Rafael Betancourt out with a tight groin; Brothers and Lopez await

May 22, 2013

Colorado Rockies — Rafael Betancourt left Tuesday night’s game with what the team immediately described as a “tight right groin” — no real surprise given its recent workload. Betancourt was initially listed as day-to-day, but if Wednesday’s MRI leads to a DL stint, it’s likely that Rex Brothers will take over the closer role. Wilton Lopez is another option if Walt Weiss wants to play matchups or reduce the injury’s impact on the eighth inning. Hierarchy change: Rafael Betancourt injured, Rex Brothers to Closer, Wilton Lopez to Set-up.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
COLRex BrothersWilton LopezMatt BelisleRafael Betancourt5/22/13
Rafael Betancourt (INJ)    

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Chicago Cubs — If Dale Sveum insists on using his best reliever, James Russell, in the sixth or seventh inning, and then trusting Carlos Marmol in the eighth, then yes, we will update the Cubs’ hierarchy accordingly. Just don’t expect us to be happy about it. Hierarchy change: Carlos Marmol to 2nd in line, replacing James Russell.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
CHCKevin GreggKyuji FujikawaCarlos MarmolKyuji Fujikawa5/22/13

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San Francisco Giants — Santiago Casilla returned to the disabled list with continued right knee trouble; he will see a specialist on Wednesday, and may even need surgery. Hierarchy change: Santiago Casilla to DL, Jeremy Affeldt to Set-up, Jean Machi to 2nd in line.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
SFSergio RomoJeremy AffeldtJean MachiSergio Romo5/22/13
Santiago Casilla (DL)

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Miami Marlins – Marlins skipper Mike Redmond is prepared to use a bullpen-by-committee approach, naming Mike Dunn and Chad Qualls as potential ninth-inning options to complement the embattled Steve Cishek. Hierarchy change: Chad Qualls to 2nd in line, replacing A.J. Ramos.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
MIASteve CishekMike DunnChad QuallsSteve Cishek5/22/13

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Pittsburgh Pirates — With a win and two holds in the last week, Justin Wilson has moved ahead of Tony Watson in the Pirates’ pen. Hierarchy change: Justin Wilson to 2nd in line, replacing Tony Watson.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
PITJason GrilliMark MelanconJustin WilsonJason Grilli5/22/13

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Rex Brothers/Wilton LopezColorado Rockies — As noted above, Rafael Betancourt is out with a tight groin.
2. Mark Melancon/Justin Wilson, Pittsburgh Pirates — Jason Grilli has pitched in three of the last four games, including a grueling 35-pitch outing last night. Mark Melancon is slightly better rested, while Justin Wilson is rather fresh.
3. Josh Lueke/Kyle Farnsworth, Tampa Bay Rays — The Rays’ top three relievers have gotten a lot of work lately, including a 1.2-inning save for Fernando Rodney last night. Off a subpar 22-pitch outing of his own, Joel Peralta might be able to go tomorrow, but if you’re in the mood for an extremely speculative bullpen play, Josh Lueke and Kyle Farnsworth are the deep sleeper options.
4. Cory Gearrin, Atlanta Braves — Craig Kimbrel picked up the win last night; it was his fourth appearance in five games.