May 8, 2012
Cleveland Indians – As predicted in yesterday’s Vulture Save Watch, Chris Perez and Vinnie Pestano were both held out of Cleveland’s doubleheader on Monday, and Cleveland went to young lefty Nick Hagadone in the first game. Tony Sipp got the save in game 2, but Hagadone (1.08 ERA) has been the Indians most impressive middle reliever as of late. Hierarchy change: Nick Hagadone to 2nd in line, replacing Joe Smith.
|Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedCLE |C.Perez |Pestano |Hagadone |C.Perez |5/8/12
Boston Red Sox – Vicente Padilla recorded a 2.2 inning save yesterday in a game the Red Sox won comfortably. No hierarchy change.
|Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedBOS |Aceves |Morales |Albers |Bailey |5/8/12 |Bailey(DL) |
San Diego Padres – As noted yesterday, Andrew Cashner was given the night off after a long outing on Sunday, but the Padres opted to use Dale Thayer in the 9th inning, leaving Luke Gregerson in the 8th inning role. Should Cashner falter again, it could be Thayer (173 career minor league saves) who nabs the most opportunities in Huston Street’s absence. Hierarchy change: Dale Thayer to Set-up, Luke Gregerson to 2nd in line.
|Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedSD |Cashner |Thayer |Gregerson |Street |5/8/12 |Street(DL) |
Los Angeles Dodgers – Don Mattingly before Monday’s series opener said that he was removing Javy Guerra from the closer role. Kenley Jansen will close in his place, Mattingly said. Hierarchy change: Kenley Jansen to Closer, Javy Guerra to Set-up.
|Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedLAD |Jansen |Guerra |Lindblom |Jansen |5/8/12
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Jon Rauch, New York Mets – Frank Francisco has pitched on three consecutive nights.
2. Scott Downs, Los Angeles Angels – Downs is making a quick recovery from his injury, and the Angels have opted not to put him on the disabled list. Mike Scioscia said that Downs will return to the mound– and presumably, the closer’s role– whenever he feels up to it.
