August 10, 2020
Tampa Bay Rays – Oliver Drake was placed on the IL with biceps tendinitis, leaving Nick Anderson as the likely first choice for saves in Tampa. Jose Alvarado returns from the paternity list today; he and Diego Castillo could also be in the mix going forward.
Updated hierarchy: *Anderson | Alvarado | Castillo.
* = closer-by-committee
Kansas City Royals – With Trevor Rosenthal needing a day off, the Royals went to Scott Barlow for the save on Sunday. Barlow has gotten some higher-leverage inning over the past week and, after Sunday, has posted scoreless outings in 9 of his 10 appearances. We’ll bump him up the hierarchy accordingly.
Updated hierarchy: *Rosenthal | Barlow | Holland.
* = closer-by-committee
Oakland A’s – Journeyman Burch Smith picked up his first career save on Sunday, throwing the last three innings of a 5-run A’s victory. He’s yet to allow a run in 10.1 innings this year (and is currently sporting a 0.48 WHIP), so he could potentially start seeing some more high-leverage spots going forward.
Hierarchy remains: Hendriks | Soria | Diekman.
Seattle Mariners – A shaky outing from Dan Altavilla means yet another shakeup of the Mariners hierarchy, as the righty allowed three earned runs while recording only 2 outs in the 8th inning on Sunday. Taylor Williams entered to clean up and stayed on for the 9th, logging 3 Ks in the process. On the back of that strong outing, we’ll jump Williams up to the top here — he’s now got 3 saves against 1 each for Altavilla and CJ Edwards — with the understanding that this situation remains pretty fluid.
Updated hierarchy: *Williams | Edwards | Altavilla.
* = closer-by-committee
Cleveland Indians – A 44-minute rain delay during the bottom of the 10th inning cost Brad Hand a save chance on Sunday, as the lefty only managed one out before the skies opened. Oliver Perez subsequently replaced him and recorded the save.
Hierarchy remains: Hand | Karinchak| Wittgren.
Houston Astros – Roberto Osuna’s season is likely over, as he was transferred to the 45-day IL on Sunday. Speculation continues that he will need Tommy John, and could potentially miss 2021 as well.
Hierarchy remains: Pressly | Taylor | Scrubb.
New York Mets – The Mets went to Seth Lugo with a one-run lead in the 8th Saturday and would’ve kept him in if they hadn’t extended their lead to four; instead, he was available Sunday to get his 3rd save of the season, while Edwin Diaz pitched the 8th. Diaz has looked a lot better as of late, and might be the go-to guy for saves when Lugo is unavailable (which is generally more often than most relievers). But he has still dropped to second place in this bullpen and won’t get the call unless Lugo can’t go.
Updated hierarchy: Lugo | Diaz | Betances.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Edwin Diaz/Dellin Betances – Seth Lugo has pitched back to back and Edwin Diaz has pitched two of three.
2. Joakim Soria – A heavy workload last week might mean two straight days off for Liam Hendriks.
Tomorrow
1. Blake Treinen/Pedro Baez – If Kenley Jansen or Blake Treinen go tonight, it’ll be two straight; monitor usage to see who’s available tomorrow.
2. Buck Farmer/Gregory Soto – Joe Jimenez, Buck Farmer, and Gregory Soto have all pitched in two of three; monitor usage to see who’s available tomorrow.
3. Evan Marshall/Jimmy Cordero – If Alex Colome, Evan Marshall, or Jimmy Cordero goes tonight, it’ll be two straight; monitor usage to see who’s available tomorrow.
4. Chris Martin – If Mark Melancon goes tonight, it’ll be two straight.