch Wednesday and 12 pitches Thursday.
Saturday:
1. Dany Jimenez (OAK) – If he goes Friday, that would be three of four for Trevor May.
2. Jorge Lopez (MIN) – Same as above for Jhoan Duran.
3. Giovanny Gallegos (STL) – Ditto for Ryan Helsley.
4. Jason Adam (TB) – A Friday outing would be three of five for Pete Fairbanks.
