Author Archive
May 25, 2013
(UPDATE: Ron Roenicke has confirmed that Jim Henderson will be out for “a while,” and that he intends to use a committee of closers in Henderson’s absence.) Milwaukee Brewers – After recording two outs, Jim Henderson went down with a hamstring injury, and the recently-returning Francisco Rodriguez got the last out for his first save of the season. Henderson isn’t certain of the severity of the injury, saying after the game that he was hoping it was just a cramp. Ron Roenicke was less optimistic though, offering that Henderson could miss a few days, and said that he could play matchups and go with a closer-by-committee until Henderson is back. The Brewers have three pitchers with 9th inning experience: Rodriguez, Mike Gonzalez, and John Axford, but it’s been righty Brandon Kintzler who has gotten the 8th inning over the last few weeks. If Henderson is missing time, we’ll handicap the race as follows until we hear more: Kintzler (30%), Rodriguez (30%), Axford (25%), Gonzalez (15%). Hierarchy change: Brandon Kintzler to Closer, Francisco Rodriguez to Set-up, Jim Henderson injured.
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Closer |
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Set-Up |
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2nd in line |
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2014 Closer |
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Updated |
| MIL |
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Brandon Kintzler |
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Francisco Rodriguez |
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John Axford |
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Jim Henderson |
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5/25/13 |
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Jim Henderson (INJ) |
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Tom Gorzelanny (DL) |
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Los Angeles Angels – Ernesto Frieri got a night off last night after throwing 35 pitches on Thursday, and Garrett Richards picked up a 1.2 inning save in his absence. No hierarchy change.
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Closer |
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Set-Up |
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2nd in line |
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2014 Closer |
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Updated |
| LAA |
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Ernesto Frieri |
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Scott Downs |
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Garrett Richards |
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Ernesto Frieri |
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5/25/13 |
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Ryan Madson (DL) |
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Kevin Jepsen (DL) |
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Kansas City Royals – Kelvin Herrera was sent to the minors earlier this week to sort himself out. Luke Hochevar and Tim Collins are likely to share the 7th inning role ahead of set-up man Aaron Crow. Hierarchy change: Luke Hochevar to 2nd in line, replacing Kelvin Herrera.
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Closer |
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Set-Up |
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2nd in line |
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2014 Closer |
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Updated |
| KC |
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Greg Holland |
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Aaron Crow |
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Luke Hochevar |
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Greg Holland |
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5/25/13 |
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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Hector Ambriz, Houston Astros – Jose Veras threw 29 pitches in a rough outing last night and could get the day off today.
2. Brandon League, Los Angeles Dodgers – Brandon League could get a save on any night if Kenley Jansen is needed before the 9th.
May 24, 2013
Cleveland Indians – Scott Barnes picked up his first career save on Thursday, a three-inning effort that closed out an Indians blowout. He does not factor in to Cleveland’s usual late-inning plans. No hierarchy change.
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Closer |
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Set-Up |
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2nd in line |
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2014 Closer |
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Updated |
| CLE |
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Chris Perez |
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Vinnie Pestano |
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Joe Smith |
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Chris Perez |
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5/24/13 |
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Los Angeles Angels – Ernesto Frieri got knocked around in the 9th inning last night, allowing four baserunners before being lifted for Robert Coello, who got the game’s final out to pick up his first save. Frieri has now allowed runs in three straight appearances, though he only has one blown save on the season, and with yet another Ryan Madson setback this week, he’s not in danger of losing his job. Coello’s stats, meanwhile, are worth a peek if you haven’t seen what he’s been doing since being called up in mid-May: 7.1 innings, 12 Ks/0 BBs, 0 ERA, 0.28 WHIP, 1 win, 1 save. He’s not on the hierarchy just yet, but with those numbers, the Angels might start giving him some hold opportunities soon. No hierarchy change.
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Closer |
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Set-Up |
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2nd in line |
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2014 Closer |
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Updated |
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| LAA |
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Ernesto Frieri |
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Scott Downs |
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Garrett Richards |
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Ernesto Frieri |
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5/24/13 |
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Ryan Madson (DL) |
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Kevin Jepsen (DL) |
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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Scott Downs, Los Angeles Angels – Ernesto Frieri threw 35 pitches yesterday and might get a night off.
2. Drew Smyly, Detroit Tigers – Jose Valverde has pitched in three straight and set-up man Joaquin Benoit (who has yet to go three in a row all year) has pitched in two straight.
3. Brandon League, Los Angeles Dodgers – Brandon League could get a save on any night if Kenley Jansen is needed before the 9th.
