Jason Grilli nabs a save; Matt Thornton ascending

July 29, 2012

Chicago White Sox – Matt Thornton pitched the 9th inning in a four-run game yesterday, and has picked up two 7th-inning-or-later holds this week.  Meanwhile, Jesse Crain has been a little shaky since returning from the DL, allowing 5 baserunners over 2.1 innings.  Hierarchy change: Matt Thornton to 2nd in line, replacing Jesse Crain.

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedCHW |Reed |Myers |Thornton |Reed |7/29/12

 
Pittsburgh Pirates – Jason Grilli picked up the save on Saturday.  As noted in yesterday’s Vulture Save Watch, Joel Hanrahan had pitched three days in a row.  No hierarchy change.

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedPIT |Hanrahan |Grilli |Hughes |Hanrahan |7/29/12

 
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Sean Marshall, Cincinnati Reds – Aroldis Chapman has pitched in back to back games, and four of the last five.
2. 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.