Uehara has worst outing of career, Qualls returns

August 23, 2014

Boston Red Sox — Koji Uehara had the worst relief outing of his career last night.  He gave up 5 runs, all with two outs, and blew his third save of the season.  Uehara has given up at least one run in three straight appearances, after giving up zero runs in his previous thirteen outings.

Hierarchy remains: Uehara | Mujica | Tazawa.

Houston Astros — Chad Qualls was back on the mound Friday night, pitching a scoreless 9th to finish off an Astros win.  He appears to be over the tightness in his lower back that kept him from pitching on Wednesday and Thursday.

Hierarchy remains: Qualls | Fields | Sipp.

Philadelphia Phillies — Jake Diekman got the last two outs of the 7th inning last night, protecting a one run lead.  Diekman picked up his 15th hold of the season, and it was his second straight appearance pitching the 7th inning ahead of Ken Giles and Jonathan Papelbon.  Antonio Bastardo, on the other hand, has taken the loss in three of his last four appearances.  Diekman should continue to see time in the later innings for the Phillies.

Updated hierarchy: Papelbon | Giles | Diekman.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Junichi Tazawa, Boston Red Sox – Koji Uehara threw 38 pitches last night and Edward Mujica has pitched in three straight
2. Jonathan Broxton, Cincinnati Reds – Aroldis Chapman has pitched in two straight, including a 2 inning, 36 pitch appearance last night.
3. Kevin Quackenbush, San Diego Padres – Quackenbush could get the call if Benoit is still unavailable on Saturday.