Aaron Sanchez records save, Benoit hurt again

August 31, 2014

Toronto Blue Jays — Aaron Sanchez picked up his first career save yesterday afternoon.  Sanchez pitched a perfect 8th inning with the Blue Jays up 2 and then came back out for the 9th.  With closer Casey Janssen warming in the bullpen, Sanchez threw a 1-2-3 inning to finish the game.  The Blue Jays plan to get as much out of Sanchez as possible, which could mean that he sees more save chances down the stretch.  Still, Janssen should see the majority of saves, especially since Sanchez likely won’t pitch in back-to-back games.

Updated hierarchy: Janssen | Sanchez | Cecil.

San Diego Padres — Closer Joaquin Benoit is feeling discomfort in his shoulder again.    The Padres expect Benoit to pitch again this season but they do not have any timetable for this return.  Kevin Quackenbush will handle the closing duties while Benoit is sidelined.

Hierarchy remains: Benoit | Quackenbush | Thayer.

Chicago White Sox — Jake Petricka gave up a hit and a walk in the 9th inning yesterday but was still able to record his 10th save of the season.  Meanwhile, Zach Putnam pitched a perfect 8th against the Tigers 4-5-6 hitters and hasn’t given up any runs in August.  It looks like Petricka is still the closer for now but Putnam is right there if Petricka slips up.

Hierarchy remains: Petricka | Putnam | Guerra.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Kevin Quackenbush, San Diego Padres – Joaquin Benoit is sidelined with a sore shoulder and Quackenbush will close while he is out.
2. Joe Smith, Los Angeles Angels – Huston Street has appeared in four straight games.
3. Jared Hughes/John Axford, Pittsburgh Pirates – Mark Melancon and Tony Watson have both pitched in two straight and four of the last five.
4. Sergio Romo, San Francisco Giants – Santiago Casilla got the save last night but has pitched in three of the last four games so it could be Romo turns today.