June 29, 2015
Seattle Mariners – Fernando Rodney put up another scoreless outing on Sunday, which will give Lloyd McClendon more reason to do what he’s said he wants to do anyway — get his former closer back into the 9th inning. Should-be closer Carson Smith, meanwhile, finished off the 8th inning in a tie game. This remains a committee, but we’ll bump Rodney back to the top of the pile while aiming a scowl in McClendon’s general direction.
Updated hierarchy: *Rodney | Smith | Lowe.
* = closer-by-committee
Kansas City Royals – Greg Holland got the day off after pitching twice in a row, so Wade Davis picked up his 9th save of the year. Of course, you read the Vulture Save Watch yesterday, so you already knew this was going to happen, didn’t you?
Hierarchy remains: Holland | Davis | Herrera.
Chicago Cubs – Neil Ramirez, who had a stellar rookie campaign (1.44 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, 10.9 K/9) returned from the disabled list on Sunday and pitched a scoreless inning with 2 Ks. He could find his way into the hierarchy in a hurry, and could even fight his way into the Chicago closer committee if he returns to his 2014 form.
Hierarchy remains: *Rondon | Strop | Motte.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Joe Smith, Los Angeles Angels – Huston Street has pitched in back to back games and blew the save last night. Smith has also gone two straight, but has only thrown 13 total pitches in that span.
