July 26, 2012
Houston Astros – Francisco Cordero blew his second save in two days, making him 0/2 since joining the Astros. After the game, Brad Mills did not say he was removing Cordero from the closer role, only saying that Cordero would not close on Thursday because he’d thrown a lot of pitches over the previous two days. Cordero remains on the Hot Seat at best, and could be removed from the role entirely soon. If that happens, Wilton Lopez would take over in the 9th. No hierarchy change.
|Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedHOU |Cordero |Lopez |Wright |Lopez |7/26/12
Pittsburgh Pirates – Jared Hughes pitched the 7th inning in a 1-run game on Wednesday, notching his 9th hold. The righty now has a 1.90 ERA and has picked up three holds this week. Hierarchy change: Jared Hughes to 2nd in line, replacing Brad Lincoln.
|Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedPIT |Hanrahan |Grilli |Hughes |Hanrahan |7/26/12
Atlanta Braves – Jonny Venters pitched a scoreless 9th inning for the Braves last night. Kris Medlen was also stellar, throwing 3 clean innings with five strikeouts, but the Braves are looking to stretch him out so he can be a starter down the line. Hierarchy change: Jonny Venters to 2nd in line, replacing Kris Medlen.
|Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedATL |Kimbrel |O'Flaherty |Venters |Kimbrel |7/26/12
Milwaukee Brewers – Francisco Rodriguez blew his second save in three days on Wednesday, prompting manager Ron Roenicke to say about the closer role: “We’ll talk about it… Tomorrow, we’ll see what we’re going to do.” While Roenicke wasn’t entirely committal, many Brewers beat writers have already predicted that John Axford, who threw 2 perfect innings with 3 Ks today, will be given the 9th-inning job back tomorrow. Hierarchy change: John Axford to Closer, Francisco Rodriguez to 2nd in line.
|Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedMIL |Axford |Rodriguez |Veras |Axford |7/25/12
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Wilton Lopez, Houston Astros – Francisco Cordero has thrown 57 pitches over the past two days and will have the day off today.