John Axford gets the first post-Ottavino save chance for Colorado

April 28, 2015

Colorado Rockies — As we told you last night, John Axford was first in line to get a save opportunity with Adam Ottavino headed to the disabled list. Rafael Betancourt could also get some chances, but if you must ride with a Rockies closer, the Ax Man is the choice. And we’re sorry.

Updated hierarchy: Axford | Betancourt | Logan.

Miami Marlins — Steve Cishek coughed up three runs in the ninth inning on Monday, ruining Jarrod Cosart’s spectacular start. After the game, Cosart had his teammate’s back, reminding the media how effective Cishek has been in his relatively short career as a closer. With A.J. Ramos pitching lights-out in a setup role, however, Miami won’t stick with Cishek forever, especially given his atrocious trend line. Expect to see him discussed on the Hot Seat this week.

Hierarchy remains: Cishek | Ramos | Dunn.

Toronto Blue Jays – The Jays’ bullpen fell apart late against the Red Sox last night; Roberto Osuna gave up the tying run in the eighth, and Miguel Castro surrendered a walk-off single in the ninth. After the game, John Gibbons said that Brett Cecil would have gotten the save opportunity, had one arisen, although he still has full confidence in Castro. It’s anybody’s guess who will have the edge going forward, but we’ll edge Cecil to the front of what clearly remains a committee.

Updated hierarchy: *Cecil | Castro | Osuna.
*closer-by-committee

Kansas City Royals — Even with Greg Holland’s injury, the Royals have had the best bullpen in the majors this season — and a substantial part of that has been the work of Ryan Madson, out of baseball since 2011 with a series of arm injuries and not even expected to make the Opening Day roster. Madson now has 11 strikeouts in eight appearances, and will continue to get important innings for Kansas City.

Updated hierarchy: Davis | Herrera | Madson.

New York Yankees — Another great outing for Dellin Betances and Andrew Miller. In 19.2 innings, the two have now allowed no earned runs and eight hits, while striking out 32.

Hierarchy remains: Miller | Betances | Martin.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Joba Chamberlain, Detroit Tigers
— Joakim Soria has gone in three straight.
2. Edward Mujica, Boston Red Sox
 — 40-year-old Koji Uehara has pitched on three of the last four days.
3. A.J. Ramos, Miami Marlins — Steve Cishek has pitched in three out of four.
4. Brett Cecil, Toronto Blue Jays — As noted above, Cecil would have gotten the save chance last night.
5. Pedro Baez/Chris Hatcher, Los Angeles Dodgers — Yimi Garcia was called on in the eighth on Monday. Things are still in flux in the late innings in LA.