Tigers could use their offday to demote Francisco Rodriguez

May 8, 2017

Detroit Tigers – After Francisco Rodriguez’s blown save on Sunday — his fourth blown save of the year — Brad Ausmus told reporters that he was going to have an internal discussion about the closer role before he announces any decisions. We don’t know anything more yet, but it feels like Ausmus may have already made up his mind about a closer change, and just wants to tell his clubhouse before he shares the news with media. Justin Wilson is the clear top choice to replace K-Rod; Alex Wilson is the darkhorse, and could get the surprise appointment if Ausmus wants to keep Justin Wilson in a more flexible role.

Hierarchy remains: Rodriguez | J.Wilson | A.Wilson.

Minnesota Twins – The Minnesota bullpen got all kinds of beat up on Sunday, with set-up man Matt Belisle taking the worst of it — he allowed 6 ERs in just 0.2 IP, which ballooned his ERA to 9.00. That makes two terrible outings for Belisle in his last six appearances, and while we won’t remove him from the first in line spot yet, keep an eye on Tyler Duffey, who has the best stats of any Twins reliever across the board and could be tapped for higher-leverage spots any day now.

Updated hierarchy: Kintzler | Belisle | Duffey.

St. Louis Cardinals – Kevin Siegrist picked up the save in the 14th inning on Sunday. Almost every other Cardinals reliever had already pitched to that point, but it was still a nice outing for the embattled lefty, who has now gone seven straight appearances without allowing a run. Perhaps even more significant is that he has walked only one hitter in that span, after opening the year with 10 BBs in 6.1 IPs. Siegrist was an elite set-up man last year, and if he’s worked out his issues, he could return to that status in short order.

Hierarchy remains: Oh | Rosenthal | Bowman.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Dellin Betances – Aroldis Chapman threw 36 pitches last night.
2. Andrew Miller/Bryan Shaw – Cody Allen has gone back to back games, throwing 20 pitches each night.

Tomorrow
1. Trevor Rosenthal – If Seung-Hwan Oh goes today, it’ll be three straight.
2. Joe Smith – If Roberto Osuna goes today, it’ll be back to back and three of four.
3. Andrew Miller/Bryan Shaw – Allen, Miller, or Shaw could all be used Tuesday depending on how the game shakes out today.