September 20, 2014
Minnesota Twins – The Twins will indeed shut down Glen Perkins for the remainder of the season — the lefty has nerve inflammation in his elbow. Expect Jared Burton will likely get the bulk of the save opps the rest of the way, with Casey Fien also potentially getting a chance here or there.
Updated hierarchy: Burton | Fien | Duensing.
San Diego Padres — Joaquin Benoit is available again for the Padres but may not be used in save opportunities immediately. Manager Bud Black reiterated that Benoit is their closer, but since he hasn’t pitched since August 26th, they might ease him back into the role. Kevin Quackenbush should continue to see some save chances until Benoit is ready to take over full time.
Hierarchy remains: Benoit | Quackenbush | Thayer.
St. Louis Cardinals — Trevor Rosenthal started the 9th inning last night with the Cardinals protecting a one run lead but after a walk and a hit, he was replaced by veteran Randy Choate. Choate got a big strikeout of Jay Bruce and then Seth Maness came on for the last out to pick up his third save of the season.
Hierarchy remains: Rosenthal | Neshek | Martinez.
Chicago White Sox — The White Sox brought Jake Petricka on to get the last two outs in the 8th. Lefty Eric Surkamp got the first out of the 9th, and then Zach Putnam recorded the last two outs to pick up the save.
Hierarchy remains: Petricka | Putnam | Guerra.
New York Yankees — Adam Warren recorded his third save of the season last night. David Robertson and Dellin Betances were both given the night after pitching back-to-back games.
Update hierarchy: Robertson | Betances | Warren.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Pat Neshek, St. Louis Cardinals – Trevor Rosenthal has pitched in two straight and three of the last four.
2. Tony Watson, Pittsburgh Pirates – Mark Melancon has appeared in back-to-back games and three of the last four.
3. Kevin Quackenbush, San Diego Padres – Joaquin Benoit is back but might not close immediately.
