June 27, 2013
Pittsburgh Pirates – After a taxing outing on Sunday, Jason Grilli has gotten a few days off. On Wednesday, Mark Melancon pitched the 9th inning in his stead. So far, there’s no indication that this is anything serious. No hierarchy change.
. | Closer | . | Set-Up | . | 2nd in line | . | 2014 Closer | . | Updated | |
PIT | Jason Grilli | Mark Melancon | Justin Wilson | Jason Grilli | 6/27/13 |
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Cleveland Indians – Chris Perez, sidelined since May 27 with a strained rotator cuff, will be activated today and will resume closing immediately. Vinnie Pestano, who picked up five saves in his absence, will move back to a set-up role. Hierarchy change: Chris Perez to Closer, Vinnie Pestano to Set-up, Joe Smith to 2nd in line.
. | Closer | . | Set-Up | . | 2nd in line | . | 2014 Closer | . | Updated | |
CLE | Chris Perez | Vinnie Pestano | Joe Smith | Chris Perez | 6/26/13 |
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Houston Astros – In pitching a scoreless 8th inning last night, Jose Cisnero lowered his season ERA to 2.14. The young righthander has yet to give up a run in the month of June. Despite his general competence (a quality not found in most Houston relievers), he hasn’t gotten much high-leverage work; he only has four holds on the season. But his usage last night is an indication that Bo Porter might be trusting him with more big-game spots. Hierarchy change: Jose Cisnero to 2nd in line, replacing Travis Blackley.
. | Closer | . | Set-Up | . | 2nd in line | . | 2014 Closer | . | Updated | |
HOU | Jose Veras | Hector Ambriz | Jose Cisnero | Jose Veras | 6/27/13 |
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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Tommy Hunter, Baltimore Orioles – Jim Johnson has pitched in three straight.
2. Paco Rodriguez/Ronald Belisario, Los Angeles Dodgers – Kenley Jansen has pitched in four of the last five, including a 23-pitch outing last night.