July 19, 2021
Cleveland Indians – While James Karinchak and Emmanuel Clase got the day off after pitching in two straight, Bryan Shaw apparently had enough gas to pitch his 3rd straight game; he got the 9th inning and picked up the save.
Hierarchy remains: Karinchak | Clase | Shaw.
New York Mets – After Edwin Diaz’s meltdown on Saturday, he got the day off Sunday, allowing Trevor May to pick up his second save of the season. May has likely inched ahead of Seth Lugo (who also got rocked Saturday) for handcuff duties at this point.
Updated hierarchy: Diaz | May | Lugo.
Tampa Bay Rays – Peter Fairbanks nabbed his fifth save of the year, which usually would have us saying “Rays gonna Rays” and moving on. But Diego Castillo didn’t pitch in the entire Atlanta series, and while there hasn’t been any word of an injury, it’s something we’ll continue to keep an eye on
Hierarchy remains: *Castillo | Fairbanks | Feyereisen.
* = closer-by-committee
Atlanta Braves – AJ Minter, so dominant at times in his young career, has hit a rough patch over the past two months, and after relinquishing another lead on Sunday, the Braves sent him to AAA to work on his mechanics. Look for Chris Martin and Luke Jackson to serve as the primary bridge relievers going forward.
Updated hierarchy: Smith | Martin | Jackson.
Chicago White Sox – Michael Kopech got the 8th inning ahead of Liam Hendriks and looks to be the handcuff for the White Sox at this point. Kopech, who started three games earlier this year, now has a 1.49 ERA and 52 Ks in 36.1 innings.
Updated hierarchy: Hendriks | Kopech | Burr.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Noe Ramirez – Joakim Soria has gone back to back.
2. Ryan Helsley – The entire Cardinals hierarchy has pitched back to back.
3. Michael Kopech – The White Sox have a doubleheader…
4. Alex Colome – …against the Twins.
Tomorrow
1. Blake Treinen – If Kenley Jansen goes today, it’s back to back.
2. Austin Voth – Same for Brad Hand.