Paul Sewald moves to the top of the Seattle committee

August 18, 2021

Seattle Mariners — Paul Sewald is back from paternity leave and he’s back in the ninth inning for Seattle. He earned his fifth save of the season on Tuesday against the heart of the Rangers’ order. Diego Castillo worked the eighth, which has been the case quite a bit lately, even with Sewald on leave. We’ll slide Sewald to the top of the hierarchy and see if he continues to consistently get save chances.

Updated hierarchy: *Sewald | Castillo | Steckenrider.
* = closer-by-committee

Chicago Cubs — Codi Heuer retired all six batters he faced over the final two innings to pick up his first save of the season and help the Cubs snap a 12-game losing streak. Rowan Wick struggled through the seventh inning, loading the bases before getting a strikeout and then watching Adam Morgan need just one pitch to get the Cubs out of the inning unscathed. This was just Wick’s third appearance (and first high-leverage outing) since returning from the IL, which is understandable given how bad the Cubs have been this month. We’ll hold Wick at the top of the committee for now and see if Heuer truly becomes the top option for whatever save chances the Cubs stumble into during the final weeks of the season.

Hierarchy remains: *Wick | Heuer | Rodriguez.
* = closer-by-committee

Arizona Diamondbacks — We welcome J.B. Wendelken to the Arizona hierarchy after he got the final two outs of the seventh to keep the Diamondbacks ahead by two. Taylor Clarke pitched a scoreless eighth to get the ball to Tyler Clippard for the save.

Updated hierarchy: Clippard | Clarke | Wendelken.

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

Kansas City Royals – We thought both Scott Barlow and Jake Brentz would get Tuesday off after having pitched in two straight games, but Brentz worked his third consecutive day when he got the ninth inning with the Royals ahead of Houston, 3-1. Brentz issued two walks but also notched two strikeouts to secure the save. 

Hierarchy remains: Barlow | Brentz | Staumont.

New York Yankees – The Yankees swept a doubleheader against the Red Sox on Tuesday, allowing both Jonathan Loaisiga and Chad Green to collect a save. Loaisiga loaded the bases with nobody out in the first game of the day but recorded a Houdini to end the game. Green closed out a 2-0 win in game two to complete the sweep.

Hierarchy remains: *Loaisiga | Green | Britton.
* = closer-by-committee

Cincinnati Reds – The Reds designated Heath Hembree for assignment on Tuesday. David Bell also announced that if all goes well during Tejay Antone’s rehab outings this week, Antone could rejoin the Reds next Tuesday.

Updated hierarchy: Givens | Lorenzen | Sims.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Jose Cisnero (DET) – Gregory Soto threw 30 pitches in a rough outing yesterday.
2. Blake Treinen (LAD) – Kenley Jansen has made two straight appearances, including a 24-pitch performance yesterday. Treinen has also gone back-to-back days but threw just eight pitches on each occasion.
3. Zack Britton (NYY) – Jonathan Loaisiga threw 34 pitches over two innings yesterday while Chad Green has gone in two straight and three of four.

Tomorrow
1. Taylor Clarke (ARI) – If Tyler Clippard pitches today, that’s two straight for him.
2. Josh Staumont/Wade Davis (KC) – If Scott Barlow goes today, that’s three out of four for him. Jake Brentz has pitched in three straight and may get two days off in a row.
3. Devin Williams/Brad Boxberger (MIL) – If Josh Hader appears today, that will be two straight and three of four. The same would be true for Boxberger, while Williams has already gone in three of four. If all three have a heavy Wednesday workload, Brent Suter may get a chance.
4. Tyler Duffey (MIN) – An Alex Colome appearance today will be three of four for him.

Craig Kimbrel gets the eighth inning again for the White Sox

August 7, 2021

Chicago White Sox –Craig Kimbrel came in to protect a three-run lead in the eighth inning, but a three-run homer by Andrew Romine handed him a blown save for the first time since May 15. The White Sox would go on to win in the 10th inning, with Liam Hendriks picking up the win. Kimbrel has only made two appearances for the White Sox, but both have come in the eighth ahead of Hendriks. The White Sox have said that Kimbrel and Hendriks will split save chances, but it looks like Hendriks is the top choice in this committee for now. 

