San Francisco Giants

San Francisco Giants Fantasy Baseball Daily Bullpen Updates and Closer Depth Chart

*= closer-by-committee

Previous updates:

San Francisco Giants – It’s both too early to give up on Camilo Doval as a closer and very difficult trusting him next season. Another reliever struggling with a rising WHIP and declining K-BB percentage. Things become trickier with the emergence of Ryan Walker. He took over as the closer and converted all ten save chances from August 10-on with 28 strikeouts versus five walks during his last 17 appearances, spanning 19.2 innings. Doval may need a change of scenery and Walker was the team’s best reliever, making him our projected closer for 2025. 

September 28, 2024

San Francisco Giants – Preserving a one-run lead, Spencer Bivens recorded his first career save, allowing a lead-off single and retiring the next three batters, two via strikeout.

• Ryan Walker took over at the top of the eighth against the Cardinals’ 2-3-4 lineup pocket, navigating around a hit and a walk for a scoreless outing. He collected his tenth win courtesy of his team’s rally at the bottom of the inning.
• Tyler Rogers suffered his second blown save, letting one of two inherited runners score, giving up a hit and a walk while striking out one in the top of the seventh.
• Erik Miller opened the inning but gave up two hits, three earned runs, and two walks without recording an out.
• Camilo Doval secured his fifth hold, yielding a hit and striking out two in a scoreless sixth.

Hierarchy remains: Ryan Walker | Tyler Rogers | Camilo Doval

September 23, 2024

San Francisco Giants – Locking down his tenth save, Ryan Walker retired the side and preserved a three-run win in Arizona. He threw 14 pitches (64.2 Strike%) and induced one whiff. Since taking over as the closer on August 10, he’s appeared in 16 games and been scoreless in 14 while converting all ten save opportunities with 28 strikeouts against four walks across 18.2 innings.

• Camilo Doval secured his fourth hold, walking and striking out one in a scoreless eighth.
• Erik Miller gave up two hits and an earned run while striking out two in the seventh.
• Spencer Bivens tossed a scoreless sixth, yielding a hit and striking out two for his second hold.

Hierarchy remains: Ryan Walker | Tyler Rogers | Camilo Doval

September 22, 2024

San Francisco Giants – Shutting the door on his ninth save, Ryan Walker worked around a lead-off hit batter by retiring the next three hitters, two via strikeout. He preserved a combined shutout, throwing 14 pitches (64.2 Strike%) and getting one whiff. Since his first save on August 10, he’s been scoreless in 13 of 15 appearances, converting all nine save opportunities with 29 strikeouts versus four walks over 17.2 innings.

• Tyler Rogers gave up a hit and a walk during a scoreless eighth for his 32nd hold.
• Sean Hjelle fired a clean seventh, striking out the side and securing his seventh hold.

Hierarchy remains: Ryan Walker | Tyler Rogers | Camilo Doval

September 20, 2024

San Francisco Giants – Walking the tightrope, Camilo Doval held on for his 23rd save while closing a win over the Royals. He allowed consecutive walks at the onset of the ninth, recorded a strikeout, a batter reach on a fielder’s choice to load the bases, and allowed a sacrifice fly before producing a game-ending strikeout. He threw 27 pitches (13 strikes – 48.1 Strike%) and induced three whiffs.

• Tyler Rogers gave up a hit during a scoreless eighth for his 31st hold.
• Erik Miller issued a walk and struck out two in a scoreless seventh, securing his 14th hold.
• Sean Hjelle stranded a runner and retired his only batter in the sixth, notching his sixth hold.

Hierarchy remains: Ryan Walker | Tyler Rogers | Camilo Doval

September 19, 2024

San Francisco Giants – Taking over a tied game at the bottom of the ninth, Ryan Walker allowed a one-out single by Gunnar Henderson and Anthony Santander’s walk-off two-run home run, resulting in his fourth loss. This snapped his 10-game scoreless streak and represents his first earned runs allowed since July 27. He threw 23 pitches (18 strikes – 78.3 Strike%) and produced four whiffs (17.4 SwStr%).

• Spencer Bivens logged two scoreless frames, yielding three hits and a walk while striking out two.
• Taylor Rogers worked a scoreless sixth, giving up a hit and striking out one.

Hierarchy remains: Ryan Walker | Tyler Rogers | Camilo Doval

September 18, 2024

San Francisco Giants – Shutting the door on his eighth save, Ryan Walker retired the side and recorded one strikeout while finishing a two-run win in Baltimore. He threw 12 pitches (83.3 Strike%) and induced one whiff. He extended his scoreless streak to ten games and converted all seven save opportunities with 17 strikeouts against two walks over his last 12 innings.

• Tyler Rogers notched his 30th hold, tossing a clean eighth and striking out one.
• Sean Hjelle navigated around a hit and a walk while striking out one in the seventh, securing his fifth hold.
• Erik Miller let his only inherited runner score, yielding two hits and striking out one in one-third of the sixth.

Hierarchy remains: Ryan Walker | Tyler Rogers | Camilo Doval

September 15, 2024

San Francisco Giants – Coming into the contest at the top of the tenth, Camilo Doval allowed David Peralta’s RBI single leading off the inning and a one-out Luis Arraez RBI double, resulting in his third loss. He finished with two hits, two runs (one earned), and one strikeout.

• Ryan Walker tossed a scoreless ninth, issuing a walk on 19 pitches (10 strikes – 52.6 Strike%) with one whiff.
• Tyler Rogers gave up Fernando Tatis Jr.’s go-ahead solo home run and recorded a strikeout in the eighth.
• Taylor Rogers retired the side and struck out one in the seventh.
• Erik Miller stranded a runner and retired his only batter in the sixth via strikeout.

Hierarchy remains: Ryan Walker | Tyler Rogers | Camilo Doval

September 8, 2024

San Francisco Giants – Forced into action at the bottom of the eighth with a runner on and one out, Ryan Walker picked off the runner at first base, then induced an inning-ending groundout, preserving the one-run lead. He returned for the ninth, retiring the side for his seventh save. He recorded five outs against four batters faced on 17 pitches (14 strikes – 82.4 Strike%) without a whiff.

• Camilo Doval created the mess, allowing two hits, including Xander Bogaerts’ two-run home run, and issued a walk during one-third of the eighth, getting credited with his third hold.
• Tyler Rogers let all three inherited runners score in the seventh on a wild pitch and a misplayed pop-up by his defense.
• Erik Miller was awarded his fourth win. He stranded a runner in the fifth and gave up a hit and a walk over 1.2 scoreless innings between the fifth and sixth innings.

Hierarchy remains: Ryan Walker | Tyler Rogers | Camilo Doval

September 7, 2024

San Francisco Giants – Although he allowed a lead-off double, Ryan Walker recorded a scoreless ninth and sixth save, preserving a three-run win in San Diego. He threw ten pitches (60 Strike%) without a whiff. He’s converted all six save chances since August 10 and has been scoreless over his last seven games with 16 strikeouts against one walk.

• Camilo Doval fired a clean eighth facing the Padres’ 4-5-6 lineup pocket and recorded two strikeotus. He threw 13 pitches (76.9 Strike%) and generated six whiffs (46.2 SwStr%).
• Tyler Rogers secured his 29th hold with a scoreless seventh. 

Hierarchy remains: Ryan Walker | Tyler Rogers | Camilo Doval

September 5, 2024

San Francisco Giants – Summoned with a runner on third and two outs at the top of the eighth, during a tied game, Ryan Walker recorded an inning-ending strikeout of Jake McCarthy. Walker returned for the ninth, working around a walk and striking out two, keeping the game tied. He collected his ninth win on a walk-off rally in the bottom of the inning. He finished with 1.1 scoreless innings, issuing a walk and striking out three on 22 pitches (15 strikes – 68.2 Strike%) with three whiffs (13.6 SwStr%). He’s been scoreless in 13 of his last 14 games, recording two wins and converting all five save chances with 30 strikeouts against three walks through 16 innings.

• Camilo Doval allowed a hit and struck out one in two-thirds of the eighth.
• Tyler Rogers fired a clean seventh, striking out one.
• Erik Miller tossed a clean sixth and recorded two strikeouts.

Hierarchy remains: Ryan Walker | Tyler Rogers | Camilo Doval

August 30, 2024

San Francisco Giants – Nailing down his fifth save, Ryan Walker retired the side and recorded two strikeouts during a two-run win over the Marlins. He threw 14 pitches (71.4 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (14.3 SwStr%) facing the 3-4-5 hitters. Since taking over as the closer on August 10, he’s allowed one unearned run while collecting a win and converting all five save chances with 21 strikeouts against two walks during eight appearances spanning ten innings.

• Tyler Rogers collected his third win after retiring the side at the top of the eighth ahead of his team’s three-run rally in the bottom of the inning.

Hierarchy remains: Ryan Walker | Tyler Rogers | Camilo Doval

August 27, 2024

San Francisco Giants – Securing his fourth save, Ryan Walker navigated around Willy Adames’ two-out single for a scoreless bottom of the ninth, preserving a one-run win. He threw 18 pitches (13 strikes – 72.2 Strike%) and induced one whiff against Milwaukee’s 3-4-5-6 hitters. Through 11 appearances this month, he has allowed one unearned run across 12.2 innings with 24 strikeouts versus two walks while converting all four save opportunities.

• Tyler Rogers notched his 28th hold, giving up a hit and striking out two over 1.1 scoreless frames.
• Landon Roupp issued two walks and struck out one in two-thirds of the seventh.
• Camilo Doval collected his fifth win, tossing a scoreless sixth. He gave up a hit and two walks while striking out two.

Hierarchy remains: Ryan Walker | Tyler Rogers | Camilo Doval

August 24, 2024

San Francisco Giants – Though reports suggested an off-day for Ryan Walker after logging two innings on Friday, he secured his third save, preserving a one-run win in Seattle. He allowed a two-out single and recorded two strikeouts while throwing 14 pitches (11 strikes – 78.6 Strike%) with one whiff. He’s been scoreless in nine of ten games in August, with 23 strikeouts against two walks over 11.2 innings.

• Camilo Doval made his return, tossing 1.1 scoreless innings. He gave up a walk and recorded two strikeouts on 19 pitches (9 strikes – 47.4 Strike%) with two whiffs.
• Jordan Hicks was credited with his second hold, allowing a hit, an earned run, and two walks while striking out one.
• Spencer Bivens collected his third win. He worked three scoreless frames, scattering two hits and striking out two.

Updated Hierarchy: Ryan Walker | Tyler Rogers | Camilo Doval

August 23, 2024

San Francisco Giants – Taking over a tied game in the bottom of the tenth, Erik Miller suffered his fifth loss of the season, and second in as many outings, allowing Leo Rivas’ walk-off RBI single, scoring the “place” runner.

• Ryan Walker fired two clean frames, retiring five of six batters via strikeout, and stranded two runners in the eighth. He threw 25 pitches (80 Strike%) and generated seven whiffs (28 SwStr%).
• Tyler Rogers imploded, allowing six hits and four earned runs without recording an out in the eighth.
• Landen Roupp issued two walks and recorded a strikeout in a scoreless seventh.
• Taylor Rogers worked a scoreless sixth, walking and striking out one.

Hierarchy remains: Ryan Walker | Tyler Rogers | Jordan Hicks

August 20, 2024

San Francisco Giants – An emphatic second save for Ryan Walker. He fired a clean top of the ninth while striking out the side on 11 pitches (90.9 Strike%) and inducing two whiffs (18.2 SwStr%). He’s given up an unearned run during his eight appearances in August, posting 16 strikeouts against two walks and converting both saves across 8.2 innings.

• Tyler Rogers retired the side for his 27th hold in the eighth, appearing for a third straight contest.
• Sean Hjelle stranded a runner, producing an inning-ending groundout against his only batter.

Hierarchy remains: Ryan Walker | Tyler Rogers | Jordan Hicks

August 19, 2024

San Francisco Giants – Holding on for his first save, Jordan Hicks navigated around two hits for a scoreless ninth, securing a two-run win over the White Sox. He threw 22 pitches (16 strikes – 72.7 Strike%) without a whiff. He’s been scoreless in all six relief outings this month.

• Tyler Rogers let both inherited runners score, yielding two hits and recording a strikeout over two-thirds of the eighth for his 26th hold.
• Spencer Bivens gave up two hits and two earned runs over one-third of the eighth.
• Erik Miller tossed a scoreless seventh, walking and striking out one.

Hierarchy remains: Ryan Walker | Tyler Rogers | Jordan Hicks

August 18, 2024

San Francisco Giants – Taking over a tied game in the bottom of the ninth, Ryan Walker logged two innings, allowing an unearned run in the tenth en route to his eighth win. He gave up a one-out single in the ninth. In the tenth, the lead-off hitter reached on an error, followed by a walk, loading the bases, and Brent Rooker produced an RBI single. Then Walker bore down, striking out the next three batters and preserving the two-run victory. He threw 35 pitches (24 strikes – 68.6 Strike%) and induced five whiffs (14.3 SwStr%). He’s secured a save and this win over his last three outings.

• Tyler Rogers retired the side and struck out one in the eighth on eight pitches. 

Hierarchy remains: Ryan Walker | Tyler Rogers | Jordan Hicks

August 13, 2024

San Francisco Giants – After retiring Matt Olson on a flyout, Randy Rodríguez allowed Travis d’Arnaud’s RBI single, scoring the “place” runner, resulting in his second loss.

• Jordan Hicks tossed a scoreless ninth, giving up a hit and striking out one on 14 pitches (8 strikes – 57.1 Strike%) with one whiff.
• Landon Roupp logged two scoreless frames, scattering two hits and striking out three.
• Sean Hjelle retired the side and recorded a strikeout in the sixth.

Hierarchy remains: Ryan Walker | Tyler Rogers | Jordan Hicks

August 12, 2024

San Francisco Giants – Taking over in the top of the tenth, Taylor Rogers suffered his fourth loss, letting the “place” runner score on Sean Murphy’s RBI single.

• Ryan Walker worked a scoreless ninth, navigating around Marcell Ozuna’s one-out single. Walker threw 15 pitches (66.7 Strike%) and induced two whiffs while recording a strikeout.
• Tyler Rogers retired the side and struck out one in the eighth.
• Randy Rodríguez stranded two runners and retired both batters via strikeout in the seventh.

Hierarchy remains: Ryan Walker | Tyler Rogers | Jordan Hicks

August 11, 2024

San Francisco Giants – In his first Triple-A game since 2021, Camilo Doval was a strike away from an immaculate inning, then issued a walk on four straight pitches, gave up an RBI triple, and an RBI single. He finished his first minor league outing since his demotion with two hits allowed, two earned runs, and a walk while striking out two. He threw 25 pitches (72 Strike%) and produced five whiffs (20 SwStr%) but his issues with traffic continued in this appearance.

August 10, 2024

San Francisco Giants – During his first outing as the “interim closer,” Ryan Walker navigated around a one-out walk and a single with consecutive strikeouts, securing his first save. This also marks the second of his career. He threw 18 pitches (55.6 Strike%) and induced two whiffs. He’s been scoreless in his last six appearances with eight strikeouts against one walk and has not allowed a run in ten of his previous 11.

• Tyler Rogers notched his 25th hold with a clean eighth and struck out one.

Hierarchy remains: Ryan Walker | Tyler Rogers | Jordan Hicks

August 9, 2024

San Francisco Giants – Keeping the game tied with a clean top of the ninth, Tyler Rogers collected his second win, benefiting from a walk-off rally in the bottom of the inning. He threw 14 pitches (8 strikes – 57.1 Strike%) without a whiff. He’s on a five-game scoreless streak, featuring 4.2 clean frames with four strikeouts.

• Landon Roupp worked two scoreless innings and recorded two strikeouts.

With his performance, and perhaps his attitude reaching a tipping point, the Giants have demoted Camilo Doval from the closer role and sent him to Triple-A. In a postgame interview, Bob Melvin confirmed he will use Ryan Walker as the interim closer with quotes in this column by Evan Webeck of The Mercury News.

Adjusted Hierarchy: Ryan Walker | Tyler Rogers | Jordan Hicks

August 8, 2024

San Francisco Giants – Entering the bottom of the tenth with a four-run lead, Taylor Rogers retired the side and recorded two strikeouts.

• Camilo Doval had an eventful bottom of the ninth. He issued a lead-off walk, a leverage mortal sin, but induced a groundout, walked a second hitter, recorded an out, and then gave up Luis Garcia Jr.’s game-tying three-run home run. Doval suffered his fifth blown save but collected his fourth win courtesy of a four-run rally in the top of the tenth. He threw 24 pitches (13 strikes – 54.2 Strike%) and did not produce a whiff. He’s converted five of six save chances in the second half while allowing at least a run in three of his seven appearances with a 1.57 WHIP.
• Ryan Walker fired a clean eighth, striking out one.
• Erik Miller worked a clean seventh, striking out two.
• Jordan HIcks navigated around a hit and a walk during a scoreless sixth.

Hierarchy remains: Camilo Doval | Ryan Walker | Tyler Rogers

August 7, 2024

San Francisco Giants – Although the Nationals loaded the bases, Camilo Doval induced a game-ending double play groundout by Alex Call, preserving the three-run win for his 22nd save. His outing began with a hit batter and a single, followed by a one-out walk before he quelled the situation. He threw 17 pitches (8 strikes – 47.1 Strike%) and induced two whiffs. He’s converted his last five save chances since July 21.

• Tyler Rogers secured his 24th hold with a clean eighth and a strikeout.
• Ryan Walker stranded two runners despite giving up a hit and struck out one in one-third of the seventh for his 21st hold.

Hierarchy remains: Camilo Doval | Tyler Rogers | Ryan Walker

August 5, 2024

San Francisco Giants – Shutting the door on his 21st save, Camilo Doval fired a clean bottom of the ninth while striking out the side, preserving a three-run win in Washington. He threw 13 pitches (9 strikes – 69.2 Strike%) and produced four whiffs (30.8 SwStr%). This represents his first clean outing since July 2, and he’s converted his last four save opportunities.

• Tyler Rogers stranded two runners and retired his only batter in the eight, securing his 23rd hold.
• Taylor Rogers allowed two hits and struck out two in two-thirds of the eighth for his eighth hold.
• Ryan Walker notched his 2oth hold, stranded two runners in the sixth, and retired four of five batters (one reached via hit-by-pitch) while striking out two. 

Hierarchy remains: Camilo Doval | Tyler Rogers | Ryan Walker

July 28, 2024

San Francisco Giants – Just another white-knuckle ride in high leverage with Camilo Doval. He escaped with his 20th save despite allowing consecutive singles opening the ninth and a run on a fielder’s choice grounder. With one out, he bore down, striking out Sam Hilliard and inducing a game-ending groundball by Ezequiel Tovar. Doval finished with two hits allowed and an earned run while striking out one on 21 pitches (13 strikes – 61.9 Strike%) with three whiffs (14.3 SwStr%). He’s converted six of seven save chances in July with an inflated 1.69 WHIP through 8.1 innings.

• Spencer Bivens worked around two hits and a walk while striking out one in a scoreless eighth for his first hold.
• Jordan Hicks logged two innings, giving up three hits and two earned runs while striking out one, getting credit for his first hold.
• Taylor Rogers notched his seventh hold and struck out the side in the fifth.
• Randy Rodríguez collected his third win. He tossed three innings, allowing two hits and an earned run while striking out three.

Hierarchy remains: Camilo Doval | Tyler Rogers | Ryan Walker

July 27, 2024

San Francisco Giants – (Game 1): Despite two runners reaching base, one via a hit-by-pitch and another on a single, Camilo Doval benefited from his defense when Matt Chapman turned a game-ending double play. Doval finished a three-run win with his 19th save but owns a 1.60 WHIP through 40 innings. He threw 12 pitches (75 Strike%) and induced two whiffs. He’s allowed at least a run in two of his last four outings.

• Tyler Rogers notched his 21st hold with a clean eighth while recording a strikeout.
• Ryan Walker suffered his fourth blown save, allowing a game-tying Michael Toglia solo home run, but he collected his seventh win courtesy of a two-run rally at the bottom of the seventh.

Hierarchy remains: Camilo Doval | Tyler Rogers | Ryan Walker

July 21, 2024

San Francisco Giants – During his first appearance in the second half, Camilo Doval recorded his 18th save, working around a two-out walk with a game-ending ground-out, preserving a one-run win in Colorado. He threw 16 pitches (9 strikes – 56.3 Strike%), producing four whiffs (25 SwStr%) and striking out two. This represents his first save since July 5.

• Tyler Rogers notched his 19th hold, allowing a hit during a scoreless eighth.
• Ryan Walker tossed a scoreless seventh, giving up a hit and striking out one for his 17th hold.

Hierarchy remains: Camilo Doval | Tyler Rogers | Ryan Walker

July 19, 2024

San Francisco Giants – Following five shutout innings by Kyle Harrison, the Giants bullpen allowed seven earned runs over the last four innings at Coors Field.

• Taking over in the bottom of the eighth, Luke Jackson allowed Ezequiel Tovar’s solo home run and issued a walk while recording both outs via strikeout in Colorado.
• Tyler Rogers suffered his third loss during his one-third of the eighth. He gave up three hits, including a go-ahead Jack Cave three-run home run.
• Ryan Walker was tagged with his third blown save, giving up two hits, an earned run, and two walks (Ryan McMahon – intentional) while striking out one in the seventh.
• Randy Rodríguez hit a batter and served up a two-run home run by Brenton Doyle in the sixth but was credited with his fifth hold.

Hierarchy remains: Camilo Doval | Tyler Rogers | Ryan Walker

July 18, 2024

San Francisco Giants – On the positive side, the team has one of the easiest remaining strengths of schedules while getting starting pitchers back. This could fuel a run. However, Camilo Doval‘s inflated WHIP (1.622) places him on watch at the onset of the second half. If his struggles continue into August, Ryan Walker may earn some save chances in the second half.

Hierarchy remains: Camilo Doval | Tyler Rogers | Ryan Walker

July 14, 2024

San Francisco Giants – With the go-ahead run at second base, Ryan Walker was brought in against the Twins and retired both batters, keeping the game tied. He collected his sixth win courtesy of a walk-off rally in the bottom of the inning.

• Camilo Doval created the situation. He incurred his fourth blown save, allowing a lead-off walk, a leverage mortal sin, followed by a double, putting runners on second and third. After inducing a strikeout, he allowed Manuel Margot’s two-RBI double, removing him from the contest. Doval threw 18 pitches (11 strikes – 61.1 Strike%) and produced two whiffs. This snapped his modest five-game scoreless streak, and he ended the first half with 17 saves in 21 opportunities.
• Tyler Rogers retired the side in the eighth, securing his 18th hold.

