Jeanmar Gomez and the Phillies’ ninth are going to see other people

September 24, 2016

Philadelphia Phillies — The Phillies made the confusing announcement that although Jeanmar Gomez will be the closer for the rest of the season, he will get a “break” for the next few save chances — in favor of Hector Neris, Edubray Ramos, or even lefthander Joely Rodriguez. For now, we’ll call this a committee with Gomez as the head, but Neris is a strong candidate for what few saves remain for Philadelphia.

Updated hierarchy: *Gomez | Neris | Ramos.
* = closer-by-committee

Houston Astros — Ken Giles had a disastrous outing, blowing a save and dealing a blow to the Astros playoff hopes in the process. He entered with a two-run lead, but gave up a tying home run before loading the bases and getting yanked. After Michael Feliz gave up a three-run double, Giles was charged with six earned runs and the loss. Giles will hold onto his job, but with the Astros needing every win they can get, his leash will be shorter going forward.

Hierarchy remains: Giles | Gregerson | Harris.

Chicago Cubs — Pedro Strop was activated from the DL on Friday, and pitched a scoreless eighth with the Cubs up five. Joe Maddon indicated that he wants Strop, Rondon, and Chapman to man the late innings heading into the playoffs and, given his solid work last night, Strop will immediately crack the Cubs hierarchy.

Updated hierarchy: Chapman | Rondon | Strop.

Boston Red Sox — Brad Ziegler got a save opportunity for the surging Red Sox yesterday with both Craig Kimbrel and Koji Uehara unavailable. Uehara has not given up a run since returning from the DL, but hasn’t pitched on back-to-back days over that time either. With the Red Sox solidifying a playoff spot, we don’t expect to see anyone overworked in the season’s last week, so Ziegler may get another sneaky save opp.

Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Uehara | Ziegler. 

New York Mets — Hansel Robles came in with two on and one out in the seventh, up two runs. He induced a double play, the Mets scored three more runs, and Robles finished out the last two innings to earn his first career save.

Hierarchy remains: Familia | Reed | Salas.

Washington Nationals — Koda Glover has struggled over the last two weeks, posting a 10.13 ERA and 1.88 WHIP. Meanwhile, Blake Treinen has put up 12 straight scoreless outings (six holds, one blown save) since his five-run debacle on August 24.

Updated hierarchy: Melancon | Kelley | Treinen.

Milwaukee Brewers — After struggling for two weeks, Corey Knebel has six straight scoreless appearances, including two consecutive eighth-inning holds.

Updated hierarchy: Thornburg | Knebel | Torres.

Atlanta Braves — Mauricio Cabrera got another save yesterday with Jim Johnson taking a second day off after pitching in three straight. Cabrera has been excellent in the save opportunities he has seen, but Brian Snitker has stuck with the veteran Johnson, who should be available to close today.

Hierarchy remains: Johnson | Cabrera | Simmons.

Pittsburgh Pirates — The Pirates used newly-acquired lefty Phil Coke in the seventh inning of a one-run game yesterday. The 34-year-old journeyman was acquired for cash considerations on Thursday, and this was his first action since the deal. Coke won’t crack Pittsurgh’s hierarchy, but could be a sneaky add for the playoffs in holds leagues, as he will probably be used both as a LOOGY, and to spell Felipe Rivero with the Pirates nearly out of contention.

Hierarchy remains: Watson | Rivero | Bastardo.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Hector Neris, Philadelphia Phillies — Jeanmar Gomez is getting a break from closing.
2. Luke Gregerson, Houston Astros — Ken Giles threw 30 pitches in Friday night’s meltdown.
3. Shawn Kelley, Washington Nationals — Mark Melancon has pitched in two of three (44 pitches).

Brad Ziegler at the head of a crowded Arizona committee picture

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.

Kevin Jepsen gets save chance for Angels, Coke picks up save

June 22, 2014

Los Angeles Angels – Kevin Jepson got the call in the 9th inning last night to protect a one-run lead, and he promptly gave up the game-tying home run to the first batter he faced.  Mike Scioscia had good things to say about Jepsen the other day after Frieri blew the save.  However, it is hard to say whether or not Jepsen will get another shot after he couldn’t get the job done last night.  Frieri still seems to be the best bet for saves long-term for the Angels but Smith or Jepsen could see also see some save opportunities mixed in there.

Hierarchy remains: Frieri | Smith | Jepsen.

Detroit Tigers – Phil Coke recorded the save in extra innings last night.  Joe Nathan blew the save in the 9th but he has been pitching better recently, as he has 7 strikeouts in his last 3 innings.

Hierarchy remains: Nathan | Chamberlain | Alburquerque.

Seattle Mariners – Yoervis Medina picked up the win last night after pitching a perfect 8th inning in a tie game.  Medina has not given up a run in his last 11 appearances and looks to have moved ahead of Danny Farquhar.

Updated hierarchy: Rodney | Medina | Farquhar.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Joba Chamberlain, Detroit Tigers – Joe Nathan threw 32 pitches in the blown save last night.
2. Casey Fien, Minnesota Twins – Glen Perkins has pitched in 3 straight.
3. Luke Gregerson/Dan Otero, Oakland A’s – Sean Doolittle has appeared in 2 straight and 4 of the last 5.
4. Yoervis Medina, Seattle Mariners – Fernando Rodney has pitched in 3 straight.
5. Tyler Clippard, Washington Nationals – Rafael Soriano has pitched in 2 straight and 4 of the last 5.