Updated hierarchy: *Hendriks | Kimbrel | Kopech.
* = closer-by-committee

Arizona Diamondbacks — The bullpen came up big for the Diamondbacks yesterday. Matt Peacock combined 4.2 scoreless innings with a go-ahead two-RBI single to really earn the relief win. He also stole a base and came around to score, drawing a comparison to Willie Mays from Torey Lovullo. In more typical bullpen news, Sean Poppen pitched two clean innings to earn his first career save while Tylers Clippard and Gilbert were down. Poppen is on his third team of the year (previously with Pittsburgh and Tampa Bay) and has mostly been used in mop-up duty, but given the state of the Arizona bullpen since Joakim Soria departed, Poppen’s save gets him on the hierarchy until someone else takes his spot.

Updated hierarchy: Clippard | Gilbert | Poppen.

New York Mets — Edwin Diaz was activated from the paternity list Friday and the Mets immediately threw him into the eighth inning down by a run. The sleep deprivation that comes with a newborn can be rough, so he gets a pass for pointing to the sky as if a routine pop up wasn’t actually a ball that traveled 440 feet to dead center. However, the Mets are fighting for their playoff lives and can’t afford to let any games slip away. We will keep an eye on this situation as Diaz’s seat heats up. 

Hierarchy remains: Diaz | May | Lugo.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Mike Mayers/Junior Guerra (LAA) — Raisel Iglesias has pitched three in a row, while Steve Cishek is on the bereavement list, meaning any save chance could fall to Mayers or Guerra, who has been pitching well. 
2. Caleb Thielbar (MIN) — Alex Colome and Tyler Duffey have both pitched back-to-back and three of four.

Sunday:
1. Giovanny Gallegos (STL) — Today would be three in a row for Alex Reyes.
2. Kyle Ryan (CHC) — Today would be back to back and three of four for Codi Heuer. Ryan has pitched back-to-back games himself, but has only thrown 14 pitches. 
3. Tyler Rogers/Dominic Leone (SF) — The entire Giants hierarchy has pitched back-to-back, but Jake McGee has kept his pitch counts low and would probably be called on for a save chance today. This leaves Sunday wide open. 
4. Blake Treinen/Joe Kelly (LAD) — Today would be two straight and three of four for Kenley Jansen, Treinen and Kelly, so whoever pitches today would likely be out Sunday. 
5. Jake Diekman (OAK) — Today would be back-to-back and three of four for Lou Trivino.
6. Jose Alvarado (PHI) — Same for Ian Kennedy. 

Matt Barnes’ IL stint may be over today

August 4, 2021

Boston Red Sox – We alerted you yesterday that Matt Barnes was on the COVID IL. Well, that stint may come to an end today after Barnes tested negative. We’ll alert you when Barnes is officially allowed to sit in the bullpen and watch the Sox inevitably lose again.

Updated hierarchy: Ottavino | Robles | Taylor.

Cincinnati Reds — Heath Hembree blew the save on Tuesday and has now allowed a run in each of his last four outings. Meanwhile, Mychal Givens has pitched the eighth inning in all four of his appearances since joining the Reds, earning three straight holds. Michael Lorenzen has been sharp this season and has also earned a hold in each of his last three appearances. We’ll shift the hierarchy to the way it went tonight, but with Hembree struggling, Givens and Lorenzen surging, and Lucas Sims due back soon, the closer’s role seems to be up for grabs. One pitcher who won’t be grabbing that role soon is Tejay Antone, however, as he isn’t expected back until the end of the month.

Updated hierarchy: *Hembree | Givens | Lorenzen.
* = closer-by-committee

Miami Marlins – Dylan Floro earned his second straight save on Tuesday, though this time he wasn’t as effective, allowing one run on two hits. Anthony Bender got the final out of the sixth inning, though it was an important out as the go-ahead run was at the plate. One more Floro save may allow him to ditch the asterisk.

Hierarchy remaining: *Floro | Bender | Bass.
* = closer-by-committee

Minnesota Twins – After Minnesota scored three runs to take the lead in the top of the ninth, Alex Colome worked around a hit and a walk to secure the Twins’ first save since July 23. With Taylor Rogers’ season likely over, Colome has a chance to take over as the Twins’ closer and secure whatever save chances his team can muster over the final two months of a lost season.

Hierarchy remains: *Colome | Duffey | Thielbar.
* = closer-by-committee

Washington Nationals — Being a Nationals reliever is tough. Not only does your team stink, but if you struggle to succeed in high-leverage spots, you get sent to the minors. That’s exactly what happened to Wander Suero, as he joined teammate Tanner Rainey in Triple-A Rochester. 