Hierarchy remains: Camilo Doval | Tyler Rogers | Ryan Walker

July 9, 2024

San Francisco Giants – Benefiting from his team’s walk-off rally ending on a wild pitch, Erik Miller collected his third win. He tossed a scoreless top of the ninth, issuing a walk and striking out one.

• Luke Jackson retired the side in the eighth and recorded a strikeout.
• Ryan Walker suffered his second blown save, giving up two hits, including a three-run home run by Ernie Clement, and a walk while striking out two in the seventh. This marked his first earned runs allowed since June 1 and snapped a 10.2-inning scoreless streak.
• Randy Rodríguez worked a clean sixth and struck out one for his fourth hold.

Hierarchy remains: Camilo Doval | Tyler Rogers | Ryan Walker

July 5, 2024

San Francisco Giants – Despite beginning his save chance with a mental mistake of not covering first on an infield single by Steven Kwan, followed by a walk, Camilo Doval regained his footing. He recorded a strikeout against José Ramírez and a game-ending double play groundout by Josh Naylor, securing his 17th save. He threw 15 pitches (7 strikes – 46.7 Strike%), producing only one whiff. He’s been scoreless in seven of his last eight appearances, converting five of six save chances with 12 strikeouts against two walks.

• Tyler Rogers navigated around two hits for a scoreless eighth and his 17th hold.
• Ryan Walker collected his fifth win, stranding two runners in the sixth and logging 1.2 scoreless frames. He allowed a walk and recorded two strikeouts in his outing.
• Randy Rodríguez gets credit for his third hold but gave up two hits, an earned run, and a walk over one-third of the sixth.
• Taylor Rogers notched his sixth hold, yielding a hit and striking out two in a scoreless fifth.

Hierarchy remains: Camilo Doval | Tyler Rogers | Ryan Walker

July 4, 2024

San Francisco Giants – Entering with a two-run lead in the bottom of the ninth, Camilo Doval recorded his 16th save. He allowed Marcell Ozuna’s lead-off single and retired the next three batters, two via strikeout. He threw 16 pitches (75 Strike%) and induced three whiffs (18.8 SwStr%). He’s been scoreless in six of his last seven with 11 strikeouts against one walk and converted four of five save chances.

• Tyler Rogers fired a clean bottom of the eighth and recorded a strikeout during his 16th hold.

Hierarchy remains: Camilo Doval | Tyler Rogers | Ryan Walker

July 2, 2024

San Francisco Giants – Locking down his 15th save, Camilo Doval fired a clean bottom of the ninth and recorded two strikeouts during a two-run win in Atlanta. He faced the 5-6-7 lineup pocket and threw 12 pitches (7 strikes – 58.3 Strike%) with two whiffs (16.7 SwStr%). He’s been scoreless in consecutive outings.

• Tyler Rogers allowed two hits and an earned run while recording two strikeouts in the eighth for his 15th hold.
• Ryan Walker retired the side in the seventh, securing his 15th hold.
• Randy Rodríguez worked a clean sixth, notching his second hold.

Hierarchy remains: Camilo Doval | Tyler Rogers | Ryan Walker

June 29, 2024

San Francisco Giants – Things went off the rails in the top of the 11th. Sean Hjelle issued an intentional walk (Shohei Ohtani) before the Dodgers recorded five straight hits, three for extra bases, resulting in Hjelle’s second loss. He finished with six hits allowed, eight runs (six earned), and a walk while striking out one over two innings.

• Camilo Doval navigated around a hit and a walk for a scoreless ninth, recording three strikeouts. He threw 18 pitches (11 strikes – 61.1 Strike%) and generated five whiffs (27.8 SwStr%).
• Ryan Walker logged 1.2 scoreless frames, yielding a hit and striking out three.

Hierarchy remains: Camilo Doval | Tyler Rogers | Ryan Walker

June 28, 2024

San Francisco Giants – With a one-run lead at the top of the ninth, Camilo Doval suffered his third blown save at the top of the ninth. He allowed a lead-off triple by Andy Pages and a sacrifice fly by Jason Heyward. He settled in and retired the next two batters, one via strikeout, and collected his third win courtesy of a walk-off rally in the bottom of the inning. He threw 12 pitches (66.7 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (16.7 SwStr%). Through 10 outings in June, he’s converted five of seven save opportunities this month but allowed at least a run in three contests with a 1.50 WHIP over nine innings.

• Tyler Rogers secured his 14th hold, giving up a hit and striking out one in a scoreless eighth.

Hierarchy remains: Camilo Doval | Tyler Rogers | Ryan Walker

June 27, 2024

(RP | SFG): After taking over at the top of the tenth, Luke Jackson suffered his second loss, giving up Ian Happ’s go-ahead two-run home run. His final line was one hit allowed and two runs (one earned).

Hierarchy remains: Camilo Doval | Tyler Rogers | Ryan Walker

June 26, 2024

(RP | SFG): Preserving a one-run win, Camilo Doval worked around a lead-off hit for a scoreless ninth while recording one strikeout. 

Analysis

San Francisco Giants – Navigating around a lead-off single, Camilo Doval retired the next three hitters, one via strikeout for his 14th save. He preserved a one-run win, throwing eight pitches (87.5 Strike%) and did not produce a whiff. He’s converted his last five save chances and been scoreless in seven of his last outings. Tyler Rogers benefited from an inning-ending caught stealing. He recorded a scoreless inning despite allowing two hits and a walk. Erik Miller retired the side and recorded a strikeout for his 11th hold. Luke Jackson collected his fourth win, logging 1.1 scoreless innings and walking one.

Hierarchy remains: Camilo Doval | Tyler Rogers | Ryan Walker

June 25, 2024

(RP | SFG): Awarded his first win, Tyler Rogers retired the side in the eighth with a one-run lead. With the team running a bullpen game, the home field scorer decides which reliever deserves the win.

Analysis

San Francisco Giants – Making a non-save appearance, Camilo Doval fired a clean top of the ninth and recorded one strikeout. This marked his first game action since June 17. He threw 15 pitches (66.7 Strike%) and generated six whiffs (40 SwStr%) against the Cubs’ 4-5-6 lineup pocket. He’s been scoreless in six of his last seven outings while converting three saves. Tyler Rogers was awarded his first win. He worked a clean eighth with his team ahead by one. Ryan Walker notched his 14th hold, tossing 1.1 scoreless frames, giving up a walk and striking out two. Taylor Rogers tossed a scoreless combined inning, yielding a hit and a walk while striking out one. Sean Hjelle logged two scoreless frames, allowing two hits and striking out two.

Hierarchy remains: Camilo Doval | Tyler Rogers | Ryan Walker

June 24, 2024

(RP | SFG): After logging 4.2 scoreless frames, Spencer Howard collected his first win courtesy of a walk-off rally in the bottom of the ninth. In his bulk outing, he scattered four hits and issued a walk while striking out eight. He threw 77 pitches (54 strikes—70.1 Strike%) and produced 14 whiffs (18.2 SwStr%).

Hierarchy remains: Camilo Doval | Tyler Rogers | Ryan Walker

June 18, 2024

(RP | SFG): Suffering his second loss, Tyler Rogers allowed four hits, three earned runs, and a walk while striking out one over two-thirds in the bottom of the eighth against the Cubs.

Hierarchy remains: Camilo Doval | Tyler Rogers | Ryan Walker

June 17, 2024

(RP | SFG): Back into the high-leverage saddle, Camilo Doval retired the side and struck out one, closing out a come-from-behind rally at the top of the ninth while converting his 13th save.

Analysis

San Francisco Giants -Capping a ninth-inning comeback, Camilo Doval secured his 13th save with a clean bottom of the ninth while striking out one. He threw 11 pitches (63.6 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (27.3 SwStr%). It’s been a volatile month for the closer. He’s converted all four save chances, with two of his seven outings yielding four earned runs, producing a 2.67 WHIP with seven strikeouts versus six walks across six innings. Erik Miller suffered his third blown save, allowing two hits, including a three-run home run by Ian Happ. However, he collected his second courtesy of his teammate’s three-run home run in the top of the ninth. Randy Rodríguez was tagged with his first blown save, allowing four hits and three earned runs over 1.2 innings.

Hierarchy remains: Camilo Doval | Tyler Rogers | Ryan Walker

June 16, 2024

(RP | SFG): During his major league debut, Spencer Bivens collected his first win operating as the “bulk follower,” tossing three innings, giving up a solo home run, and striking out four. 

Analysis

San Francisco Giants – Brought into a lopsided contest for work, Camilo Doval struggled in a low-leverage situation. He allowed a lead-off single, followed by a double, and recorded his first out on a sacrifice fly. With a ten-run lead, he issued a walk, gave up a single, another walk, and a three-RBI double by Michael Stefanic, prompting his removal. His final line was four hits allowed, four earned runs, and two walks during one-third of the ninth. Ryan Walker stranded the runner and retired both batters via strikeout, closing out the seven-run win. Spencer Bivens earned his first major league win in his debut, logging three innings as the “bulk follower,” allowing a solo home run and striking out four.

Hierarchy remains: Camilo Doval | Tyler Rogers | Ryan Walker

June 15, 2024

(RP | SFG): Ryan Walker suffered his third loss, allowing a one-out walk, a stolen base with a throwing error, and an RBI single, putting an unearned run on his ledger.

Hierarchy remains: Camilo Doval | Tyler Rogers | Ryan Walker

June 12, 2024

(RP | SFG): In a much-needed clean appearance, Camilo Doval secured his 12th save while striking out one closing out a two-run win over Houston. 

Analysis

San Francisco Giants – Recording his 12th save and first clean outing since May 19, Camilo Doval retired the side while striking out one, preserving a two-run win over the Astros. He threw nine pitches (88.9 Strike%) and produced two whiffs (22.2 SwStr%) versus the 4-5-6 lineup pocket. He’s been scoreless in six of his last seven games with a 1.64 WHIP through 6.2 innings. Tyler Rogers secured his 12th hold, tossing a scoreless eighth. He gave up a hit and struck out one while facing the top of the lineup. Ryan Walker notched his 13th hold during a scoreless seventh, yielding a hit. 

Hierarchy remains: Camilo Doval | Tyler Rogers | Ryan Walker

June 10, 2024

(RP | SFG): With two runners on and two outs, Randy Rodríguez took over in the top of the tenth, inducing an inning-ending groundout by Jeremy Peña. Rodríguez earned his second win courtesy of a walk-off rally in the bottom of the frame. 

Analysis

San Francisco Giants – Summoned in the top of the tenth, Randy Rodríguez induced an inning-ending groundout by Jeremy Peña, stranding two runners. He collected his second win courtesy of a walk-off rally in the bottom of the frame. Erik Miller allowed three and two runs (one earned) over two-thirds of the tenth. Camilo Doval navigated around a one-out walk and a two-out single for a scoreless ninth, recording three strikeouts. He threw 19 pitches (11 strikes – 57.9 Strike%) and generated seven whiffs (36.8 SwStr%) versus the heart of the Astros lineup. He’s been scoreless in five of his last six but owns a 1.93 WHIP over these 5.2 innings. Ryan Walker tossed a scoreless eighth, yielding a hit. Sean Hjelle stranded a runner and recorded two outs in the seventh.

Hierarchy remains: Camilo Doval | Tyler Rogers | Ryan Walker

June 8, 2024

(RP | SFG): Navigating around a lead-off walk and a one-out hit, Camilo Doval recorded his 11th save, preserving a two-run win in Texas. 

Analysis

San Francisco Giants – Securing his 11th save, Camilo Doval worked around a lead-off walk and a one-out single by retiring the last two batters, preserving a two-run win in Texas. He threw 22 pitches (13 strikes – 59.1 Strike%) and only induced one whiff. Over his last 10 appearances, he’s converted five of seven save chances with a 1.86 WHIP and 10 strikeouts versus seven walks over 9.2 innings. Tyler Rogers fired a clean bottom of the eighth for his 11th hold. Ryan Walker logged 1.1 clean frames and stuck out one, recording his 12th hold. Erik Miller collected his first win, yielding a hit and striking out two over a combined inning of relief.

Hierarchy remains: Camilo Doval | Tyler Rogers | Ryan Walker

June 7, 2024

(RP | SFG): Nailing down his tenth save, Camilo Doval retired the side in the ninth and recorded a strikeout while closing out a three-run win in Texas. 

Analysis

San Francisco Giants -Locking down his tenth save, Camilo Doval fired a clean bottom of the ninth, striking out one while closing out a win over Texas. He threw 15 pitches (66.7 Strike%) and produced four whiffs (26.7 SwStr%). This was a much-needed rebound outing after his four-run meltdown against the Yankees. Doval’s converted 10 of 12 save chances this season. Tyler Rogers notched his tenth hold, retiring the side in the eighth and recording one strikeout.

Hierarchy remains: Camilo Doval | Tyler Rogers | Ryan Walker

June 5, 2024

(RP | SFG): Inheriting a bases-loaded situation and two outs in the bottom of the fourth, Sean Hjelle induced an inning-ending groundout by Lourdes Gurriel Jr., quelling the threat. Although Hjelle allowed a solo home run in the fifth, he collected his third win, logging 1.1 innings and striking out one in Arizona. 

Hierarchy remains: Camilo Doval | Tyler Rogers | Ryan Walker

June 3, 2024

(RP | SFG): Entering a tied game in the bottom of the ninth, Randy Rodríguez suffered his first loss, giving up two hits, including a pinch-hit walk-off two-run home run by Pavin Smith.

Hierarchy remains: Camilo Doval | Tyler Rogers | Ryan Walker

June 2, 2024

(RP | SFG): Things went sideways fast for Camilo Doval in the top of the ninth against the Yankees. With a two-run lead, he allowed a lead-off single, a one-out triple, and a go-ahead home run by Juan Soto. Doval finished with four hits against and four earned runs while walking two over two-thirds innings, resulting in his first loss and his second blown save.

Analysis

San Francisco Giants – Handed a two-run lead in the ninth, Camilo Doval had an untimely meltdown. He allowed a lead-off single, a one-out triple, and a go-ahead two-run home run by Juan Soto. After walking Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton produced a ground-rule double, scoring Judge. Another walk and a wild pitch preceded a strikeout, ending Doval’s outing. His final line was four hits allowed, four earned runs, and two walks while striking out one over two-thirds of the ninth. He suffered his first loss and his second blown save. Taylor Rogers retired Anthony Rizzo, ending the inning. Tyler Rogers tossed a clean eighth, striking out one for his ninth hold. Ryan Walker worked a scoreless seventh, yielding a hit and striking out two, earning his tenth hold.

Hierarchy remains: Camilo Doval | Tyler Rogers | Ryan Walker

May 28, 2024

(RP | SFG): After turning in two scoreless frames, Sean Hjelle collected his second win courtesy of a walk-off rally in the bottom of the tenth.

Analysis

San Francisco Giants – Benefiting from a walk-off rally in the bottom of the tenth, Sean Hjelle secured his second win by pitching two scoreless innings, with only one intentional walk to Kyle Schwarber. Tyler Rogers worked a scoreless seventh, giving up a hit and striking out one. Spencer Howard logged four scoreless frames, scattering five hits and striking out four. Taylor Rogers turned in two scoreless innings, yielding a hit and striking out two. The relievers combined for 10 shutout innings; they used an “opener,” allowing seven hits and two walks while striking out nine.

Hierarchy remains (mostly linear): Camilo Doval | Tyler Rogers | Ryan Walker

May 27, 2024

(RP | SFG): Earning his first major league win, Randy Rodríguez fired two clean frames and recorded one strikeout against the Phillies.

Analysis

San Francisco Giants – Wrapping up a four-run win over the Phillies, Camilo Doval tossed a scoreless ninth, allowing a one-out double by Brandon Marsh before retiring the next two batters. He threw 19 pitches (9 strikes – 47.4 Strike%) without a whiff. This represents his second straight non-save outing. He’s logged 12 appearances in May, converting four of five save chances with 15 strikeouts against nine walks. Ryan Walker worked a scoreless eighth, issuing a walk. Erik Miller notched his ninth hold, giving up a hit during a scoreless seventh. Randy Rodríguez earned his first major league win, retiring all six batters faced and striking out one, throwing 16 pitches (13 strikes – 81.3 Strike%) with two whiffs. He’s recorded five straight scoreless outings.

Hierarchy remains (mostly linear): Camilo Doval | Tyler Rogers | Ryan Walker

May 26, 2024

(RP | SFG): Rough outing alert for Tyler Rogers. He allowed four hits, three earned runs, and a walk (intentional) resulting in his first loss and blown save.

Analysis

San Francisco Giants – Filling in for Camilo Doval in the ninth did not go well for Tyler Rogers. He gave up four hits, three earned runs, and a walk over one-third of an inning against the Mets, resulting in his first loss and a blown save. His outing began with Brandon Nimmo’s lead-off single, followed by a J.D. Martinez single. Rogers recorded a flyout but hit Jeff McNeil with a pitch, loading the bases before giving up a game-tying double by Harrison Bader. After issuing an intentional walk to Brett Baty, Omar Narváez produced the walk-off single. Ryan Walker notched his ninth hold, tossing a scoreless eighth, yielding a hit and striking out one.

Hierarchy remains (mostly linear): Camilo Doval | Tyler Rogers | Ryan Walker

May 25, 2024

(RP | SFG): After his team tied the contest in the top of the ninth, Luke Jackson worked a scoreless bottom of the inning, issuing a walk. He also collected his third win courtesy of a five-run rally in the top of the tenth.

Analysis

San Francisco Giants – You guessed it, another late-inning rally resulted in a win, closed out by Camilo Doval. He retired the side in the bottom of the tenth, recording two strikeouts and stranding the “place” runner. He threw nine pitches (77.8 Strike%) and produced two whiffs (22.2 SwStr%). He’s appeared on consecutive days and in five of the last seven. He’s converted four of five save chances in May with 15 strikeouts against nine walks over 11 innings. Luke Jackson collected his third win, issuing a walk during a scoreless ninth, keeping the game tied. Randy Rodríguez logged 1.2 scoreless frames, allowing a walk and striking out two. Sean Hjelle gave up a solo home run (Brett Baty) and a walk while striking out one. Taylor Rogers retired two batters, one via strikeout, and yielded a hit in the top of the sixth.

Hierarchy remains (mostly linear): Camilo Doval | Tyler Rogers | Ryan Walker

May 24, 2024

(RP | SFG): Working into, then out of trouble, Camilo Doval recorded his ninth save despite allowing two hits, an earned run, and a walk (intentional) while striking out one during a one-run win over the Mets.

Analysis

San Francisco Giants – Closing out another late-inning comeback, Camilo Doval hung on for his ninth save, preserving a one-run win. However, he allowed a lead-off double, a one-out RBI single by Francisco Lindor, recorded a fielder’s choice ground out, and issued an intentional walk (Brandon Nimmo), loading the bases with one out. Doval bore down, striking out J.D. Martinez and getting a game-ending ground out by Mark Vientos. He threw 22 pitches (13 strikes – 59.1 Strike%) and produced four outs (18.2 SwStr%) while appearing for the fourth time over the last six days. Ryan Walker nailed down his eighth hold, retiring the side in the eighth and striking out one. Nick Avila collected his first win, logging two innings, giving up a hit, an earned run, and a walk while striking out four. 

Hierarchy remains: Camilo Doval | Tyler Rogers | Ryan Walker

May 23, 2024

(RP | SFG): Appearing for a third straight day, Tyler Rogers worked around a hitter reaching on an error and a hit for a scoreless ninth, preserving a one-run lead and securing his first save of the season.

Analysis

San Francisco Giants – Capping another rally in Pittsburgh, Tyler Rogers appeared for a third straight game. He navigated around a hit for a scoreless ninth and his first save this year. He threw 12 pitches (66.7 Strike%) without a whiff. He benefited from a caught stealing and produced a game-ending pop-out, sealing the one-run win. Randy Rodríguez retired the side in the eighth for his first hold. Luke Jackson was credited with his second win despite giving up two hits, including a solo home run (Bryan Reynolds), and striking out two in the seventh. Taylor Rogers logged 1.2 scoreless frames, yielding a hit and striking out two.

Hierarchy remains: Camilo Doval | Tyler Rogers | Ryan Walker

May 22, 2024

(RP | SFG): Benefiting from a four-run rally in the top of the tenth, Ryan Walker collected his fourth win after retiring the side in the bottom of the ninth and striking out one in Pittsburgh.

Analysis

San Francisco Giants – Wrapping up an extra-inning win, Camilo Doval stranded the “place” runner while allowing a walk and striking out one in the bottom of the tenth. He threw 20 pitches (75 Strike%) and induced two whiffs. Ryan Walker collected his fourth win, firing a clean bottom of the ninth, striking out one on 13 pitches (10 strikes – 76.9 Strike%) and producing four whiffs (30.8 SwStr%). Tyler Rogers retired the side in the eighth, recording one strikeout. Randy Rodríguez logged two clean frames, striking out four. From the fifth inning on, the relievers did not allow a hit.

Hierarchy remains: Camilo Doval | Tyler Rogers | Ryan Walker

May 21, 2024

(RP | SFG): Forced into action with two runners on in the ninth, Camilo Doval was tagged with his first blown save, though an error played a major factor in the outcome. He allowed two unearned runs while giving up two hits and a walk over his two-thirds of an inning.

Analysis

San Francisco Giants – A one-pitch outing resulted in a second loss for Erik Miller. He took over in the bottom of the tenth and allowed a walk-off RBI single by Nick Gonzalez. Camilo Doval suffered his first blown save in the ninth, though his defense did him no favors. He entered with two runners on and issued a walk, loading them. After giving up an RBI single by Ji-Hwan Bae, Andrew McCutchen hit a tailor-made grounder to Marco Luciano, who committed a costly error by not recording an out when it could have been a game-ending double play. A fielder’s choice groundout scored another run, and then an RBI double by Oneil Cruz tied the contest. Doval’s final line was two hits allowed, two unearned runs, and a walk while striking out one.

Hierarchy remains: Camilo Doval | Tyler Rogers | Ryan Walker

May 19, 2024

(RP | SFG): Locking down his eighth save, Camilo Doval retired the side and recorded one strikeout while closing out a win over the Rockies.

Analysis

San Francisco Giants – Save number eight for Camilo Doval. He fired a clean top of the ninth, recording one strikeout while throwing 17 pitches (10 strikes – 58.8 Strike%) and inducing three whiffs (17.6 SwStr%). He’s been scoreless in six of seven games in May, converting three saves with ten strikeouts versus six walks over 7.1 innings. Taylor Rogers garnered his fourth hold, issuing two walks during a scoreless eighth. Luke Jackson notched his second hold, striking out the side in the seventh. Sean Hjelle retired the side in the sixth, securing his third hold.

