April 21, 2012
Washington Nationals – Henry Rodriguez got another save on Friday, and now has four this season to Brad Lidge’s two. Lidge has also been suffering from vertigo which has limited his availability in recent days, and while Davey Johnson continues to maintain that he’ll use both pitchers in the 9th inning, Rodriguez is now the preferable guy to own, if you only have room for one. Hierarchy change: Henry Rodriguez to Closer, Brad Lidge to Set-up.
|Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedWAS |Rodriguez |Lidge |Clippard |Storen |4/21/12 |Storen(DL) |
San Francisco Giants – Santiago Casilla only pitched to one batter in the 9th on Friday, giving up a single before giving way to Javier Lopez, who faced the next two batters (both lefties). The duo combined to blow the save, which was eventually recorded by Clay Hensley in the bottom of the 10th. Bruce Bochy has said that he would use a committee to close games, and he proved his statement true on Friday. Casilla will be a short leash in the future. Santiago Casilla to Hot Seat.
|Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedSF |Casilla |Romo |Lopez |Wilson |4/21/12 |Wilson(DL) |
Philadelphia Phillies – Jose Contreras returned from the disabled list yesterday, pitching the 7th inning ahead of Chad Qualls and Jonathan Papelbon. Contreras should continue to be used in this role, as Antonio Bastardo has settled into a LOOGY role as of late. Hierarchy change: Jose Contreras to 2nd in line, replacing Antonio Bastardo.
|Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedPHI |Papelbon |Qualls |Contreras |Papelbon |4/21/12
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Brad Lidge, Washington Nationals – With Henry Rodriguez now the listed closer, it’s Brad Lidge’s turn to headline the Vulture Save Watch regularly. Rodriguez got the save yesterday, so if Lidge has kicked his vertigo, it’ll be his turn.
2. Vinnie Pestano, Cleveland Indians – Chris Perez has pitched on two consecutive days, and in three of the last four.
3. Mike Adams/Alexi Ogando, Texas Rangers – The Rangers and Tigers play a doubleheader today, and while Jose Valverde should close both games for the Tigers if necessary, Joe Nathan may not be able to, giving Adams or Ogando a possible opportunity if the Rangers sweep in two close games.
4. Scott Downs, Los Angeles Angels – Jordan Walden pitched yesterday, throwing 27 pitches, two days after throwing 31 pitches on Wednesday. He could get the night off.