May 23, 2013
Colorado Rockies – Rex Brothers pitched a scoreless ninth for his first save of the season. It appears Rafael Betancourt will avoid the disabled list and could be back tomorrow. However, Betancourt has a history of groin injuries so we will wait and see if he is actually ready to go that soon. No hierarchy change.
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Closer |
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Set-Up |
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2nd in line |
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2014 Closer |
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Updated |
| COL |
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Rex Brothers |
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Wilton Lopez |
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Matt Belisle |
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Rafael Betancourt |
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5/23/13 |
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Rafael Betancourt (INJ) |
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Pittsburgh Pirates – Mark Melancon picked up the save on Wednesday. As noted in yesterday’s Vulture Save Watch, Jason Grill had pitched three of the last four games. No hierarchy change.
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Closer |
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Set-Up |
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2nd in line |
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2014 Closer |
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Updated |
| PIT |
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Jason Grilli |
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Mark Melancon |
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Justin Wilson |
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Jason Grilli |
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5/23/13 |
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Minnesota Twins – Josh Roenicke relieved Vance Worley in the 4th inning yesterday and his usage has been all over the place this season. Casey Fien pitched a scoreless 7th on Tuesday and has seen more action later in games. Hierarchy change: Casey Fien to 2nd in line, replacing Josh Roenicke.
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Closer |
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Set-Up |
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2nd in line |
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2014 Closer |
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Updated |
| MIN |
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Glen Perkins |
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Jared Burton |
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Casey Fien |
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Glen Perkins |
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5/23/13 |
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May 22, 2013
Colorado Rockies – Rafael Betancourt left Tuesday night’s game with what the team immediately described as a “tight right groin” — no real surprise given its recent workload. Betancourt was initially listed as day-to-day, but if Wednesday’s MRI leads to a DL stint, it’s likely that Rex Brothers will take over the closer role. Wilton Lopez is another option if Walt Weiss wants to play matchups or reduce the injury’s impact on the eighth inning. Hierarchy change: Rafael Betancourt injured, Rex Brothers to Closer, Wilton Lopez to Set-up.
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Closer |
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Set-Up |
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2nd in line |
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2014 Closer |
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Updated |
| COL |
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Rex Brothers |
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Wilton Lopez |
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Matt Belisle |
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Rafael Betancourt |
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5/22/13 |
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Rafael Betancourt (INJ) |
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May 22, 2013
Colorado Rockies – Rafael Betancourt left Tuesday night’s game with what the team immediately described as a “tight right groin” — no real surprise given its recent workload. Betancourt was initially listed as day-to-day, but if Wednesday’s MRI leads to a DL stint, it’s likely that Rex Brothers will take over the closer role. Wilton Lopez is another option if Walt Weiss wants to play matchups or reduce the injury’s impact on the eighth inning. Hierarchy change: Rafael Betancourt injured, Rex Brothers to Closer, Wilton Lopez to Set-up.
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Closer |
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Set-Up |
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2nd in line |
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2014 Closer |
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Updated |
| COL |
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Rex Brothers |
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Wilton Lopez |
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Matt Belisle |
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Rafael Betancourt |
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5/22/13 |
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Rafael Betancourt (INJ) |
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Chicago Cubs – If Dale Sveum insists on using his best reliever, James Russell, in the sixth or seventh inning, and then trusting Carlos Marmol in the eighth, then yes, we will update the Cubs’ hierarchy accordingly. Just don’t expect us to be happy about it. Hierarchy change: Carlos Marmol to 2nd in line, replacing James Russell.
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Closer |
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Set-Up |
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2nd in line |
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2014 Closer |
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Updated |
| CHC |
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Kevin Gregg |
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Kyuji Fujikawa |
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Carlos Marmol |
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Kyuji Fujikawa |
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5/22/13 |
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San Francisco Giants – Santiago Casilla returned to the disabled list with continued right knee trouble; he will see a specialist on Wednesday, and may even need surgery. Hierarchy change: Santiago Casilla to DL, Jeremy Affeldt to Set-up, Jean Machi to 2nd in line.
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Closer |
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Set-Up |
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2nd in line |
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2014 Closer |
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Updated |
| SF |
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Sergio Romo |
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Jeremy Affeldt |
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Jean Machi |
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Sergio Romo |
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5/22/13 |
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Santiago Casilla (DL) |
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Miami Marlins – Marlins skipper Mike Redmond is prepared to use a bullpen-by-committee approach, naming Mike Dunn and Chad Qualls as potential ninth-inning options to complement the embattled Steve Cishek. Hierarchy change: Chad Qualls to 2nd in line, replacing A.J. Ramos.
