Juan Cruz as temporary closer; another save for Henry Rodriguez

April 19, 2012

Pittsburgh Pirates – As noted in yesterday’s vulture save watch, Joel Hanrahan is still sidelined with a mild hamstring injury, allowing Juan Cruz to pick up his second save in as many days.  While Hanrahan could return as soon as Friday, the Pirates have shown that Cruz will get any save opportunities when Hanrahan is unavailable, while Jason Grilli remains the 8th inning guy regardless.  Hierarchy change: Juan Cruz to Set-up, Jason Grilli to 2nd in line. 

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedPIT |Hanrahan |Cruz |Grilli |Hanrahan |4/19/12

 
Washington Nationals – Henry Rodriguez got the save on Wednesday after Brad Lidge logged the Tuesday save.  It’s Lidge’s turn again in the Nats’ strict back-and-forth platoon.  No hierarchy change. 

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedWAS |Lidge |Rodriguez |Clippard |Storen |4/19/12 |Storen(DL) |

 
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Joaquin Benoit/Phil Coke, Detroit Tigers – Jose Valverde has pitched on back to back days, and in three of the last four.  Joaquin Benoit has also been used heavily the past four days, but he or Phil Coke could get a save opp if the Tigers give Valverde the night off.