Mark Melancon is back; Brandon Maurer is bad

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.

San Diego Padres — There’s still no word on when Carter Capps will return from extended spring training, but the issue is becoming more and more urgent. Over the last week (four outings), Brandon Maurer has allowed nine runs and 12 baserunners in only 2.2 innings. Although lefty Brad Hand (31 K in 24 IP; 1.88 ERA) has probably passed Ryan Buchter as Maurer’s current understudy, Capps is just as good a bet to close from June on.

Updated hierarchy: Maurer | Hand | Buchter.

Tampa Bay Rays — With Erasmo Ramirez returning to the Rays’ rotation yet again, Jose Alvarado should see even more late-inning opportunities.

Updated hierarchy: Colome | Farquhar | Alvarado.

Chicago Cubs — For the second straight game, Joe Maddon called on C.J. Edwards for the eighth-inning hold. The slim young righty has 24 strikeouts in 17.1 innings and a fantastic 1.04 ERA. Koji Uehara hasn’t done anything particularly wrong, but it’s hard to see him as better than the fourth option for the Cubs right now.

Updated hierarchy: Davis | Rondon | Edwards.

Milwaukee Brewers — Craig Counsell talked about using Corey Knebel in a more flexible way, but the last three close/late ninth innings have all been his. One more trip through the hierarchy in order and we’ll bid the asterisk adieu.

Hierarchy remains: *Knebel | Barnes | Torres.
* = closer-by-committee

Boston Red Sox — The last reliever standing in the Boston bullpen when the thirteenth inning came around was 24-year-old rookie Ben Taylor. Taylor struck out two in the course of collecting his first major league save. We expect him to be the go-to guy for the Sox going forward whenever there are no other pitchers available.

Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Barnes | Kelly.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Alex Wilson/Shane Greene — Justin Wilson needed 30 pitches to close out Wednesday’s game, and both he and Alex Wilson have pitched in two straight.
2. Drew Storen — Raisel Iglesias threw 31 pitches Wednesday.
3. Jacob Barnes — Corey Knebel has gone in three out of four.

Friday:
1. Arodys Vizcaino — Jim Johnson has gone in two straight and probably won’t make it to four.
2. Hector Rondon — Wade Davis has also pitched in two straight.
3. Matt Barnes/Joe Kelly — Same for Craig Kimbrel.

Enny Romero becomes fourth National to earn a save this season

May 5, 2017

Washington Nationals — With current closer Shawn Kelley still sick (and no guarantee he’ll be ready today), the Nationals opted to play the matchups to get through the ninth after Matt Albers pitched a scoreless eighth. They first turned to Joe Blanton, who coughed up a home run, throwing only two pitches before he was yanked. Enny Romero came on to close the door for his first save. He’s actually the fourth National with a save already this season. One writer called Albers (0.00 ERA) the team’s new setup man over Blake Treinen, and we agree, at least until Koda Glover returns from injury. Glover’s return could be as early as this weekend.

Updated hierarchy: Kelley | Albers | Treinen.

Chicago White Sox – The White Sox got some tough news Thursday, as righty Nate Jones was placed on the 10-day disabled list (retroactive to May 1) with elbow neuritis. Expect Anthony Swarzak (0.00 ERA, two holds, just three hits and one walk allowed in 14 innings with 16 Ks) to get more looks in the late innings.

Updated hierarchy: Robertson | Kahnle | Swarzak.

Cincinnati Reds — Raisel Iglesias garnered his fifth save in as many tries Thursday, and may be emerging as the clear leader of the Reds bullpen. He has for more saves than anyone else on the team (Michael Lorenzen had a save three weeks ago and Drew Storen picked one up in the third game of the year) and his numbers are impressive: 1.10 ERA, 0.80 WHIP, 19 Ks in 16.1 IP.  We’ll remove the asterisk for the time being, but be prepared for Bryan Price to potentially use Iglesias for multiple innings and in the highest-leverage spot no matter the inning.

Updated hierarchy: Iglesias | Storen | Lorenzen.

Toronto Blue Jays — Toronto’s bullpen has been shameful to start the year, so the team claimed righty Neil Ramirez off waivers from the Giants. Ramirez, too, has had a rough start (13.06 ERA, 1.94 WHIP), but the peripheral numbers suggest he may have been a victim of some bad luck — 18 Ks and 4 BBs in 10.1 IP. His FIP is solid, too, at 3.53. Keep an eye on him – he could start picking up holds by the end of the month.

Hierarchy remains: Osuna | Biagini | Smith.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Matt Albers/Blake Treinen — If Shawn Kelley is still sick Friday, Albers or a well-rested Treinen could get a try in the ninth, unless Dusty Baker opts to “play the matchups” again.
2. Hector Rondon — Wade Davis has appeared in three straight games.

