May 16, 2015

Arizona Diamondbacks — We warned you in Thursday night’s Hot Seat column that Addison Reed was in grave danger of losing his job; not 15 hours later, he was relegated to the fabled “low-pressure role,” to deal with his (mechanical) issues and get more “regular work.” Skipper Chip Hale mentioned Brad Ziegler by name as a potential replacement, but since he doesn’t want Ziegler’s impressive grounder-summoning skills to go to waste if they’re needed before the ninth, he’s keeping his options open. And as we also mentioned last night, those alternate options are likely to include rookie Enrique Burgos, who’s talented but mostly untested above A ball, and erstwhile starter Daniel Hudson, whose use is limited by his injury history. David Hernandez also lurks as an option, if he can successfully return from his own Tommy John surgery. Although Oliver Perez was getting high-leverage looks in front of Reed as a LOOGY, we think he’s fourth chair in this committee.

Updated hierarchy: *Ziegler | Burgos | Hudson.
* closer-by-committee

Los Angeles Dodgers — Kenley Jansen is just showing off. Activated from the DL on Friday afternoon, he came on in the eighth with the Dodgers up two, and proceeded to strike out four batters in one inning, on only 14 pitches. Don Mattingly called on lefty Adam Liberatore for the platoon advantage in the ensuing save situation; when he put two men on, Juan Nicasio entered to earn the save. The asterisk remains with Kenley for now, but its days are numbered.

Updated hierarchy: *Jansen | Garcia | Hatcher.
* closer-by-committee

Chicago White Sox — Chicago had Thursday off, but it was Zach Duke, not David Robertson, called on for the save late Friday night, with Zach Putnam warming behind him. Duke escaped when the tying run became the final out, in a classic 8-6-3-5-2 rundown after a double. After early speculation about a possible injury, Robin Ventura explained that he wanted another day of rest for Robertson, who made four appearances in the five days prior (70 pitches).

Hierarchy remains: Robertson | Duke | Jennings.

Minnesota Twins – Blaine Boyer has overcome a rocky start to take on a vital set-up role for Minnesota in Casey Fien’s absence. Boyer, who is 33 and was out of baseball in 2012, hasn’t been scored on since April 12 (13 appearances). Brian Duensing slides out of the hierarchy; he has struggled immensely in six games since returning from the disabled list (3 ER, 13 baserunners in 3.1 innings).

Updated hierarchy: Perkins | Boyer | Thompson.

Philadelphia Phillies — As semi-foretold by yesterday’s Vulture Save Watch, Luis Garcia earned his first big league save, striking out two in two innings of clutch relief.

Hierarchy remains: Papelbon | Giles | Garcia.

Washington Nationals — When A.J. Cole is inducted into the Hall of Fame in July 2039, alongside a surprisingly spry, 98-year-old Pete Rose, last night — an otherwise meaningless, three-inning save in a 10-0 Nats blowout — will be remembered as the magic moment when it all began.

Hierarchy remains: Storen | Barrett | Roark.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Zac Rosscup/Phil Coke, Chicago Cubs — Hector Rondon has pitched in three straight games (42 pitches), and Pedro Strop has gone in two straight and threw 25 pitches on Friday. Rosscup is somewhat better rested, but if the Cubs are desperate, Phil Coke has at least one save in each of the last six years.
2. Jake McGee, Tampa Bay Rays — McGee and Brad Boxberger could share the closer role.
3. Joe Smith, Los Angeles Angels — Huston Street has pitched on three of the last four days.