Jason Grilli back with Pittsburgh; Jordan Walden out another week

September 4, 2013

Pittsburgh Pirates — Nearly eight years ago, Jason Grilli pitched 7.2 solid innings to lead the Toledo Mud Hens to their first AAA championship in 38 years. But his dream of recapturing Governors’ Cup glory was put on hold today when Pittsburgh summoned him to the big leagues for some boring old regular season action. Clint Hurdle confirmed that he will use Grilli in some non-save situations before transitioning him back into the closer role. Hierarchy change: Jason Grilli to Set-up, Tony Watson to 2nd in line.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
PITMark MelanconJason GrilliTony WatsonJason Grilli9/4/13

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Atlanta Braves — Jordan Walden hasn’t pitched in two weeks, and after a five-pitch bullpen session on Tuesday, word is he’ll be out at least another week. Luis Ayala and Scott Downs are each getting a lot of late-inning work, but we think Ayala, as a righty, will be slightly more likely to grab any super-vulture saves down the stretch. Hierarchy change: Luis Ayala to 2nd in line, Jordan Walden to Set-up (INJ).

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
ATLCraig KimbrelLuis AvilanLuis AyalaCraig Kimbrel9/4/13
Jordan Walden (INJ)

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Philadelphia Phillies — After two straight poor outings, Justin De Fratus came on in the fifth inning of Tuesday’s loss to Washington. B.J. Rosenberg, who finished Tuesday’s game, has 10 straight scoreless appearances since coming up in mid-August, and several have come in close eighth innings. Hierarchy change: B.J. Rosenberg to Set-up, replacing Justin De Fratus.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
PHIJonathan PapelbonB.J. RosenbergJacob DiekmanJonathan Papelbon9/4/13

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Cleveland Indians — On a night where Chris Perez gave up a three-run homer and barely held on for the victory, it was Cody Allen, not Bryan Shaw, who pitched the seventh in front of Joe Smith. Shaw has been pitching as early as the fifth inning in recent days. In other news, Vinnie Pestano was recalled from Columbus on Tuesday and could also get a shot at some high-leverage innings down the stretch. Hierarchy change: Cody Allen to 2nd in line, replacing Bryan Shaw.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
CLEChris PerezJoe SmithCody AllenChris Perez9/4/13

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Houston Astros — The one positive story in Houston’s bullpen — Kevin Chapman beginning his career with a streak of no earned runs in 13 appearances — came to its eventual end on Tuesday night. As a competent lefty, Chapman likely has several good seasons ahead of him. No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
HOUJosh FieldsChia-Jen LoKevin ChapmanJosh Fields9/4/13

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Minnesota Twins — Glen Perkins got within one out of collecting his 33rd save, but then put two men on and gave up a game-tying home run. Josh Roenicke eventually picked up the twelfth-inning save. No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
MINGlen PerkinsJared BurtonCasey FienGlen Perkins9/4/13

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Los Angeles Dodgers — With Kenley Jansen indeed unavailable on Tuesday, Don Mattingly used Paco Rodriguez up two in the eighth, presumably holding Ronald Belisario or Brian Wilson back for a save situation. When Rodriguez gave up a homer and a walk, Belisario entered and escaped further trouble — then stayed on for the ninth after LA’s lead grew to four. But Belisario gave up a run and put another guy on, so it was young Chris Withrow who got the call for his first major league save. No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
LADKenley JansenPaco RodriguezBrian WilsonKenley Jansen9/4/13

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Tampa Bay Rays — Starter Roberto Hernandez picked up the first save of his eight-year major league career with 3.2 scoreless innings in a 7-1 win. No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
TBFernando RodneyJoel PeraltaJake McGeeFernando Rodney9/4/13
Jesse Crain (DL)

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Kelvin Herrera, Kansas City Royals — Greg Holland has three saves in the last three days.
2. Matt Belisle, Colorado Rockies — Rex Brothers needed 30 pitches to get through the ninth on Tuesday, after throwing 21 on Sunday.

Grab Bastardo while you can; Casilla struggles in high-A rehab

July 10, 2013

Philadelphia Phillies — As predicted in yesterday’s Vulture Save Watch, Antonio Bastardo earned his second save of the year on Tuesday, allowing Jonathan Papelbon some much-needed rest. With Mike Adams now on the long-term disabled list and Papelbon possibly moving to Detroit or Boston, Bastardo’s value could soon increase dramatically. No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
PHIJonathan PapelbonAntonio BastardoJustin De FratusJonathan Papelbon7/10/13
Mike Adams (DL)

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San Francisco Giants — Jeremy Affeldt pitched very poorly in Tuesday’s eighth inning, breaking the game open for an eventual Mets victory. Meanwhile, Santiago Casilla’s fourth minor league rehab appearance consisted of three walks in four batters faced. No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
SFSergio RomoJeremy AffeldtGeorge KontosSergio Romo7/10/13
Santiago Casilla (DL)

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Cody Allen/Vinnie Pestano, Cleveland Indians — Chris Perez has pitched on four straight days and Joe Smith and Cody Allen have each appeared in three straight games. Allen has thrown the fewest pitches, but if the Tribe have a two- or three-run lead going into the ninth on Wednesday, Terry Francona might take a chance on rehabilitating Vinnie Pestano.

Vinnie Pestano moved out of setup role; Matt Thornton facing extra pressure?

