June 20, 2012
Detroit Tigers – While warming up in the bullpen on Tuesday, Jose Valverde hurt his wrist and was held out of the game; Phil Coke entered in his place and picked up his first save of the season. An initial exam by the Tigers medical staff suggested that the injury was minor, but Valverde still went for an MRI after the game. The Tigers will likely announce the results before today’s game. Valverde himself said he didn’t think that the injury was serious, but if he does need a DL stint, Joaquin Benoit will see the bulk of the save opportunities. No hierarchy change.
|Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedDET |Valverde |Benoit |Coke |Valverde |6/20/12
Milwaukee Brewers – John Axford gave up back-to-back home runs last night, and has now given up 9 ERs in his last 5 innings pitched, a span that includes three blown saves, and a fourth outing where he needed to be bailed out by Jose Veras. While Ron Roenicke said he’s ready to make a change just yet, Axford remains on the Hot Seat, with Francisco Rodriguez and his 292 saves waiting in the wings. No hierarchy change.
|Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedMIL |Axford |Rodriguez |Veras |Axford |6/20/12
Toronto Blue Jays – Jason Frasor gave up 2 runs on Tuesday, pushing his ERA to 4.26. Meanwhile, veteran lefty Darren Oliver pitched yet another scoreless inning, eventually earning the win after John Axford blew the save. He’s been used against both righties and lefties this season, and now has a sparkling 1.48 ERA. Hierarchy change: Darren Oliver to 2nd in line, replacing Jason Frasor.
|Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedTOR |Janssen |Cordero |Oliver |Santos |6/20/12 |Santos (DL) |
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Joaquin Benoit, Detroit Tigers – The results of Jose Valverde’s MRI have not been revealed, and if he can’t pitch today, Benoit will get the save opp.
2. Jose Veras, Milwaukee Brewers – While John Axford remains the closer in Milwaukee, he could get the night off to clear his head. Francisco Rodriguez has pitched in three consecutive games, making Jose Veras the best candidate for a save if Axford stays on the bench.
