June 28, 2013
Chicago Cubs – Blake Parker wasn’t given much rope on Thursday, as he was yanked a game the Cubs were leading by 5 after giving up a solo HR. He’d only retired one batter. Parker was impressive in AAA, but early indications are that Carlos Villanueva might be the man who the Cubs trust in 8th inning hold situations. He got the call in a one-run game on Wednesday. Hierarchy change: Carlos Villanueva to Set-up, replacing Blake Parker.
| . | Closer | . | Set-Up | . | 2nd in line | . | 2014 Closer | . | Updated | |
| CHC | Kevin Gregg | Carlos Villanueva | James Russell | Kevin Gregg | 6/28/13 |
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Colorado Rockies – Rafael Betancourt returns from the DL today and will resume closing immediately. His return means that Rex Brothers can return to his 8th inning role, and Matt Belisle can be mercifully relegated to a less meaningful role. Last night, Belisle blew the game in the 8th inning, and has now given up 12 ERs in his last 6.2 innings. Hierarchy change: Rafael Betancourt to Closer, Rex Brothers to Set-up.
| . | Closer | . | Set-Up | . | 2nd in line | . | 2014 Closer | . | Updated | |
| COL | Rafael Betancourt | Rex Brothers | Wilton Lopez | Rafael Betancourt | 6/28/13 |
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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Tyler Clippard, Washington Nationals – Rafael Soriano has pitched in three straight.
2. Paco Rodriguez/Ronald Belisario, Los Angeles Dodgers – Kenley Jansen has pitched in two straight and five of the last six.
3. Junichi Tazawa, Boston Red Sox – Koji Uehara has pitched on back to back nights and has yet to go in three in a row all season.