Hierarchy remains: Camilo Doval | Tyler Rogers | Ryan Walker

May 17, 2024

(RP | SFG): Working as the “bulk reliever“, Sean Hjelle collected his first win. He took over in the fourth and tossed two scoreless innings against the Rockies.

Analysis

San Francisco Giants – Benefiting from his team’s four-run bottom of the fifth, Sean Hjelle garnered his first win while tossing two shutout frames giving up three hits and striking out one against the Rockies. Luke Jackson was credited with his first hold, allowing a hit, an earned run, and a walk with one strikeout over two-thirds of the sixth. Erik Miller notched his seventh hold walking one over one-third of the sixth and stranding a runner. Ryan Walker secured his fifth hold, firing a clean seventh and striking out one. Tyler Rogers worked a clean eighth and recorded a strikeout during his eighth hold. Richard Rodríguez turned in a scoreless top of the ninth, yielding a hit and a walk while striking out one finishing a five-run win over Colorado.

Hierarchy remains: Camilo Doval | Tyler Rogers | Ryan Walker

May 15, 2024

(RP | SFG): Hanging on for his seventh save, Camilo Doval navigated around two hits for a scoreless ninth, preserving a win over the Dodgers.

Analysis

San Francisco Giants – Taking over in the ninth with a three-run lead against the 8-9-1 Dodgers batters, Camilo Doval recorded two quick strikeouts. Things became more interesting when he walked Mookie Betts and allowed a single by Shohei Ohtani. However, he secured his seventh save with a scoreless ninth, inducing a game-ending groundout by Freddie Freeman. Doval threw 24 pitches (58.3 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (12.5 SwStr%). This represents his second save this month and he’s been scoreless in five of six outings. Tyler Rogers was credited with his seventh hold, giving up two hits and an earned run in the eighth. Erik Miller recorded his sixth hold, retiring his only batter faced via strikeout, stranding a runner. Sam Hjelle notched his second hold, yielding a hit and striking out one over two-thirds scoreless in the seventh.

Hierarchy remains: Camilo Doval | Tyler Rogers | Ryan Walker

May 13, 2024

(RP | SFG): Suffering his second loss, Taylor Rogers allowed a walk, a hit, and two runs (one earned) in the top of the tenth against the Dodgers.

Analysis

San Francisco Giants – Tasked with the top of the tenth inning, Taylor Rogers suffered his second loss. He issued a one-out walk to Freddie Freeman and allowed a two-RBI double by Will Smith, putting two runs (one earned) on his ledger while recording two strikeouts. Camilo Doval fired a clean ninth, striking out two, and kept the game tied. He threw eight pitches (87.5 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (37.5 SwStr%). He has appeared on consecutive days. Tyler Rogers worked a scoreless eight, yielding a hit and striking out one. Erik Miller was tagged with his second blown save, allowing a solo home run and striking out two in the seventh. Luke Jackson gave up a hit, an earned run, and a walk while striking out two in the sixth, getting tagged with his third blown save.

Hierarchy remains: Camilo Doval | Tyler Rogers | Ryan Walker

May 12, 2024

(RP | SFG): Benefiting from a walk-off rally, Luke Jackson collected his first win after tossing a scoreless top of the tenth, walking one and striking out two against the Reds.

Analysis

San Francisco Giants – Recording a scoreless top of the tenth resulted in Luke Jackson collecting his first win. He issued a walk and struck out two while stranding the “place” runner. Camilo Doval kept the game tied, stranding a runner in the eighth and logging 1.1 scoreless frames, walking one and striking out two. He threw 23 pitches (13 strikes – 56.5 Strike%) and induced three whiffs (13 SwStr%). Ryan Walker struggled, he let an inherited runner score in the seventh and gave up four hits, including a home run during his combined inning of relief, handing him his first blown save. 

Hierarchy remains: Camilo Doval | Tyler Rogers | Ryan Walker

May 11, 2024

(RP | SFG): With two runners on and one out, Taylor Rogers took over in the top of the fifth and retired both via strikeout. As a result, he was awarded his first win of the season. 

Hierarchy remains: Camilo Doval | Tyler Rogers | Ryan Walker

May 8, 2024

(RP | SFG): During a second straight non-save outing, Camilo Doval allowed a two-run home run, and two walks during the bottom of the ninth.

Analysis

San Francisco Giants – For a second straight day, Camilo Doval closed out a win in Colorado, in a non-save capacity. However, he had spotty command, issuing consecutive walks in the bottom of the ninth before inducing a ground ball double play. With two outs, he allowed a two-run home run by Elias Díaz and ended the game on a Brendan Rodgers grounder. Doval threw 20 pitches (55 Strike%) while recording only one whiff. Tyler Rogers tossed a scoreless eighth, yielding a hit and striking out one. Ryan Walker fired a clean seventh, striking out one. Taylor Rogers notched his third hold, despite letting one of two inherited runners score on a hit during one-third of the sixth. Sam Hjelle gave up two hits and an earned run during two-thirds of the sixth.

Hierarchy remains: Camilo Doval | Tyler Rogers | Ryan Walker

May 7, 2024

(RP | SFG): Appearing for the first time in four days, Camilo Doval worked a scoreless bottom of the ninth, preserving a combined shutout, issuing two walks, and recording two strikeouts. He threw 23 pitches (56.5 Strike%) and generated six whiffs (26.1 SwStr%). He owns a 1.34 WHIP with 17 strikeouts against eight walks over 12.2 innings.

Hierarchy remains: Camilo Doval | Tyler Rogers | Ryan Walker

May 2, 2024

(RP | SFG): Securing his sixth save, Camilo Doval fired a clean bottom of the ninth in Boston, recording one strikeout.

Analysis

San Francisco Giants – Shutting the door on his sixth save, Camilo Doval fired a clean bottom of the ninth, striking out one against the 6-7-8 Red Sox hitters. He threw 14 pitches (11 strikes – 78.6 Strike%) and induced four whiffs (28.6 SwStr%). He owns a 1.29 WHIP with 15 strikeouts versus six walks over 11.2 innings. Tyler Rogers notched his sixth hold, tossing a clean eighth and striking out one. Erik Miller worked a clean seventh, striking out one for his fourth hold. Ryan Walker collected his fourth win, giving up a hit and striking out one in a scoreless sixth.

Hierarchy remains: Camilo Doval | Tyler Rogers | Ryan Walker

April 28, 2024

(RP | SFG): While recording his fifth save, and appearing in his third straight game, Camilo Doval gave up two hits, an earned run, and a walk, closing out a one-run win over the Pirates.

Analysis

San Francisco Giants – Working in a third straight game, Camilo Doval survived a rocky ninth, recording his fifth save, but allowed two hits, an earned run, and a walk (on a pitch violation). With two runners on and two outs in the ninth, he induced a game-ending ground out by Joey Bart, Doval threw 22 pitches (13 strikes – 59.1 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (13.6 SwStr%). However, after throwing 57 pitches over the last three days, he will need one, if not two days off. Ryan Walker notched his third hold, firing a clean eighth and striking out one. Erik Miller tossed a scoreless seventh, walking one and striking out one for his third hold.

Hierarchy remains: Camilo Doval | Tyler Rogers | Ryan Walker

April 27, 2024

San Francisco Giants – Suffering his first loss, Taylor Rogers gave up two hits in the top of the tenth, both home runs (Bryan Reynolds and Ke’Bryan Hayes), resulting in three runs (two earned), and recorded two strikeouts. Camilo Doval tossed a scoreless ninth, keeping the game tied. He allowed a two-out single by Rowdy Tellez and struck out one, throwing 17 pitches (11 strikes – 64.7 Strike%) with three whiffs (17.6 SwStr%), facing the 6-7-8 lineup pocket. Tyler Rogers held on for a scoreless eighth, giving up two hits and striking out one. Luke Jackson was tagged with his second blown save, letting his only inherited runner score on a sacrifice fly while allowing a hit and a walk during the seventh inning.

Updated hierarchy: Camilo Doval | Tyler Rogers | Ryan Walker

April 26, 2024

San Francisco Giants – Benefiting from a walk-off rally, and navigating around traffic, Camilo Doval collected his second win. He allowed consecutive hits in the top of the ninth, putting runners on the corners, then recorded a strikeout, issued a walk, and induced an inning-ending double play groundout by Bryan Reynolds, keeping the game tied. In this outing, he threw 18 pitches (11 strikes – 61.1 Strike%) and produced two whiffs. He’s given up one unearned run over eight games in April with four strikeouts against zero walks, and a 1.13 WHIP. Tyler Rogers worked a clean eighth, striking out one. Ryan Walker gave up a hit and a walk while striking out two during a scoreless seventh.

Updated hierarchy: Camilo Doval | Tyler Rogers | Ryan Walker

April 23, 2024

San Francisco Giants – Taking over a 5-0 game in the ninth, Tyler Rogers ran into trouble versus the heart of the Mets’ lineup. He allowed a lead-off double by Pete Alonso, followed by a Brett Baty single, putting runners on the corners, and gave up a run on an RBI fielder’s choice. After Jeff McNeil singled with one out, Camilo Doval took over and converted his fourth save, retiring Joey Wendle via strikeout and a game-ending groundout by Omar Narváez on only five pitches (all strikes) with one whiff (20 SwStr). Doval’s now pitched on consecutive days and in three of the last four.

Hierarchy remains: Camilo Doval | Tyler Rogers | Taylor Rogers

April 22, 2024

San Francisco Giants – Making a non-save appearance, with a four-run lead, Camilo Doval turned in a bumpy outing. It began with a walk (Brandon Nimmo), a leverage no-no, followed by a ground out, and a fielding error by Doval. With runners on the corners, he uncorked a wild pitch, scoring Nimmo, induced a groundout by Pete Alonso, walked Brett Baty, and ended the game on a DJ Stewart groundout. He threw 27 pitches (17 strikes – 63 Strike%) and produced two whiffs while giving up an earned run on two walks. Over his first seven outings, he owns a 1.14 WHIP with 11 strikeouts versus four walks. Tyler Rogers fired a clean eighth, striking out one. Ryan Walker recorded his second hold, retiring the side in the seventh.

Hierarchy remains: Camilo Doval | Tyler Rogers | Taylor Rogers

April 20, 2024

San Francisco Giants – During a non-save outing, Camilo Doval closed out a four-run by striking out the side against the 7-8-9 lineup pocket for Arizona. He threw 16 pitches (62.5 Strike%) and generated five whiffs (31.3 SwStr%). He’s posted a 1.00 WHIP with 11 strikeouts versus two walks over six innings. Tyler Rogers worked a scoreless eighth, yielding a hit and striking out one. Taylor Rogers notched his second hold, firing a clean seventh. Erik Miller turned in a clean sixth, striking out two for his second hold. Ryan Walker collected his second win, striking out two during a clean fifth inning.

Hierarchy remains: Camilo Doval | Tyler Rogers | Taylor Rogers

April 18, 2024

San Francisco Giants – After the Giants scored four runs in the bottom of the eighth, the save chance evaporated. As a result, Ryan Walker worked in a non-save capacity, striking out the side in the top of the ninth, finishing off a combined shutout against Arizona. He threw 13 pitches (10 strikes – 76.9 Strike%) and produced four whiffs (30.8 SwStr%). Tyler Rogers recorded his fourth hold, yielding a hit during a scoreless eighth.

Hierarchy remains: Camilo Doval | Tyler Rogers | Taylor Rogers

April 17, 2024

San Francisco Giants – Locking down his third save, Camilo Doval fired a clean bottom of the ninth while facing the Marlins’ 2-3-4 lineup pocket. He recorded one strikeout in his outing throwing 13 pitches (9 strikes – 69.2 Strike%) and inducing three whiffs (23.1 SwStr%). He owns a 1.20 WHIP with eight strikeouts versus two walks over five innings. Tyler Rogers secured his third hold, navigating around two hits for a scoreless eighth. Erik Miller notched his first hold, tossing a clean seventh and striking out one. 

Hierarchy remains: Camilo Doval | Tyler Rogers | Taylor Rogers

April 15, 2024

San Francisco Giants – Forced into action in the bottom of the eighth, Camilo Doval stranded an inherited runner and logged 1.1 scoreless frames, allowing a hit and striking out two for his second save. He threw 27 pitches (19 strikes – 70.4 Strike%) and induced four whiffs (14.8 SwStr%). He’s posted a 1.50 WHIP with five strikeouts versus two walks through his first four innings. Ryan Walker gave up a hit and recorded a strikeout during two-thirds scoreless in the eighth for his first hold. Tyler Rogers fired a clean seventh, securing his second hold.

Hierarchy remains: Camilo Doval | Tyler Rogers | Taylor Rogers

April 7, 2024

San Francisco Giants – Handed a one-run lead courtesy of a two-run rally in the bottom of the eighth, Camilo Doval notched his first save of the season, tossing a scoreless ninth, giving up a hit, and striking out three. He threw 18 pitches (14 strikes – 77.8 Strike%) and produced four whiffs (22.2 SwStr%). He’s recorded five strikeouts over his last two outings. Ryan Walker collected his first win, firing a clean top of the eighth, striking out two. He owns a 0.88 WHIP with six strikeouts over 5.2 innings.

Hierarchy remains: Camilo Doval | Tyler Rogers | Taylor Rogers

April 5, 2024

San Francisco Giants – Benefiting from a walk-off, Camilo Doval collected his first win. He worked a scoreless top of the ninth, navigating around a hit and a walk while striking out two. He threw 27 pitches (16 strikes – 59.3 Strike%) and generated four whiffs (14.8 SwStr%). Tyler Rogers retired the side in order in the eighth, recording one strikeout. 

Hierarchy remains: Camilo Doval | Tyler Rogers | Taylor Rogers

March 30, 2024

San Francisco Giants – Pressed into duty with the lead evaporating, Camilo Doval did not fare well, allowing two earned runs on a walk and a home run (Grant Pauley) while recording two outs, finishing off a 9-6 win in a non-save appearance. He threw 17 pitches (10 strikes – 58.8 Strike%) and induced three whiffs (17.6 SwStr%). He also frustrated his manager by getting two pitch clock violations, per Andrew Baggarly on “X”. Erik Miller gave up a hit, three earned runs, and three walks while striking out one in one-third of the ninth. Tyler Rogers notched his first hold, retiring his only batter-faced. Taylor Rogers logged 1.2 innings, giving up two hits and an earned run while striking out three.

March 26, 2024

San Francisco Giants –  It can be tough making an appearance in an exhibition with Opening Day looming. Camilo Doval gave up two hits and an earned run while striking out in his last outing this spring. He threw 22 pitches (63.6 Strike%) with three whiffs (13.6 SwStr%). Through six games, he owned a 1.17 WHIP with seven strikeouts versus two walks over six innings. Taylor Rogers and his twin, Tyler, each retired both batters faced, one via strikeout.

March 21, 2024

San Francisco Giants – Turning in a scoreless outing, Taylor Rogers issued a walk and recorded two strikeouts in the fourth inning. Camilo Doval fired a clean fifth, striking out one. He’s logged five appearances this spring, posting a 1.00 WHIP with six strikeouts against two walks over five innings.

September 18, 2023
San Francisco Giants – Camilo Doval entered the 9th with a 5-run lead and promptly got into a mess of trouble, allowing 4 runs while only logging two outs, eventually departing with the tying run on first base. Taylor Rogers came on to get the 1-out save, his second of the season. Don’t you just love when your closers pitch in non-save situations?

Hierarchy remains: Doval | Ty.Rogers | Ta.Rogers.

August 24, 2023
San Francisco Giants – Camilo Doval’s struggles continued on Wednesday, as he became the first player in franchise history to blow a save in four straight appearances. Thankfully for the Giants, they retook the lead in the 10th and eventually Ryan Walker came on to record the final out and lock up his first MLB save. Manager Gabe Kapler, who said after Tuesday’s game that Doval needed to mix his pitches better, said on Wednesday that the game is moving fast for Doval. The Giants are off on Thursday, but we’ll see how Kapler uses Doval this weekend against Atlanta.

Hierarchy remains: Doval | Ty. Rogers | Ta. Rogers.

August 2, 2023
San Francisco Giants – The entire Giants hierarchy received a day off after some heavy lifting the previous three games. Ryan Walker got the seventh in a tie game and stayed on for the eighth when the Giants grabbed a one-run lead. He remained in the game for the first two batters of the ninth before making way for Sean Manaea. The lefty induced a fly out before his catcher, Patrick Bailey, ended the game with a fantastic snap throw to first to ensure Manaea recorded his first MLB save.

Hierarchy remains: Doval | Ty. Rogers | Ta. Rogers.

June 18, 2023
San Francisco Giants – Tristan Beck pitched the final four innings in the Giants 15-0 romp of the Dodgers yesterday to pick up a save.

Hierarchy remains: Doval | Ty. Rogers | Ta. Rogers.

June 17, 2023
San Francisco Giants – With the Giants ahead by two in the 11th and the rest of the hierarchy having already pitched, Jakob Junis collected his first MLB save in memorable fashion after being an integral part of one of the wildest plays you’ll ever see.

Hierarchy remains: Doval | Ty. Rogers | Ta. Rogers.

June 16, 2023
San Francisco Giants – John Brebbia’s last three appearances have been starts, and he’s slated to kick things off Friday night against the Dodgers. All of the appearances were as an opener, of course, but he can’t have a save chance in the ninth if he’s out there in the first.

Updated hierarchy: Doval | Ty. Rogers | Ta. Rogers.

June 14, 2023
San Francisco Giants – Keaton Winn, who believe it or not had never even been in a Major League ballpark until he got called up on Monday, pitched the final four innings of Tuesday’s 11-3 victory to earn his first MLB save.

Hierarchy remains: Doval | Ty. Rogers | Brebbia.

May 23, 2023

San Francisco Giants – The Giants stormed out to a 9 run lead by the 3rd inning and never looked back. They gave the ball to Tristan Beck with 2 outs in the 5th and he stuck all the way through the ninth to earn his first career save. Beck has been a starter on his way through the minors and is currently in a long relief role with the Giants so we don’t expect to see too many late inning opportunities for the rookie.

Hierarchy remains: Doval | Ty. Rogers | Brebbia.

May 23, 2023

San Francisco Giants – Camilo Doval got the day off on Monday, and with Tyler Rogers coming on in a tight spot in the 8th, Scott Alexander got his first save of the year. We don’t think Alexander has surpassed John Brebbia — who served as Monday’s opener — on this hierarchy yet, but their stats are similar and Alexander is a lefty, which could afford him some beneficial late-game matchups.

Hierarchy remains: Doval | Ty. Rogers | Brebbia.

May 20, 2023
San Francisco Giants — If you read the Vulture Save Watch, you would know that Camilo Doval had seen a lot of work recently and was in line for a rest on Friday. This left the 8th and 9th inning to the Brothers Rogers, and as predicted it was Tyler Rogers picking up the save. Score one for the Vulture Save Watch and team Rogers. Doval should be available for the rest of the weekend.

Hierarchy remains: Doval | Ty. Rogers | Brebbia.

April 20, 2023
San Francisco Giants — Taylor Rogers has had a rough start to this season (13.50 ERA, 2.36 WHIP, 11.6 BB/9), but in closing out the eleventh inning on Wednesday, he earned his first save.  

Hierarchy remains: Doval | Ty. Rogers | Brebbia.

April 12, 2023
San Francisco Giants — Tyler Rogers, who earned his first save of the season a few days ago, pitched a clean eighth inning to protect what was then a two-run lead. Tyler has seen more high-leverage work than twin brother Taylor so far this season, so we’ll swap them in the hierarchy.

Updated hierarchy: Doval | Ty. Rogers | Brebbia.

April 10, 2023
San Francisco Giants – Camilo Doval got the day off after pitching two straight, allowing Tyler Rogers to pick up his first save of the season. 

Hierarchy remains: Doval | Ta. Rogers | Brebbia.

March 16, 2023
San Francisco Giants – The Giants enter 2023 with Camilo Doval as their closer after he recorded 27 saves a year ago. Behind him are the Rogers twins, Taylor and Tyler, as well as John Brebbia. Of note is that the Giants signed former Atlanta closer Luke Jackson, who will miss at least the first month while he finishes his recovery from Tommy John surgery, Jackson will likely compete for holds once he is healthy.

Starting 2023 hierarchy: Doval | Taylor Rogers | Brebbia.
Holds candidates: Taylor/Tyler Rogers, Brebbia.

September 23, 2022
San Francisco Giants – Three of John Brebbia’s past four appearances have been opener-type “starts,” and if he’s starting games, he can’t earn saves. With this recent usage we’ll move Tyler Rogers back into the hierarchy behind Scott Alexander and Camilo Doval, who pitched the eighth and ninth innings, respectively, on Thursday. Brebbia could be in the mix, too, so we’ll keep an eye on things.

Updated hierarchy remains: Doval | Alexander | Rogers.

September 21, 2022
San Francisco Giants – John Brebbia opened a bullpen game for the Giants on Tuesday. Yunior Marte started the ninth inning with a 6-3 lead and got two outs before the tying run came to the plate. Jarlin Garcia then came on to record the final out for his first save of the season. Both Camilo Doval and Scott Alexander had pitched in two straight, which earned them a night off.

Hierarchy remains: Doval | Brebbia | Alexander.

September 20, 2022
San Francisco Giants – After Camilo Doval kept the game tied in the bottom of the 9th, Scott Alexander collected his second save of the season in the 10th after the Giants had scored three runs in the top half. The lefty’s ERA is now 1.59 across 11 appearances.

Hierarchy remains: Doval | Brebbia | Alexander.

September 13, 2022
San Francisco Giants – Bullpen news was in relatively short supply on Monday, which means we get to use this space to be extra obnoxious about the Vulture Save Watch’s off-the-hierarchy pick of Scott Alexander, who got the final four outs of a 1-run game to collect his first save of the season. WOO HOO! IN YOUR FACE, SPACE COYOTE! Seriously though, Alexander has been good since returning to the bigs, and could pick up a few more holds or even save chances down the stretch, as the Giants bullpen is pretty thin after Camilo Doval. The lefty might not have been on the hierarchy yesterday, but he is now, thanks to his impressive outing and a 2.08 ERA thus far.

Hierarchy remains: Doval | Brebbia | Alexander.

September 10, 2022
San Francisco Giants – Dominc Leone was placed on the IL with elbow inflammation. We will move Tyler Rogers up into his spot in the hierarchy. 

Updated hierarchy: Doval | Brebbia | Rogers.

August 24, 2022
San Francisco Giants – John Brebbia has become the primary setup man for Camilo Doval, pitching a perfect eighth inning in last night’s win. Dominic Leone hasn’t secured a hold all August.

