Lindstrom, K-Rod take over closing roles; Johnson struggles while Wilhelmsen shines

April 1, 2014

Chicago White Sox – Crazy old Robin Ventura is going with Matt Lindstrom as his closer to start the year. Nate Jones is still worth hanging on to for a while, in case Lindstrom has a tough start out of the gate. Also keep an eye on Ronald Belisario, who made his White Sox debut in the eighth inning yesterday. Hierarchy change: Matt Lindstrom to Closer, Nate Jones to Set-up.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
CHWMatt LindstromNate JonesDaniel WebbNate Jones3/31/14

 
Milwaukee Brewers – Brewers fans and Jim Henderson owners were shocked to see Francisco Rodriguez pick up the save on Opening Day; after the game, manager Ron Roenicke apparently said that K-Rod would close and Henderson would move to middle relief until he “feels better.” Hierarchy change: Francisco Rodriguez to Closer, Jim Henderson to Set-Up, Brandon Kintzler to 2nd in line.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
MILFrancisco RodriguezJim HendersonBrandon KintzlerJim Henderson3/31/14

 
Baltimore Orioles — Evan Meek entered the eighth inning of Monday’s opener and recorded the first two outs before giving way to Brian Matusz for a lefty-lefty matchup to close the inning. Meek was the last player to make the opening-day roster, but the 2010 All-Star was immediately thrown into a high-leverage situation and escaped without much trouble. Hierarchy change: Evan Meek to 2nd in line, replacing Ryan Webb.

Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
BALTommy HunterDarren O’DayEvan MeekTommy Hunter4/1/14

 
Seattle Mariners — Tom Wilhelmsen retired all four batters he faced, including Albert Pujols with two on, two out in the seventh inning, in a solid performance. Fernando Rodney was warming for the ninth before the Mariners scored six in their half of the eighth, which meant Danny Farquhar got the call for the final three outs. Wilhelmsen has closing experience – albeit rocky – but if he can continue to get outs in high-leverage spots he’ll be contending with a shaky Rodney for save opportunities. Hierarchy change: Tom Wilhelmsen to Set-up, Danny Farquhar to 2nd in line.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
SEAFernando RodneyTom WilhelmsenDanny FarquharDanny Farquhar4/1/14

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Oakland A’s — Jim Johnson made his A’s debut in the ninth inning of a scoreless game and allowed the first three batters to reach before giving up a sac fly and a single. He was taken out to a chorus of boos, though there’s no sign of the reigning saves leader in the AL losing his new job. No Hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
OAKJim JohnsonSean DoolittleLuke GregersonRyan Cook3/23/14
Ryan Cook(INJ)

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