Francisco Cordero pitches 7th inning, is likely done as Astros closer

July 30, 2012

Houston Astros – Some speculated that Francisco Cordero’s decent outing on Sunday may have saved his job, but tonight, he was the first man out of the bullpen for the Astros.  Coming on in the 7th inning, Cordero allowed an inherited runner to score, then gave up the tying run.  He also pitched to one batter in the 8th, allowing a leadoff double, before being lifted.  Based on his usage tonight, and his general awfulness in his return to the National League thus far, Wilton Lopez looks like he will finally get his shot to finish games.  Hierarchy change: Wilton Lopez to Closer, Wesley Wright to Set-up, Francisco Cordero to 2nd in line.

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedHOU |Lopez |Wright |Cordero |Lopez |7/30/12

Brewers bullpen melts down again; Chad Durbin pitching well

July 30, 2012

Milwaukee Brewers – The Brewers bullpen had another meltdown on Sunday, and all of their top relievers were to blame; John Axford, Francisco Rodriguez, and Jose Veras all gave up multiple runs.  Earlier this week, Ron Roenicke declared a closer-by-committee, with several Brewers beat writers thought Axford would quickly win his job back.  He’s still likely to do so before the end of the season, but the Brewers may look elsewhere for saves in the near future.  No hierarchy change.

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedMIL |Axford |Rodriguez |Veras |Axford |7/30/12

 
Atlanta Braves – With Jonny Venters’ inconsistency and the team’s desire to stretch Kris Medlen out, the Braves have been searching for a steady 7th inning man all season.  They may have found one in Chad Durbin, who after a rough start has allowed only 4 ERs in his last 28 innings, a span of 35 appearances.  On Sunday, he bailed Venters out in the 6th inning and then stayed on for the 7th, recording his 10th hold of the year.  Hierarchy change: Chad Durbin to 2nd in line, replacing Jonny Venters.

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedATL |Kimbrel |O'Flaherty |Durbin |Kimbrel |7/30/12

 
Minnesota Twins – Alex Burnett pitched the 7th inning on Sunday ahead of Jared Burton and Glen Perkins, earning his 7th hold of the season.  Tyler Robertson has struggled as of late, giving up runs in his last three appearances.  Hierarchy change: Alex Burnett to 2nd in line, replacing Tyler Robertson.

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedMIN |Perkins |Burton |Burnett |Perkins |7/30/12 |Capps(DL) |

 
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Vicente Padilla, Boston Red Sox – Alfredo Aceves pitched 2.1 innings last night, his second night of work in a row.
2. Jared Burton, Minnesota Twins – The Twins are employing a committee, and while Glen Perkins remains the best bet for saves, Jared Burton could get an opportunity whenever the Twins are facing a righty-heavy lineup.