August 27, 2015
Minnesota Twins – So much for feeling better. Kevin Jepsen closed out a 5-3 win on Wednesday, and after the game closer Glen Perkins revealed that he has been sidelined not because of his neck but because of back spasms. The injury occurred on Sunday against Baltimore, and Perkins remains day-to-day. Some good news for the Twins’ bullpen is that Blaine Boyer was activated from the DL prior to Wednesday’s game and pitched two scoreless innings of relief to pick up his 16th hold of the season.
Updated hierarchy: Perkins | Jepsen | Boyer.
St. Louis Cardinals — Trevor Rosenthal will be placed on the paternity list Friday to attend to the birth of his second daughter. With the All-Star closer unavailable for the series against the Giants, the Cardinals will likely turn to Kevin Siegrist for any save opportunities. Don’t count out Jonathan Broxton either, who has five straight scoreless appearances and “closing experience” to his credit.
Hierarchy remains: Rosenthal | Siegrist | Broxton.
Seattle Mariners – Prior to Wednesday’s game, manager Lloyd McClendon officially named Tom Wilhelmsen his closer, with Carson Smith to continue to pitch ahead of him. McClendon praised both pitchers, noting how comfortable and relaxed both relievers seem to be.
Hierarchy remains: Wilhelmsen | Smith | Kensing.
Los Angeles Dodgers – Juan Nicasio was activated prior to Tuesday’s game, and how has now picked up two straight eighth-inning holds. Meanwhile, Pedro Baez has not pitched in a week, despite manager Don Mattingly saying that Baez is healthy. Instead, the Dodgers have used a smorgasbord of relievers in the seventh and eighth innings before getting to Kenley Jansen, including lefties Luis Avilan and J.P. Howell. Avilan has picked up two big eighth-inning holds in the last two games, striking out Jay Bruce in both contests with multiple men on base, including “our biggest out of the season” according to Mattingly on Tuesday. For now, Avilan and Nicasio appear to be the top eighth-inning options, but the situation remains fluid as the Dodgers try and find ways to get to the ninth.
Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Avilan | Nicasio.
New York Mets – Tyler Clippard collected his second save with the Mets last night when he recorded the final out of the eighth inning and stayed on for a 1-2-3 ninth after the Mets tacked on three runs to extend their advantage to five.
Hierarchy remains: Familia | Clippard | Robles.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Kevin Jepsen, Minnesota Twins – As mentioned above, Glen Perkins is battling back spasms and may need another day of rest.s.
