September 18, 2015
Houston Astros — Closer Luke Gregerson will be back with the Astros on Friday after missing Wednesday and Thursday’s games due to the birth of his first child. No word as yet on whether taking only two days off makes Gregerson less of a “wuss” than Trevor Rosenthal.
Hierarchy remains: Gregerson | Neshek | Harris.
Chicago Cubs — The Closer Monkey went bananas Thursday when he correctly predicted a vulture save for the Cubs, but saw Travis Wood performing the honors over Fernando Rodney. Hector Rondon and Pedro Strop had been busy recently, so Joe Maddon elected to go with Wood, who picked up his second save with a clean eighth and ninth (5 Ks). He’s probably the second in line for Maddon for similar situations in the future.
Updated hierarchy: Rondon | Strop | Wood.
Baltimore Orioles — Manager Buck Showalter gave closer Zach Britton another day off after a recent heavy workload, so Darren O’Day was able to corral his third save of the season Thursday. O’Day, whom Showalter called the “leader of that bullpen” and “good people,” has been outstanding this year (1.54 ERA, 0.98 WHIP) and may get some serious looks in free agency in the offseason.
Hierarchy remains: Britton | O’Day | Brach.
Washington Nationals — Jonathan Papelbon was unavailable for Thursday’s game due to a high fever. If Papelbon is unavailable again Friday, look for Matt Thornton, Felipe Rivero or Casey Janssen to get the save chance.
Hierarchy remains: Papelbon | Thornton | Rivero.
Chicago White Sox — Staked to a 2-1 lead in the ninth inning on Thursday, closer David Robertson gave up a three-run home run of sorts to Billy Butler (I bet Avisail Garcia wishes he had that one back) for his seventh blown save. Robertson has allowed seven runs (five earned) in the last four days, and could need a night off to clear his head.
Hierarchy remains: Robertson | Jones | Duke.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Pat Neshek, Houston Astros — There’s a chance new father Luke Gregerson won’t be available Friday, in which case any save opportunity would go to Neshek.
2. Matt Thornton, Washington Nationals — Jonathan Papelbon was unavailable Thursday due to a high fever. If he’s out again, Thornton could get the call for the Nationals. Felipe Rivero or Casey Janssen are candidates, too.
3. Nate Jones, Chicago White Sox — As mentioned above, David Robertson may need a night off after a rough couple of outings. If that’s the case, look for Nate Jones to get the save chance Friday night.
4. Jean Machi, Boston Red Sox — His stint with the Red Sox has been less than impressive, but he has run together a string of scoreless appearances (6 IP over 5 games) and could see another look at closer before the season comes to an end.