August 27, 2018
Philadelphia Phillies – Seranthony Dominguez bounced back with a clean 9th inning on Sunday, though it’s notable that it came in a game that the Phillies were winning by five. The team’s use of Hector Neris going forward also bears watching, as he has been probably the best relief pitcher in baseball since returning from the minors (6.2 IP, 15 Ks, 4 baserunners, 0 ERs). Look for the Phillies — three games back in the division and entering a crucial stretch — to ride their hottest arms in the weeks ahead.
Updated hierarchy: *Dominguez | Neshek | Neris.
* = closer-by-committee
Chicago White Sox – After Hector Santiago turned a blowout interesting, Jace Fry came on with the bases loaded and 1 out in the 9th with the White Sox up by 5 runs. He induced a pop out and a strikeout, cashing his third save of the year. If you’re going to own a reliever in this bullpen, Fry is probably the best bet at the moment.
Hierarchy remains: *Fry | Cedeno | Gomez.
* = closer-by-committee
Milwaukee Brewers – Jeremy Jeffress picked up his 7th save of the season on Sunday. With the Brewers continuing to deploy Josh Hader in a fireman fashion (his last three outings — all two-inning affairs — have seen him enter in the 7th, 6th, and 6th innings), Jeffress may have inched ahead in terms of who is most likely to get a save on any given night. Joakim Soria, who got the 8th last night in his second clean outing off the DL, might factor in occasionally as well.
Updated hierarchy: *Jeffress | Hader | Soria.
* = closer-by-committee
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.
New York Yankees – The Yankees continued to mix things up in the 9th, this time opting for David Robertson. Robertson, Zach Britton, and Dellin Betances have each gotten a save apiece in Aroldis Chapman’s absence.
Hierarchy remains: *Betances | Britton | Robertson.
* = closer-by-committee
Washington Nationals — Kelvin Herrera went down with what appeared to be a serious leg injury. Initial x-rays were negative, but Herrera still potentially has some ligament damage and was on crutches in the clubhouse after the game. We expect him to miss a few games at the bare minimum, and the Nationals should return to Koda Glover in the ninth — at least until Ryan Madson returns from the DL.
Updated hierarchy: Glover | Miller | Holland.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Jeurys Familia – Blake Treinen has pitched in back to back and three of four.
2. Archie Bradley – Brad Boxberger has pitched in back to back and hasn’t pitched in three straight all year.
Tomorrow
1. Hector Rondon – If Roberto Osuna pitches tonight, it’ll be three straight. Of note, he’s yet to pitch in three straight all year, so it’s conceivable he gets tonight off, but we expect he’ll go if necessary in tonight’s opener against the rival A’s.