Updated hierarchy: Doval | Brebbia | Leone.

August 22, 2022
San Francisco Giants – The seventh man out of the San Francisco bullpen on Sunday was the one who ended up with the save, as Zack Littell got the job done in the 11th inning, thanks in part to a baseunning faux pas by Sam Hilliard, who made the game’s final out trying to advance to third on a fly ball.

Hierarchy remains: Doval | Leone | Brebbia.

July 31, 2022
San Francisco Giants — Camilo Doval got the day off yesterday as the Vulture Save Watch predicted and Dominic Leone picked up his third save of the season.

Hierarchy remains: Doval | Leone | Brebbia.

July 22, 2022
San Francisco Giants — Looking to bolster their bullpen depth, the Giants signed free agent reliever Trevor Rosenthal to a $4.5 million deal for the rest of the season. Rosenthal was immediately placed on the injured list with a hamstring strain. He won’t be ready for several weeks. But, manager Gabe Kapler made sure to call him “one of the more effective closers in the game.” So you do have to wonder if that might be Rosenthal’s future in San Francisco?

Hierarchy remains: Doval | Leone | Brebbia.

July 17, 2022
San Francisco Giants — Camilo Doval got a second straight day off after throwing a career high 41 pitches on Thursday.  Dominic Leone pitched a scoreless inning to pick up his second save and should continue to see save chances when Doval is unavailable.

Hierarchy remains: Doval | Leone | Brebbia.

July 7, 2022
San Francisco Giants — Camilo Doval entered the ninth with a two-run lead, but four baserunners later, lefty Sam Long had to come on to retire the last out and grab his first career save. Former closer Jake McGee was fresh, but Gabe Kapler said he preferred Long in the spot. This all seems ominous for the prospect of McGee returning to fantasy relevance anytime soon, and we think John Brebbia is a better choice for second in line at this point.

Updated hierarchy: Doval | Leone | Brebbia.

June 25, 2022
San Francisco Giants — 2 days after blowing a vulture save chance, Jake McGee was brought into the 6th inning of a game his team was losing by 2. He gave up another run, ballooning his ERA to a not-so-nice 6.98. McGee had worked his way back into the late inning mix until this most recent spell, but the 6th inning of a losing game is not where you would expect to see a first in line reliever. Experience may win out in the end, but we think McGee is going to spend some time working in lower leverage spots before he gets another save.

Updated hierarchy: Doval | Leone | McGee.

June 23, 2022
San Francisco Giants — We did our part, correctly forecasting that Camilo Doval would get the night off and Jake McGee would get a shot at a vulture save. Unfortunately for our readers, McGee gave up a home run and two singles, and Tyler Rogers couldn’t keep the winning run off the board in relief.

Hierarchy remains: Doval | McGee | Leone.

June 22, 2022
San Francisco Giants — Dominic Leone earned his fifth hold of June (and ninth overall) with a scoreless eighth inning on Tuesday night, while Tyler Rogers earned the win last night after entering in the fifth inning.

Updated hierarchy: Doval | McGee | Leone.

June 12, 2022
San Francisco Giants — The Giants needed Camilo Doval to come on in the 8th inning after the Dodgers cut the lead to one and had runners on second and third with only one out.  Doval walked the first batter he faced but then got two big strikeouts to end the threat.  With Jake McGee off after pitching the prior two games and Tyler Rogers and Dominic Leone being used earlier in the game, Jose Alvarez got the 9th inning.  He made it interesting by giving up a leadoff homer and allowing a couple more hits but ultimately he was able to close it out and record his first save of the season.

Hierarchy remains: Doval | McGee | Rogers.

May 28, 2022
San Francisco Giants — Jake McGee was activated from the IL on Friday, but when the Giants tried to put him into the 8th inning down by 2, Reds manager David Bell noted that he wasn’t included on the lineup card, and McGee left the game without throwing a pitch. McGee will jump right back into the hierarchy, but Camilo Doval is up to 7 saves on the year compared to McGee’s 2, so until we see McGee in the saves conversation consistently, we will keep the asterisk off.

Updated hierarchy: Doval | McGee | Rogers.

May 12, 2022
San Francisco Giants — Jake McGee went on the injured list Wednesday with tightness in his lower back, which will give Camilo Doval the full-time closer job by default. John Brebbia and Tyler Rogers have been excellent this season and will see even more high-leverage work in McGee’s absence.

Updated hierarchy: Doval | Rogers | Brebbia.

April 26, 2022
San Francisco Giants – The Giants put together an admirable bullpen game against Corbin Burnes on Monday, as six pitchers combined to allow just one unearned run over seven innings. After the Giants took the lead in the top of the 8th, Jake McGee blew the save in the bottom half but ultimately earning the win after Camilo Doval pitched a perfect 9th. Doval remains the leader in what, so far, has been a matchup- and usage-based committee. Should Gabe Kapler continue to employ Doval and McGee in this fashion, look for the righty to continue to get about 2/3rds of the opportunities.

Hierarchy remains: *Doval | McGee | Rogers.
* = closer-by-committee

April 21, 2022
San Francisco Giants – It’s two straight saves now for Jake McGee in the Giants’ closer committee, a situation that may end up becoming a true lefty/righty platoon.

Hierarchy remains: *Doval | McGee | Rogers.
* = closer-by-committee

April 17, 2022
San Francisco Giants — Jake McGee pitched a scoreless 9th inning to pick up his first save of the season.  Camilo Doval got the night off after pitching in two of the last three games, and three of five.  Tyler Rogers picked up the 8th inning hold ahead of McGee.  Fantasy owners will be happy to see McGee get on the board with a save but he is still likely behind Doval on nights when both are available.

Updated hierarchy: *Doval | McGee | Rogers.
* = closer-by-committee

April 16, 2022
San Francisco Giants — Last night with a 3 run lead the Giants went to Tyler Rogers for the 8th inning, and Camilo Doval pitched the 9th to secure his second save in as many outings. Jake McGee has not pitched since April 9, and there doesn’t appear to be any injury related reason he hasn’t seen the mound in a week. Despite Gabe Kapler’s pre-season assurance that McGee was the closer, actions speak louder than words. We told you last time that another clear save chance for Doval would bump him to the top of the committee, and that is what happened. If Doval is still somehow available you should snatch him up immediately.

Updated hierarchy: *Doval | Rogers | McGee.
* = closer-by-committee

April 14, 2022
San Francisco Giants — Gabe Kapler said Jake McGee was the closer, but he keeps going back to Camilo Doval in the ninth (like we predicted in the preseason). Doval converted this time and will move to the head of the committee with another similar outing.

Hierarchy remains: *McGee | Doval | Rogers.
* = closer-by-committee

April 11, 2022
San Francisco Giants – After pitching both Friday and Saturday, Jake McGee and Camilo Doval got the day off Sunday, allowing Dominic Leone to pick up the Giants’ first save of the season.

Hierarchy remains: *McGee | Doval | Rogers.
* = closer-by-committee

April 9, 2022
San Francisco Giants – Despite Gabe Kapler tapping Jake McGee as the closer to start the season it was Camilo Doval who got the first save chance for the Giants. Context is important here, as McGee was brought into the 8th inning of a 1 run game to face the 3-4-5 hitters of the Marlins. Doval got an insurance run to work with, but couldn’t shut the door and was in line for the loss after giving up 3 runs in the top of the 9th, but the Giants would go on to win in the 10th inning. Seeing the nominal closer in the 8th inning isn’t too surprising, so we don’t read too much into this usage, but we still expect Doval to bounce back and work his way into more save situations this year.

Hierarchy remains: *McGee | Doval | Rogers.
* = closer-by-committee

March 30, 2022
San Francisco Giants – Gabe Kapler said that Jake McGee would begin the season as closer.  We will move McGee to the head of the committee, but we still think that Camilo Doval is in the mix for saves.

Updated hierarchy: *McGee | Doval | Rogers.
* = closer-by-committee

March 24, 2022
San Francisco Giants – For the third straight season, Gabe Kapler refuses to name a closer. But unlike some teams who turn to a committee out of desperation, the Giants have three strong relief options: 24-year-old flamethrower Camilo Doval, who had 15 scoreless outings to close out the regular season; lefty Jake McGee, who racked up 31 saves with a sub-1 WHIP; and Tyler Rogers, whose submarine-style delivery was good for 13 saves of its own. The three say they’re fine sharing the role based on matchups, although Rogers gives the edge to the veteran McGee. The best long-term play is obviously Doval, but we think his impressive stuff will give him the edge right out of the gate as well.

Starting 2022 hierarchy: *Doval | McGee | Rogers.
* = closer-by-committee
Holds candidates: Rogers, Jarlin Garcia, Dominic Leone.

October 3, 2021
San Francisco Giants – Jake McGee has been activated from the IL, and will give the Giants another option to close out games.  However, with the way Camilo Doval has pitched, we will leave him atop this committee.

Updated hierarchy: *Doval | McGee | Rogers.
* = closer-by-committee

September 30, 2021
San Francisco Giants – The Giants are going all-in on Camilo Doval, using him and his 102 mph fastball on back-to-back nights to pick up big saves. The youngest Giant to record a save since Rod Beck, Doval is not just the closer of San Francisco’s future — he may well be who they turn to this October as they ease Jake McGee back into the bullpen. Shades of 2002 K-Rod.

Updated hierarchy: *Doval | Rogers | Leone.
* = closer-by-committee

September 29, 2021
San Francisco Giants – The Giants went with Tony Watson in the seventh and Tyler Rogers in the eighth, leaving the ninth for Camilo Doval, who combined ridiculous heat with a nasty slider to lock down his first MLB save. We’ll move Doval into the hierarchy and see if Gabe Kapler continues to use him as a closer as his team fights for a division title.

Updated hierarchy: *Rogers | Leone | Doval.
* = closer-by-committee

September 22, 2021
San Francisco Giants – Tyler Rogers secured the final three outs of Tuesday’s victory to earn his first save since Aug. 26 and remain at the top of this committee.

Hierarchy remains: *Rogers | Leone | Watson.
* = closer-by-committee

September 19, 2021
San Francisco Giants – After struggling in a save situation on Friday, Tyler Rogers got the call in the 8th inning last night. That left the 9th inning for Dominic Leone, and he responded with a scoreless inning for his second save of the season.  It looks like the Giants may continue to employ a committee even with McGee out instead of primarily using Rogers as closer.

Hierarchy remains: *Rogers | Leone | Watson.
* = closer-by-committee

September 18, 2021
San Francisco Giants – The Giants placed Jake McGee on the IL yesterday, turning the closing duties over to Tyler Rogers. Rogers wasn’t able to convert with a two-run lead, though, and was in line for a loss until the team bailed him out in the bottom of the ninth. The Giants hope McGee will be back before the end of the regular season, and if Rogers can’t get the job done, Dominic Leone and Tony Watson are other options.

Hierarchy remains: Rogers | Leone | Watson.

September 17, 2021
San Francisco Giants – Jake McGee was placed on the IL with an oblique strain before tonight’s game, retroactive to September 14. Tyler Rogers will take over closing in his absence, while Dominic Leone and Tony Watson will be in the mix as well.

Updated hierarchy: Rogers | Leone | Watson.

September 12, 2021
San Francisco Giants — Caleb Baragar pitched the final three innings of a 15-4 Giants victory to pick up his second save of the season.  The first person to send us a screenshot proving you had Baragar in your lineup yesterday wins our Premium service for a year.

Hierarchy remains: *McGee | Rogers | Leone.
* = closer-by-committee

August 27, 2021
San Francisco Giants — The Giants gave Jake McGee the night off after he threw 24 pitches on Wednesday, so Tyler Rogers converted Thursday’s save chance.

Hierarchy remains: *McGee | Rogers | Leone.
* = closer-by-committee

August 19, 2021
San Francisco Giants — We’ve been keeping our eye on the Giants’ seventh-inning situation, and Dominic Leone pitched there again Wednesday, after Zack Littell nailed down the fourth and fifth. San Francisco has several effective relievers to choose from in the late innings — including last year’s closer, Tony Watson, who has three holds in the last week and hasn’t given up a run since he was traded here from the Angels — but we think Leone belongs in the hierarchy.

Updated hierarchy: *McGee | Rogers | Leone.
* = closer-by-committee

August 18, 2021
San Francisco Giants – We correctly predicted that Jake McGee and Tyler Rogers would get Tuesday off, and with two lefties and a switch hitter due up in the ninth, Gabe Kapler went with southpaw Jarlin Garcia to start the frame. Garcia retired two of the three hitters he faced before Dominic Leone came in to secure the final out and get the save. Zack Littell has been terrific for the Giants since getting called back up, picking up two saves and a win before throwing three scoreless innings on Saturday in what Kapler called a “heroic performance.” We’ll see if Littell just needed one more day of rest after that 41-pitch outing or if Leone has truly usurped Littell as the best option for saves after McGee and Rogers.

Hierarchy remains: *McGee | Rogers | Littell.
* = closer-by-committee

August 14, 2021
San Francisco Giants – With a 3 run lead the Giants had Jake McGee up for the save opportunity, but after letting two runs score and putting men on first and second, the Giants went to Zack Littell to put out the fire. He struck out the only batter he faced to earn his second save of the last week. Jake McGee has struggled his last two outings, but has been excellent overall and this isn’t likely to unseat him at the head of this committee. Zack Littell’s heroics were enough to land him on the hierarchy.

Updated hierarchy: *McGee | Rogers | Littell.
* = closer-by-committee

August 9, 2021
San Francisco Giants – With all of the Giants’ top arms getting the day off, Zack Littell got his first big league save, pitching the final two innings. He doesn’t factor in to San Francisco’s usual late inning plans.

Hierarchy remains: *McGee | Rogers | Leone.
* = closer-by-committee

July 22, 2021
San Francisco Giants — The Vulture Save Watch correctly forecast that Tyler Rogers would get Wednesday’s save, his 11th of the season for the still-surprising Giants. 

Hierarchy remains: *McGee | Rogers | Leone.
* = closer-by-committee

July 21, 2021
San Francisco Giants — With two lefties due up in the eighth, the Giants went to Jake McGee in that spot to protect a one-run lead, leaving the ninth for Tyler Rogers. The reliable righty was unusually awful, however, as he wasn’t close to the strike zone in a pair of walks before he allowed the game-winning home run. The good news for any Rogers owners is that Gabe Kapler won’t hesitate to get Rogers back on the mound.

Hierarchy remains: *McGee | Rogers | Leone.
* = closer-by-committee

July 5, 2021
San Francisco Giants – Tyler Rogers got a 1-out save on Sunday after 8.2 brilliant innings by Anthony DeSclafani. This remains a two-headed committee.

Hierarchy remains: *McGee | Rogers | Leone.
* = closer-by-committee

July 4, 2021
San Francisco Giants – Jake McGee pitched a perfect inning yesterday to record his 16th save of the season.  McGee has recorded the last three saves for the Giants and Tyler Rogers has gotten the 8th inning ahead of McGee in each of those saves.  We are not ready to remove the asterisk quite yet, but McGee has 11 straight scoreless appearances to go with those three straight saves and seems to be settling into the closer’s role as he did at the beginning of the season when he recorded the Giants first six saves.

Hierarchy remains: *McGee | Rogers | Leone.
* = closer-by-committee

June 19, 2021
San Francisco Giants – The Giants committee keeps spinning, with Tyler Rogers taking the 8th inning and Jake McGee getting the 9th. McGee converted for his 14th save on the year. This is the second time this week that Rogers has pitched the 8th ahead of McGee, and in his other appearance, he picked up the clear save himself. It seems like McGee has edged ahead of Rogers in the committee, but they are both likely candidates for saves on any given night. In other news, Dominic Leone pitched a clean 7th inning ahead of them for his 3rd hold of the year and has only given up 1 run in June. That is enough to jump into second in line for the Giants.

Updated hierarchy: *McGee | Rogers | Leone.
* = closer-by-committee

June 15, 2021
San Francisco Giants – Jake McGee got the save on Monday for the Giants after Tyler Rogers pitched the 8th. By all indications, this continues to be a committee; since the start of May, both players have gotten 6 saves.

Hierarchy remains: *Rogers | McGee | Littell.
* = closer-by-committee

June 13, 2021
San Francisco Giants — Caleb Baragar picked up the extra-innings save yesterday for the Giants.  The three members on the Giants’ hierarchy pitched earlier in the game and Baragar is likely still behind each of them despite his ERA of 0.49 on the season.  The Giants bullpen is really good.

Hierarchy remains: *Rogers | McGee | Littell.
* = closer-by-committee

May 31, 2021
San Francisco Giants — With the entire Hierarchy rested, the Giants turned to Jake McGee for the ninth inning of a three-run game on Sunday. He didn’t have the smoothest performance, giving up two runs (one earned), but he got the job done for his 12th save of the year and first since May 18. McGee’s underlying numbers aren’t great when compared to Tyler Rogers. Despite this, McGee does keep getting high-leverage work and remains firmly in the mix for saves going forward.

Hierarchy remains: *Rogers | McGee | Littell.
* = closer-by-committee

May 29, 2021
San Francisco Giants — Tyler Rogers was not able to hold a three-run lead in the ninth, so when the Giants scored three in the top of the tenth, Jarlin Garcia got the save opportunity. He converted for his first career save. Garcia isn’t normally part of the late innings for the Giants.

Hierarchy remains: *Rogers | McGee | Littell.
* = closer-by-committee

May 20, 2021
San Francisco Giants — A few rough outings for Camilo Doval have seen him moved into a lower-leverage role, and Zack Littell has been the beneficiary. Last night, in a one-run game, he pitched the seventh, Jake McGee the eighth, and Tyler Rogers the ninth — after San Francisco had put a few more runs on the board.

Updated hierarchy: *Rogers | McGee | Littell.
* = closer-by-committee

May 19, 2021
San Francisco Giants – After we moved Tyler Rogers to the top of the Giants’ committee yesterday, it’s fitting that Jake McGee closed out Tuesday’s win with a 1-2-3 ninth inning for his 11th save of the season. Rogers had pitched in two straight and three of four heading into Tuesday, so a day off was probably in order.

Hierarchy remains: *Rogers | McGee | Doval.
* = closer-by-committee

May 18, 2021
San Francisco Giants – Jake McGee was ostensibly available on Monday, but with his last outing leaving a bit to be desired, and his ERA currently sitting at 5.09, the Giants went to Tyler Rogers, who earned his fifth save. Rogers (0.73 ERA) moves to the head of the committee for now.

Updated hierarchy: *Rogers | McGee | Doval.
* = closer-by-committee

May 17, 2021
San Francisco Giants – Jake McGee got the day off after pitching Friday and Saturday, so Tyler Rogers got the call in the 9th, earning his fourth save of the season. You read the Vulture Save Watch, though, so this wasn’t a surprise to you.

Hierarchy remains: *McGee | Rogers | Doval.
* = closer-by-committee

May 14, 2021
San Francisco Giants — Manager Gabe Kapler wanted to give Jake McGee a consecutive day off after he pitched Monday and Tuesday, so that led to Tyler Rogers getting his third save Thursday. McGee is still the clear leader for saves, but this is Kapler we’re talking about, and this is most certainly a committee. 

Hierarchy remains: *McGee | Rogers | Doval.
* = closer-by-committee

May 12, 2021
San Francisco Giants — Since Gabe Kapler announced that Tyler Rogers might be in the mix more for the ninth inning on May 5, Jake McGee has converted all three of the Giants’ saves, including his 10th of the year yesterday. After seeing how we mushed Diego Castillo once we removed the Rays’ asterisk, we’ll do our readers (and McGee himself) a service by keeping the committee tag on the Giants for now.  

Hierarchy remains: *McGee | Rogers | Doval.
* = closer-by-committee

May 8, 2021
San Francisco Giants — Jake McGee responded to the committee talk in San Francisco with a vintage performance in a one-run game, striking out three en route to his eighth save. Tyler Rogers pitched the eighth inning and lowered his ERA to 0.96, so there’s still competition in the Giants bullpen, but it was good to see McGee put together a strong outing.

Hierarchy remains: *McGee | Rogers | Doval.
* = closer-by-committee

May 7, 2021
San Francisco Giants – Manager Gabe Kapler has effectively placed the committee asterisk on the Giants bullpen, saying Wednesday that Tyler Rogers will be in the ninth-inning mix more often. We’ll keep Jake McGee at the top for now, but he has had a rough time of late, allowing 7 earned runs over his previous three appearances (2.2 IP). 

Updated hierarchy: *McGee | Rogers | Doval.
* = closer-by-committee

April 28, 2021
San Francisco Giants – The Giants traded Wandy Peralta to the Yankees yesterday, which means we get to officially welcome Camilo Doval to the hierarchy.

Updated hierarchy: McGee | Rogers | Doval.

April 26, 2021
San Francisco Giants – After Jake McGee pitched Thursday and Friday, Gabe Kapler wanted to give him an extra day off on Sunday, so Tyler Rogers pitched the 9th, earning his second save.

Hierarchy remains: McGee | Rogers | Peralta.

April 21, 2021
San Francisco Giants – Jake McGee returned to the mound on Tuesday and gave up just one hit, a solo home run, to close out a 10-7 victory.

Hierarchy remains: McGee | Rogers | Peralta.

April 20, 2021
San Francisco Giants – With Jake McGee still recovering from his COVID shot and Tyler Rogers getting the night off after going two straight, Wandy Peralta picked up the save. Another name to watch here is rookie Camilo Doval, who pitched a clean 8th inning ahead of Peralta. The 23-year-old righty struck out 80 hitters in 56.1 innings in the minors in 2019.

Hierarchy remains: McGee | Rogers | Peralta.

April 19, 2021
San Francisco Giants – Jake McGee was placed on the IL yesterday after receiving his second COVID vaccine shot. That allowed Tyler Rogers to pick up his first save of the season. McGee could be back as soon as today but Rogers is the clear handcuff if he is out longer.

Hierarchy remains: McGee | Rogers | Peralta.

April 12, 2021
San Francisco Giants – The Giants placed Reyes Moronta on the IL with a right flexor strain. Wandy Peralta figures to get a few more hold chances in his absence.

Updated hierarchy: McGee | Rogers | Peralta.

April 8, 2021
San Francisco Giants — The Giants gave their extra-inning save opportunity to Wandy Peralta, and he wound up with the first save of his career. 

Hierarchy remains: McGee | Rogers | Moronta.

April 1, 2021
San Francisco Giants – The Giants’ GM Farhan Zaidi said that Jake McGee is in a position to be the closer.  He also mentioned Tyler Rogers so we will move Rogers to 1st in line behind McGee.

