August 22, 2013
Colorado Rockies – Rafael Betancourt’s third outing since returning from the DL ended in a blown save. Betancourt has been reliable all year, and had posted two scoreless appearances since his return. But he’s also 38 years old, and the Rockies are well out of the playoff race. With Rex Brothers flourishing in Betancourt’s absence, the Rockies might not need much incentive to turn the keys over to their future closer. Rafael Betancourt to Hot Seat.
| . | Closer | . | Set-Up | . | 2nd in line | . | 2014 Closer | . | Updated | |
| COL | Rafael Betancourt | Rex Brothers | Matt Belisle | Rafael Betancourt | 8/22/13 |
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Detroit Tigers – Jose Veras got the last out of the 8th inning in a three-run game on Wednesday, then stayed on for the 9th after the Tigers put the game out of reach. He picked up his 20th save of the season in the process, but is not a threat to Joaquin Benoit. No hierarchy change.
| . | Closer | . | Set-Up | . | 2nd in line | . | 2014 Closer | . | Updated | |
| DET | Joaquin Benoit | Jose Veras | Drew Smyly | Jose Veras | 8/22/13 |
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Baltimore Orioles – In a wild 9th inning, Buck Showalter first left Darren O’Day on the mound to try to get the first out, and then yanked him in favor of Brian Matusz after the submariner allowed the first runner to reach. Matusz walked the only hitter he faced before being pulled in favor of Tommy Hunter, who worked his way through the remainder of the inning to earn the save. Postgame, Showalter gave no endorsement to embattled closer Jim Johnson, saying the Orioles would do what they could to win the rest of the way. Given Hunter’s successful outing tonight, he’s probably the best player to add, though Francisco Rodriguez, Matusz, O’Day, and Johnson could all be in the mix. Hierarchy change: Tommy Hunter to Closer, Jim Johnson to Set-up, Francisco Rodriguez to 2nd in line.
| . | Closer | . | Set-Up | . | 2nd in line | . | 2014 Closer | . | Updated | |
| BAL | Tommy Hunter | Jim Johnson | Francisco Rodriguez | Jim Johnson | 8/21/13 |
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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Nate Jones, Chicago White Sox – Addison Reed has pitched in back to back games and on five of the last six days.
2. J.J. Hoover/Jonathan Broxton, Cincinnati Reds – Aroldis Chapman threw 35 pitches in a two-inning appearance last night.
3. David Robertson, New York Yankees – Mariano Rivera pitched in both ends of Tuesday’s doubleheader, and also picked up a save last night.
