Clay Holmes moves back to the top of the Yankees hierarchy

June 11, 2023

New York Yankees – Clay Holmes pitched a scoreless 9th inning with a pair of strikeouts yesterday to pick up his 8th save of the season.  Tommy Kahnle recorded the 8th inning hold ahead of Holmes and he has four scoreless appearances since his debut at the beginning of June.  Holmes has recorded the last two saves for the Yankees and four of the last five.  Meanwhile, Michael King has not recorded a save since May 15th.  We will move Clay Holmes to the head of this committee and see how the Yankees continue to manage the back-end of their bullpen.

Updated hierarchy: *Holmes | King | Peralta.
* = closer-by-committee

Los Angeles Dodgers – Andre Jackson pitched three scoreless innings to finish off a 9-0 Dodgers’ win and pick up his second save of the season.  Jackson also pitched three scoreless innings for a save in his debut this season but has given up 13 runs in his other 5 appearances.  Apparently Jackson struggles in non-save situations (of the three inning variety) like some closers so maybe the Dodgers would be best to try and use him in those three inning save situations.

Hierarchy remains: *Phillips | Graterol | Ferguson.
* = closer-by-committee

Oakland A’s — Don’t look now, but the A’s have won four in a row and produced saves in three of those wins.  Tevor May and Lucas Erceg both got the day off and Richard Lovelady pitched the 8th inning so that left Sam Long to pick up his first save of the season with a scoreless 10th inning. 

Hierarchy remains: *May | Lovelady | Erceg.
* = closer-by-committee

Atlanta Braves — As predicted in the Vulture Save Watch yesterday, Raisel Iglesias got the day off and AJ Minter earned his 9th save of the season.

Hierarchy remains: Iglesias | Minter | Anderson.

Cleveland Guardians – The Guardians sent James Karinchak down to Triple-A.  Sam Hentges and Eli Morgan should see more high leverage usage ahead of Emmanuel Clase and Trevor Stephan.

Updated hierarchy: Clase | Stephan | Hentges.

Los Angeles Angels — Ben Joyce has been placed on the IL.  Jose Soriano has picked up two holds in his past two appearances and should see more time in the later innings for the Angels while Joyce is out.

Updated hierarchy: Estevez | Devenski | Soriano.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Hector Neris (HOU) – Ryan Pressly has pitched in two straight while Bryan Abreu has pitched in three of four.
2. Adam Ottavino (NYM) – David Robertson has pitched in two of three, throwing a total of 54 pitches.
3. Steven Wilson (SD) – Josh Hader has pitched in two straight and three of four while Nick Martinez has also pitched in two straight.

Monday
1. Aroldis Chapman (KC) – Scott Barlow threw 22 pitches yesterday so if he pitches again today he could get Monday off.
2. Chris Devenski (LAA) – If Carlos Estevez pitches today, it will be three of four and four of six.

Non-standard usage for Justin Lawrence

June 8, 2023

Colorado Rockies — Justin Lawrence was used as a fireman on Wednesday, coming in with two on in the seventh with a one-run lead. When he escaped that jam, he stayed in for the eighth, but gave up the go-ahead run on a squeeze bunt. If Lawrence keeps getting summoned in high-leverage spots before the ninth, his asterisk could be a permanent appendage.

Hierarchy remains: *Lawrence | Johnson | Bard.
* = closer-by-committee

Atlanta Braves — With Raisel Iglesias resting after three games in four days, AJ Minter came on for a clean ninth, earning his eighth save of the season.

Hierarchy remains: Iglesias | Minter | Anderson.

Oakland A’s — Trevor May picked up a two-out save, entering with two on and the tying run on deck. He gave up a single before shutting the door.

Hierarchy remains: *Lovelady | May | Acton.
* = closer-by-committee

Kansas City Royals — Josh Staumont is headed to the IL with a neck strain, putting Taylor Clarke back into the hierarchy.

Updated hierarchy: Barlow | Chapman | Clarke.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Caleb Ferguson/Shelby Miller (LAD) — Evan Phillips and Brusdar Graterol have each gone in three of four. Ferguson threw 30 pitches Tuesday.
2. Kevin Kelly (TB) — Jason Adam and Colin Poche have each been used in two of three (and three of five).
3. Pierce Johnson (COL) — Justin Lawrence threw 31 pitches Wednesday.
4. Kendall Graveman (CWS) — The White Sox have a doubleheader…
5. Clay Holmes (NYY) — …against the Yankees.