Updated hierarchy: McGee | Rogers | Moronta.

March 5, 2021
San Francisco Giants – Gabe Kapler remains the Giants’ manager, so don’t hold Closer Monkey responsible if anything we say below doesn’t end up happening. San Francisco signed Jake McGee to a two-year deal in the offseason and it looks as if the lefty is the likely closer to start the year. Reyes Moronta will be back after missing all of last season and should be in the late-inning mix if his velocity remains high. After that, guys like Matt Wisler and Tyler Rogers should pick up some holds.

Starting 2021 hierarchy: McGee | Moronta | Wisler.
Holds candidates: Moronta, Wisler, Rogers, Jarlin Garcia.

September 27, 2020
San Francisco Giants — Sam Coonrod has been placed on the IL after blowing a big save chance on Friday.  Sam Selman will jump back into the hierarchy and could see action in the late innings today in a must-win game for the Giants to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Hierarchy remains: *Watson | Rogers | Selman.
* = closer-by-committee

September 26, 2020
San Francisco Giants — Tony Watson picked up the save in the first game of Friday’s doubleheader, but Sam Coonrod couldn’t do the same in the nightcap, his fourth appearance in five games.

Hierarchy remains: *Watson | Rogers | Coonrod.
* = closer-by-committee

September 23, 2020
San Francisco Giants – Sam Coonrod collected his third save of the season on Tuesday night, facing the Rockies’ 8-9-1 hitters in the ninth. Tony Watson pitched the eighth inning, which lefty cleanup hitter Charlie Blackmon led off. The Giants are battling for one of the last playoff spots in the National League, so their top arms should see plenty of work this week, though their order of appearance will remain a mystery. Best of luck to anyone turning to a Gabe Kapler bullpen with a fantasy title on the line.

Updated hierarchy: *Watson | Rogers | Coonrod.
* = closer-by-committee

September 18, 2020
San Francisco Giants – Sam Selman earned his first career save Thursday, securing a 6-4 win for the Giants, who find themselves in a playoff race. Tony Watson pitched the seventh inning with the 8-9-1 hitters (two righties) due up. This is Gabe Kapler, so the manager’s unorthodox use of late-inning arms shouldn’t be all that surprising. Selman has actually pitched pretty well this season (20 Ks in 16.2 IP with a 2.70 ERA), and in some high-leverage spots, so perhaps he’s starting to earn Kapler’s trust.

Updated hierarchy: *Watson | Rogers | Selman.
* = closer-by-committee

September 9, 2020
San Francisco Giants – Tony Watson earned the save last night, with Tyler Rogers picking up the win in the seventh inning after facing the 2-3-4 hitters. Jarlin Garcia got the eighth and maintained his 0.00 ERA with a 1-2-3 frame. 

Hierarchy remains: *Watson | Rogers | Coonrod.
* = closer-by-committee

September 8, 2020
San Francisco Giants – Sam Coonrod got the save last night, pitching the final 1.1 innings. We suspect that Tony Watson and Tyler Rogers are still the top two options here (they’d both gone two straight and didn’t pitch) but with Gabe Kapler at the helm, that’s purely a guess.

Hierarchy remains: *Watson | Rogers | Coonrod.
* = closer-by-committee

September 7, 2020
San Francisco Giants – We thought the Giants bullpen might be falling into an order that made sense, but yesterday, Tyler Rogers and his 6.00 ERA got the 9th after Tony Watson pitched the 8th. Kapler’s gonna Kapler.

Hierarchy remains: *Watson | Rogers | Coonrod.
* = closer-by-committee

September 6, 2020
San Francisco Giants – Tony Watson and his 0.75 ERA finally recorded his first save of the season with a perfect 9th inning yesterday. Rogers got the 8th inning ahead of Watson and struggled, while Sam Coonrod came on in the 5th.  Watson is the Giants’ best reliever and that combined with a converted save is enough to move to the top of this committee.

Updated hierarchy: *Watson | Rogers| Coonrod.
* = closer-by-committee

August 31, 2020
San Francisco Giants – We thought Tyler Rogers had taken the lead in this bullpen, so of course, he pitched the 8th last night, leaving the 9th inning to Sam Coonrod, who picked up his first career save. Coonrod has decent numbers, but we have to admit he wasn’t on our radar for saves here. We’ll keep watching to see if he keeps getting these opportunities.

Updated hierarchy: *Rogers | Coonrod | Watson.
* = closer-by-committee

August 30, 2020
San Francisco Giants – Tyler Rogers pitched a scoreless 9th for his second save of the season.  Tony Watson worked the 8th inning ahead of Rogers, while Jarlin Garcia picked up the win, but came on in the 4th inning to do so. As has been the theme today, if you convert a save in an unsettled bullpen situation, you get to move to the front of the line.

Updated hierarchy: *Rogers | Watson | Garcia.
* = closer-by-committee

August 24, 2020
San Francisco Giants – We’ve been trying to read the Bay Area tea leaves since Trevor Gott’s recent struggles cost him the closer job, and with the Giants pulling a six-game win streak out of thin air, you’d think that we’d have a little more insight. Those victories, however, have yielded 0 save chances; here’s who has pitched each 9th, along with the situation and outcome:

Tuesday- Shaun Anderson, up by 7, one run allowed.
Wednesday- Tony Watson; up by 5, scoreless inning.
Thursday- Jarlin Garcia; up by 5, scoreless inning.
Friday- Tyler Rogers; up by 4, scoreless inning.
Saturday- Tyler Anderson finishing a CG; up by 4, scoreless inning.
Sunday- Garcia; up by 5, scoreless inning.

We’d say that Watson is still the best positioned to take over, but he got the 7th inning on Sunday and the 8th on Friday. Rogers, meanwhile, has gotten his share of holds, but he’s a submariner with a 6.60 ERA. So… maybe Jarlin the (former) Marlin? Or maybe by the time the Giants actually get a save opp, Gott will have worked himself out?

Updated hierarchy: *Garcia | Watson | Rogers.
* = closer-by-committee

August 18, 2020
San Francisco Giants – Trevor Gott’s absolutely brutal stretch continued on Monday, as he blew another save and saw his ERA balloon to 14.73. (Tony Watson’s ERA is 1.35.) Gabe Kapler said he has to find a “softer landing spot” for the reliever, which likely means earlier in the game. We’re slapping a committee tag on here and watching to see what happens, but best to add Watson now if he’s available.

Updated hierarchy: *Gott | Watson | Rogers.
* = closer-by-committee

August 16, 2020
San Francisco Giants — Sometimes after a bad night, it’s best to get right back out there the next night with a chance to get back on track.  Unfortunately for Trevor Gott, that was not the case.  After giving up 5 runs on Friday, Gott was sent back out there to protect a 3 run lead on Saturday.  He proceeded to give up two homers for the second straight appearance on way to the blown save.  Manager Gabe Kapler says that he still believes in Gott, but fantasy owners may feel differently.  Tony Watson got the 8th inning hold before Gott blew the save and he seems to be rounding into form.  We will keep an eye on this to see if the Giants decide to make a change.

Updated hierarchy: Gott | Rogers | Watson.

August 15, 2020
San Francisco Giants — If you own Trevor Gott, we don’t have to tell you how frustrating Friday night was. Asked to pitch the ninth with a five-run lead, Gott gave it all back on a solo shot and a grand slam. The only consolation: blowing that big a lead doesn’t count as a blown save.

Hierarchy remains: Gott | Rogers | Watson.

August 12, 2020
San Francisco Giants – After Trevor Gott kept the game tied in the ninth inning, the Giants scored in the 10th and opened the door for Tyler Rogers to earn his first career save. We’ll slide Rogers past Tony Watson in the hierarchy, especially since Watson’s last appearance was a one-pitch, one-out hold on Saturday.

Updated hierarchy: Gott | Rogers | Watson.

August 9, 2020
San Francisco Giants – Trevor Gott pitched a scoreless 9th for the save yesterday and is now 4/4 in save opportunities.  Gott is clearly the man in San Fran at this point and we will remove the committee tag.

Hierarchy remains: Gott | Watson | Rogers.

July 27, 2020
San Francisco Giants – Trevor gott himself another save on Sunday, his second in as many days. Tony Watson, meanwhile, has only pitched once thus far, and it came in the 8th. We’re considering Gott the new committee leader for now, and may elevate him to the full time role if the Giants continue to look to him in the 9th.

Updated hierarchy: *Gott | Watson | Rogers.
* = closer-by-committee

July 26, 2020
San Francisco Giants — Trevor Gott gave up a homer to the first batter he faced in the 9th inning but was able to retire the next three batters to nail down the save.  Tony Watson and Tyler Rogers combined for the 8th inning ahead of Gott.  We will leave Watson at the top of the committee for now, and slide Gott in right behind him.  With Gabe Kapler as the manager, we probably won’t ever get a ton of clarity on this situation all season and it might best to avoid all members of this bullpen.

Updated hierarchy: *Watson | Gott | Rogers.
* = closer-by-committee

July 24, 2020
San Francisco Giants — Tyler Rogers was thrust into action in a 1-1 game in the seventh inning Thursday night against the Dodgers, a sign that manager Gabe Kapler has confidence in the 29-year-old submariner. That confidence could be shaken a bit after Rogers allowed four runs on three hits in just two-thirds of an inning. It’s far too early to draw any conclusions about what the late-inning hierarchy looks like yet, especially with Kapler as manager, but take the use of Rogers in a high-leverage situation as a good sign he belongs in this group.

Hierarchy remains: *Watson | Anderson | Rogers.
* = closer-by-committee

February 26, 2020
San Francisco Giants — The Giants go into 2020 without a clear-cut option at closer, which is probably the way new manager Gabe Kapler likes it. Will Smith has departed for the Atlanta Braves, and the Giants are already talking about a committee to start. The top option will probably be Tony Watson, who has some closing experience and has been a late-innings pitcher for the Giants for the past couple years. Behind him will be former top prospect Shaun Anderson, who started last season in the rotation, but made a move to the bullpen in August with mixed results. Tyler Rogers doesn’t have traditional closer stuff, but as a heavy ground ball pitcher he could find his way into the late innings as well. Jandel Gustave was an option for holds down the stretch for the Giants last year, but his numbers aren’t great for a closer. More than most teams, San Francisco’s spring training could determine the bullpen roles to start the year, so this is a situation to watch and see if anybody emerges as the frontrunner, but this is probably a team best left alone in your drafts.

Starting 2020 hierarchy: *Watson | Anderson | Rogers.
* = closer-by-committee
Holds candidates: Anderson, Rogers, Gustave, Sam Coonrod, Trevor Gott.

September 18, 2019
San Francisco Giants — Will Smith has now made two appearances since recovering from a back injury, scattering one hit across 2.1 IP. The Giants have no need to run Smith ragged over the final days of the season, so Shaun Anderson may be in line for another vulture save depending on Smith’s usage.

Hierarchy remains: Smith | Anderson | Gustave.

September 14, 2019
San Francisco Giants — Will Smith is still recovering from a back injury, which left last night’s save chance to Shaun Anderson. Anderson converted for his second save on the year, and second in a row. Smith was hoping to return this weekend, but it seems he’ll be out until at least Tuesday. Anderson needed only nine pitches last night, so he may get another chance before Smith returns. 

Hierarchy remains: Smith | Anderson | Gustave.

September 11, 2019
San Francisco Giants – Will Smith’s lingering back issues and the recent news that Tony Watson will miss the rest of the year led to a save chance for Shaun Anderson last night. Anderson converted, which is all he needed to do to jump up to handcuff status on this hierarchy.

Updated hierarchy: Smith | Anderson | Gustave.

September 8, 2019
San Francisco Giants — Closer Will Smith was unavailable yesterday after his back tightened up and set-up man Tony Watson is day-to-day with a wrist injury.  Even without their two best relievers, the Giants bullpen combines for 4 scoreless innings to close out a 1-0 shutout win.  Jandel Gustave got the ninth inning and now has two holds and a save in his last three appearances.  Gustave didn’t have very good numbers in the minors and doesn’t strike out many batters, but he got the job done yesterday and could get more chances if Smith and Watson miss time.

Updated hierarchy: Smith | Watson | Gustave.

September 5, 2019
San Francisco Giants — Reyes Moronta is out for the season (and maybe the next) with a torn labrum. Sidearmer Tyler Rogers (Taylor’s twin and a groundball machine) got the seventh inning tonight, and is as likely as anyone to fill Moronta’s role this month.

Updated hierarchy: Smith | Watson | Rogers.

September 1, 2019
San Francisco Giants — Reyes Moronta left the game yesterday, and it didn’t look good.   Moronta will have an MRI but it looks like he will miss time.  If he does, Sam Coonrod could see more time at the back end of the Giants’ bullpen.

Hierarchy remains: Smith | Watson | Moronta.

August 17, 2019
San Francisco Giants — Will Smith came in to protect a two-run lead in the 10th inning, but blew the save after giving up a pair of solo homers. When the Giants retook the lead in the 11th, Smith came on try again, but ran out of gas after his 35th pitch, leaving the last out for Trevor Gott. Gott induced a groundout to earn his first career save. Gott normally doesn’t feature in the late innings for San Francisco.

Hierarchy remains: Smith | Watson | Moronta.

August 1, 2019
San Francisco Giants — The Giants lost Sam Dyson and Mark Melancon to deadline day trades, but that still leaves them with three of their big five. We’ll keep an eye on whether Tony Watson or Reyes Moronta is the true handcuff to Will Smith.

Updated hierarchy: Smith | Watson | Moronta.

July 31, 2019
San Francisco Giants – The Giants are 2.5 games back in the wild card race and seem content to keep all their big-name pitchers, including Will Smith. We’ll see if the Giants stay true to that plan by 4 p.m.

Hierarchy remains: Smith | Dyson | Watson.

July 23, 2019
San Francisco Giants – The Giants gave Will Smith the night off after he’d appeared in three of the last four, and Sam Dyson got the 9th, converting for his 2nd save of the season.

Hierarchy remains: Smith | Dyson | Watson.

July 18, 2019
San Francisco Giants — We correctly predicted that the Giants’ trio of Will Smith, Sam Dyson and Tony Watson would get Wednesday off, but Reyes Moronta pitched the seventh with a three-run lead. The Giants added three more runs in the eighth, but after Andrew Suarez gave them all back in the ninth, Mark Melancon came to the rescue and recorded the final out of the game for his first save of the season. Melancon is the most likely candidate to close in San Francisco should Smith, Dyson and Watson all get traded.

Hierarchy remains: Smith | Dyson | Watson.

July 17, 2019
San Francisco Giants — Sam Dyson has moved ahead of Tony Watson as the top handcuff to Will Smith. If Smith is the first Giants reliever traded, we favor Dyson over Watson and Mark Melancon — but Dyson and Watson are quite likely to follow (or precede) Smith out the door.

Updated hierarchy: Smith | Dyson | Watson.

July 4, 2019
San Francisco Giants — The Giants have a surplus of good relievers in the late innings. Reyes Moronta, Sam Dyson, Tony Watson, and Will Smith appear to have cemented their situational roles from the sixth inning on.

Updated hierarchy: Smith | Watson | Dyson.

June 26, 2019
San Francisco Giants – Sam Dyson earned his second seventh-inning hold in his last three appearances on Tuesday. Dyson has recorded six holds in June and has become a part of the Giants’ late-inning plans. Reyes Moronta is striking out hitters at an impressive rate and has been outstanding in June, not allowing a run in 7.1 IP this month. Both Moronta and closer Will Smith will be popular trade targets for contenders, which should open the door for Dyson and Tony Watson to see more high-leverage opportunities when the dust settles.

Hierarchy remains: Smith | Watson | Moronta.

June 3, 2019
San Francisco Giants – Reyes Moronta has electric stuff, but we can’t continue to ignore the steady presence that Tony Watson has provided the Giants in the 8th inning all season long. He’s almost always the last man to bridge the gap to Will Smith and would likely be the choice for a save chance if Smith were unavailable.

Updated hierarchy: Smith | Watson | Moronta.

May 16, 2019
San Francisco Giants — We’ve been crediting Bruce Bochy’s claims that Mark Melancon will close again, but bullpen usage patterns reveal a clear preference for Tony Watson when things get tight.

Updated hierarchy: Smith | Moronta | Watson.

April 30, 2019
San Francisco Giants – The hard-throwing Reyes Moronta picked up his sixth hold of the season, pitching the 8th ahead of Will Smith. Moronta has ascended to an important role in this bullpen and should be a reliable source for holds going forward.

Updated hierarchy: Smith | Moronta | Melancon.

April 29, 2019
San Francisco Giants – Will Smith gave up three runs in a non-save situation, pushing his ERA to 3.72. The Giants apparently intend to give Mark Melancon the closer job back at some point, and performances like this might make that day come sooner rather than later. 

Hierarchy remains: Smith | Watson | Melancon.

April 14, 2019
San Francisco Giants – Will Smith and the rest of the Giants hierarchy got the night off yesterday after the 18 inning marathon on Friday. That left Reyes Moronta for the eighth, where he struck out the side, and our old friend Sam Dyson for the ninth, where he recorded his first save of the season. The Vulture Save Watch correctly predicted Will Smith would get the night off and we mentioned that Dyson was the most well-rested so hopefully that helped a few people steal a save.

Hierarchy remains: Smith | Watson | Melancon.

April 2, 2019
San Francisco Giants – Carrying a two-run lead into the 7th inning against the rival Dodgers, the Giants went with the trio of Mark Melancon, Tony Watson, and Will Smith to close the door. Assuming usual rest and health, it looks like that’s the way they’re going to line up going forward when they can.

Updated hierarchy: Smith | Watson | Melancon.

March 31, 2019
San Francisco Giants – A few days after being announced the closer, Will Smith recorded his first save of the season by striking out a pair in a perfect inning.  However, it was Reyes Moronta who might have been the most impressive reliever for the Giants.  Moronta struck out five batters in two innings and could be a guy to watch.

Updated hierarchy: Smith | Dyson | Moronta.

March 22, 2019
San Francisco Giants – Mark Melancon began the spring in contention to close, but he has been dreadful in his six appearances, posting an 11.12 ERA in 5.2 IP. Will Smith has been the opposite of dreadful, allowing no runs and just three hits in his four innings of work this spring. Bruce Bochy has not named a closer, but Smith should be the front-runner based on the aforementioned numbers and the fact that Melancon isn’t even a lock to make the Opening Day roster anymore.

Updated hierarchy: Smith | Dyson | Melancon.

February 21, 2019
San Francisco Giants – It’s a two-man race between Will Smith and Mark Melancon, and with Smith a pending free agent (and thus an ongoing trade candidate), we’ll give the slight edge to the guy with the $19 million salary. Sam Dyson, Tony Watson, and Reyes Moronta make up the second tier of Giants relievers. Pat Venditte probably won’t be too relevant to your fantasy team, but you better believe we’re going to mention he’s a Giant now.

Starting 2019 hierarchy: Melancon | Smith | Dyson.
Holds candidates: Dyson, Watson, Moronta.

August 28, 2018
San Francisco Giants – Just when Hunter Strickland seemed like the odd man out in this bullpen, the righty got the call with 2 outs in the 9th last night, walking a batter before finishing off the game to notch the save. Will Smith apparently needed a second night off after pitching three straight over the weekend, so Tony Watson started the inning and recorded two outs around a walk, then got the hook. Strickland was doing a fine job of closing before the injury and if the Giants give him another chance or two, there’s the possibility that he could return to sharing chances with Smith down the stretch.

Hierarchy remains: Smith | Melancon | Strickland.

August 27, 2018
San Francisco Giants – After pitching in three straight, Will Smith got the night off, and the save chance went to Mark Melancon, who converted his second opportunity in as many nights. Melancon looks to have surpassed Hunter Strickland as the handcuff; the latter has allowed 5 runs (2 ERs) in 4.2 inning since returning from the DL.

Updated hierarchy: Smith | Melancon | Strickland.

August 26, 2018
San Francisco Giants – Will Smith got the call for the third day in a row on Saturday, but he could not finish the game off.  Smith struck out a pair of batters but also loaded the bases on a hit and two walks.  Mark Melancon replaced Smith and retired the only batter he faced for his second save of the season.  Smith blew a save on Friday, but he has been stellar all season and a couple hiccups shouldn’t affect his role as closer.  Melancon got the 8th inning hold on Friday, and we will slide him into the hierarchy in place of Tony Watson, who hasn’t pitched since August 21 when he gave up 4 runs.

Updated hierarchy: Smith | Strickland | Melancon. 

August 18, 2018
San Francisco Giants – Hunter Strickland is due to be activated from the DL today and should return to high-leverage situations immediately. Will Smith has been outstanding for the Giants, recording 10 saves over the past six weeks, so until Strickland starts pulling save opportunities from him, he will return behind Smith and Tony Watson.

Updated hierarchy: Smith | Watson | Strickland. 

August 15, 2018
San Francisco Giants – Mark Melancon has not pitched too many innings of any consequence lately. Sam Dyson has the same amount of holds since August 2 as Melancon does, but Dyson is more likely at this point to get a save chance if Will Smith and Tony Watson are unavailable. Keep an eye on Reyes Moronta as well. Moronta owns a 2.05 ERA, a 1.04 WHIP and has struck out 62 batters in 52.2 IP this season.

Updated hierarchy: Smith | Watson | Dyson. 

July 30, 2018
San Francisco Giants – Will Smith picked up his 5th save of the season yesterday, and is the only Giant to have logged a save in the past month. Thanks to his cardio rating of infinity, Smith should be the only guy in this bullpen getting save chances; we’re kicking his asterisk.

Updated hierarchy: Smith | Watson | Melancon. 

July 10, 2018
San Francisco Giants – In a tie game, Bruce Bochy used the 7-8-9 combo of Watson-Melancon-Smith, which has seemingly become his preferred order. The last three saves have all gone to Smith, and he looks to be well ahead of his committee counterparts in the pecking order. We’ll consider removing his asterisk, as well, if this continues for another few games.

Updated hierarchy: *Smith | Watson | Melancon.
* = closer-by-committee

July 2, 2018
San Francisco Giants — On Sunday, the Giants used Sam Dyson in the seventh, Tony Watson in the eighth, and then turned to Mark Melancon with a four-run lead in the ninth. Melancon retired the first two guys, but then gave up three straight singles, so it was Will Smith earning his second save in three nights. Lefties Smith (34 K in 24.1 IP, 0.70 WHIP) and Watson (1.64 ERA, 15 straight scoreless appearances) have been awesome this season, as has Reyes Moronta. Melancon could be in the mix, and you can’t necessarily rule out Dyson, so this situation will stay messy, but we’ll move Smith up top and hope he can hang on to the job. For his part, Bruce Bochy says he considers these guys “interchangeable.”

