April 7, 2015
New York Mets – Jenrry Mejia experienced elbow stiffness in the Mets’ bullpen while warming up and never entered the game. Pitching coach Ricky Bones said that Mejia had the same expression on his face as when he hurt his elbow in 2011, when Bones was his coach in Buffalo. That injury required surgery. We will keep an eye on Mejia’s status, but for now, Jeurys Familia will get save opportunities, according to Terry Collins.
Updated hierarchy: Familia | Torres | Montero.
Los Angeles Dodgers – Chris Hatcher picked up his first career save on Opening Day in the Dodgers’ win over the Padres. Joel Peralta was sent in to face the heart of the San Diego order in the 8th, showing Don Mattingly’s willingness to use his best guys in tough spots. For now we will move Hatcher to the front of the class, but don’t be surprised if Mattingly gets comfortable mixing and matching. Either way, this bears close watching, as Kenley Jansen was still in a walking boot yesterday.
Updated hierarchy: *Hatcher | Peralta | Howell.
*closer-by-committee
Atlanta Braves – Prior to Jason Grilli picking up his first save of the year, Freddie Gonzalez confirmed that Grilli will be his closer and Jim Johnson his set-up man to start the season. This comes after the Braves shipped off über-closer Craig Kimbrel to the Padres ahead of opening day.
Hierarchy remains: Grilli | Johnson | Avilan.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Joel Peralta/JP Howell, Los Angeles Dodgers – We are not convinced that Hatcher is the go-to guy in LA just yet.
2. Andrew Miller, New York Yankees – It may be a while until we find out who the closer is in New York if the potentially lifeless Yankees don’t get a save opportunity soon.
