August 23, 2013

St. Louis Cardinals – Edward Mujica, who has been pressed into several 2-inning outings over the past several weeks, is dealing with some nagging injuries, including a sore back and dead arm.  The Cardinals think he’ll be OK, but Mujica owners might want to add Trevor Rosenthal just in case.  In deeper leagues, the hard-throwing righty certainly won’t hurt, as he boasts among the most strikeouts of any reliever in baseball.  No hierarchy change.

	.	Closer	.	Set-Up	.	2nd in line	.	2014 Closer	.	Updated
STL		Edward Mujica		Trevor Rosenthal		Kevin Siegrist		Jason Motte		8/23/13

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New York Yankees – As mentioned in the Vulture Save Watch, David Robertson picked up a save in Mariano Rivera’s absence on Thursday.  No hierarchy change.

	.	Closer	.	Set-Up	.	2nd in line	.	2014 Closer	.	Updated
NYY		Mariano Rivera		David Robertson		Boone Logan		David Robertson		8/23/13

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Cincinnati Reds – Despite listing two Cincinnati relievers in the Vulture Save Watch space yesterday, we missed on the Reds one-night closer, as Sam LeCure got the call in the 9th inning.  Before the game, it was revealed that Jonathan Broxton was experiencing forearm soreness, and is likely out for the season.  J.J. Hoover, meanwhile, got the night off after pitching in three straight, leaving the job to LeCure, who may see more late-inning work with Broxton out.  Hierarchy change: J.J. Hoover to Set-up, Sam LeCure to 2nd in line.

	.	Closer	.	Set-Up	.	2nd in line	.	2014 Closer	.	Updated
CIN		Aroldis Chapman		J.J. Hoover		Sam LeCure		Jonathan Broxton		8/23/13

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Washington Nationals – Drew Storen picked up an extra inning save on Thursday night.  Rafael Soriano and Tyler Clippard had already pitched.  No hierarchy change.

	.	Closer	.	Set-Up	.	2nd in line	.	2014 Closer	.	Updated
WAS		Rafael Soriano		Tyler Clippard		Drew Storen		Rafael Soriano		8/23/13

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Colorado Rockies – Rafael Betancourt left Thursday’s game with an elbow injury and will likely miss the rest of the season.  Rex Brothers will resume closing in his place.  Hierarchy change: Rex Brothers to Closer, Matt Belisle to Set-up, Wilton Lopez to 2nd in line, Rafael Betancourt injured.

	.	Closer	.	Set-Up	.	2nd in line	.	2014 Closer	.	Updated
COL		Rex Brothers		Matt Belisle		Wilton Lopez		Rex Brothers		8/22/13
		Rafael Betancourt (INJ)

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Matt Lindstrom, Chicago White Sox – Addison Reed has pitched in three straight and on six of the last seven days, while Nate Jones has pitched three innings over the last two days.
2. Drew Storen, Washington Nationals – Both Rafael Soriano and Tyler Clippard have pitched in three straight.