Santiago Casilla to close for Giants; Joel Hanrahan day-to-day

April 18, 2012

San Francisco Giants – Santiago Casilla recorded the save for the Giants on Tuesday night, and Bruce Bochy indicated that he will get the majority of San Francisco’s save opportunities for the time being.  ”We have confidence in Casilla.  He’s another guy who throws 95 and gets it done like he did tonight,” said Bochy.  While Sergio Romo was, by all measures, one of the best relievers in all of baseball last year, he was hurt late in the season and Bochy may have concerns about his arm strength and ability to pitch on back-to-back nights.  The Giants skipper said before the game that this was still a platoon, but that Casilla will get the most save chances at the outset.  Hierarchy change: Santiago Casilla to Closer; Sergio Romo to Set-up.

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedSF |Casilla |Romo |Lopez |Wilson |4/18/12 |Wilson(DL) |

 
Pittsburgh Pirates – Joel Hanrahan has sustained a mild hamstring injury, and Juan Cruz picked up the save in his absence last night.  Hanrahan’s job is not in jeopardy and he is considered day to day, but Cruz has been solid this season, having not allowed any runs through 5 innings so far.  Hierarchy change: Juan Cruz to 2nd in line, replacing Evan Meek.

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedPIT |Hanrahan |Grilli |Cruz |Hanrahan |4/18/12

 
Oakland A’s – Ryan Cook was brought in for the 8th inning, the second consecutive game that he has been used over Brian Fuentes to bridge the gap to Grant Balfour.  Cook has yet to allow a run in 5.1 innings so far this season.  Hierarchy change: Ryan Cook to Set-up, Brian Fuentes to 2nd in line. 

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedOAK |Balfour |Cook |Fuentes |Balfour |4/18/12

 
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Henry Rodriguez, Washington Nationals – Brad Lidge, our listed closer, got the save on Tuesday.  That means Henry Rodriguez will get the next opportunity.  Davey Johnson’s strict back-and-forth platoon will only be affected if one of the two righties falters, and so far, neither of them have.
2. Juan Cruz/Jason Grilli, Pittsburgh Pirates – Joel Hanrahan could be out as much as three more days with a balky hamstring. Cruz, who got the save Tuesday, and Grilli, the Pirates 8th inning man all year, are candidates for save opps in his absence.
3. Rex Brothers, Colorado Rockies – Rafael Betancourt threw 20 pitches in recording the save last night, and has pitched on 4 of the last 6 days.