June 24, 2015
Toronto Blue Jays – Brett Cecil was removed from the closer role, said John Gibbons on Tuesday afternoon. Roberto Osuna was unavailable last night but, along with Steve Delabar, will also get opportunities going forward. Gibbons did not want to define roles, but he did mention that he plans to move hard-throwing righty Bo Schultz to the late innings, giving the 29-year-old more responsibility.
Updated hierarchy: *Osuna | Delabar | Schultz.
* = closer-by-committee
Los Angeles Dodgers — Joel Peralta’s first game back from the DL did not go as smoothly as he would have liked. He loaded the bases without recording an out before Kenley Jansen was called on to put out the fire. Jansen got one out before surrendering the walk-off sac fly. Peralta’s return is a welcome sign in the beat-up Dodger bullpen, and he probably should have been given an easier first inning than the 10th in a 0-0 game.
Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Garcia | Peralta.
Chicago White Sox — Jake Petricka finished the 8th inning with a two-run lead, and when the White Sox ran the lead to four in the top of the 9th, he stayed on to pick up the save. Robertson was available, but the lack of a new save opportunity kept him out of this one.
Hierarchy remains: Robertson | Duke | Petricka.
Oakland Athletics – With Tyler Clippard unavailable after throwing nearly 60 pitches this past weekend, it was Drew Pomeranz who took the 8th inning and stayed on for the 9th to earn his first career save. Clippard should be available today after two days off to recover.
Hierarchy remains: Clippard | Scribner | Pomeranz.
New York Mets — Although the Mets lost last night, Jeurys Familia was available to pitch if called on after leaving with an injury last week. Because they were behind, Familia wasn’t used, but Bobby Parnell did put up a scoreless third of an inning to keep his ERA at 0.00 on the season.
Hierarchy remains: Familia | Parnell | Robles.
New York Yankees — Dellin Betances had a forgettable outing last night. After striking out two hitters in the 8th, he lost his command and surrendered four runs on two hits and two hit batsmen to take his first loss of the year. As a show of how good he has been, the four runs quintupled his ERA from 0.25 to 1.25. He should continue to get the 9th inning while Andrew Miller is out, but Miller plans to play catch today.
Hierarchy remains: Betances | Wilson | Shreve.
Tampa Bay Rays — Brad Boxberger continues to be the most valuable member of the Rays’ bullpen, as he locked down his fourth straight save despite allowing a solo home run. We’ll keep the asterisk because manager Kevin Cash can go to Jake McGee or Kevin Jepsen at any point, but Boxberger is the man to own in Tampa.
Hierarchy remains: *Boxberger | McGee | Jepsen.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. J.J. Hoover, Cincinnati Reds – Aroldis Chapman is out on paternity leave until Thursday.
2. Justin Wilson, New York Yankees – Dellin Betances threw 27 pitches last night and may need the afternoon off.