Updated hierarchy *Finnegan | Klobosits | Harper.
* = closer-by-committee

Seattle Mariners — Diego Castillo earned his first save since joining the Mariners, doing so in Tampa against his former team. Paul Sewald pitched the eighth while Casey Sadler earned his second straight seventh-inning hold. This is noteworthy, as Drew Steckenrider has pitched once (July 30) since earning a save on July 25. 

Updated hierarchy: *Castillo | Sewald | Sadler.
* = closer-by-committee

Arizona Diamondbacks — Tyler Clippard notched his second straight save (and first since Joakim Soria was traded) on Tuesday night. Even more impressive was Tyler Gilbert, who made his MLB debut in the eighth inning after being called up earlier in the day. Gilbert struck out two Giants during a 1-2-3 inning. Given how thin the Arizona bullpen is, we’ll add Gilbert to the hierarchy as a reward. Hopefully his family is just as moved by this accomplishment as they were after his terrific debut.

Updated hierarchy: Clippard | de Geus | Gilbert.

Houston Astros – With Ryan Pressly wrapping up his time on the paternity list, the Astros turned to Kendall Graveman in the eighth to face the heart of the Dodgers’ order. Graveman overcame a single and a HBP to get out of the frame unscathed. Ryne Stanek then pitched a perfect ninth inning to collect his second save of the season.

Hierarchy remains: Pressly | Graveman | Stanek.

Philadelphia Phillies – As we hinted at in yesterday’s Vulture Save Watch, José Alvarado got the ninth inning for the Phillies on Tuesday and earned his fourth save of the season.

Hierarchy remains: Kennedy | Alvarado | Neris.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Anthony Bender/Anthony Bass (MIA) – Dylan Floro has pitched three in a row. Bender has gone in two straight and three of four (but only threw four pitches last night). Bass got Tuesday off after his own stretch of three straight appearances.
2. Brett de Geus (ARI) – Tyler Clippard has pitched in two straight.
3. Michael Lorenzen (CIN) – Heath Hembree will certainly have the afternoon off after a 34-pitch blown save on Tuesday. Mychal Givens threw 23 pitches last night and has worked two of the last three while Lorenzen only threw 15 pitches on Tuesday. It’s the Reds, though, so be prepared for anybody to work the ninth.
4. Chris Stratton (PIT) – David Bednar threw 26 pitches to get the final six outs last night.

Tomorrow
1. Dealer’s Choice (DET) – If any member of the Tigers’ hierarchy pitches today, that will be two straight and three of four, so today’s usage will dictate Thursday’s availability.

Yimi Garcia, Joely Rodriguez on the move

July 29, 2021

Texas Rangers – The Rangers sent Joely Rodriguez to the Yankees as part of yesterday’s Joey Gallo trade, leaving Spencer Patton and Josh Sborz (the latter of whom figures to be on paternity leave for another couple days) as the top two arms behind Ian Kennedy.

Updated hierarchy: Kennedy | Patton | Sborz.

Arizona Diamondbacks – Holding a 1-run lead, Arizona went to closer Joakim Soria for the 8th inning. Soria faced 9-1-2-3, allowing a single while collecting two strikeouts, and then gave way to Tyler Clippard for the 9th, who locked down the save. Clippard has all of 3 innings under his belt in 2021, but perhaps the DBacks are still trying to see if a contender is willing to pay something for his services down the stretch.

Updated hierarchy: Soria | Clippard | Ramirez.

Miami Marlins — The Marlins have traded closer Yimi Garcia to the Astros.  Anthony Bender and Dylan Floro should lead a committee for Miami and we will see if either one can establish themselves as the primary closer the rest of the season.  

Updated hierarchy remains: *Bender | Floro | Bass.
* = closer-by-committee

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Ryan Burr/Aaron Bummer – Liam Hendriks and Michael Kopech have gone back to back and three of four.
2. Jose Cisnero – Gregory Soto figures to be down after throwing 24 pitches yesterday (66 total over the last three days).
3. Steve Cishek – Raisel Iglesias went 1.2 innings last night and has seen a ton of work this past week (five appearances).

Tomorrow
1. Devin Williams – If Josh Hader goes tonight, it’s back to back.
2. Trevor May – If Edwin Diaz goes tonight, it’s back to back and four of five.
3. Chad Green/Jonathan Loaisiga – If Aroldis Chapman or Chad Green go today, it’s three straight.

