September 2, 2021
Tampa Bay Rays — David Robertson pitched a perfect eighth in a tied game, his first appearance since April 14, 2019. It’s impossible to say exactly where Robertson will fit into the Tampa bullpen, but here’s hoping that he can be the lucky 13th Rays reliever to garner a save later this season.
Hierarchy remains: *Kittredge | McHugh | Fairbanks.
* = closer-by-committee
Kansas City Royals — Jake Brentz returned from the injured list after the minimum stay; he came in to pitch the seventh with a one-run lead, but gave it right up on a solo homer. We still like him to hold onto that seventh-inning role going forward.
Updated hierarchy: Barlow | Staumont | Brentz.
Chicago Cubs — When the Cubs activated Adbert Alzolay from the IL on Wednesday, they decided to move the young starter (4-13, 5.16 ERA) to the bullpen to keep his innings down. Alzolay responded with four brilliant innings to earn his first career save.
Hierarchy remains: *Wick | Heuer | Morgan.
* = closer-by-committee
Cleveland Indians — It was a memorable game for Cleveland’s bullpen. Emmanuel Clase ran his scoreless streak to 20 straight appearances, Blake Parker pulled a Houdini in the tenth and, once Cleveland took the lead in the eleventh, rookie Trevor Stephan earned his first career save.
Hierarchy remains: Clase | Shaw | Parker.
Los Angeles Dodgers — Kenley Jansen and Blake Treinen had each gone in three of four, so Joe Kelly grabbed Wednesday’s save for the Dodgers.
Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Treinen | Kelly.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Devin Williams (MIL) — Josh Hader has pitched in three of four games.
2. Andres Machado (WAS) — Kyle Finnegan is on paternity leave.
Friday:
1. Andres Machado/Austin Voth (WAS) — Finnegan might not be back by Friday.