Friday:
1. Nick Anderson/AJ Minter (ATL) — Raisel Iglesias has had a heavy recent workload, as has Minter.
2. Lucas Sims (CIN) — Alexis Diaz has gone in two of three.

Kimbrel records his 400th save, 2 others record their first.

May 27, 2023

Philadelphia Phillies – Craig Kimbrel became the 8th player to earn 400 career saves last night, pitching a clean 9th inning against Atlanta, the team that drafted him. Over 14 menacing seasons Kimbrel and his unique stance led the NL in saves 4 times, finished in the top 10 of MVP voting twice, won a World Series with the Red Sox and is one of only 4 players (and the only reliever) to strike out 4 batters in an inning multiple times. It’ll be years before we see another reliever crack 400 saves, so a hearty congratulations to one of the best to ever do it!

Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Soto | Dominguez.

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.

Washington Nationals – The Vulture Save Watch told you that Kyle Finnegan and Hunter Harvey would be getting a rest on Friday, but when Carl Edwards was called upon to put out a fire in the 7th inning and when he loaded the bases in the 8th inning the Nationals turned to Chad Kuhl to protect their lead. He allowed 2 inherited runners to score, but pitched a clean 9th inning for the first save of his career. Kuhl began the season as a starter, but after struggling in that role he moved to the bullpen. He has yet to give up a run of his own in that role, although it has only been 2 appearances.  

Hierarchy remains: *Finnegan | Harvey | Edwards.
* = closer-by-committee

New York Mets – With a 3 run lead, David Robertson took the 8th inning to face the top of the Rockies lineup. He gave up a leadoff homer, but got out of the inning. This put Brooks Raley in line for the save in the 9th, but a pair of walks got him an early hook and let Adam Ottavino finish the game with a little help from confused baserunning. Ottavino has had a few rough outings in May, so this may have been a chance for Raley to assert himself in the committee, but it looks like Ottavino will hold onto his 1st in line spot for now. 

Hierarchy remains: *Robertson | Ottavino | Raley.
* = closer-by-committee

Vulture Save Watch:

  1. Matt Barnes (MIA) — Dylan Floro has thrown 33 pitches over the past 2 days and Tanner Scott has gone in 3 straight while Barnes is well rested.
  2. Nick Martinez (SD) — Josh Hader has pitched in back to back and 3 of 4.

For Sunday:

  1. Jason Adam/Colin Poche (TB) — Today would be back to back and 3 of 4 for Pete Fairbanks and Jason Adam.
  2. Gregory Soto (PHI) — The same is true for 400 save man Craig Kimbrel.
  3. Trevor Stephan (CLE) — Emmanuel Clase threw 32 pitches last night, so any work today would earn him a rest.

AJ Puk hits the injured list; Raisel Iglesias struggling

May 15, 2023

Miami Marlins – A.J. Puk was placed on the IL with nerve irritation. Dylan Floro picked up the save on Sunday; expect him to lead the Miami Committee with Tanner Scott and Matt Barnes also in the mix.

Updated hierarchy: *Floro | Scott | Barnes.
* = closer-by-committee

Los Angeles Angels – After a dreadful outing against Cleveland on Saturday, the Angels designated Ryan Tepera for assignment. We’re guessing the veteran will catch on somewhere; meanwhile, look for Chris Devenski to get a few more hold opportunities.

Updated hierarchy: Estevez | Moore | Devenski.

Atlanta Braves – Raisel Iglesias started his season with two scoreless innings, but his last two outings have been concerning. After giving up two runs on Wednesday, he blew the save on Sunday as the Blue Jays walked him off in the 9th. Nobody really established themselves in Iglesias’s early season absence, but he’ll need to find his form quickly if he’s going to maintain his role.

Hierarchy remains: Iglesias | Minter | Anderson.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Trevor Stephan – Emmanuel Clase has thrown 52 pitches over the last three days.
2. Lucas Sims – Alexis Diaz threw 41 pitches on Saturday (and 15 on Friday) and might need a second day off.

Tomorrow
1. Matt Moore – If Carlos Estevez goes today, it’s back to back and three of four.
2. Colin Poche – Same for Jason Adam…
3. Bryan Abreu/Hector Neris – …and Ryan Pressly…
4. Tanner Scott – …and Dylan Floro.
5. Jason Foley – If Alex Lange goes today, it’s back to back.
6. Colin Holderman – Same for David Bednar…
7. AJ Minter/Nick Anderson – …and Raisel Iglesias.