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Closer |
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Set-Up |
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2nd in line |
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2014 Closer |
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Updated |
| MIA |
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Steve Cishek |
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Mike Dunn |
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Chad Qualls |
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Steve Cishek |
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5/22/13 |
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Pittsburgh Pirates – With a win and two holds in the last week, Justin Wilson has moved ahead of Tony Watson in the Pirates’ pen. Hierarchy change: Justin Wilson to 2nd in line, replacing Tony Watson.
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Closer |
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Set-Up |
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2nd in line |
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2014 Closer |
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Updated |
| PIT |
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Jason Grilli |
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Mark Melancon |
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Justin Wilson |
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Jason Grilli |
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5/22/13 |
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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Rex Brothers/Wilton Lopez, Colorado Rockies – As noted above, Rafael Betancourt is out with a tight groin.
2. Mark Melancon/Justin Wilson, Pittsburgh Pirates – Jason Grilli has pitched in three of the last four games, including a grueling 35-pitch outing last night. Mark Melancon is slightly better rested, while Justin Wilson is rather fresh.
3. Josh Lueke/Kyle Farnsworth, Tampa Bay Rays – The Rays’ top three relievers have gotten a lot of work lately, including a 1.2-inning save for Fernando Rodney last night. Off a subpar 22-pitch outing of his own, Joel Peralta might be able to go tomorrow, but if you’re in the mood for an extremely speculative bullpen play, Josh Lueke and Kyle Farnsworth are the deep sleeper options.
4. Cory Gearrin, Atlanta Braves – Craig Kimbrel picked up the win last night; it was his fourth appearance in five games.
May 21, 2013
Boston Red Sox – Andrew Bailey was reactivated in time for Monday’s loss to the White Sox. Although he will return to the closer’s seat immediately, John Farrell is likely to limit his workload, at least initially. Hierarchy change: Andrew Bailey to Closer, Junichi Tazawa to Set-up, Koji Uehara to 2nd in line.
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Closer |
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Set-Up |
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2nd in line |
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2014 Closer |
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Updated |
| BOS |
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Andrew Bailey |
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Junichi Tazawa |
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Koji Uehara |
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Andrew Bailey |
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5/21/13 |
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Baltimore Orioles – In under a week, a Jim Johnson blown save has gone from historical oddity to disturbing three-time trend. It’s likely that Johnson, never conventionally dominant, is simply reverting to the mean via a run of particularly bad luck. On the heels of a six-game losing streak in the competitive AL East, however, Buck Showalter may not long have the luxury of keeping faith in his large righthander. Jim Johnson to Hot Seat.
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Closer |
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Set-Up |
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2nd in line |
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2014 Closer |
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Updated |
| BAL |
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Jim Johnson |
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Darren O’Day |
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Tommy Hunter |
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Jim Johnson |
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5/21/13 |
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Philadelphia Phillies – Mike Adams was placed on the disabled list with a strained back, retroactive to May 11. He hopes to return by the 27th, but in the meantime, Charlie Manuel has indicated that Justin De Fratus will see more action. Hierarchy change: Mike Adams to DL, Antonio Bastardo to Set-up, Justin De Fratus to 2nd in line.
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Closer |
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Set-Up |
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2nd in line |
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2014 Closer |
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Updated |
| PHI |
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Jonathan Papelbon |
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Antonio Bastardo |
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Justin De Fratus |
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Jonathan Papelbon |
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5/21/13 |
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Mike Adams (DL) |
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Kansas City Royals – After Kelvin Herrera surrendered his eighth home run in his last 14 innings on Sunday, Ned Yost announced Herrera’s demotion from the setup role. Hierarchy change: Aaron Crow to Set-up, Kelvin Herrera to 2nd in line.
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Closer |
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Set-Up |
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2nd in line |
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2014 Closer |
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Updated |
| KC |
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Greg Holland |
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Aaron Crow |
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Kelvin Herrera |
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Greg Holland |
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5/21/13 |
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Houston Astros – Hector Ambriz is again the first choice for Houston in the eighth innings of close games, while lefty Wesley Wright has been used in earlier matchup situations. Hierarchy change: Hector Ambriz to Set-up, Wesley Wright to 2nd in line.
