May 24, 2015
Chicago Cubs – Pedro Strop pitched a perfect 9th for his first save of the season on Saturday night, as regular closer Hector Rondon got the night off. Rondon has two blown saves in his last three appearances, but Joe Maddon still trusts his closer. However, if Rondon has a couple more tough outings, you can expect to see him on the next Hot Seat report.
Hierarchy remains: Rondon | Strop | Wood.
Seattle Mariners — Tom Wilhelmsen, who had 24 saves just two season ago, pitched a scoreless 7th inning yesterday with the Mariners up 1. Since his return from the DL in early May, Wilhemsen has 5 scoreless appearances. With Danny Farquhar struggling, Wilhemsen, who manager Lloyd McClendon calls “the glue,” could see more time in the late innings.
Updated hierarchy: Rodney | Smith | Wilhemsen.
Arizona Diamondbacks — Enrique Burgos gave up a go-ahead 3-run homer to Anthony Rizzo in the 9th inning last night. Burgos had been pitching well, and still recorded three strikeouts last night, but if he has a few more outings like last night, Ziegler would likely solidify himself as the primary closer.
Hierarchy remains: *Ziegler | Burgos | Reed.
*closer by committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Yimi Garcia, Los Angeles Dodgers – Kenley Jansen has pitched in two straight and the Dodgers might not want to send him out there for three in a row since he recently returned from injury
2. Mike Dunn, Miami Marlins – A.J. Ramos has pitched in two straight, including a 25 pitch outing on Friday.
3. Jeremy Affeldt/Javier Lopez, San Francisco Giants – Santiago Casilla and Sergio Romo have both pitched in three straight
4. Tom Wilhemsen, Seattle Mariners – Fernando Rodney and Carson Smith have each appeared in two straight and three of the last four.