Saturday
1. Drew Storen — A Friday appearance for Raisel Iglesias would be his third straight day of work. If that happens, Storen would likely get the call Saturday.
2. Brad Brach — Zach Britton has pitched in two of the last three days and is coming back from injury. If he goes Friday, Brach may get another shot at a save.
3. Danny Farquhar –Alex Colome has pitched in three of the last four days, but threw only five pitches Thursday to get the save. The monkey suspects he’d be available on Friday. If he goes Friday, though, look for Farquhar to get a shot if the Rays have a lead Saturday.

Could Joe Biagini get some save opportunities in Toronto?

April 29, 2017

Toronto Blue Jays — The Blue Jays’ bullpen continues to be a disaster. Presumptive setup man Jason Grilli was brought in with one out in the eighth inning to protect a one-run lead, and immediately gave up the tying homer and a walk. After a strikeout, Grilli was pulled, but took the loss when his runner came around to score, lifting his ERA to an ugly 7.27. With Roberto Osuna also struggling, some think John Gibbons should turn to Joe Biagini. Biagini doesn’t have swing-and-miss stuff, but has a reliable cut fastball, and certainly wouldn’t be the first reliever to lean heavily on a cutter. Don’t be surprised if Biagini starts getting the eighth inning, or even a shot at the ninth.

Hierarchy remains: Osuna | Grilli | Biagini.

Baltimore Orioles — The clock finally struck midnight for Brad Brach, with his first three earned runs of the season coming as part of a massive 10-run Yankee comeback. Orioles fans can be comforted by the imminent return of Zach Britton (Sunday or Tuesday), and cautioned by the two walks and a home run he gave up in last night’s rehab outing against the legendary Akron Rubber Ducks. #AffordableFamilyFun!

Hierarchy remains: Brach | O’Day | Givens.

Minnesota Twins — Brandon Kintzler has been excellent as Minnesota’s closer, but behind him the Twins are searching for consistency. Ryan Pressly got his ERA below 9 on Friday, but it was in the seventh inning of a game his team was losing by two. It appears that Pressly is getting some space to fix his command issues, so look for Taylor Rogers to pick up the slack. He’s something of a lefty specialist, but has five holds already, including the last out of the eighth last night.

Updated hierarchy: Kintzler | Belisle | Rogers.

Los Angeles Angels — The Vulture Save Watch correctly predicted that Bud Norris would get a break, but with a three-run lead in the ninth, the Angels decided to use Jose Alvarez against a lefty-heavy lineup. Alvarez is not a typical LOOGY, but he’s the only lefty in the bullpen, so he picks up some matchups. David Hernandez pitched a perfect eighth inning, while Blake Parker was waiting to put out any fires that may have arisen in the ninth. We think it’s still Parker, then Hernandez, behind Norris.

Hierarchy remains: Norris | Parker | Hernandez.

New York Mets — Jeurys Familia pitched himself into trouble in his first save opportunity, loading the bases with three singles, up two in the ninth. Familia did strike out the next batter, but was pulled so lefty Josh Edgin could face Bryce Harper. Edgin got Harper to ground into a 1-2-3 double play, picking up his first save. Familia had a rough outing, but hopefully has worked through the rust.

Hierarchy remains: Familia | Reed | Salas.

Tampa Bay Rays — With both Alex Colome and Danny Farquhar resting, Jumbo Diaz got the call up four in the 9th. After a leadoff double followed by a single and a sacrifice fly, Chase Whitley came in to end the threat. He got the next two outs for his first save of the year. Whitley has been an effective long reliever since his return from Tommy John surgery; going forward, he’s mostly just a threat for three-inning saves.

Hierarchy remains: Colome | Farquhar | Diaz.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Hunter Strickland — Mark Melancon has gone in three straight (4 of 5).
2. Nick Vincent — Edwin Diaz has pitched in three in a row (50 pitches).
3. Darren O’Day — Brach needed 30 pitches last night and has thrown 58 in the last three days.
4. Drew Storen/Michael Lorenzen — Bryan Price has been very committed to not throwing relievers on consecutive days, and Raisel Iglesias pitched last night. It was Iglesias’s first appearance since last Sunday, though, so if there was ever a time to go back-to-back, today would likely be it.
5. Sergio Romo — Kenley Jansen has pitched in two straight (3 of 4).
6. Addison Reed — The Mets might go easy on Jeurys Familia as he returns to the closer role.

Sunday
1. Arodys Vizcaino — Jim Johnson has gone in two in a row and might rest if he pitches Saturday.
2. Reed — If Familia does go, he won’t pitch Sunday.
3. Trevor Rosenthal — Seung Hwan Oh has pitched on back-to-back days, including a four-out save last night. Look for him to rest Sunday if he gets another chance tonight.
4. Dellin Betances — Aroldis Chapman has thrown 49 pitches over three days.
5. Andrew Miller — It’s been two of three for Cody Allen.
6. Corey Knebel — Same for Neftali Feliz, who took the loss Friday.

