June 10, 2012
Washington Nationals – After Brad Lidge struggled Friday in his first outing since returning from the DL, Washington went to Sean Burnett in the 8th inning on Saturday. Burnett (0.95 ERA) pitched another clean inning and continues to have a stellar season. Hierarchy change: Sean Burnett to Set-up, Brad Lidge to 2nd in line.
|Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedWAS |Clippard |Burnett |Lidge |Storen |6/10/12 |Storen(DL) |
Oakland A’s – Bob Melvin told the San Francisco Chronicle before Saturday’s game that he would employ a closer-by-committee going forward, with Ryan Cook, Brian Fuentes, and Grant Balfour involved. Melvin also said that Ryan Cook was his best option in any tough situation, making him the best bet to win the job. Hierarchy change: Ryan Cook to Closer, Brian Fuentes to Set-up.
|Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedOAK |Cook |Fuentes |Balfour |Cook |6/10/12
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Juan Cruz, Pittsburgh Pirates – Joel Hanrahan has pitched in three straight, and in four of the last five.
2. Sean Burnett, Washington Nationals – Tyler Clippard has pitched in back to back games, and in four of the last five.
3. Scott Downs, Los Angeles Angels – Ernesto Frieri has gotten 4 of the last 6 save opps, but Downs could still snag a save on any night if match-ups are right.
4. Shawn Camp, Chicago Cubs – James Russell has gotten 2 of the Cubs 3 save opportunities since the demotion of Rafael Dolis; Camp has gotten the other. Matchups will determine who is used in the 9th today.
