July 31, 2014
Chicago Cubs — After an inquiry from the Players Association about their unusual demotion of Neil Ramirez, the Cubs elected to place him on the disabled list with a sore right arm. Meanwhile, Kyuji Fujikawa made a scoreless appearance for Iowa, perhaps his final rehab outing before returning to the big club.
Updated hierarchy: Rondon | Strop | Russell.
Arizona Diamondbacks — On the eve of the trade deadline, Addison Reed picked up another ugly save, inheriting two runners and allowing them to score via home run. Rumors this week continue to suggest that Reed is available, while Brad Ziegler is untouchable.
Hierarchy remains: Reed | Ziegler | Marshall.
Washington Nationals — With Rafael Soriano unavailable for the second straight day after heavy recent use, Matt Williams kept Tyler Clippard in the eighth inning and used Drew Storen for the save opportunity. Storen gave up a solo home run and put the winning run on base, but managed to escape. Clippard got the last vulture save opp a month back, and he might get the next too, given Storen’s struggles.
Hierarchy remains: Soriano | Clippard | Storen.
Colorado Rockies — A 27-pitch outing by LaTroy Hawkins on Tuesday was tiring enough to require the services of Adam Ottavino as closer on Wednesday.
Hierarchy remains: Hawkins | Ottavino | Brothers.
Chicago White Sox — Nate Jones suffered a UCL tear during rehab from his back surgery; after undergoing Tommy John surgery on Tuesday, he is expected to be out for the next 12 to 18 months. Matt Lindstrom starts a rehab assignment on Friday.
Hierarchy remains: Petricka | Belisario | Guerra.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Darren O’Day/Tommy Hunter, Baltimore Orioles — Zach Britton has pitched in three of four, and has thrown 39 pitches in the last two days. O’Day has seen similar usage.
