September 24, 2014
Philadelphia Phillies — Jonathan Papelbon returned from his seven-game suspension on Tuesday. According to Ryne Sandberg, Papelbon will immediately return to the closer role, which should make for riveting television when the last-place Phillies close their season at home this weekend.
Updated hierarchy: Papelbon | Giles | Diekman.
Chicago White Sox — Jake Petricka gave back a game to the Tigers in the bottom of the ninth last night, but Robin Ventura and the White Sox brass still like him to close, both now and perhaps next year.
Hierarchy remains: Petricka | Putnam | Guerra.
San Francisco Giants — Incensed that beat writer Andrew Baggarly spilled the beans on an internecine feud between reliever Sergio Romo and coach Shawon Dunston, the Giants players are refusing to talk to any journalists if Baggarly is present. Ordinarily, we’d love to tell you all about the bench-clearing altercation with the Dodgers in Tuesday night’s game, but we just can’t afford to lose touch with Guillermo Quiroz again.
Hierarchy remains: Casilla | Romo | Strickland.
Pittsburgh Pirates — Tony Watson grabbed his second vulture save in three days as the Pirates continue their torrid run. Pittsburgh has won 16 of their last 19 games.
Hierarchy remains: Melancon | Watson | Holdzkom.
Texas Rangers — We told you Neal Cotts was likely to get Tuesday’s save. And then he went ahead and did it. You’re welcome, Internet.
Hierarchy remains: Feliz | Cotts | Mendez.
Los Angeles Angels — Joe Smith struggled on Tuesday night, but managed to tally his MLB-leading 66th scoreless appearance.
Hierarchy remains: Street | Smith | Jepsen.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Brian Wilson, Los Angeles Dodgers — We didn’t go 3-for-3 in yesterday’s Vulture Save Watch because LA turned to Kenley Jansen for a third straight day for only the third time all year. Don’t expect to see him Wednesday.
2. Jumbo Diaz, Cincinnati Reds — Aroldis Chapman needed 24 pitches to get the save last night, and he’s been used on three of four days.
3. Kevin Jepsen, Los Angeles Angels — Huston Street and Joe Smith have each been used in three of four.
4. Zach Putnam, Chicago White Sox — Jake Petricka had a rough outing on Tuesday, and has pitched in two straight games.
5. Rafael Soriano, Washington Nationals — Drew Storen threw 25 pitches on Tuesday. With their closest divisional challenger 5 games below .500 and NL homefield advantage nearly sewn up, the Nats might not work Storen or Tyler Clippard as hard over their final few games.
