July 10, 2015
Seattle Mariners – Carson Smith needed only two pitches to record a save on Thursday night — entering with two outs in the 9th and the bases loaded, he retired Kole Calhoun on a groundout. With the Mariners sporting a 7-2 lead, that appearance made him juuuust barely eligible for his sixth save of the year. We will happily use this as an excuse to bump him back to the top of the closer committee; Fernando Rodney was used in the 8th inning and gave up a solo HR.
Updated hierarchy: *Smith | Rodney | Lowe.
* = closer-by-committee.
Texas Rangers – Neftali Feliz cleared waivers on Thursday and now can accept his assignment to the Rangers minor league system or can become a free agent. Feliz (4.58 ERA, 1.68 WHIP) is still only 27 and if he elects free agency, he could help out a team that needs help in the late innings. He would also give up the remainder of his $4.3 million salary, so he’s got some thinking to do.
Hierarchy remains: Tolleson | Scheppers | Kela.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Joe Smith, Los Angeles Angels – Huston Street will be out until the All-Star break, so Joe Smith will get the bulk of the save chances moving forward.
2. Bryan Shaw, Cleveland Indians – Cody Allen has pitched two straight nights. Manager Terry Francona could give Allen, who battled a back issue earlier this week, a rest Friday night and turn to Bryan Shaw.
3. Fernando Rodney, Seattle Mariners – Lloyd McClendon is still rooting for him, after all.