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Closer |
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Set-Up |
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2nd in line |
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2014 Closer |
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Updated |
| HOU |
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Jose Veras |
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Hector Ambriz |
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Wesley Wright |
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Jose Veras |
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5/21/13 |
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Atlanta Braves – As predicted in Monday morning’s Vulture Save Watch, Cory Gearrin grabbed a weird one-out save on Monday after entering with two on and a four-run lead. No hierarchy change.
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Closer |
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Set-Up |
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2nd in line |
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2014 Closer |
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Updated |
| ATL |
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Craig Kimbrel |
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Cory Gearrin |
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Luis Avilan |
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Craig Kimbrel |
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5/21/13 |
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Eric O’Flaherty (DL) |
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Jordan Walden (DL) |
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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Vinnie Pestano, Cleveland Indians – Chris Perez struggled Monday in a 28-pitch outing and was lucky to avoid the loss. Although Pestano also pitched in that game, he might get the call if Perez is fatigued.
2. Brandon League, Los Angeles Dodgers – Brandon League could get a save on any night if Kenley Jansen is needed before the 9th.
May 20, 2013
Oakland A’s – Grant Balfour and Sean Doolittle both had the day off on Sunday after pitching the previous two days, so Ryan Cook got the call in the 9th inning. The righty made it interesting, allowing two runners to reach, but ultimately locked down his first save of the season. No hierarchy change.
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Closer |
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Set-Up |
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2nd in line |
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2014 Closer |
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Updated |
| OAK |
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Grant Balfour |
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Sean Doolittle |
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Ryan Cook |
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Grant Balfour |
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5/20/13 |
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Miami Marlins – Steve Cishek struggled after coming in with a man on 2nd and nobody out in the 9th inning against the Diamondbacks. He got 2 outs, but was lifted for set-up man Mike Dunn after a single and a walk. Dunn, who came in sporting a 1.77 ERA on the year, walked his first batter before closing the game out and leaving the bases loaded. The lefty is the best candidate to get save chances if Cishek is pulled from the closer role. Steve Cishek to Hot Seat.
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Closer |
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Set-Up |
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2nd in line |
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2014 Closer |
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Updated |
| MIA |
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Steve Cishek |
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Mike Dunn |
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AJ Ramos |
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Steve Cishek |
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5/19/13 |
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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Cory Gearrin/Luis Avilan, Atlanta Braves – Craig Kimbrel has pitched in three straight and should get the night off tonight. The Braves will likely play matchups in the 9th if they have a lead.
2. Carlos Martinez/Seth Maness, St. Louis Cardinals – Edward Mujica and Trevor Rosenthal have both pitched in three straight. Carlos Martinez or Seth Maness will likely get the call in the 9th tonight, if needed.
3. AJ Ramos, Miami Marlins – Steve Cishek has pitched in two straight and three of the last four, throwing 55 pitches in the process. Mike Dunn, meanwhile, has pitched in two straight and four of the last five. If they’re both rested tonight, AJ Ramos is the most likely candidate for a save chance.
4. Tanner Scheppers, Texas Rangers – Joe Nathan has pitched in back to back games and has yet to pitch on three straight days at any point this year.
5. Brandon League, Los Angeles Dodgers – Brandon League could get a save on any night if Jansen is needed before the 9th.
May 19, 2013
Miami Marlins – Steve Cishek struggled coming in with a man on 2nd and nobody out in the 9th inning against the Diamondbacks. He got 2 outs, but was lifted for set-up man Mike Dunn after a single and a walk. Dunn, who came in sporting a 1.77 ERA on the year, walked his first batter before closing the game out and leaving the bases loaded. Dunn is most likely to get save chances if Cishek is pulled from the closer role, though that seems unlikely at this point. No hierarchy change
May 19, 2013
Los Angeles Dodgers – With 1 out in the 8th and the Dodgers up 1, Don Mattingly went to Kenley Jansen. Jansen immediately gave up a 2 run homer to Evan Gattis and ended up taking the loss. Mattingly will continue to use his best reliever Jansen in high pressure situations. For Kenley owners, hopefully these high-pressure situations will occur in the 9th inning more often than otherwise. However, it appears Brandon League will still see save opportunities on nights when Jansen is used prior to the 9th. Kenley Jansen to Hot Seat.
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Closer |
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Set-Up |
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2nd in line |
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2014 Closer |
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Updated |
| LAD |
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Kenley Jansen |
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Brandon League |
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Paco Rodriguez |
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Kenley Jansen |
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5/19/13 |
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Milwaukee Brewers – John Axford got the final out of the 8th inning and stayed on to pitch a scoreless 9th with the game tied. He ended up getting the win after the Brewers scored two runs in the 10th inning, and if he continues to pitch well, he should work his way back towards the back end of the Brewers bullpen. Hierarchy change: John Axford to 2nd in line, replacing Burke Badenhop.