July 9, 2013

Cleveland Indians — Vinnie Pestano’s failure to thrive after returning from an elbow injury has finally resulted in his demotion from the 8th inning role. Terry Francona says that Joe Smith will take over setup duties, with Cody Allen filling in when necessary — although the goal is to rehabilitate Pestano to his 2012 form. Hierarchy change: Joe Smith to Set-up, Cody Allen to 2nd in line.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
CLEChris PerezJoe SmithCody AllenChris Perez7/9/13

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Colorado Rockies — Matt Belisle pitched a perfect eighth in a close game on Monday, and Walt Weiss seems to again prefer him to Wilton Lopez in higher-leverage situations. Hierarchy change: Matt Belisle to 2nd in line, replacing Wilton Lopez.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
COLRafael BetancourtRex BrothersMatt BelisleRafael Betancourt7/9/13

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Chicago White Sox — Matt Thornton, the subject of several recent trade rumors, was ineffective in a tied eighth inning on Monday night and caught the loss. No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
CHWAddison ReedMatt ThorntonMatt LindstromAddison Reed7/9/13
Jesse Crain (DL)

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Texas Rangers — Joakim Soria returned on Sunday after almost two years of recovery from Tommy John surgery; in his first two games back, he has picked up holds in the sixth and eighth innings. We’re not ready to move Soria into Texas’s hierarchy just yet, but don’t count him out. No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
TEXJoe NathanTanner ScheppersNeal CottsJoe Nathan7/9/13

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Antonio Bastardo, Philadelphia Phillies — Jonathan Papelbon struggled on Monday night; he has pitched on two straight days and four of the last five.
2. Jeremy Affeldt, San Francisco Giants — Sergio Romo has pitched in three straight games.
3. Joe Smith, Cleveland Indians — Although Chris Perez threw only seven pitches on Monday, it was his third straight day of work.

Putz back for D-Backs. Storen, Pestano, and Hunter pick up saves

June 29, 2013

Arizona Diamondbacks – J.J. Putz will be activated from the DL on Saturday and should return to the closer role. Hierarchy change: J.J. Putz to closer, Heath Bell to Set-Up, David Hernandez to 2nd in line.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
ARIJ.J. PutzHeath BellDavid HernandezJ.J. Putz6/29/13

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Washington Nationals – Tyler Clippard pitched a scoreless 8th in a tie game last night.  That left Drew Storen to get the save when the Nats took the lead in the top of the 9th.  Clippard has been pitching in the set-up role ahead of Soriano most of the year, and it looks like the Nats like him so much in the 8th inning role they will continue to use him there even on nights when Soriano is unavailable.  Drew Storen will likely continue to see the save opportunities when Soriano is given a night off .  Hierarchy change: Drew Storen to Set-up, Tyler Clippard to 2nd in line.

CloserSet-Up2nd in line2014 CloserUpdated
WASRafael SorianoDrew StorenTyler ClippardRafael Soriano6/29/13

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Cleveland Indians — Vinnie Pestano picked up the save in game 2 of the doubleheader last night.  Chris Perez had already thrown a perfect inning in game 1.  Perez is still the closer but if he struggles at all Pestano has proved that he can handle the job.   No hierarchy change.

CloserSet-Up2nd in line2014 CloserUpdated
CLEChris PerezVinnie PestanoJoe SmithChris Perez6/29/13

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Baltimore Orioles – Tommy Hunter pitched a scoreless 8th and 9th inning on Friday night to pick up his second save of the season.  Jim Johnson was given the night off after pitching in three of the past four games.    No hierarchy change.

CloserSet-Up2nd in line2014 CloserUpdated
BALJim JohnsonTommy HunterDarren O’DayJim Johnson6/29/13

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Pittsburgh Pirates – With the Pirates up big last night Ryan Reid pitched the final three innings for the save.  No hierarchy change.

CloserSet-Up2nd in line2014 CloserUpdated
PITJason GrilliMark MelanconJustin WilsonJason Grilli6/29/13

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Junichi Tazawa, Boston Red Sox – Koji Uehara has pitched in three straight.
2. Scott Downs, Los Angeles Angels – Kevin Jepsen and Ernesto Frieri have each pitched three nights in a row.
3. Brandon Lyon, New York Mets – Bobby Parnell took the loss last night and has pitched in three straight games.

Chris Perez returns; Astros giving Jose Cisnero a bigger role

June 27, 2013

Pittsburgh Pirates – After a taxing outing on Sunday, Jason Grilli has gotten a few days off.  On Wednesday, Mark Melancon pitched the 9th inning in his stead.  So far, there’s no indication that this is anything serious.  No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
PITJason GrilliMark MelanconJustin WilsonJason Grilli6/27/13

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Cleveland Indians – Chris Perez, sidelined since May 27 with a strained rotator cuff, will be activated today and will resume closing immediately.  Vinnie Pestano, who picked up five saves in his absence, will move back to a set-up role.  Hierarchy change: Chris Perez to Closer, Vinnie Pestano to Set-up, Joe Smith to 2nd in line.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
CLEChris PerezVinnie PestanoJoe SmithChris Perez6/26/13

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Houston Astros – In pitching a scoreless 8th inning last night, Jose Cisnero lowered his season ERA to 2.14.  The young righthander has yet to give up a run in the month of June.  Despite his general competence (a quality not found in most Houston relievers), he hasn’t gotten much high-leverage work; he only has four holds on the season.  But his usage last night is an indication that Bo Porter might be trusting him with more big-game spots.  Hierarchy change: Jose Cisnero to 2nd in line, replacing Travis Blackley.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
HOUJose VerasHector AmbrizJose CisneroJose Veras6/27/13

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Tommy Hunter, Baltimore Orioles – Jim Johnson has pitched in three straight.
2. Paco Rodriguez/Ronald Belisario, Los Angeles Dodgers – Kenley Jansen has pitched in four of the last five, including a 23-pitch outing last night.