Clippard, Lorenzen record saves

April 16, 2017

New York Yankees — As predicted in yesterday’s Vulture Save Watch, Aroldis Chapman and Dellin Betances both got the day off on Saturday, and that left Tyler Clippard for the save chance.  Clippard made it interesting, he allowed a homerun and two other baserunners, but was able to strike out the side to record his first save of the season.

Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Betances | Clippard.

Cincinnati Reds — On Saturday, Michael Lorenzen became the third Reds’ reliever to record a save this season.  Lorenzen was coming off a rough outing on Friday where he allowed four runs, but was able to bounce back yesterday to pick up his first career save.  Raisel Iglesias pitched two innings earlier in the game, and ended up with the win, while Drew Storen got the last out of the seventh and pitched a scoreless eighth ahead of Lorenzen.  The Reds will continue to use Iglesias, Storen, and Lorenzen for saves as long as it continues to work.

Hierarchy remains: *Iglesias | Storen | Lorenzen.
* = closer-by-committee

Chicago Cubs — With the Cubs up one in the seventh inning on Saturday, they summoned Pedro Strop from the bullpen.  Unfortunately, Strop was not able to get the job done as he allowed a walk and a go-ahead homer while taking the loss.  Koji Uehara, on the other hand, threw a scoreless eighth inning and has yet to allow a run on the season.

Updated hierarchy: Davis | Uehara | Strop.

Atlanta Braves — Jose Ramirez (no, not that Jose Ramirez) earned his second consecutive seventh inning hold ahead of Arodys Vizcaino and closer Jim Johnson.  Ramirez has been pitching well and should continue to see time in the seventh inning until Mauricio Cabrera is able to return.

Updated hierarchy: Johnson | Vizcaino | Ramirez

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Ian Krol, Atlanta Braves – Jim Johnson, Arodyz Vizcaino, and Jose Ramirez have all pitched in two straight and three of the past four.
2. Brad Ziegler, Miami Marlins – A.J. Ramos has appeared in two straight and four of the last five games
3. Daniel Hudson, Pittsburgh Pirates – Tony Watson has pitched in two straight and three of the past four

Monday:
1. Koji Uehara, Chicago Cubs – Wade Davis has pitched in two of the past three games and will likely not be available Monday if he pitches today.

Zach Britton rolls an ankle; Jake McGee looking sharp

April 8, 2017

Colorado Rockies – With the Rockies bullpen having been put to work early this season, it was Jake McGee who got the call to pick up the vulture save. McGee is feeling healthy, and he looked awesome, striking out the side on 14 pitches. With the rest of the bullpen needing rest, we’d like to see McGee in a couple more high leverage spots before he cracks the hierarchy again, but if the former closer can pitch like he did yesterday, he won’t stay out long.

Hierarchy remains: Holland | Ottavino | Dunn.

Baltimore Orioles – Zach Britton suffered an injury scare when he rolled his ankle fielding a comebacker, but stayed in the game and converted his second save of the year. Manager Buck Showalter said the injury didn’t look bad, but they will see how it feels “when the adrenaline wears off.” Britton is outstanding when healthy, having converted 51 straight saves, but if he needs some time off, Brad Brach has three clean 8th innings to his resume so far this season.

Hierarchy remains: Britton | Brach | O’Day.

Tampa Bay Rays – Xavier Cedeno has been bad in the early going this year. One day after giving up a hit to the only batter he faced, he was called on in a bases loaded jam only to walk in two runs before getting out of the inning. He did back into the win after the Rays took the lead in the bottom of the inning, and Alex Colome pitched a clean 9th for his 2nd save. Erasmo Ramirez took the 7th and 8th inning on Wednesday, and may get the next 8th inning shot.

Updated hierarchy: Colome | Ramirez | Cedeno.

Toronto Blue Jays – Roberto Osuna is on pace to return for the Blue Jays home opener on Tuesday. Jason Grilli will likely slot into the setup role after Osuna’s return, but could get a couple more chances this weekend.

Hierarchy remains: Grilli | Smith | Biagini.

 

VULTURE SAVE WATCH

1. Shawn Kelley / Koda Glover, Washington Nationals – Blake Treinen pitched in his 3rd straight game last night, and will get Saturday off. Shawn Kelley is better rested having been held out last night, but Koda Glover only threw 9 pitches yesterday so could be available.
2. Drew Storen, Cincinnati Reds – Raisel Iglesias pitched 2 scoreless innings to pick up his 2nd save throwing 32 pitches in the process.
3. Corey Knebel, Milwaukee Brewers – Neftali Feliz has pitched in three straight.

Sunday
1. Ryan Pressly, Minnesota Twins – Brandon Kintzler has pitched two straight.
2. Ryan Buchter, San Diego Padres – Brandon Maurer has pitched in two straight.