September 20, 2015
Chicago Cubs — Pedro Strop recorded the save yesterday after regular closer Hector Rondon got tossed for hitting the first batter in the ninth inning. Travis Wood ended up getting the start with Joe Maddon only using members of his bullpen for the game. We expect Wood to see more time in the later innings during normal games, but another guy to keep an eye on is Neil Ramirez, who returned from the DL on Thursday and pitched a scoreless inning.
Hierarchy remains: Rondon | Strop | Wood.
Detroit Tigers — The Tigers went to Bruce Rondon in the eighth inning last night to try and protect a one run lead, and he couldn’t do it. Rondon gave up a run for the fourth time in his last five appearances, and his ERA is up to 6.00 on the season. Manager Brad Ausmus said not to “read anything into” Rondon being used in the eighth. The Tigers aren’t going anywhere this season so they want to try and give Rondon every opportunity to show what he can do over the last part of the season. However, he is making it tough to keep sending him out there, even in a lost season, and Alex Wilson could see some saves in the future.
Hierarchy remains: Rondon | Wilson | Hardy.
Boston Red Sox – Robbie Ross picked up his third save of the season yesterday. Ross has now recorded all three of Boston’s save in the month of September and, despite allowing two runs in his most recent outing, he is close to shedding the committee label.
Hierarchy remains: *Ross | Machi | Ogando.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Edwin Jackson, Atlanta Braves – Arodys Vizcaino has pitched in two straight, throwing a total of 46 pitches.
2. Nate Jones, Chicago White Sox – David Robertson has pitched in two of the last three games, and has thrown 48 pitches and given up five runs during those outings.