More trouble in Oakland; Robertson back in the Bronx

April 23, 2014

Oakland A’s — Luke Gregerson was one strike away from his fourth save of the year; instead, he blew his second in less than a week, and took the loss. Meanwhile, Fernando Abad continued his scoreless streak by picking up two outs in the eighth, and Jim Johnson was warming up as the winning run scored. Bob Melvin was incensed in his postgame press conference; it’s anyone’s guess where he’ll turn next, but Abad, Johnson, and Sean Doolittle are all options. No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
OAKLuke GregersonSean DoolittleJim JohnsonSean Doolittle4/23/14

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New York Yankees — As we let you know on Tuesday morning, David Robertson has returned from the disabled list. Hierarchy change: David Robertson to Closer, Shawn Kelley to Set-up, Adam Warren to 2nd in line.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
NYYDavid RobertsonShawn KelleyAdam WarrenDavid Robertson4/23/14

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Colorado Rockies – It seems Rex has returned from the doghouse, entering with two on and one out in a one-run eighth and immediately inducing a pivotal double play. Brothers’s heroics allowed Adam Ottavino’s shutout streak to continue. Walt Weiss stuck with the lefty against Brandon Belt to start the ninth, and he again came through. Hierarchy change: Rex Brothers to 2nd in line, replacing Boone Logan.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
COLLaTroy HawkinsAdam OttavinoRex BrothersRex Brothers4/23/14

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Houston Astros — It’s nice to have a relaxing Astros update for a change. Josh Fields got the save on Tuesday, and he didn’t even allow a hit! No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
HOUJosh FieldsMatt AlbersChad QuallsJosh Fields4/23/14
Jesse Crain (DL)

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Detroit Tigers — Joba Chamberlain picked up a one-out save on Tuesday night after Phil Coke gave up three runs in the ninth. No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
DETJoe NathanJoba Chamberlain Al AlburquerqueJoe Nathan4/23/14

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Sean Doolittle, Oakland A’s — See above. In descending order, the next Oakland save could also go to Jim Johnson, Fernando Abad, or Dan Otero.
2. Chad Qualls/Anthony Bass, Houston Astros — If the Astros go with someone other than Josh Fields, it probably won’t be Matt Albers.

Heath Bell hits the Hot Seat; Tom Wilhelmsen needed in Seattle

June 18, 2013

Seattle Mariners — Carter Capps was summoned in the sixth inning with the Mariners trailing by two. By the time he and Charlie Furbush were done spinning their craft, Seattle was down by nine. Eric Wedge has consistently said that Tom Wilhelmsen’s “mental break” from closing will be short-lived; add that to Monday’s debacle and Wedge’s use of Yoervis Medina in the ninth on Saturday, and you have a recipe for wholesale changes in the Seattle pen. Hierarchy change: Tom Wilhelmsen to Set-up, Yoervis Medina to 2nd in line.

CloserSet-Up2nd in line2014 CloserUpdated
SEA.Oliver Perez.Tom Wilhelmsen.Yoervis Medina.Tom Wilhelmsen.6/18/13
Stephen Pryor (DL)

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Arizona Diamondbacks — Heath Bell was the losing pitcher on Monday night; the game marked the third straight appearance in which Bell allowed at least one run. Heath Bell to Hot Seat.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
ARIHeath BellDavid HernandezBrad ZieglerJJ Putz6/18/13
JJ Putz (DL)

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Detroit Tigers — Drew Smyly retired all nine men he faced last night, earning an impressive three-inning save that both inserts him into the Tigers’ closer debate and illustrates why he’s unlikely to be seriously considered. After the game, Jim Leyland reiterated that he will use a “mix and match” approach to future save opportunities, which could involve everyone but starter Rick Porcello. No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
DETJose ValverdeJoaquin BenoitDrew SmylyBruce Rondon6/18/13

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Cincinnati Reds — After Johnny Cueto’s successful return from the disabled list on Sunday, Dusty Baker and the Reds had to decide what to do with their sixth starter, talented young lefty Tony Cingrani. On Monday, Baker announced they would move Cingrani to the bullpen — a move the Reds may look into patenting — and he promptly got two high-leverage outs in a tight eighth inning. Cingrani is too valuable a starter to use in relief over the long term, but given the injuries to Jonathan Broxton and Sean Marshall, his presence in the bullpen will be a welcome one as long as it lasts. No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
CINAroldis ChapmanSam LeCureJ.J. HooverJonathan Broxton6/18/13
Jonathan Broxton (DL)

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Luke Gregerson, San Diego Padres — Huston Street has pitched in three straight games since his return from the disabled list.
2. Francisco Rodriguez, Milwaukee Brewers — Ron Roenicke has promised to give K-Rod the chance to reach 300 career saves, and he’s still stuck at 298.
3. Joaquin Benoit/Phil Coke, Detroit Tigers — Joaquin Benoit or Phil Coke could get a save anytime that Jim Leyland prefer them to Jose Valverde in a matchup. Drew Smyly is out of the picture after a three-inning outing.
4. Kelvin Herrera, Kansas City Royals — Greg Holland has thrown 40 pitches over the last two games.