Kenley Jansen should avoid the IL

July 18, 2019

Los Angeles Dodgers — Kenley Jansen felt better yesterday after taking a comebacker off his ankle, but he was still unavailable for Wednesday’s game. Jansen’s absence should only be temporary however, as he is not expected to need an IL stint and likely would be able to close today if needed. Dave Roberts confirmed before last night’s game that Julio Urias or Joe Kelly would serve as closer if the situation arose. An almost three-hour rain delay threw a wrench into those plans, however, as Julio Urias had to serve as the long man and throw 61 pitches over 2.2 innings of work. Urias handed a one-out, bases-loaded jam to Pedro Baez in the sixth, and while Baez allowed the tying run to score on a groundout, Baez pitched well over 1.2 IP. The Dodgers eventually took a five-run lead, so Kelly pitched a stress-free eighth inning to help lock down the win. Based on Roberts’ pregame comments, we’ll replace Baez with Kelly in our hierarchy for now. Kelly has pitched much better of late, allowing only two runs over his last 15 innings. We’ll see if Roberts completely abandons Baez or if this sudden trust in Kelly sticks.

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Kelly | Urias.

Philadelphia Phillies —  MLB suspended Hector Neris for three games after he intentionally threw a pitch near David Freese’s head on Tuesday. Neris will appeal the suspension. If the struggling Neris does miss any time, it’s likely Adam Morgan will get the first save chance for the depleted Phillies’ bullpen. JD Hammer was the first man out of the ‘pen following last night’s  lengthy rain delay; he finished the third inning and stayed on for the fourth. A dark horse to see some more high-leverage opportunities is lefty Ranger Suarez, who got two big outs for the Phillies on Sunday.

Updated hierarchy: Neris | Morgan | Hammer.

Cincinnati Reds — The Reds placed Raisel Iglesias on the three-day paternity list Wednesday. Michael Lorenzen and David Hernandez will be the top options to handle the ninth inning over the next two days. The Reds also got some good news on Wednesday regarding Amir Garrett, who felt good after throwing a live BP session. Garrett could be activated today or be sent on a rehab assignment. Either way, he should be good to go this weekend.

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

Boston Red Sox – It wasn’t pretty, but Brandon Workman got the final five outs of the Red Sox’ win over Toronto on Wednesday for his fifth save of the season. Workman escaped a jam in the eighth inning and did the same in the ninth despite allowing one run. Workman is the team’s best reliever right now and should continue to get the ninth inning until Nathan Eovaldi is activated, which could be as soon as this weekend if things go well Thursday in Pawtucket. Meanwhile, Heath Hembree won’t be going to the IL, but it’ll be hard to actually trust him until he gets his velocity back to where it belongs.

Updated hierarchy: *Workman | Barnes | Hembree.
* = closer-by-committee

Cleveland Indians – Nick Wittgren allowed a homer but got the final two outs of the eighth inning to keep Cleveland in the lead. When Cleveland added four runs in its half of the frame, Wittgren returned to the mound to close out the game and collect his second save of the season. Adam Cimber recorded his 10th hold of the season by notching two outs in the seventh inning and has pitched far more frequently in high-leverage situations than Tyler Clippard.

Updated hierarchy: Hand | Wittgren | Cimber.

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.

Toronto Blue Jays — Ken Giles pitched the eighth inning on Wednesday with his team trailing by a run. Giles had decent velocity but allowed one run on two hits and a walk; he also had one strikeout. The Jays will hope that the recently ailing Giles puts together two or three strong outings in a row to drive up his trade value ahead of the July 31 deadline.

Hierarchy remains: Giles | Hudson | Phelps.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Matt Barnes — Brandon Workman threw 45 pitches last night. Barnes has gone in three of four, but he’s the most trustworthy option for Alex Cora.
2. Michael Lorenzen/David Hernandez — Raisel Iglesias is on paternity leave, so the next two save chances will go to either Lorenzen or Hernandez.
3. Joe Kelly — Kenley Jansen should be available today, but the Dodgers still may play it safe.
4. John Gant — Carlos Martinez has pitched in two straight and four of five.
5. Zack Britton/Diego Castillo — The Yankees and Rays are playing a single-admission doubleheader tomorrow, so if either closer pitches in the first contest they may not get the ball in game two.

Friday:
1. Jeremy Jeffress — Josh Hader threw 23 pitches yesterday and another long outing could see him get Friday off.
2. Craig Stammen — Same for Kirby Yates, who tossed 26 pitches yesterday.
3. Daniel Hudson — And for Ken Giles, who threw 22 pitches last night.