Updated hierarchy: *Smith | Watson | Dyson.
* = closer-by-committee

July 1, 2018
San Francisco Giants – The Giants bullpen appears to be wide open.  After Sam Dyson’s latest blown save on Thursday, Bochy said he would open the closing job to others.  He made good on that on Friday with Will Smith getting the save, but with Dyson unavailable that night and so many other options to close, it’s hard to know where Bochy will go next.  For now, it appears Mark Melancon may not be in the mix since his arm isn’t strong enough yet to resume the role of closer.  That still leaves Dyson and Smith, as well as Tony Watson and rookie Reyes Moronta.  Bochy has been trying to manage the workload for all these guys so it looks like a committee for now.

Updated hierarchy: *Dyson | Smith | Watson.
* = closer-by-committee

June 30, 2018
San Francisco Giants – Bruce Bochy announced before Friday’s game that Sam Dyson would be unavailable for a save chance after pitching in four of the last seven games. Mark Melancon had also pitched in four of seven, so with a one-run lead and Tony Watson having already pitched, the save chance fell to Will Smith. Smith pitched a perfect 9th with two strikeouts to earn his first save of the year. Dyson has had a rough June, with a 5.11 ERA and two blown saves. Because Bochy announced before the game that Dyson would get the night off, we aren’t ready to remove him from the closer’s role, but he is on a burning hot seat with Watson, Melancon and now Smith pitching well behind him.

Hierarchy remains: Dyson | Melancon | Watson.

June 29, 2018
San Francisco Giants – Sam Dyson’s stint as Giants closer may be nearing an end. After allowing the tying and go-ahead runs last night, he’s now got four blown saves and has allowed 6 runs in his last 4.2 IP. Mark Melancon got the 8th inning hold and might get the next opportunity, if Bruce Bochy deems him ready.

Updated hierarchy: Dyson | Melancon | Watson.

June 22, 2018
San Francisco Giants — With anointed closer Sam Dyson likely unavailable after pitching in three straight, and Tony Watson having gone in three of four, the Giants finally turned (as we predicted) to Mark Melancon, who nailed down his first save since June 20 . . . 2017! Melancon allowed a hit and recorded a strikeout in a clean inning of work. The job may be his before Hunter Strickland gets back. Strickland, meanwhile, apologized publicly on Thursday, saying punching a door and breaking his pitching hand is “100 percent on him.”

Hierarchy remains: Dyson | Watson | Melancon.

June 21, 2018
San Francisco Giants — Sam Dyson went out for his second straight save chance, but after Dyson gave up two runs on four hits, Bruce Bochy turned to impressive 25-year-old rookie Reyes Moronta to get the final out and his first career save. With proven closers Tony Watson and Mark Melancon right behind him in the bullpen, another blown opportunity could be Dyson’s last.

Hierarchy remains: Dyson | Watson | Melancon.

June 20, 2018
San Francisco Giants — On Tuesday afternoon, Bruce Bochy said that Tony Watson and Sam Dyson will split closing duties after Hunter Strickland broke his pitching hand. Bochy also wanted to give Watson Tuesday night off, which led to Dyson converting the first post-Strickland save chance. After the game, Bochy committed to using Dyson as his closer. Also worth watching in the Giants’ bullpen is Will Smith. The lefty lowered his ERA to 0.90 in 1.1 IP last night and should see more high-leverage work.

Updated hierarchy: Dyson | Watson | Melancon.

June 19, 2018
San Francisco Giants — Closer Hunter Strickland punched a door or wall in frustration after coming out of Monday’s game, breaking his pitching hand. He’ll need surgery and is out 6-8 weeks. Manager Bruce Bochy said Tony Watson and Sam Dyson will split closing duties in Strickland’s stead. Watson has had a better season, so we’ll give him an edge. Side note: Mark Melancon isn’t ready to close just yet.

Updated hierarchy: *Watson | Dyson | Melancon.

June 15, 2018
San Francisco Giants — After using Tony Watson in the seventh and eighth and Hunter Strickland in the ninth, the Giants handed the ball to Sam Dyson for a one-out save in the bottom of the 16th. Mark Melancon did not pitch, but may not yet be ready to go back-to-back.

Updated hierarchy: Strickland | Watson | Melancon.

June 4, 2018
San Francisco Giants – Mark Melancon returned to action on Sunday, and struck out the side in a perfect 7th inning. The job might be Hunter Strickland’s to lose at this point, but Melancon could quickly position himself to take over should Strickland start to struggle.

Updated hierarchy: Strickland | Watson | Melancon. 

June 1, 2018
San Francisco Giants — According to Mark Melancon himself, he’s headed back to the big league club on Friday. Where he’ll fit in at first remains a mystery. Expect him to be eased in, though. Manager Bruce Bochy has said he would mix Melancon in and see how he feels. Stay tuned.

Hierarchy remains: Strickland | Watson | Dyson.

May 31, 2018
San Francisco Giants — Mark Melancon will rejoin the Giants on Thursday for an evaluation; if all goes well, he’ll be reactivated on Friday. No word yet on how quickly he’ll move into the ninth inning. We don’t send alerts for DL activations, so if he’s available in your league, now’s the time to grab him.

Hierarchy remains: Strickland | Watson | Dyson.

May 18, 2018
San Francisco Giants — Mark Melancon is getting closer to returning. He tossed live batting practice Thursday and looked good. He’ll begin a minor league assignment this Sunday and, if all goes well, he should return to the majors in two weeks.

Hierarchy remains: Strickland | Watson | Dyson.

May 4, 2018
San Francisco Giants — Mark Melancon (forearm) is expected to throw a bullpen session this weekend, which is a positive step. He has been only throwing on flat ground during the rehab process. Meanwhile, Will Smith walked one and struck out two in his scoreless 2018 debut on Wednesday.

Hierarchy remains: Strickland | Watson | Dyson.

May 2, 2018
San Francisco Giants — Will Smith is expected to be activated today. We’ll wait to see how he is used before sliding him into the hierarchy, but he could end up being a nice addition to the Giants’ bullpen after missing all of last season because of Tommy John surgery.

Hierarchy remains: Strickland | Watson | Dyson.

April 29, 2018
San Francisco Giants — The Giants gave up 15 runs in game 1 of their doubleheader against the Dodgers yesterday, but there was one “pitcher” who had a good game.  Pablo Sandoval was the only Giant to pitch a 1-2-3 inning.  He hit 88-mph with his fastball and threw this nice little curve for a strike.

Hierarchy remains: Strickland | Watson | Dyson.

April 20, 2018
San Francisco Giants — Manager Bruce Bochy said Mark Melancon is about a week away from playing catch. Sure, it’s a good sign, but he still has a long way to go

Hierarchy remains: Strickland | Watson | Dyson.

April 19, 2018
San Francisco Giants — Hunter Strickland blew his second save of the season, but Brad Boxberger gave up two runs in the top of the tenth. Bruce Bochy called on Cory Gearrin for the save in the tenth. Although Gearrin gave up two straight doubles, then walked the bases loaded, he escaped with the save.

Hierarchy remains: Strickland | Watson | Dyson.

April 13, 2018
San Francisco Giants — Mark Melancon has received a stem cell injection in his injured right pronator, but his next rehab step is not known. The Giants are hopeful he can begin a throwing program in two weeks, but there isn’t much optimism for that. Dr. James Andrews took a look at Melancon and determined his ligament is fine, so there’s that. In the meantime, Hunter Strickland will continue to get looks in the ninth.

Hierarchy remains: Strickland | Watson | Dyson.

April 12, 2018
San Francisco Giants — Bruce Bochy seems to still trust Sam Dyson, bringing him in for a tight spot in a tied game in the sixth. He gave up a go-ahead double, then came back out for the seventh and got tagged for two more, winding up with three earned runs. Cory Gearrin is pitching better than Dyson right now, but we can’t move Dyson out of the hierarchy until Bochy shows he’s noticed.

Hierarchy remains: Strickland | Watson | Dyson.

April 11, 2018
San Francisco Giants – Bad news for Mark Melancon owners, as he hasn’t even started throwing yet. Hunter Strickland gave up his first earned run of the season last night and has otherwise been solid as the team’s closer.

Hierarchy remains: Strickland | Watson | Dyson.

March 30, 2018
San Francisco Giants – Closer Mark Melancon was placed on the 10-day disabled list with inflammation in his forearm. Manager Bruce Bochy said he hopes Melancon will be back in a couple of weeks, calling that scenario “realistic.” In his stead, Hunter Strickland tossed a scoreless ninth inning in a tight 1-0 win over the Dodgers. He’ll continue to get the ball in Melancon’s absence.

Updated hierarchy: Strickland | Watson | Dyson.

March 29, 2018
San Francisco Giants – It’s official: Melancon will start the season on the DL. No word yet on who will close, though Sam Dyson, Tony Watson, and Hunter Strickland are all in the mix.

[UPDATE: Bruce Bochy announced that Hunter Strickland will serve as closer for now.]

Updated hierarchy: Strickland | Watson | Dyson.

March 29, 2018
San Francisco Giants – We are still awaiting word as to whether the Giants will place Mark Melancon on the disabled list and will continue to monitor throughout the afternoon. Sam Dyson, Tony Watson, and Hunter Strickland have all been mentioned by beat writers as possibilities to close in his absence.

Hierarchy remains: Melancon | Watson | Dyson.  

March 27, 2018
San Francisco Giants – Closer Mark Melancon hasn’t pitched since Friday, and may start the season on the disabled list. We won’t adjust the hierarchy until we hear something official, but if he has to miss any time, look for Tony Watson and Sam Dyson to share closing duties until he returns. A Giants beat writer also thinks Hunter Strickland will get some consideration after a strong spring.

Hierarchy remains: Melancon | Watson | Dyson.

February 28, 2018
San Francisco Giants — The Giants bullpen, plagued by injuries last year, hopes it can remain healthy in 2018. Mark Melancon will start the season as closer, with Sam Dyson and lefty Tony Watson serving as the primary setup men. Watson is more reliable than Dyson, though Dyson somehow converted 14 of 17 save chances with the Giants last year. Will Smith is also expected to be ready for Opening Day after missing 2017 due to Tommy John surgery, and his return will give Bruce Bochy some flexibility in the late innings with how he deploys his top lefties.

Starting 2018 hierarchy: Melancon | Watson | Dyson.
Holds candidates: Watson, Dyson, Smith, Hunter Strickland.

September 13, 2017
San Francisco Giants — Mark Melancon underwent surgery Tuesday to relieve compression in his forearm, and is expected to be ready for spring training. Cory Gearrin enters the hierarchy as the Giants look to close their miserable season.

Updated hierarchy: Dyson | Strickland | Gearrin.

August 19, 2017
San Francisco Giants — Mark Melancon is considering arm surgery, but wants to finish the season out first to “set the tone.” With the second-worst record in the NL and $62 million in sunk costs, Giants fans would probably prefer Melancon sit down today.

Hierarchy remains: Dyson | Melancon | Strickland.

August 14, 2017
San Francisco Giants – Mark Melancon had his first outing since being activated from the DL, pitching a scoreless inning in the second game of the team’s doubleheader. Sam Dyson picked up the save in game one. The Giants plan to ease Melancon back in to the closer role, so we’ll ease him up the hierarchy, and are guessing he’ll have at least one or two more appearances before he moves back to the 9th inning.

Updated hierarchy: Dyson | Melancon | Strickland.

August 12, 2017
San Francisco Giants – Mark Melancon should be activated from the DL on Saturday, but Bruce Bochy doesn’t sound terribly confident in his abilities yet, calling him merely “pitchable.” Although Bochy stresses that Melancon will close again soon, for now the $62 million man will start in lower-leverage roles. We want to be sure his elbow is up to snuff before we tell you Sam Dyson is out of a job.

Updated hierarchy: Dyson | Strickland | Melancon.

August 7, 2017
San Francisco Giants – Albert Suarez pitched the final 2.1 innings for the Giants on Sunday, earning his first career save. Bruce Bochy was trying to give Sam Dyson and Hunter Strickland the day off — though he would’ve brought Dyson in if he had to — but Suarez kept mowing down Arizona hitters, so the swingman got the chance to finish the game.

Updated hierarchy: Dyson | Strickland | Suarez.

August 6, 2017
San Francisco Giants — The Giants said good-bye to long time reliever George Kontos, as he was claimed off waivers by the Pirates.  Cory Gearrin will jump into the hierarchy to replace Kontos, but that could be short lived since Mark Melancon is close to returning.

Updated hierarchy: Dyson | Strickland | Gearrin.

July 30, 2017
San Francisco Giants — Mark Melancon will begin a rehab assignment today in Sacramento.  Melancon will need a few rehab appearances, but when he is ready to return to the majors, it will be as closer.

Hierarchy remains: Dyson | Strickland | Kontos.

July 26, 2017
San Francisco Giants — Chris Stratton was called up from AAA Sacramento on Monday and threw 69 pitches in a four-inning save on Tuesday. Chances are he’ll be headed back down on Wednesday.

Hierarchy remains: Dyson | Strickland | Kontos.

July 2, 2017
San Francisco Giants — Despite being 0/4 in save chances, having seven losses as a reliever, and an ERA of 9.00 on the season, the Giants summoned Sam Dyson to protect a one run lead and it worked! Dyson pitched a scoreless eleventh inning to convert his first save of the season and lower his ERA under 9.00 for the first time all season.  Dyson will continue to see save chances while Mark Melancon is out.

Hierarchy remains: Dyson | Strickland | Kontos.

June 29, 2017
San Francisco Giants — Mark Melancon’s elbow discomfort never really went away during his earlier trip to the disabled list, so he’s headed back — this time through the All-Star Break. (No word on whether the injury was worsened by “pole vaulting over mouse turds.”) In a possible sign that the Giants don’t trust (or respect?) Hunter Strickland, the interim closer will in fact be deposed Ranger Sam Dyson, who joined the team just three weeks ago and hasn’t yet worked his ERA under 9. Strickland did pick up a save Wednesday, but Dyson was unavailable due to a heavy recent workload. Dyson has been improving — striking out the side in a medium-leverage eighth on Tuesday — but the Giants’ angle here is probably an attempt to flip him for a prospect at the trade deadline.

Updated hierarchy: Dyson | Strickland | Kontos.

June 28, 2017
San Francisco Giants – Mark Melancon needs another stint on the DL, so the Giants will have to make do with some combination of Hunter Strickland and Sam Dyson in the 9th inning. Dyson probably can’t go today, having pitched 2 innings yesterday, but appears to be the leading choice, according to beat reporter Andrew Baggarly.

Updated hierarchy: *Dyson | Strickland | Kontos.
* = closer-by-committee

June 21, 2017
San Francisco Giants – Derek Law was sent to AAA after he was knocked around for the third straight outing on Monday. With set-up man Hunter Strickland in the midst of his 6-game suspension, the Giants are likely to mix and match in the 8th inning for the next few days, as they did last night — when Sam Dyson, Josh Osich, and George Kontos got one out apiece.

Updated hierarchy: Melancon | Strickland | Kontos.

June 7, 2017
San Francisco Giants — The Giants traded for former Rangers closer Sam Dyson on Tuesday. Dyson, who was designated for assignment by Texas, is expected to join the Giants’ bullpen. Bruce Bochy is hoping the change of scenery helps Dyson, and maybe it will. Dyson has some serious work to do to crack the Giants’ hierarchy, but if he does regain his once-excellent form, this could prove to be a shrewd move.

Hierarchy remains: Melancon | Law | Strickland.

May 31, 2017
San Francisco Giants — Hunter Strickland was suspended six games for plunking and then brawling with Bryce Harper. He will appeal his suspension, but prepare to be without Strickland for at least a few games, if not all six of his original sentence, in the near future.

Hierarchy remains: Melancon | Law | Strickland.

May 18, 2017
San Francisco Giants — Mark Melancon was activated from the disabled list a few days earlier than expected, and will immediately return to the closer role for the Giants.

Updated hierarchy: Melancon | Law | Strickland.

May 17, 2017
San Francisco Giants — Derek Law cruised to another save and he looks like a lock to be the closer until Mark Melancon returns from the DL. The good news for the Giants is that Bruce Bochy announced Tuesday that Melancon will be activated on Friday.

Updated hierarchy: Law | Strickland | Osich.

May 14, 2017
San Francisco Giants — Derek Law had an easier time in his second save opportunity since closer Mark Melancon went on the DL.  Law pitched a scoreless ninth inning last night to pick up his third save of season.

Hierarchy remains: *Law | Strickland | Osich.
* = closer-by-committee

May 11, 2017
San Francisco Giants — The rule of Law has begun for the Giants, but Derek didn’t make it easy, giving back two runs from the team’s three-run lead. He probably won’t pitch on Thursday, so a Hunter Strickland appearance won’t mean anything has changed in the San Fran committee.

Hierarchy remains: *Law | Strickland | Osich.
* = closer-by-committee

May 9, 2017
San Francisco Giants – Mark Melancon is headed to the 10-day disabled list with a right pronator strain in his forearm. After Tuesday’s game, manager Bruce Bochy said that he prefers Derek Law to head a committee and not Hunter Strickland, though it sounds like Strickland will get some looks given the committee tag. The two started out sharing duties when Santiago Casilla lost the job last fall and while Strickland has the better numbers as a whole, Law has been hot of late, not allowing a run in 6.2 IP. Josh Osich should get some more late-inning work also. As for Melancon, he is confident that his first DL stint will be a short one.

Updated hierarchy: *Law | Strickland | Osich.
* = closer-by-committee

May 2, 2017
San Francisco Giants – Mark Melancon got the night off after pitching in four of the previous five games, so late inning duties went to Steven Okert and Derek Law. After Okert navigated the 8th and got the first two hitters in the 9th, Law was summoned to face Yasiel Puig. It was a little surprising to see Law rather than Hunter Strickland, who has yet to allow a run in 10 innings this season, but it worked out for the Giants, as Law struck Puig out to end the game and pick up his first save. We’ll watch for more clues for who Melancon’s handcuff is in the coming days and weeks.

Hierarchy remains: Melancon | Strickland | Law.

March 22, 2017
San Francisco Giants — Those considering Will Smith as a source of holds will need to go elsewhere; Smith might need Tommy John surgery to repair a sprained UCL.

Hierarchy remains: Melancon | Strickland | Law.

March 1, 2017
San Francisco Giants — Mark Melancon’s enormous offseason deal might pay dividends this season, but is likely to wind up as an expensive albatross as he ages. Hunter Strickland will back him up, with Derek Law and Will Smith (currently suffering from elbow inflammation) also late-inning options.

Starting 2017 hierarchy: Melancon | Strickland | Law.
Holds candidates: Strickland, Law, Smith, Josh Osich, Cory Gearrin.

September 25, 2016
San Francisco Giants – Sergio Romo converted his second straight save opportunity for the Giants.  Romo pitched a scoreless tenth inning, and was left in by Bruce Boche to face two lefty batters.  Boche had been playing match-ups in the later innings so the fact that Boche left him in there is enough for us to remove the asterisk.

Hierarchy remains: Romo | Law | Smith.

September 23, 2016
San Francisco Giants – It seemed like forever in between Sergio Romo saves when he got his first one of the year on Tuesday. Romo’s second save this season (Thursday) came just two days later, though. He appears to be firmly entrenched at the top of the Giants closing committee.

Hierarchy remains: *Romo | Law | Smith.
* = closer-by-committee

September 21, 2016
San Francisco Giants – Well well well, look who finally got a chance to get a save. For the first time since July 27, 2015, Sergio Romo closed out a game, pitching a clean ninth to secure a 2-0 win over the Dodgers. It was a stellar night for a struggling bullpen, as lefties Steven Okert and Will Smith bridged the gap to Romo beautifully. Smith has thrown 14 scoreless innings and has a hold in six straight appearances. Smith should at least get the eighth inning today against the Dodgers, a team that is hitting .210 against lefties. As for Romo, Bochy refused to define his role, but we’ll move him to the top of a lackluster committee. He has closing experience and actually got a save, which the Giants haven’t earned since Sept. 11. We’ll see how long he stays there.

Updated hierarchy: *Romo | Law | Smith.
* = closer-by-committee

September 20, 2016
San Francisco Giants – Another day, another Giants bullpen meltdown. Following a sterling performance by Madison Bumgarner, where he surrendered only one hit in seven innings, the bullpen gave up five hits and two runs while only recording three outs before Hunter Strickland gave up the walk-off double to Adrian Gonzalez to end the game. We have no answers here, and neither do the Giants.

Hierarchy remains: * Law | Strickland | Romo.
* = closer-by-committee

September 18, 2016
San Francisco Giants – If you are a fan of the Mets, Cardinals, or Dodgers, your favorite player this year might not even be on your own team.  Santiago Casilla did his best to help the playoff chances of those three teams on Saturday night by blowing his ninth save of the season.  Sergio Romo started the ninth inning protecting a one run lead, but after giving up a single to the second batter of the inning, Romo was pulled (and he didn’t seem to agree with the move).  Santiago Casilla came on to face Yadier Molina, which was the plan from the beginning if somebody got on.  Casilla walked Molina and then gave up a game-tying single to Randal Grichuk.  Casilla was removed without recording an out and the next batter hit a sacrifice fly for the go-ahead run.  Hunter Strickland was warming up in the bullpen after Casilla and Romo, but the fact that Bochy didn’t bring him in means he doesn’t trust him very much after he couldn’t get the job done last time he pitched.  We will speculate and move Derek Law to the head of the committee since he is only the one who hasn’t failed yet.

Updated hierarchy: * Law | Strickland | Romo.
* = closer-by-committee

September 14, 2016
San Francisco Giants – Hunter Strickland was summoned for the 9th inning on Tuesday, but the newest committee head failed to pick up his second straight save. Instead, three hits, a walk and an RBI ground out cut a 4-1 lead to 4-3. Lefty Steven Okert came in to face left-handed Ryan Schimpf, and Schimpf promptly hit a home run to give San Diego the lead. After the game, Bruce Bochy blamed “bad luck” and reaffirmed his confidence in Strickland. However confident Bochy may still be in Strickland, Derek Law is due back on Wednesday and should immediately challenge for save chances following one low-leverage outing. Meanwhile, poor Sergio Romo hasn’t seen a save chance all year and who knows if he will in this crowded committee.

Updated hierarchy: *Strickland | Law | Romo.
* = closer-by-committee

September 12, 2016
San Francisco Giants – The San Francisco closer roulette wheel on Sunday landed on Hunter Strickland, who pitched the final 1.1 innings for his third save of the season. Sergio Romo and Will Smith bridged the gap to Strickland, though Romo had a forgettable outing, allowing a home run and a hit while only retiring one man. All things considered, this pushes Strickland to the top of the Giants closer committee. If he’s given (and converts) the next opportunity, he could seize hold of the job.

