Brian Wilson has a strong return; Sergio Santos walks everyone

April 18, 2014

Los Angeles Dodgers – Brian Wilson was activated from the disabled list earlier this week, and on Thursday, he picked up where he left off, earning an 8th inning hold in a 2-run ballgame.  Hierarchy change: Brian Wilson to Set-up, Chris Perez to 2nd in line.

	.	Closer	.	Set-Up	.	2nd in line	.	2014 Closer	.	Updated
LAD		Kenley Jansen		Brian Wilson		Chris Perez		Kenley Jansen		4/18/14

.
Toronto Blue Jays – Sergio Santos had been solid in filling in for Casey Janssen so far this season, but Thursday was a disaster for the right-hander. He entered the game with two runners on in the 8th inning and a 2-run lead, and proceeded to walk the only three hitters he would face, throwing only four total strikes.  Casey Janssen’s rehab was temporarily shut down after he aggravated an injury, but this doesn’t provide Santos a ton of job security after yesterday.  Brett Cecil still has a 0.00 ERA on the year, and should Santos continue to struggle, the lefty could potentially hold down the 9th inning job until Janssen’s return.  Sergio Santos to Hot Seat.

	.	Closer	.	Set-Up	.	2nd in line	.	2015 Closer	.	Updated
TOR		Sergio Santos		Brett Cecil		Steve Delabar		Sergio Santos		4/18/14
		Casey Janssen (DL)

.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Chad Qualls/Anthony Bass, Houston Astros – No one has emerged from the Houston committee as a consistent 9th inning option.
2. Sean Doolittle/Jim Johnson, Oakland A’s – If the A’s continue to use their committee, then Sean Doolittle or Luke Gregerson will continue to share 9th inning duties. However, the A’s are expected to re-evaluate their bullpen today, which means a possible reclamation of the job for Jim Johnson. If that happens, we’ll send out an alert.
3. Pedro Strop, Chicago Cubs – As previously mentioned, if we were running the Cubs, Hector Rondon would be our choice for the 9th inning. But Rondon’s usage on Wednesday suggests that Strop might be the guy in Chicago going forward. (Expect an alert on this, too, should it happen.)
4. Brian Wilson, Los Angeles Dodgers – Kenley Jansen threw 30 pitches last night; two days prior he threw 25.