May 28, 2012
Los Angeles Angels – The Angels continue to employ a true platoon, with Scott Downs picking up the save last night against a lefty-heavy top of the lineup for the Mariners. ”Right now, we’re going to just slot them in when they have a chance to get outs,” Mike Scioscia said to the Los Angeles Times. As a righty, Ernesto Frieri still has the best shot to earn a save on any given night, but Downs has been just as reliable. No hierarchy change.
|Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedLAA |Frieri |Downs |Walden |Walden |5/28/12 |Hawkins(DL) |
Chicago Cubs – Dale Sveum said before Sunday’s game that Rafael Dolis would be moved back to a middle relief role, and then followed through, using Dolis in the 6th inning. Sveum said the Cubs would play match-ups in the 9th inning for the time being. ”(James Russell) and (Shawn) Camp are our two viable options right now,” he said. Hierarchy change: James Russell to Closer, Shawn Camp to Set-up, Rafael Dolis to 2nd in line.
|Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedCHC |Russell |Camp |Dolis |Marmol |5/28/12 |Marmol(DL) |
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Joel Peralta, Tampa Bay Rays – Fernando Rodney has pitched in three straight games, and in five of the last six.
2. Joaquin Benoit, Detroit Tigers – Jose Valverde has pitched in three straight games.
3. Sean Burnett, Washington Nationals – Tyler Clippard has gotten all three save opportunities since Henry Rodriguez was demoted, but Davey Johnson continues to say that Sean Burnett could get opportunities based on match-ups.
4. Scott Downs, Los Angeles Angels – Ernesto Frieri will get the majority of opportunities, but Mike Scioscia is still using a closer-by-committee.
