Josh Fields is officially Houston’s closer, for whatever that’s worth

September 17, 2013

Arizona Diamondbacks — David Hernandez and Brad Ziegler ably finished Monday night’s one-run win over the Dodgers, but lurking in the background is the newly healthy J.J. Putz. Kirk Gibson intends to use him in very brief outings at first, but if, as we suspect, the D-Backs intend to use him as their closer next year, he might get some higher-leverage opportunities before long. Hierarchy change: J.J. Putz to Set-Up, David Hernandez to 2nd in line.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
ARIBrad ZieglerJ.J. PutzDavid HernandezJ.J. Putz9/17/13

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Houston Astros — It was a slow night for closer news, so we’ll take the time to point out that, over the weekend, Bo Porter confirmed what we’d suspected for weeks: Josh Fields is officially the Astros closer. We forecast him to earn precisely one more save than your mother over the next two weeks, and she might be easier on your WHIP. No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
HOUJosh FieldsJosh ZeidKevin ChapmanJosh Fields9/17/13

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Cincinnati Reds — Sean Marshall returned to Cincinnati on Monday, but after four months off, he’ll be the third lefty out of the Reds’ pen. No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
CINAroldis ChapmanJ.J. HooverSam LeCureJonathan Broxton9/17/13

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Luke Gregerson, San Diego Padres — Huston Street is off for another day to attend his grandmother’s funeral.
2. Jose Veras, Detroit Tigers
 — Although Joaquin Benoit hasn’t had to throw many pitches lately, he has appeared on three of the last four days.