August 19, 2014
St. Louis Cardinals – Trevor Rosenthal’s troubles continued on Monday, as he blew his fifth save of the season. This came on the heels of being yanked mid-save chance on Sunday, but despite that, Mike Matheny continues to back his closer. He claimed Rosenthal’s performance “was not actually that bad” on Monday, but with Pat Neshek lurking, Rosenthal’s hot seat has to be even hotter now. Additionally, Carlos Martinez is back in the Cards’ bullpen after being recalled from Triple A and is expected to slide into the seventh inning.
Updated hierarchy: Rosenthal | Neshek | Martinez.
Los Angeles Angels — As predicted in Monday’s Vulture Save Watch, Kevin Jepsen picked up his first save of the season as both Huston Street and Joe Smith got a night off. Jason Grilli needed just nine pitches to secure an eighth-inning hold.
Hierarchy remains: Street | Smith | Jepsen.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Pat Neshek, St. Louis Cardinals – Trevor Rosenthal has pitched in back-to-back games, and is in the hot seat, despite his manager’s faith.
2. Jeurys Familia, New York Mets – Jenrry Mejia has pitched in four of five and has been battling injuries.
3. Kevin Quackenbush, San Diego Padres – Joaquin Benoit is dealing with a “cranky” right shoulder and will be re-evaluated today. If he can’t go, Quackenbush is in line for a save chance.
