September 17, 2014
Detroit Tigers — After Glen Perkins handed the Tigers a win in the top half of the ninth, Joe Nathan’s poor command and Ezequiel Carrera’s defensive mistake combined to give it right back. After the game, Brad Ausmus confirmed that Nathan remains the closer, 5.10 ERA and all, but Nathan remains on the Hot Seat, where he’s made his home for almost two months now. Although Tigers fans are pining for Joakim Soria, at least this way Nathan is guaranteed more mean tweets to read on camera.
Hierarchy remains: Nathan | Soria | Chamberlain.
Pittsburgh Pirates — John Holdzkom’s major league career now comprises six scoreless innings, two baserunners, and 11 strikeouts. A former prospect rediscovered in an independent league earlier this season, Holdzkom is eliciting comparisons to a young K-Rod, and is a name to remember for October and beyond, especially in holdz holds leagues.
Updated hierarchy: Melancon | Watson | Holdzkom.
Kansas City Royals — Wade Davis and Kelvin Herrera came into Tuesday night with the two longest scoreless streaks in the major leagues, a combined 62 2/3 innings that started way back on June 27. Both streaks were snapped in the eighth inning of a 7-5 Royals loss. Kansas City used eight relievers; Davis and Herrera were the only ones to be scored on.
Hierarchy remains: Holland | Davis | Herrera.
Chicago White Sox — Zach Putnam earned his fifth save on Tuesday while Jake Petricka stood by if needed. Petricka blew a save on Monday, and Chicago’s bullpen remains in flux.
Hierarchy remains: Petricka | Putnam | Guerra.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Tyler Clippard/Rafael Soriano, Washington Nationals — Drew Storen has pitched in three straight games and Washington has clinched the division.
2. Joakim Soria, Detroit Tigers — Joe Nathan has thrown 68 pitches in the last four days. He’s not pitching on Wednesday.
3. Jared Burton, Minnesota Twins — Glen Perkins has pitched on three of the last four days, including a three-run debacle on Tuesday night that ultimately earned him the cheapest of cheap wins.
4. Kevin Quackenbush, San Diego Padres — Joaquin Benoit could return to the Padres late this week, just in time not to help you in your playoffs.
