More trouble in Oakland; Robertson back in the Bronx

April 23, 2014

Oakland A’s — Luke Gregerson was one strike away from his fourth save of the year; instead, he blew his second in less than a week, and took the loss. Meanwhile, Fernando Abad continued his scoreless streak by picking up two outs in the eighth, and Jim Johnson was warming up as the winning run scored. Bob Melvin was incensed in his postgame press conference; it’s anyone’s guess where he’ll turn next, but Abad, Johnson, and Sean Doolittle are all options. No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
OAKLuke GregersonSean DoolittleJim JohnsonSean Doolittle4/23/14

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New York Yankees — As we let you know on Tuesday morning, David Robertson has returned from the disabled list. Hierarchy change: David Robertson to Closer, Shawn Kelley to Set-up, Adam Warren to 2nd in line.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
NYYDavid RobertsonShawn KelleyAdam WarrenDavid Robertson4/23/14

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Colorado Rockies – It seems Rex has returned from the doghouse, entering with two on and one out in a one-run eighth and immediately inducing a pivotal double play. Brothers’s heroics allowed Adam Ottavino’s shutout streak to continue. Walt Weiss stuck with the lefty against Brandon Belt to start the ninth, and he again came through. Hierarchy change: Rex Brothers to 2nd in line, replacing Boone Logan.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
COLLaTroy HawkinsAdam OttavinoRex BrothersRex Brothers4/23/14

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Houston Astros — It’s nice to have a relaxing Astros update for a change. Josh Fields got the save on Tuesday, and he didn’t even allow a hit! No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
HOUJosh FieldsMatt AlbersChad QuallsJosh Fields4/23/14
Jesse Crain (DL)

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Detroit Tigers — Joba Chamberlain picked up a one-out save on Tuesday night after Phil Coke gave up three runs in the ninth. No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
DETJoe NathanJoba Chamberlain Al AlburquerqueJoe Nathan4/23/14

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Sean Doolittle, Oakland A’s — See above. In descending order, the next Oakland save could also go to Jim Johnson, Fernando Abad, or Dan Otero.
2. Chad Qualls/Anthony Bass, Houston Astros — If the Astros go with someone other than Josh Fields, it probably won’t be Matt Albers.

Belisario back in the mix in Chicago, Kimbrel blows save

April 22, 2014
Chicago White Sox — Ronald Belisario got an inning-ending double play in the seventh before returning for the eighth to earn his third hold of the season. Maikel Cleto hasn’t pitched in five days, and Belisario has not allowed a run in each of his last two outings. Hierarchy change: Ronald Belisario to 2nd in line, replacing Maikel Cleto.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
CHWMatt LindstromDaniel WebbRonald BelisarioNate Jones4/22/14
Nate Jones (DL)

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Atlanta Braves – Craig Kimbrel blew the save last night, though to his credit did bounce back with three straight strikeouts after allowing the game-tying double. He’s not on the hot seat yet, but this combined with his earlier arm troubles is a little worrying. Jordan Walden, meanwhile, has not allowed an earned run since April 9.  No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
ATLCraig KimbrelJordan WaldenDavid CarpenterCraig Kimbrel4/20/14

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Jim Henderson, Milwaukee Brewers – K-Rod has pitched in four straight and Henderson was the only key Milwaukee reliever to get a night off on Monday.
2. Gonzalez Germen, New York Mets – Both Kyle Farnsworth and Carlos Torres have pitched in back-to-back outings.
3. Matt Albers/Chad Qualls, Houston Astros – The Astros could use pretty much anyone in the 9th inning at this point.

Jason Grilli blows another save; Kyle Farnsworth replaces Jose Valverde

April 21, 2014

Los Angeles Angels – Kevin Jepsen has always been a favorite of Mike Scioscia, but Jepsen just isn’t getting it done so far this year, as he currently sports an ERA north of 7.  Michael Kohn, meanwhile, has gotten an occasional 8th inning opportunity this year, and after logging another scoreless inning on Sunday, the righty’s ERA sits at 1.86.  Hierarchy change: Michael Kohn to 2nd in line, replacing Kevin Jepsen.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
LAAErnesto FrieriJoe SmithMichael KohnErnesto Frieri4/21/14

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Pittsburgh Pirates – Jason Grilli has been burned on consecutive days by Ryan Braun home runs, and now has three blown saves for the season.  Generally speaking, Grilli’s recent history as a lights-out closer gives him a longer leash than most.  But Mark Melancon is yet again proving himself to be one of the best set-up men in baseball, and if Grilli can’t get things straightened out, then the struggling Pirates will be forced to look elsewhere.  Jason Grilli to Hot Seat.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
PITJason GrilliMark MelanconTony WatsonMark Melancon4/21/14

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New York Mets – Kyle Farnsworth will close for the Mets for the time being, announced Terry Collins on Sunday morning.  Collins had hinted Saturday night that Jose Valverde was finished, and if Farnsworth also struggles, then,  Carlos Torres and Gonzalez Germen figure to get looks.  Hierarchy change: Kyle Farnsworth to Closer, Carlos Torres to Set-up, Gonzalez Germen to 2nd in line.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
NYMKyle FarnsworthCarlos TorresGonzalez GermenBobby Parnell4/20/14
Bobby Parnell (DL)

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Will Smith/Tyler Thornburg, Milwaukee Brewers – K-Rod and Jim Henderson have both pitched in three straight.
2. Joba Chamberlain, Detroit Tigers – Joe Nathan has pitched in back to back games and three of four, throwing a total of 58 pitches.
3. Brian Wilson, Los Angeles Dodgers – Kenley Jansen has pitched in back to back games and three of four.
4. Matt Albers/Chad Qualls, Houston Astros – The Astros could use pretty much anyone in the 9th inning at this point.

Kyle Farnsworth is the Mets’ new closer

April 20, 2014

New York Mets – Kyle Farnsworth will close for the Mets for the time being, announced Terry Collins on Sunday morning.  Collins had hinted last night that Jose Valverde was finished, and made it official this morning.  Carlos Torres and Gonzalez Germen figure to get looks if Farnsworth struggles.  Hierarchy change: Kyle Farnsworth to Closer, Carlos Torres to Set-up, Gonzalez Germen to 2nd in line.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
NYMKyle FarnsworthCarlos TorresGonzalez GermenBobby Parnell4/20/14
Bobby Parnell (DL)

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