Carlos Estevez regaining control of Angels’ closer role

April 28, 2023

Los Angeles Angels – The pendulum has swung in the direction of Carlos Estevez again for the Angels. On Thursday, Estevez came on to secure his team-high fifth save with a scoreless ninth that dropped his ERA to 1.42. Jose Quijada, who has four saves himself, allowed two runs (one earned) Thursday and all of a sudden has a 6.00 ERA. Estevez has taken the lead again for this committee and could run away with the job if he continues to pitch well.

Updated hierarchy: *Estevez | Quijada | Moore.
* = closer-by-committee

Miami Marlins – AJ Puk pitched the eighth inning Thursday with a 4-0 deficit, likely just getting some work in as it had been several days since he last appeared in a game. Puk pitched a clean frame, and when Miami stunningly scored five runs in the top of the ninth to take the lead, Dylan Floro came on to retire the side for his first save. So while you missed out on a Puk save, be happy with the vulture win! And be happy because he most likely to be the main saves option moving forward and is another clean save away from kicking that asterisk.

Hierarchy remains: *Puk | Floro | Scott.
* = closer-by-committee

Atlanta Braves — Miami’s Puk earned the win because Braves closer A.J. Minter couldn’t keep it together in the ninth on Thursday. Staked with a four-run lead, Minter was charged with five runs on five hits, including three separate RBI singles. Jesse Chavez did no favors for Minter in allowing the go-ahead RBI double, leading to a blown save and third loss for Minter, whose ERA is now above 8.00. Minter has allowed 10 hits and 10 runs in his past 3.2 innings. Fortunately for the Braves, closer Raisel Iglesias is finally on a rehab assignment, but in the meantime we’re going to label the Braves closer situation a committee. Nick Anderson (3.86 ERA overall and a scoreless 8th inning Thursday) could see some chances in the near future.

Updated hierarchy: *Minter | Anderson | Jimenez.
* = closer-by-committee

Philadelphia Phillies — Craig Kimbrel picked up his third save of the season Thursday, striking out two in an inning of work. Jose Alvarado was notably absent Thursday, but he did throw 22 pitches when he earned the save Wednesday. He also worked on Sunday and last Friday. We’ll presume Kimbrel is still behind for now, but stay tuned.

Hierarchy remains: Alvarado | Kimbrel | Dominguez.

Chicago Cubs – Michael Fulmer pitched a clean sixth inning on Thursday, dropping his ERA to 7.84. Brad Boxberger (3.60 ERA, 1.20 WHIP) eventually came on in the ninth to record his second save. Boxberger still appears to be the top guy.

Hierarchy remains: *Boxberger | Fulmer | Hughes.
* = closer-by-committee

New York Yankees – Michael King made quick work of the Rangers on Thursday, recording the final seven outs on just 26 pitches to record his first save. King hadn’t pitched since Sunday so he was well-rested. The usage is also consistent with prior work as a high-leverage bulk reliever for the Yankees, so don’t be worried that he’s about to usurp Clay Holmes or something.

Hierarchy remains: Holmes | King | Peralta.

New York Mets — Adam Ottavino was placed on the paternity list on Thursday and will likely be out for a few games.

Hierarchy remains: *Robertson | Ottavino | Raley.
* = closer-by-committee

Chicago White Sox – Liam Hendriks will be in Chicago next week to get a check-up before he is approved to begin a rehab assignment. Garret Crochet, meanwhile, might also be going on a rehab assignment soon.

Hierarchy remains: *Lopez | Graveman | Bummer.
* = closer-by-committee

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Jorge Lopez (MIN) – Jhoan Duran might not be available Friday because of an immigration-related appointment that requires travel.
2. Drew Smith (NYM) – David Robertson and Brooks Raley have gone in two straight, while Adam Ottavino is on the paternity list.
3. Carl Edwards Jr. (WAS) – Kyle Finnegan has pitched in two straight.
4. Yennier Cano (BAL) – Felix Bautista has also gone in two straight.
5. Nick Anderson (ATL) – A.J. Minter had a disastrous outing Thursday and threw 23 pitches.

Saturday:
1. Jose Quijada (LAA) – If he goes Friday, that would be three of four for Carlos Estevez.
2. Bryan Abreu (HOU) – Same as above for Ryan Pressly.
3. Tyler Rogers (SF) – The Giants are off Friday but Camilo Doval has been busy this week.
4. Scott McGough (ARI) – If he goes Friday, that would be two of three and three of five for Andrew Chafin.