Updated hierarchy: *Strickland | Romo | Nathan.
* = closer-by-committee

September 10, 2016
San Francisco Giants — Turns out Bruce Bochy wasn’t kidding when he said that the Giants’ new closer committee could include the struggling Santiago Casilla — it was Casilla himself who got the very first save chance, in the tenth inning of Friday’s game. Casilla blew the save when Jake Lamb hit his third home run in three at-bats against the righty this season, and Bochy admitted Casilla probably won’t get the next opportunity: “I’ve touched that hot stove enough.” The Giants took the lead in the twelfth, and Cory Gearrin wound up with a unique save that saw him retire a batter, move to left field, then return to the mound. San Francisco has no shortage of save options: Derek Law probably has the inside track when he returns from the DL early next week, but other qualified candidates include lefties Will Smith and Javier Lopez, ex-closers Sergio Romo and Joe Nathan, and eternal closer-in-waiting Hunter Strickland. Or Bochy could grab that stove again.

Updated hierarchy: *Romo | Nathan | Strickland.
*  = closer-by-committee

September 9, 2016
San Francisco Giants — Bruce Bochy announced before Friday’s game that the Giants will move to a closer-by-committee setup. Derek Law might be the best bet for saves through the end of the season, but for now, any of several different options might get the call in the ninth — including Casilla himself. We’ll elevate Sergio Romo to the committee head for now, but keep in mind that Law is due back from the DL Monday.

Updated hierarchy: *Romo | Casilla | Nathan.
*  = closer-by-committee

September 9, 2016
San Francisco Giants – The Giants were off Thursday, but that didn’t stop some beat writers from writing off closer Santiago Casilla, who has struggled recently. While he’s certainly on the hot seat, there’s still no word on whether he’s off the job. Sergio Romo or even Joe Nathan would be candidates to lead what would likely be a closer-by-committee should Casilla get the ax.

Hierarchy remains: Casilla | Romo | Nathan.

September 8, 2016
San Francisco Giants – Santiago Casilla blew his seventh save of the season last night, and while #GiantsTwitter had a lot to say on the matter, Bruce Bochy was silent after the game about the closer role. With the Giants holding on to a playoff spot by the slimmest of margins, it’s possible that Casilla will soon cede the 9th inning to Sergio Romo or maybe even recent call-up Joe Nathan, who unsuccessfully tried to bail him out last night. We will monitor the situation closely.

Updated hierarchy: Casilla | Romo | Nathan.

August 29, 2016
San Francisco Giants — More bad news for the woebegone Giants over the weekend, as Derek Law, the team’s most effective reliever since the All-Star break, went on the disabled list with a right elbow strain. Law had Tommy John surgery in 2014, but says that an MRI showed only inflammation from scar tissue. Bruce Bochy said that he would lean on Hunter Strickland and Cory Gearrin in Law’s absence.

Updated hierarchy: Casilla | Romo | Strickland.

August 19, 2016
San Francisco Giants — The Giants recalled reliever Cory Gearrin Thursday from a rehab assignment after he went on the disabled list in early July. In his first game back, he allowed two singles in the sixth inning and was pulled after recording just one out. New Giant Will Smith didn’t do him any favors, allowing both inherited runners to score. We’ll monitor Gearrin’s use. Smith, meanwhile, hasn’t been very good since coming over from the Brewers (4.2 IP, 6 ER). It appears Bruce Bochy also noticed that Smith was struggling, as Derek Law has emerged as a late-inning option for SF. Law pitched a clean eighth Thursday ahead of Santiago Casilla.

Updated hierarchy: Casilla | Romo | Law.

August 3, 2016
San Francisco Giants — Will Smith was brought in to pitch the eighth in a tie game on Tuesday, after Hunter Strickland had been used in the sixth up a run. Smith opened with a strikeout, then gave up a single and a double; both runners scored after he was replaced by Sergio Romo. Smith had been with the team only five hours before entering the game, enough time to shake hands with his catcher, if nothing else. Despite tonight, he could be in the mix for saves going forward, especially in lefty-heavy ninths.

Updated hierarchy: Casilla | Romo | Smith.

July 24, 2016
San Francisco Giants – Hunter Strickland recorded his second save of the season in extra innings last night.  Santiago Casilla picked up the win, pitching two scoreless innings.  Sergio Romo was also used earlier in the game, which left Strickland for the save.

Hierarchy remains: Casilla | Romo | Strickland.

July 17, 2016
San Francisco Giants – Santiago Casilla had a rough 10th inning on Saturday, allowing three straight singles and a walk-off balk against the Padres. After the game, Bruce Bochy said that he doesn’t want to flip-flop any of the late-inning roles. Casilla had converted nine straight saves prior to Saturday’s struggles, but with Sergio Romo back in the fold, Casilla’s leash may indeed be getting shorter.

Hierarchy remains: Casilla | Romo | Strickland.

July 8, 2016
San Francisco Giants – Giants setup man Cory Gearrin has been placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right shoulder… or if we’re being honest, it appears to be an extended of period of rest for Gearrin through the All-Star break. Manager Bruce Bochy admitted as much, saying, “It was going to be a few days (off) so we placed him on the DL to get this cleared up.” Bochy added that Gearrin should be back when eligible to come off of the DL.

Updated hierarchy: Casilla | Romo | Strickland.

July 5, 2016
San Francisco Giants – Sergio Romo, the longtime Giants set-up man, has been activated from the disabled list and will be available to pitch tonight. However, Bruce Bochy told the press that Romo will not be getting his old job back right away. For now, Cory Gearrin will continue to get the 8th inning. We do not expect Bochy to be shy in deploying Romo in the late innings, however.

Updated hierarchy: Casilla | Gearrin | Romo.

June 24, 2016
San Francisco Giants – Former closer Sergio Romo, on the disabled list with an elbow injury, may be back with the big club as early as this weekend. Romo allowed an RBI single during a rehab appearance Thursday and could require one more minor-league appearance. If not, you may see him in potential hold situations this weekend.

Hierarchy remains: Casilla | Gearrin | Strickland.

June 19, 2016
San Francisco Giants — With closer Santiago Casilla out on paternity leave, Cory Gearrin picked up his second save of the season.  Hunter Strickland pitched the eighth inning and got the win.  Gearrin should continue to see save chances while Casilla is out, but the Giants may have another option soon.  Sergio Romo struck out Yasiel Puig on Friday night during a rehab assignment for both players, and could return during their next homestand.

Hierarchy remains: Casilla | Gearrin | Strickland.

June 18, 2016
San Francisco Giants — Santiago Casilla was placed on paternity leave yesterday, and will miss the weekend series in Tampa Bay. Jeff Samardzija was excellent last night, so the bullpen was not needed. Casilla has three straight scoreless appearances, but is only a week removed from a rough stretch that saw him lose two games, blow a save and get pulled out of the 9th inning in favor of Javier Lopez. Casilla is still the top option in San Francisco, but this could be a chance for Cory Gearrin or Hunter Strickland to show Bruce Bochy that they can handle the final three outs if Casilla’s struggles return.

Hierarchy remains: Casilla | Gearrin | Strickland.

June 14, 2016
San Francisco Giants — In somewhat of a box score oddity, Derek Law became the fifth Giants’ pitcher to record a save this year — in a 11-5 win. Law came into the game in the eighth inning up four, but with the go-ahead run on deck. After San Francisco added two runs in its half of the ninth, he finished the game to pick up one of the more stress-free saves you are likely to see.

Hierarchy remains: Casilla | Gearrin | Strickland.

June 13, 2016
San Francisco Giants — Santiago Casilla retired both hitters he faced last night for his 13th save. He had some help at the start of the inning, as lefty Javier Lopez was used to get Adrian Gonzalez (who tried to bunt his way on!), but it was still an encouraging outing for the righty, who has been shaky of late.

Hierarchy remains: Casilla | Gearrin | Strickland.

June 11, 2016
San Francisco Giants — Santiago Casilla’s seat got a little bit hotter as he took a loss last night, giving up a run in a tie game. Bruce Bochy gave Casilla a vote of confidence, but also acknowledged the need for improvement. If a change is coming, Cory Gearrin has put together nine straight scoreless appearances, Hunter Strickland has been the closer of the future for what feels like forever, and injured set-up man Sergio Romo should return within the month. Bochy has a history of sticking with struggling players, but if Casilla can’t turn things around, we may soon see a new closer in San Francisco.

Hierarchy remains: Casilla | Gearrin | Strickland. 

June 9, 2016
San Francisco Giants — When David Ortiz came on to pinch-hit with a runner on second, closer Santiago Casilla was pulled for LOOGY Javier Lopez — who had surprisingly mediocre numbers against lefties (.333 BAA, 5.14 ERA). Lopez walked Ortiz, then struck out Travis Shaw, and Bruce Bochy called on Hunter Strickland for what turned out to be a one-pitch save. Casilla did not appear pleased with the move (again), and the whole affair is likely to encourage those rooting for Strickland to get the ninth full-time.

Hierarchy remains: Casilla | Gearrin | Strickland. 

May 16, 2016
San Francisco Giants — Over his last 8.2 innings, Hunter Strickland has only allowed 1 run, lowering his ERA from 5.40 to 3.18 and establishing himself as a reliable option in the Giants bullpen. Yesterday, he got the 8th inning in a tie game and earned the win. Josh Osich continues to pitch very effectively but has largely been used as a LOOGY in recent weeks, so he drops down behind Strickland for now.

Updated hierarchy: Casilla | Gearrin | Strickland. 

May 15, 2016
San Francisco Giants — As expected, Santiago Casilla got the night off on Saturday.  Cory Gearrin picked up his first save in almost three years.  Josh Osich has gone less than one inning in his last six appearances, so Gearrin could continue to see save chances when Casilla is unavailable.

Updated hierarchy: Casilla | Gearrin | Osich.

May 14, 2016
San Francisco Giants — Santiago Casilla apologized to Bruce Bochy for his outburst Thursday night, and the closer handled it much better Friday night when a lefty was called on to face Jake Lamb. Of course it probably helped that Josh Osich came in to start the ninth, allowing Casilla to finish things off and earn his eighth save.

Hierarchy remains: Casilla | Osich | Gearrin.

May 13, 2016
San Francisco Giants — For the second straight night, Santiago Casilla ran into trouble. He faced five batters, and while he did strike out two, he allowed the others to reach base via a walk and two hits. Bruce Bochy then summoned lefty specialist Javier Lopez to face Jake Lamb, enraging Casilla. “It shows the manager didn’t have faith in me,” Casilla told reporters after the game. “Don’t just take the ball and say nothing. It is not a kid. It is a man on the mound.” Bochy’s decision was likely based on Lamb’s complete inability to hit against lefties, not to mention his two career home runs in six at-bats against Casilla. Bochy vowed to talk to Casilla, and it’s unlikely that their spat will impact the closer role going forward.

Hierarchy remains: Casilla | Osich | Gearrin.

May 7, 2016
San Francisco Giants — Cory Gearrin isn’t striking guys out, but he’s retiring them nonetheless, and Bruce Bochy appreciates his calm demeanor in the late innings. He finished the eighth last night in a tight win over the Rockies. Gearrin, whose last save came three years ago (but was still predicted by the Vulture Save Watch), is definitely in the mix to pick up another if Santiago Casilla needs a rest.

Updated hierarchy: Casilla | Osich | Gearrin.

May 3, 2016
San Francisco Giants – Josh Osich has been getting the nod in the 8th inning more consistently than Hunter Strickland of late. Though he’s a lefty and his splits are rather skewed, he regularly goes an inning or more and has been consistently better than Strickland. We expect Osich to be the more likely saves candidate if Casilla were unavailable.

Updated hierarchy: Casilla | Osich | Strickland.

April 16, 2016
San Francisco Giants — It’s the DL for Sergio Romo, again, for another elbow injury. Hunter Strickland should move into the eighth, and lefty Josh Osich is probably the best-situated of the remaining Giants hurlers. Replacing Romo on the roster was young Derek Law, who did his dad one better by making it into his first game, then striking out the side.

Updated hierarchy: Casilla | Strickland | Osich.

April 14, 2016
San Francisco Giants – Sergio Romo was unavailable last night and is headed back to San Francisco for tests on his elbow. Manager Bruce Bochy is hopeful that this is just precautionary and that Romo does not have a serious injury, but if the Giants are ahead late on Thursday and perhaps this weekend against the Dodgers, expect Hunter Strickland to get the 8th inning.

Hierarchy remains: Casilla | Romo | Strickland.

March 2, 2016
San Francisco Giants – The Giants bullpen saw a lot of work last season, which may help explain a 19-28 record in one-run games last season. Back to close will be Santiago Casilla, with Sergio Romo in the eighth inning again. Hunter Strickland will be the most likely seventh-inning arm, but keep an eye out for hard-throwing Josh Osich.

Starting 2016 hierarchy: Casilla | Romo | Strickland.
Holds candidates: Romo, Strickland, Osich.

October 4, 2015
San Francisco Giants — Santiago Casilla recorded his 38th save of the season last night, and also reached 55 games finished.  As a result, his 2016 option vested and he will earn an additional $1 million next year.

Hierarchy remains: Casilla | Romo | Strickland.

August 15, 2015
San Francisco Giants — Frisbee champion Javier Lopez got the last out of a three-run win by retiring Bryce Harper. He didn’t get a save, but we needed an excuse to link to that GIF.

Hierarchy remains: Casilla | Romo | Strickland.

August 4, 2015
San Francisco Giants – Santiago Casilla blew the save last night, allowing a 2-run home run to AJ Pierzynski with 2 out in the 9th inning. The Giants went on to lose in the 12th inning, and Casilla received the usual wave of Twitter hate in the aftermath of his outing. An interesting dynamic is developing in San Francisco, where the top two relievers in the hierarchy (Casilla and Sergio Romo) are being handily outpitched by the second-tier guys (Hunter Strickland, George Kontos, Javier Lopez). We will cover this situation more when the Hot Seat column makes its return on Thursday.

Hierarchy remains: Casilla | Romo | Strickland.

July 28, 2015
San Francisco Giants – As predicted in the Vulture Save Watch, Santiago Casilla got a night off after pitching back to back games, allowing Sergio Romo to pick up the save.

Hierarchy remains: Casilla | Romo | Strickland.

July 19, 2015
San Francisco Giants – Sergio Romo entered the game with 2 outs and 2 men on in the 8th inning, with the Giants up by 4.  He retired the only batter he faced and then stayed on to pitch a scoreless 9th for his first save of the year.

Hierarchy remains: Casilla | Romo | Strickland.

July 13, 2015
San Francisco Giants – Hard-throwing lefty Josh Osich has been in the big leagues 10 days, but is already turning heads in San Francisco. The former sixth round pick, who has a college no-hitter on his resume, has now logged six scoreless, hitless outings thus far, with the latest coming Sunday, when he got out of a tight situation in the 7th and stayed on for the 8th ahead of Santiago Casilla. Look for him to share 7th inning duties with Hunter Strickland after the break.

Hierarchy remains: Casilla | Romo | Strickland.

July 3, 2015
San Francisco Giants — Manager Bruce Bochy said Thursday that he’s going to “back off” from using closer Santiago Casilla for a few days after the pitcher reported a “tired arm.” Casilla didn’t record an out Wednesday night, giving up a three-run shot to Justin Bour to blow the game. As you might expect, Sergio Romo will get the first shot at closing, but Bochy could also play the matchups, which means lefty Javier Lopez or righty Hunter Strickland might get a shot.

Hierarchy remains: Casilla | Romo | Strickland.

June 1, 2015
San Francisco Giants – Santiago Casilla picked up his third blown save of the season when he allowed four runs in the 9th inning against the Braves. Casilla has been very effective this season, as his ERA sits at 2.82 even after Sunday’s shellacking. But his WHIP (1.48) and FIP (4.48) suggest he’s been quite fortunate, and with former closer Sergio Romo and youngster Hunter Strickland looming, Casilla will be in trouble if he blows another save or two.

Hierarchy remains: Casilla | Romo | Strickland.

May 30, 2015
San Francisco Giants — Hunter Strickland has been back in the majors for only a week — in his first two outings, he allowed only one hit while striking out six in 4.1 innings, enticing Mike Krukow to call him “a different cat right now.” Encouraged by these performances, Bruce Bochy has started using the White Panther in even tighter spots, including last night’s one-run eighth inning. Strickland can’t possibly maintain his current 0.16 WHIP and 13-game scoreless streak to start his regular-season career, but as long as the Giants can stay out of the playoffs for a few months, he could play a vital role for San Francisco going forward.

Updated hierarchy: Casilla | Romo | Strickland.

May 9, 2015
San Francisco Giants — Yusmeiro Petit earned a three-inning save in a 6-0 Giants win.

Hierarchy remains: Casilla | Romo | Affeldt.

April 17, 2015
San Francisco Giants — Closer Santiago Casilla entered a tie game in the tenth with two outs and immediately surrendered the go-ahead home run. When Arizona squandered the lead again, Casilla got a chance to redeem himself — but he loaded the bases before getting the hook. Casilla has now allowed six baserunners and two runs over his last two appearances.

Hierarchy remains: Casilla | Romo | Affeldt.

March 8, 2015
San Francisco Giants – The defending World Series Champions got a scare during the early going of spring training after closer Santiago Casilla was hit in the left shin by a batted ball. Reports indicate Casilla should be OK, but he will need to shake off a bruised shin and should be good to go on Opening Day. Behind Casilla is setup man Sergio Romo, who is dealing with shoulder soreness, of course. Manager Bruce Bochy says Romo should be fine. Romo, when healthy, and Jeremy Affeldt will be the most likely bullpen arms to pick up holds.

Starting 2015 hierarchy: Casilla | Romo | Affeldt.
Holds candidates: Romo, Affeldt.

September 24, 2014
San Francisco Giants — Incensed that beat writer Andrew Baggarly spilled the beans on an internecine feud between reliever Sergio Romo and coach Shawon Dunston, the Giants players are refusing to talk to any journalists if Baggarly is present. Ordinarily, we’d love to tell you all about the bench-clearing altercation with the Dodgers in Tuesday night’s game, but we just can’t afford to lose touch with Guillermo Quiroz again.

Hierarchy remains: Casilla | Romo | Strickland.

September 23, 2014
San Francisco Giants — Since Bruce Bochy’s late-August announcement that Santiago Casilla would share save opportunities with a committee, Casilla has continued to get every available chance. On Monday, though, Casilla pitched the eleventh and twelfth (in a tie game on the road!!), leaving the save for Hunter Strickland, whom you know all too well as the closer for the mighty Richmond Flying Squirrels. Since Strickland came to the big club on September 1, he has seven strikeouts in seven scoreless appearances. The committee isn’t really a thing, but the Giants might want to keep testing whether Strickland could be.

Updated hierarchy: Casilla | Romo | Strickland.

September 12, 2014
San Francisco Giants – Bruce Bochy said two weeks ago that both Santiago Casilla and Sergio Romo would be used in the game’s final innings. Since then, Casilla has gotten both save chances, but has allowed a run in two of his last three appearances, including a solo shot last night in a non-save opp. Despite Romo’s lack of opportunity, this remains a somewhat volatile situation, and Romo may still be good for a few save opps down the stretch.

Hierarchy remains: Casilla | Romo | Affeldt.

August 29, 2014
San Francisco Giants – Santiago Casilla picked up the save on Thursday afternoon, but he did so with Jeremy Affeldt warming up in the bullpen. After the game, Bruce Bochy said he intends to use both Casilla and Sergio Romo — as well as Affeldt and Javier Lopez — in the game’s final innings. This isn’t a huge shock, as Casilla had been struggling and was already on our Hot Seat, but Romo appears to be a decent bet for at least a small handful of saves down the stretch.

Hierarchy remains: Casilla | Romo | Affeldt.

August 17, 2014
San Francisco Giants — Sergio Romo got the last two outs of the game last night and picked up his first save since June 22nd.  Manager Bruce Boche said he wanted to give closer Santiago Casilla a day off.  Casilla has allowed a run in his last three appearances, picking up losses in the past two.  Romo, on the other hand, has not allowed a run in his last eight games.  Casilla has not blown a save since he took over as closer at the end of June but if he continues to give up runs and former All-Star closer Romo regains his form, the Giants could consider making a change.

Hierarchy remains: Casilla | Romo | Affeldt.
Santiago Casilla to Hot Seat.

July 23, 2014
San Francisco Giants — It took Tim Lincecum only 1,532 innings to earn his first career save, but we’re sure he has other talents. Lincecum’s only previous regular-season relief appearance came on April 2, 2008 — when he was held back until the fourth inning to avoid an expected rain delay. The Giants couldn’t spell Tim’s name right in a celebratory tweet they later deleted, but they did correctly point out that he’s the first player since Sandy Koufax to earn a save in the same season that he pitched a no-hitter.

Hierarchy remains: Casilla | Romo | Affeldt.

July 16, 2014
San Francisco Giants – GM Brian Sabean has said that no one in the organization is untouchable, and they may see their rapidly evolving bullpen as ripe for improvement. TRADE DEADLINE SELL: Santiago Casilla.

July 14, 2014
San Francisco Giants – Sergio Romo has now thrown three solid 8th innings ahead of Santiago Casilla. While Jeremy Affeldt’s name was briefly thrown around for some 9th inning chances, Casilla has seized the job, and Romo has assumed the role of primary set-up man.

Updated hierarchy: Casilla | Romo | Affeldt.

July 7, 2014
San Francisco Giants – After his second save in two days, Bruce Bochy named Santiago Casilla the new full-time closer. Sergio Romo got knocked around again yesterday, so Jeremy Affeldt is still the handcuff for now, but he’s not likely to get saves unless Casilla is overworked.

Hierarchy remains: Casilla | Affeldt | Romo.

July 6, 2014
San Francisco Giants — The Giants had their first save opportunity since Sergio Romo was removed as closer and it was Santiago Casilla who picked up the save.  Casilla pitched a scoreless 10th inning with two strikeouts to record his second save of the season.  This is still a committee with lefty Jeremy Affeldt but the righty Casilla will probably see the majority of the save chances.

Hierarchy remains: Casilla | Affeldt | Romo.

June 29, 2014
San Francisco Giants — Bruce Bochy announced on Sunday that the struggling Sergio Romo would move into a setup role, and that closing duties would be handled by the newest rage: a committee, prominently featuring Santiago Casilla and lefthander Jeremy Affeldt. Romo himself could see work as part of the committee, depending on — say it with us now — matchups.

