Oakland A’s – Brian Fuentes allowed a walkoff 3-run HR last night in what was his first blown save since he was named closer two and a half weeks ago. But while Fuentes has been decent in his role as the A’s stopper, the A’s set-up men have been better. Former closer Grant Balfour has held opponents scoreless in 8 of his last 9 appearances. Ryan Cook, meanwhile, gave up his first runs of the season the other day, but still sports a 0.75 ERA. If Fuentes falters again, the A’s could start thinking about making a move. Brian Fuentes to Hot Seat.
|Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedOAK |Fuentes |Cook |Balfour |Cook |5/30/12
New York Mets – After getting knocked around a bit in the middle of May, Jon Rauch has settled down, allowing just one run in his last six appearances. He pitched the 8th inning ahead of Frank Francisco yesterday; Bobby Parnell was used in the 7th. Hierarchy change: Jon Rauch to Set-up, Bobby Parnell to 2nd in line.
|Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedNYM |Francisco |Rauch |Parnell |Francisco |5/30/12
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Vicente Padilla, Boston Red Sox – Alfredo Aceves has pitched in three straight games.
2. Francisco Rodriguez, Milwaukee Brewers – John Axford has pitched in three straight.
3. Sergio Romo/Clay Hensley, San Francisco Giants – Santiago Casilla has pitched in three straight.
4. Edward Mujica/Steve Cishek, Miami Marlins – Heath Bell has pitched in two straight, and in four of the last five.
5. Scott Downs, Los Angeles Angels – Ernesto Frieri will get the majority of opportunities, but Mike Scioscia is still using a closer-by-committee.
6. Sean Burnett, Washington Nationals – Tyler Clippard has gotten all three save opportunities since Henry Rodriguez was demoted, but Davey Johnson has said that Sean Burnett could still get opportunities based on match-ups.
