September 13, 2014
Oakland A’s – Closer Sean Doolittle returned from the DL yesterday. Manager Bob Melvin said that everyone will return to their normal roles so it sounds like Doolittle will resume closing games immediately.
Updated hierarchy: Doolittle | O’Flaherty | Cook.
Boston Red Sox — Edward Mujica recorded another save on Friday night. Meanwhile, Koji Uehara returned to throw a 1-2-3 8th inning. It was Uehara’s first clean inning in almost a month. Uehara will likely need a few more outings like that before he sees some save chances so Mujica should remain the closer for now.
Updated hierarchy: Mujica | Uehara | Tazawa.
Kansas City Royals — Greg Holland returned to the mound last night for the first time since September 3rd. It was not a save situation but Holland did strike out the side. Barring any setbacks with Holland’s triceps, he should immediately return to closing games.
Hierarchy remains: Holland | Davis | Herrera.
Tampa Bay Rays — Grant Balfour pitched a perfect 9th inning last night to record his first save since July 1st. Jake McGee threw a perfect 8th inning and should continue to see the majority of save chances. However, with Joel Peralta giving up 5 runs in his past two outings, Balfour could see more time in the later innings.
Updated hierarchy: McGee | Boxberger | Balfour.
San Diego Padres — Kevin Quackenbush picked up his third save of the season yesterday. Benoit still wants to pitch again this season and he is scheduled to throw a bullpen on Sunday.
Hierarchy remains: Benoit | Quackenbush | Thayer.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Koji Uehara/Junichi Tazawa, Boston Red Sox – Edward Mujica has pitched three days in a row.
2. Jonathan Broxton, Milwaukee Brewers – K-Rod has appeared in four straight games.
3. Kevin Quackenbush, San Diego Padres – Quack got the save last night and Benoit is not expected to return until next week at the earliest.