Updated hierarchy: Casilla | Affeldt | Romo.

June 29, 2014
San Francisco Giants — Sergio Romo blew his 5th save of the season last night, giving up a 2 run homer to Brandon Phillips.  After the game, manager Bruce Bochy said he wouldn’t answer questions about whether Romo would get the next save, but he did say it was something they would talk about.  Santiago Casilla has an ERA just over 1.00 and could be in line for some save opportunities if the Giants want to give Romo a break from closing.

Sergio Romo to Hot Seat.

June 17, 2014
San Francisco Giants — Santiago Casilla will rejoin the Giants beginning with their two-game series against the White Sox that opens tonight. Jean Machi, who sports a tremendous 0.29 ERA in 31 innings pitched this season, will cede the 8th-inning role to Casilla and become the go-to guy in the sixth and seventh innings.

Updated hierarchy: Romo | Casilla | Machi.

June 15, 2014
San Francisco Giants — Sergio Romo blew his second save in two days on Saturday.  Romo gave up 5 runs on Friday and 2 more yesterday.  Romo has been good all season and Bruce Bochy will remain patient with his closer so he is not in danger of losing his job at this point.

Hierarchy Remains: Romo | Machi | Lopez.

May 24, 2014
San Francisco Giants — Jean Machi picked up his 2nd save of the season last night.  He entered the game with two men on and one out in the 8th inning with the Giants up 4.  He got a double play to get out of that inning and then came back for the 9th inning to finish the game.

Hierarchy Remains: Romo | Machi | Lopez.

May 22, 2014
San Francisco Giants — Santiago Casilla injured his right hamstring during a rare plate appearance late Wednesday. He’ll be tough to replace, but the search should start with Jean Machi, who’s working on a 15-game scoreless streak.

Updated hierarchy: Romo | Machi | Lopez.

May 12, 2014
San Francisco Giants – Jean Machi picked up a 10th inning save on Sunday after Sergio Romo had already pitched. Romo blew the save in the 9th, but it was his first blown save in 13 chances, and his job is not in jeopardy. No hierarchy change.

May 5, 2014
San Francisco Giants – Santiago Casilla picked up his first save of the season on Sunday. As mentioned in the Vulture Save Watch, Sergio Romo was given the day off after heavy usage in the days prior. No hierarchy change.

March 13, 2014
San Francisco Giants — Sergio Romo hasn’t been throwing his slider this spring, so it’s not clear precisely what to make of his lousy spring numbers. Ranked #11 in our preseason closer rankings.

March 7, 2014
San Francisco Giants – The Giants bullpen looks very similar to last year’s edition, with Sergio Romo closing and Santiago Casilla right behind him.  Javier Lopez and Jean Machi will handle the 7th inning, though future closer Heath Hembree is worth watching.  Starting 2014 hierarchy: Closer – Sergio Romo, Set-up – Santiago Casilla, 2nd in line – Javier Lopez. 

September 12, 2013
San Francisco Giants – With Sergio Romo unavailable, Santiago Casilla got the save in his absence, as mentioned in the Vulture Save Watch.  No hierarchy change.

July 21, 2013
San Francisco Giants – Javier Lopez got the last two outs of the 8th inning last night with the Giants up 2.  Lopez has a 1.54 ERA on the season. Hierarchy change: Javier Lopez to 2nd in line, replacing Jeremy Affeldt.

July 18, 2013
San Francisco Giants – Jeremy Affeldt or Javier Lopez could move, but Sergio Romo is safe. TRADE DEADLINE BUY/SELL: None.

July 14, 2013
San Francisco Giants — Santiago Casilla was activated from the DL on Saturday and should resume his role as the set-up man ahead of Sergio Romo. Hierarchy change: Santiago Casilla to Set-up, Jeremy Affeldt to 2nd in line.

July 10, 2013
San Francisco Giants — Jeremy Affeldt pitched very poorly in Tuesday’s eighth inning, breaking the game open for an eventual Mets victory. Meanwhile, Santiago Casilla’s fourth minor league rehab appearance consisted of three walks in four batters faced. No hierarchy change.

June 25, 2013
San Francisco Giants — After a four-run, two-homer appearance on Sunday, Jean Machi was demoted to AAA Fresno. George Kontos took his place with the Giants and will slide right into Machi’s spot in their hierarchy. Note that Kontos is currently appealing a three-game suspension he received for throwing at Andrew McCutchen. In other news, Santiago Casilla threw off a mound over the weekend and could be on pace to return by the 4th of July. Hierarchy change: George Kontos to 2nd in line, replacing Jean Machi.

June 25, 2013
San Francisco Giants — After a four-run, two-homer appearance on Sunday, Jean Machi was demoted to AAA Fresno. George Kontos took his place with the Giants and will slide right into Machi’s spot in their hierarchy. Note that Kontos is currently appealing a three-game suspension he received for throwing at Andrew McCutchen. In other news, Santiago Casilla threw off a mound over the weekend and could be on pace to return by the 4th of July. Hierarchy change: George Kontos to 2nd in line, replacing Jean Machi.

May 22, 2013
San Francisco Giants — Santiago Casilla returned to the disabled list with continued right knee trouble; he will see a specialist on Wednesday, and may even need surgery. Hierarchy change: Santiago Casilla to DL, Jeremy Affeldt to Set-up, Jean Machi to 2nd in line.

May 14, 2013
San Francisco Giants — Santiago Casilla told MLB.com this past weekend that he expects to be available again on Tuesday. Hierarchy change: Santiago Casilla to Set-up, Jeremy Affeldt to 2nd in line.

May 9, 2013
San Francisco Giants – Santiago Casilla injured his right knee while covering first on Wednesday, and will undergo an MRI today.  If a DL trip is necessary, which seems likely at this point, then lefty Jeremy Affeldt is most likely to inherit the 8th inning role.  Hierarchy change: Jeremy Affeldt to Set-up, Santiago Casilla to DL. 

April 20, 2013
San Francisco Giants – George Kontos pitched 1.1 scoreless innings in a tie game last night.  He has settled into a nice role at the back end of the Giants bullpen, while Javier Lopez has been used very sparingly and often to get only one. Hierarchy change: George Kontos to 2nd in line, replacing Javier Lopez.

April 14, 2013
San Francisco Giants – As predicted in the vulture save watch, Santiago Casilla picked up the save yesterday. Sergio Romo is still the closer but the Giants have always tried to limit his usage so Casilla could continue to see some save opportunities on days when Romo is rested. No hierarchy change.

February 24, 2013
San Francisco Giants – Starting 2013 hierarchy: Closer- Sergio Romo, Set-up- Santiago Casilla, 2nd in line- Javier Lopez.

September 29, 2012
San Francisco Giants – Sergio Romo got a night off on Friday, so Javier Lopez and Santiago Casilla combined to get through the 9th inning. Casilla got the last two outs and picked up his first save in several months. No hierarchy change.

September 18, 2012
San Francisco Giants – On Monday, Santiago Casilla finished the 7th inning, pitched a clean 8th, then got the first out of the 9th with the Giants up by 1 run. With Jeremy Affeldt going through some serious struggles over the past month or so, Casilla has been getting more usage in high-leverage situations. Hierarchy change: Santiago Casilla to 2nd in line, replacing Jeremy Affeldt.

September 3, 2012
San Francisco Giants – As predicted in the vulture save watch, Javier Lopez picked up the save yesterday. San Francisco continues to use a true committee in close games, so Romo, Lopez and Affeldt could all get the call in the 9th inning. No hierarchy change.

August 31, 2012
San Francisco Giants – After Santiago Casilla was demoted, Jeremy Affeldt received the first two save opportunities. With the ability to pitch to both lefties and righties (as opposed to Javier Lopez) and with the ability to pitch in multiple games in a row without injury concerns (as opposed to Sergio Romo), Affeldt looked like the best bet to seize the majority of the San Francisco committee’s saves. But since blowing his second save chance, he hasn’t gotten another look. Meanwhile, Lopez has nabbed four saves and Sergio Romo has picked up three, including one last night. While Lopez is leading the committee in saves since Casilla’s demotion, most of them have been a bit fluky, as he’s induced several double plays to end games while other relievers were warming. Romo will likely get the most chances from here on out. Hierarchy change: Sergio Romo to Closer, Javier Lopez to Set-up, Jeremy Affeldt to 2nd in line.

August 30, 2012
San Francisco Giants – Javier Lopez picked up his 5th save of the season on Wednesday, inducing a double play ground out from the only hitter he faced. The Giants are still in full platoon mode. No hierarchy change.

August 29, 2012
San Francisco Giants – Sergio Romo picked up his 7th save of the season last night, pitching a clean 9th inning. Jeremy Affeldt was on paternity leave, but the closer role is a full platoon either way, with Affeldt, Romo, and Javier Lopez all sharing save chances. No hierarchy change.

August 25, 2012
San Francisco Giants – Javier Lopez picked up his fourth save of the season on Friday. He’s now earned three of the last four save chances for the Giants, but two of his recent saves have been less than one inning long. Lopez won’t accumulate saves at this rate moving forward, but he’s just as likely as Sergio Romo or Jeremy Affeldt to get the last out in the 9th at this point. No hierarchy change.

August 24, 2012
San Francisco Giants – The Giants used three relievers to get through the 9th inning on Thursday, and Sergio Romo was the last, as he picked up a two-out save after Jeremy Affeldt and Javier Lopez had both pitched. Affeldt had a bad outing, failing to retire either hitter he faced. He remains on the Hot Seat, and there’s no prohibitive favorite to get saves in the Giants bullpen on any given night any more. No hierarchy change.

August 22, 2012
San Francisco Giants – Javier Lopez picked up his second save in as many days, as the Giants again used him and Sergio Romo to get through the 9th. Jeremy Affeldt was warming in the bullpen and likely would’ve been summoned had Lopez not induced a double play to end the game. With the Giants still using a committee, any one of these three could get a save on any given night, though Affeldt remains the best bet. No hierarchy change.

August 21, 2012
San Francisco Giants – Javier Lopez picked up a one-out save on Monday after Sergio Romo got the first two outs in the 9th. The Giants continue to use a closer-by-committee, with Jeremy Affeldt still the most likely candidate to get a save on any given night. No hierarchy change.

August 19, 2012
San Francisco Giants – After Jeremy Affeldt gave up 2 runs while only recording 2 outs in the 9th inning on Saturday, he was yanked in favor of Clay Hensley, who got the last out for his 3rd save of the season. Hensley doesn’t factor in to the usual late-inning plans for San Francisco, but with the Giants already using a committee of Affeldt, Sergio Romo, and Javier Lopez, this outing is enough to potentially cost Affeldt future save chances. Jeremy Affeldt to Hot Seat.

August 8, 2012
San Francisco Giants – Jeremy Affeldt just picked up his 3rd save of the season, and is a good bet to continue getting save chances for the Giants. Bruce Bochy said that the acquisition of Jose Mijares allowed him to move Affeldt into a full-fledged committee with Sergio Romo and Javier Lopez. Casilla will not be part of the mix, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Romo is still being held out of back-to-back action for the most part as he recovers from several long-term injuries and Lopez is more of a LOOGY type who will be situational at best. That leaves Affeldt, who has been steady and solid for the Giants all season. Hierarchy change: Jeremy Affeldt to Closer, Sergio Romo to Set-up, Javier Lopez to 2nd in line.

August 1, 2012
San Francisco Giants – After pitching three of the last four games, including a blown save on Monday, Santiago Casilla was given the night off. In a 3-run game, Jeremy Affeldt pitched the last two innings for his second save of the year. No hierarchy change.

July 19, 2012
San Francisco Giants – Santiago Casilla continues to struggle, allowing two runs in the 10th inning last night before being bailed out by the Giants’ offense the next inning. He’s now blown 5 of his last 8 saves and remains firmly on the Hot Seat, as the Giants are reportedly testing the trade market for relievers. “We need him whether we make an adjustment or not,” Bruce Bochy told the San Francisco Chronicle. “I can’t answer that now. But there comes a time with every player when you have to change it up.” Despite the demands from fans, it’s still unlikely that Sergio Romo becomes a full-time closer this year, as the Giants don’t want him to pitch too frequently for fear he re-aggravates an injury. If Casilla is demoted, however, Romo could share the 9th inning role with Jeremy Affeldt. No hierarchy change.

July 12, 2012
San Francisco Giants – The Giants proved last year that they’re willing to make a splash at the deadline, but they’re unlikely to make any moves, bullpen-wise, as they have two solid top-tier relievers in Santiago Casilla and Sergio Romo. TRADE DEADLINE BUY/SELL: None.

July 7, 2012
San Francisco Giants – Sergio Romo picked up his 5th save of the season last night as Santiago Casilla was unavailable due to a blister. Manager Bruce Bochy said before Friday’s game that he was not considering a change at closer, and Romo came out after the game and also said that the closer job was still Casilla’s. However, Casilla has struggled lately, giving up 6 runs and 11 hits over his last 4.1 innings. Romo could see more save opportunities going forward, but it is unlikely that he would ever become the full time closer this season, as the Giants are limiting his workload to keep him from reinjuring his knee or elbow. He’s only pitched on three consecutive nights once this season. Hierarchy change: Sergio Romo to Set-up, Jeremy Affeldt to 2nd in line.

June 28, 2012
San Francisco Giants – Sergio Romo picked up his fourth save of the season on Wednesday. Both Santiago Casilla and Jeremy Affeldt had pitched the night before, and in 4 of the last 5. No hierarchy change.

June 27, 2012
San Francisco Giants – Yesterday, Jeremy Affeldt pitched the 8th inning ahead of Santiago Casilla for the third time in the last four days. To be frank, Affeldt is not as good as Sergio Romo. But he does have more experience as a closer, and based on his recent usage, Bruce Bochy would probably promote the lefty to the 9th inning role if anything were to happen to Santiago Casilla. Hierarchy change: Jeremy Affeldt to Set-up, Sergio Romo to 2nd in line.

June 25, 2012
San Francisco Giants – For the second night in a row, Santiago Casilla couldn’t get out of the 9th inning. On Sunday, he allowed a 3-run walkoff HR, and he’s now given up 5 runs in his last 1.2 innings. Casilla has been solid all season, but the Giants have a spectacular set-up man in Sergio Romo, who could easily be plugged into the role if Casilla continues to struggle. Santiago Casilla to Hot Seat.

June 24, 2012
San Francisco Giants – Clay Hensley picked up a one-out save after Santiago Casilla couldn’t close the door for the Giants on Saturday. Casilla has been solid all season, with only one official blown, and his job will not be in jeopardy unless he has a few more poor outings. No hierarchy change.

June 7, 2012
San Francisco Giants – Sergio Romo picked up his third save in the past five days, as Santiago Casilla’s injury has been a little more severe than the Giants initially thought. While he is still on the active roster– Bruce Bochy said before Wednesday’s game that Casilla could play in the event of an emergency– he’s now missed five straight days of action. No hierarchy change.

June 5, 2012
San Francisco Giants – Santiago Casilla was held out again on Monday, and Jeremy Affeldt recorded a 2-inning save in his stead. Affeldt and Clay Hensley have similar ERAs and strikeout ratios, but Affeldt currently has the edge on the San Francisco depth chart. Casilla, as noted earlier, will not need a DL stint and remains day-to-day. Hierarchy change: Jeremy Affeldt to 2nd in line, replacing Clay Hensley.

June 4, 2012
San Francisco Giants – The Giants are playing it safe with Santiago Casilla. Bruce Bochy said could potentially have pitched over the weekend, but on Sunday, he was held out for a 2nd straight game. As predicted in yesterday’s vulture save watch, Sergio Romo was the man to benefit, and he picked up his second consecutive save. No hierarchy change.

June 3, 2012
San Francisco Giants – Santiago Casilla is day-to-day after hurting his knee in Friday’s game, so the Giants used Javier Lopez and Sergio Romo to get through a 1-run 9th inning on Saturday, with Romo earning his first save of the year. Bruce Bochy told the San Francisco Chronicle that Casilla might be able to pitch today. No hierarchy change.

June 2, 2012
San Francisco Giants – Starter Madison Bumgarner pitched into the 9th but after a couple guys got on Santiago Casilla came on to finish it out. Casilla gave up a 3 run homerun to the first batter he faced and gave up 2 more hits while only getting one out, also hurting his knee in the process– the Giants have yet to announce how severe the injury is, though initially it didn’t appear serious. Javier Lopez came on with a lefty due up and got the last two outs for the save. No hierarchy change.

May 29, 2012
San Francisco Giants – While Javier Lopez has had a great season, he wouldn’t likely inherit the full time job even if Santiago Casilla and Sergio Romo were both hurt. Instead, the role would likely go to Clay Hensley, who pitched a scoreless 8th inning ahead of Casilla on Monday. Hierarchy change: Clay Hensley to 2nd in line, replacing Javier Lopez.

April 21, 2012
San Francisco Giants – Santiago Casilla only pitched to one batter in the 9th on Friday, giving up a single before giving way to Javier Lopez, who faced the next two batters (both lefties). The duo combined to blow the save, which was eventually recorded by Clay Hensley in the bottom of the 10th. Bruce Bochy has said that he would use a committee to close games, and he proved his statement true on Friday. Casilla will be a short leash in the future. Santiago Casilla to Hot Seat.

April 18, 2012
San Francisco Giants – Santiago Casilla recorded the save for the Giants on Tuesday night, and Bruce Bochy indicated that he will get the majority of San Francisco’s save opportunities for the time being. “We have confidence in Casilla. He’s another guy who throws 95 and gets it done like he did tonight,” said Bochy. While Sergio Romo was, by all measures, one of the best relievers in all of baseball last year, he was hurt late in the season and Bochy may have concerns about his arm strength and ability to pitch on back-to-back nights. The Giants skipper said before the game that this was still a platoon, but that Casilla will get the most save chances at the outset. Hierarchy change: Santiago Casilla to Closer; Sergio Romo to Set-up.

April 15, 2012
San Francisco Giants – Brian Wilson’s season is likely over. After complaining of elbow soreness on Friday night, the Giants sent him for tests, where an MRI showed structural damage to his right elbow. Bruce Bochy said that the Giants will go closer-by-committee at first; on Friday, Santiago Casilla came on and pitched a clean 8th inning in a tie game, then pitched part of the 9th before Javier Lopez finished the inning. The Giants walked off in the bottom half, so there was no save opportunity, but based on their usage both tonight and earlier this season, Sergio Romo is the best bet to seize the permanent job. Hierarchy change: Sergio Romo to Closer, Santiago Casilla to Set-up, Javier Lopez to 2nd in line.

April 1, 2012
San Francisco Giants- Brian Wilson heads the list of SF bullpen arms, based more on reputation than his 2011 statistics. Both Sergio Romo and Santiago Casilla filled in as the closer towards the end of last season with Wilson on the DL, and they’ll see save chances if Wilson gets hurt. Starting 2012 hierarchy: Closer- Brian Wilson, Set-up- Sergio Romo, 2nd in line- Santiago Casilla.

Sept. 21, 2011
San Francisco Giants- The Giants lost a tight game last night, but manager Bruce Bochy said that Brian Wilson will reassume the closer role for the remainder of the years. Santiago Casilla and Sergio Romo will likely share 8th inning duties for the season’s final week. Hierarchy change: Brian Wilson to Closer, Santiago Casilla to Set-up.

Sept. 19, 2011
San Francisco Giants- Up 7 runs in the 8th, the Giants turned to Brian Wilson, who had just returned from the DL. Wilson pitched a scoreless inning, and will be eased back in to the closer’s role. With only 10 days left in the season, Casilla probably gets one or two more save opps before Wilson returns to the 9th inning role. Hierarchy change: Brian Wilson to Set-up, Sergio Romo to 2nd in line.

Sept. 12, 2011
San Francisco Giants- Santiago Casilla has held firm to the closer’s job, even with Sergio Romo’s activation from the disabled list. Romo was called on for the 8th inning tonight in a game the Giants were up 8-3, the second time this week he’s been used in this fashion. Hierarchy change: Casilla to Closer, Romo to Set-up.

Sept. 12, 2011
San Francisco Giants- Jeremy Affeldt is out for the year after cutting his pitching hand in a kitchen accident. As the Giants’ remaining left-handed reliever, Javier Lopez will likely pitch in his stead. Hierarchy change: Lopez to 2nd in line, replacing Affeldt.

Sept. 7, 2011
San Francisco Giants- Up by 2 runs, Bruce Bochy used Sergio Romo for the 8th inning last night, and then tried to play matchups in the 9th. He used a trio of relievers in the final frame, the first two of which (Lopez, Casilla) got in trouble before Ramon Ramirez closed the door for the save. It actually seems that Casilla was meant to get the save in this one, but Romo is still the top candidate for the Giants remaining save opps. Still, his position bears watching. Hierarchy change: Casilla to Set-up, Affeldt to 2nd in line. Romo to “Hot Seat.”

Aug. 28, 2011
San Francisco Giants- Sergio Romo is scheduled to come off the DL today and should immediately take over as the Giants closer while Wilson is still on the DL. Romo to closer, Affeldt to set up, Casilla to 2nd in line.

Aug. 27, 2011
San Francisco Giants- Casilla was called on for the save against a righty-heavy lineup last night and has surpassed Ramirez as the set up guy with Wilson and Romo still on the DL. Casilla to set up, Ramirez to 2nd in line.

Aug. 25, 2011
San Francisco Giants- Santiago Casilla got the save for the Giants last night, his first of the season. Jeremy Affeldt didn’t pitch due to matchup problems with the Padres lineup last night, and Ramon Ramirez pitched the night before. Casilla does jump Lopez in the hierarchy, though. Hierarchy change: Casilla to 2nd in line, replacing Lopez.

Aug. 22, 2011
San Francisco Giants- After the Giants took the lead in the top of the 11th, Ramon Ramirez pitched the bottom half to close it out. But Jeremy Affeldt had already pitched the 9th and 10th innings, and will still get the majority of save opps with Wilson and Romo out. No hierarchy change.

Aug. 17, 2011
San Francisco Giants- With Brian Wilson out for a few games with an elbow injury and Romo still on the DL, Affeldt was brought in to close out a 7-2 contest with 2 men on. This indicates that Bochy will look to Affeldt as the short-term closer. Although Affeldt gave up a double, he was brought in to get the final out in a close game. Hierarchy Change: Affeldt to Closer, (Brian Wilson day-to-day), Ramirez to Set Up.

Aug. 16, 2011
San Francisco Giants- With Sergio Romo dinged up, Bruce Bochy called on Javier Lopez to pitch the 8th inning with a 2-run lead. It’s become clear that Lopez is the Giants most reliable lefty. Hierarchy change: Lopez to 2nd in line, replacing Affeldt.