April 30, 2014
Boston Red Sox — Edward Mujica has allowed at least one run each of the last five times he’s faced more than one batter, but John Farrell isn’t worried by his 10.00 ERA, or even the nearly sixfold increase in his walk rate. Farrell believes Mujica is struggling with his command due to infrequent use, suggesting that his role won’t be reduced — but we can’t imagine that he’d retain the advantage over Junichi Tazawa if Koji Uehara goes down with another injury. Hierarchy change: Junichi Tazawa to Set-Up, Edward Mujica to 2nd in line.
| . | Closer | . | Set-Up | . | 2nd in line | . | 2015 Closer | . | Updated | |
| BOS | Koji Uehara | Junichi Tazawa | Edward Mujica | Koji Uehara | 4/30/14 |
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Los Angeles Angels — For the second straight game, Fernando Salas pitched a high-leverage eighth inning in front of new closer Joe Smith. Michael Kohn had already been used in a tight spot in the sixth. No matter which of those two is higher in the pecking order, we think Ernesto Frieri — who pitched two perfect innings against the Yankees over the weekend — is more likely to pick up a save going forward. Hierarchy change: Ernesto Frieri to Set-Up, Michael Kohn to 2nd in line.
| . | Closer | . | Set-Up | . | 2nd in line | . | 2015 Closer | . | Updated | |
| LAA | Joe Smith | Ernesto Frieri | Michael Kohn | Ernesto Frieri | 4/30/14 |
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Toronto Blue Jays — The Blue Jays are missing Casey Janssen, who remains at least two weeks away from a return. On Tuesday, Sergio Santos entered with two on and one out in a high-leverage eighth, and proceeded to give up two inherited runs, plus three of his own. Last year, Santos threw three times as many innings, and walked half as many men. No hierarchy change.
| . | Closer | . | Set-Up | . | 2nd in line | . | 2015 Closer | . | Updated | |
| TOR | Sergio Santos | Brett Cecil | Steve Delabar | Sergio Santos | 4/30/14 | |||||
| Casey Janssen (DL) |
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Colorado Rockies – The oldest player in the National League just keeps on rolling, racking up his ninth save in as many attempts. BMWs for everyone! No hierarchy change.
| . | Closer | . | Set-Up | . | 2nd in line | . | 2015 Closer | . | Updated | |
| COL | LaTroy Hawkins | Adam Ottavino | Rex Brothers | Rex Brothers | 4/30/14 |
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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Brandon Kintzler, Milwaukee Brewers — The indefatigable K-Rod, new co-holder of the April save record, has pitched on four of the last five day. Jim Henderson has gone two in a row himself, but Kintzler had Tuesday off.
2. Jim Johnson, Oakland A’s — We believe Jim Johnson will see the next save opportunity in Oakland and reclaim the job. Expect an alert if that happens.
3. Chad Qualls/Anthony Bass, Houston Astros — You can’t possibly need saves this badly.
