Hector Ambriz struggling; LaTroy Hawkins still hasn’t walked a batter all year

May 10, 2013

New York Mets – Up by 1 run in the 8th inning on Thursday, the Mets went to veteran LaTroy Hawkins for the high-leverage hold.  Hawkins surrendered a solo home run, but despite the blown save, the Mets may continue to use him in important late inning spots, as he’s become a reliable man in an otherwise-shaky bullpen.  Prior to yesterday, Hawkins (3.00 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 14 Ks, 0 BBs) had gone 10 straight appearances without allowing a run.  In other Mets news this week, manager Terry Collins said that Bobby Parnell would continue closing even after Frank Francisco’s return.  Hierarchy change: LaTroy Hawkins to 2nd in line, replacing Brandon Lyon.  Frank Francisco to Set-up (DL). 

    |Closer      |Set-Up      |2nd In Line |2014 Closer |Updated
NYM |Parnell     |Rice        |Hawkins     |Parnell     |5/10/13
                 |Francisc(DL)|

 
Houston Astros – Hector Ambriz had a terrible outing on Thursday, taking the loss after allowing 4 baserunners while only recording one out; his ERA had climbed to 6.23 by night’s end.  Hierarchy change: Wesley Wright to Set-up, Hector Ambriz to 2nd in line.

    |Closer      |Set-Up      |2nd In Line |2014 Closer |Updated
HOU |Veras       |Wright      |Ambriz      |Veras       |5/10/13

 
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. David Hernandez, Arizona Diamondbacks – Heath Bell has pitched in three straight.
2. David Robertson, New York Yankees – Mariano Rivera has pitched on back to back nights and has yet to pitch on three straight days all year.