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Closer |
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Set-Up |
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2nd in line |
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2014 Closer |
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Updated |
| MIL |
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Jim Henderson |
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Brandon Kintzler |
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John Axford |
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Jim Henderson |
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5/19/13 |
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Tom Gorzelanny (DL) |
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Atlanta Braves – Another day, another injury for the Braves bullpen. This time it was Eric O’Flaherty landing on the DL and he will visit Dr. James Andrews later this week so it doesn’t sound good. Cory Gearrin pitched the 8th yesterday and Freddi Gonzalez said after the game that he will use Gearrin and lefty Luis Avilan based on matchups. Hierarchy change: Cory Gearrin to set-up, Eric O’Flaherty to DL.
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Closer |
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Set-Up |
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2nd in line |
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2014 Closer |
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Updated |
| ATL |
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Craig Kimbrel |
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Cory Gearrin |
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Luis Avilan |
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Craig Kimbrel |
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5/19/13 |
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Eric O’Flaherty (DL) |
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Jordan Walden (DL) |
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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Brandon League, Los Angeles Dodgers – Brandon League could get a save on any night if Jansen is needed before the 9th
2. Luke Gregerson, San Diego Padres – Huston Street has pitched in back to back nights and four of the last five.
3. Carlos Martinez, St. Louis Cardinals – Edward Mujica and Trevor Rosenthal have both pitched two nights in a row and three of the last four.
May 18, 2013
Tampa Bay Rays – As predicted in yesterday’s vulture save watch, Joel Peralta recorded the save last night. Fernando Rodney was warming up in the 9th but Joe Madden did not need to bring him in as Peralta pitched a perfect 9th. No hierarchy change.
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2nd in line |
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2014 Closer |
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Updated |
| TB |
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Fernando Rodney |
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Joel Peralta |
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Jake McGee |
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Fernando Rodney |
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5/18/13 |
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Boston Red Sox – Koji Uehara picked up the save on Friday night. Junichi Tazawa pitched 2 innings while getting the win on Thursday night so it appears John Farrell wanted to give him a day off last night. Andrew Bailey is expected to come back on Monday and Farrell has already said that he will return to the close role. No hierarchy change.
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Closer |
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Set-Up |
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2nd in line |
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2014 Closer |
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Updated |
| BOS |
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Junichi Tazawa |
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Koji Uehara |
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Craig Breslow |
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Andrew Bailey |
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5/18/13 |
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Andrew Bailey (DL) |
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Washington Nationals – Drew Storen picked up an extra-inning save last night. Rafael Soriano gave up 2 unearned runs in the 9th for the blown save and Tyler Clippard had already appeared in the game. No hierarchy change.
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Closer |
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Set-Up |
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2nd in line |
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2014 Closer |
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Updated |
| WAS |
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Rafael Soriano |
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Tyler Clippard |
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Drew Storen |
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Rafael Soriano |
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5/18/13 |
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Atlanta Braves – Jordan Walden was placed on the DL Friday due to right shoulder inflammation. Luis Avilan pitched the 7th inning ahead of O’Flaherty and Kimbrel and picked up his 5th hold of the season. Hierarchy change: Luis Avilan to 2nd in line, Jordan Walden to DL.
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Closer |
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Set-Up |
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2nd in line |
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2014 Closer |
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Updated |
| ATL |
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Craig Kimbrel |
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Eric O’Flaherty |
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Luis Avilan |
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Craig Kimbrel |
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5/18/13 |
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Jordan Walden (DL) |
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Cleveland Indians – Vinnie Pestano returned from the DL last night and picked up the win in extra innings. He should immediately take over the set-up role. Hierarchy change: Vinnie Pestano to Set-up, Joe Smith to 2nd in line.
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Closer |
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Set-Up |
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2nd in line |
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2014 Closer |
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Updated |
| CLE |
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Chris Perez |
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Vinnie Pestano |
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Joe Smith |
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Chris Perez |
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5/18/13 |
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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Tyler Clippard, Washington Nationals – Rafael Soriano has pitched in two straight games and hasn’t pitched in three straight yet this season.
2. Matt Thornton, Chicago White Sox – Addison Reed and Jesse Crain have both pitched two nights in a row and three of the last four.
3. Luke Gregerson, San Diego Padres – Huston Street took the loss in extra innings last night and has pitched in three of the last four games
