May 15, 2012
Washington Nationals – Henry Rodriguez walked three men in the 9th on Monday before being replaced by Sean Burnett, who got the save. Davey Johnson told the Washington Post that he still had a lot of confidence in Rodriguez, though the closer remains firmly on the Hot Seat. Burnett’s usage, meanwhile, has been a bit odd. He’s been used sparingly, but has a 0.90 ERA and could be a candidate for saves down the line should Rodriguez continue to falter. Hierarchy change: Sean Burnett to 2nd in line, replacing Ryan Mattheus.
|Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedWAS |Rodriguez |Clippard |Burnett |Storen |5/15/12 |Storen(DL) |Lidge (DL) |
New York Yankees – Rafael Soriano picked up his 2nd save last night, as David Robertson revealed he has been dealing with a nagging injury since Friday. The young closer doesn’t think it’s too serious, but he will undergo an MRI today. No hierarchy change.
|Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedNYY |Robertson |Soriano |Wade |Robertson |5/15/12
Kansas City Royals – Greg Holland returned from the DL over the weekend and resumed his 8th inning duties. Hierarchy change: Greg Holland to Set-up, Aaron Crow to 2nd in line.
|Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedKC |Broxton |Holland |Crow |Broxton |5/15/12 |Soria(DL) |
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Rafael Soriano, New York Yankees – With David Robertson ailing, the Yankees will look to Soriano for save opportunities.
2. Tyler Clippard, Washington Nationals – Henry Rodriguez has pitched in three straight, and in four of the last five.
3. Chad Qualls/Antonio Bastardo, Philadelphia Phillies – Jonathon Papelbon has pitched on three consecutive nights.
4. Hector Santiago/Matt Thornton, Chicago White Sox – Addison Reed has thrown 50 pitches over the last two days.
5. Jon Rauch, New York Mets – Frank Francisco has pitched two days in a row, and in three of the last four, and the Mets could give the beleaguered closer the night off.
