August 2, 2014
Baltimore Orioles — One day after trading for Andrew Miller, the Orioles threw their new big lefty reliever out there in the 8th inning to protect a one run lead. He was brought on after a walk to Austin Jackson put the tying run on base and two lefties were due up next. Miller has the ability to get out both righties and lefties but with right-handers O’Day and Hunter already in the back end of the O’s bullpen, Miller should get the call mostly against lefties in the later innings. That being said, if anything were to happen to closer Zach Britton, Miller would likely be in the mix for saves.
Hierarchy remains: Britton | O’Day | Hunter.
Tampa Bay Rays – In his second appearance since coming off the DL, Joel Peralta struck out the side on only 10 pitches. McGee seems to have established himself as the Rays’ closer, but Joel Peralta could work his way back towards the set-up role with more outings like that.
Hierarchy remains: McGee | Boxberger | Balfour.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Aaron Crow, Kansas City Royals – Greg Holland and Wade Davis have both pitched in three straight.
2. Ronald Belisario, Chicago White Sox – Jake Petricka has pitched in two straight and three of the last four
3. Sam LeCure, Cincinnati Reds – Aroldis Chapman and Jonathan Broxton have both pitched in two straight and four of the last five.