Francisco Rodriguez to close in Milwaukee; Glen Perkins and Jared Burton to split chances in Minnesota

July 18, 2012

Texas Rangers – Alexi Ogando returned from the DL and was placed back in to the bullpen, where he will remain for the foreseeable future.  He pitched 0.2 innings yesterday and will be used in a late-innings role, as he was before.  Hierarchy change: Alexi Ogando to 2nd in line, replacing Tanner Scheppers. 

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedTEX |Nathan |Adams |Ogando |Nathan |7/18/12

 
Minnesota Twins – Before Tuesday’s game, the Twins said Matt Capps would be unavailable due to a strained shoulder; then, in the wee hours this morning, they put him back on the DL.  Glen Perkins and Jared Burton will resume their closer-by-committee in the mean time.  Burton got the save last night.  Hierarchy change: Glen Perkins to Closer, Jared Burton to Set-up, Tyler Robertson to 2nd in line, Matt Capps to DL.

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedMIN |Perkins |Burton |Robertson |Perkins |7/18/12 |Capps(DL) |

 
Milwaukee Brewers – Brewers manager Ron Roenicke said before Tuesday’s game that John Axford would be relieved of his closing duties for the time being.  Francisco Rodriguez will inherit the 9th inning role, effective immediately.  Hierarchy change: Francisco Rodriguez to Closer, John Axford to Set-up.

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedMIL |Rodriguez |Axford |Veras |Axford |7/17/12

 
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. John Axford/Jose Veras, Milwaukee Brewers – Francisco Rodriguez has pitched in three straight games.
2. Sean Marshall, Cincinnati Reds – Aroldis Chapman got the save last night, and has pitched in four of the last five games.
3. David Robertson, New York Yankees – Rafael Soriano has pitched on back to back days, and in four of the last five.
4. Joaquin Benoit, Detroit Tigers – Through Monday, Jose Valverde pitched in four straight and could conceivably be given a second day off today.
5. Mike Dunn, Miami Marlins – The Marlins are employing a closer-by-committee and thus far, Steve Cishek and Mike Dunn have each picked up one save.  Cishek is still the best bet for a save on any given night, but Dunn could get the call if the Marlins are facing a lefty-heavy 9th inning.
6. Jared Burton, Minnesota Twins – The Twins are employing a committee, and while Glen Perkins remains the best bet for saves, Jared Burton could get an opportunity whenever the Twins are facing a righty-heavy lineup.