Jonathan Papelbon crotch grab earns him a 7-game suspension

September 15, 2014

Philadelphia Phillies — Jonathan Papelbon’s homage to Michael Jackson has earned him a seven-game suspension, starting tonight in San Diego. Ken Giles is the man to own in the Philly pen for the next week — and perhaps thereafter. The Phillies have tired of Papelbon’s antics, issuing a statement that oozes with contempt, and the team is well aware that his $13 million option for 2016 vests with another five games finished this season.

Updated hierarchy: Giles | Diekman | De Fratus.

 

Drew Storen now The Man in Washington

September 15, 2014

Washington Nationals – Sunday’s scoreless ninth marked four straight saves (and 16 straight scoreless appearances) for Drew Storen, which is enough for him to shake his asterisk for the time being. Given the righty’s recent dominance, it’s unlikely that Rafael Soriano reclaims his job.

Hierarchy remains: Storen | Clippard | Soriano.

Tampa Bay Rays – After Jake McGee blew the save in the 9th, Jeff Beliveau picked up the scraps once the Rays re-took the lead in the 10th. It was Beliveau’s first save.

Hierarchy remains: McGee | Boxberger | Balfour.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Ken Giles, Philadelphia Phillies – Jonathan Papelbon has pitched in three straight (and crotch-grabbed in one straight).
2. Dellin Betances, New York Yankees – David Robertson has pitched in three straight.

Cotts and Neshek record saves

September 14, 2014

Texas Rangers – The Rangers gave Neftali Feliz the night off after pitching two days in a row and Neal Cotts picked up his first save of the season.  Despite his recent struggles (and his 9 losses on the season), it looks like Cotts will get the first shot at saves when Feliz is unavailable.

Updated hierarchy: Feliz | Cotts | Tolleson.

St. Louis Cardinals — Pat Neshek got the last two outs of the 9th inning for his 6th save of the season last night.  Manager Mike Matheny said that he does not want to use closer Trevor Rosenthal or Neshek on consecutive days if he can avoid it the rest of the season.

Hierarchy remains: Rosenthal | Neshek | Martinez.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Dellin Betances, New York Yankees – David Robertson has pitched two days in a row, including a 5 out, 35 pitch outing on Friday.
2. Kevin Quackenbush, San Diego Padres – Joaquin Benoit is still out.

Sean Doolittle off DL, Uehara and Holland return

September 13, 2014

Oakland A’s – Closer Sean Doolittle returned from the DL yesterday.  Manager Bob Melvin said that everyone will return to their normal roles so it sounds like Doolittle will resume closing games immediately.

Updated hierarchy: Doolittle | O’Flaherty | Cook.

Boston Red Sox — Edward Mujica recorded another save on Friday night.  Meanwhile, Koji Uehara returned to throw a 1-2-3 8th inning.  It was Uehara’s first clean inning in almost a month.  Uehara will likely need a few more outings like that before he sees some save chances so Mujica should remain the closer for now.

Updated hierarchy: Mujica | Uehara | Tazawa.

Kansas City Royals — Greg Holland returned to the mound last night for the first time since September 3rd.  It was not a save situation but Holland did strike out the side.  Barring any setbacks with Holland’s triceps, he should immediately return to closing games.

Hierarchy remains: Holland | Davis | Herrera.

Tampa Bay Rays — Grant Balfour pitched a perfect 9th inning last night to record his first save since July 1st.  Jake McGee threw a perfect 8th inning and should continue to see the majority of save chances.  However, with Joel Peralta giving up 5 runs in his past two outings, Balfour could see more time in the later innings.

Updated hierarchy: McGee | Boxberger | Balfour.

San Diego Padres — Kevin Quackenbush picked up his third save of the season yesterday.  Benoit still wants to pitch again this season and he is scheduled to throw a bullpen on Sunday.

Hierarchy remains: Benoit | Quackenbush | Thayer.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Koji Uehara/Junichi Tazawa, Boston Red Sox – Edward Mujica has pitched three days in a row.
2. Jonathan Broxton, Milwaukee Brewers – K-Rod has appeared in four straight games.
3. Kevin Quackenbush, San Diego Padres – Quack got the save last night and Benoit is not expected to return until next week at the earliest.