Luke Gregerson and Rex Brothers move into 9th inning roles; Tom Wilhelmsen struggling

June 2, 2013

Seattle Mariners – Tom Wilhelmsen blew his third save in four chances on Sunday, walking the bases loaded and then allowing a walk-off triple.  Eric Wedge didn’t say anything ominous about Wilhelmsen’s job security after the game, saying that closers go through rough spots throughout the season, but should Wilhelmsen blow another save or two, Wedge will have to start considering 8th inning man Carter Capps instead.  Also in the conversation is Charlie Furbush, whose high strikeout totals (31 Ks in 23 innings) probably make him a better 9th inning candidate than Oliver Perez.  Hierarchy change: Charlie Furbush to 2nd in line, replacing Oliver Perez.  Tom Wilhelmsen to Hot Seat.

.
Atlanta Braves – Jordan Walden now has three perfect innings since returning from the disabled list, including a clean 10th last night which earned him the win when the Braves walked off.  He might not become the team’s 8th inning guy for a while — Cory Gearrin and Luis Avilan have pitched well in that role — but now that he’s shown that he’s healthy, his previous closing experience gives him the edge for saves should anything happen to Craig Kimbrel.  Hierarchy change: Jordan Walden to Set-up, Cory Gearrin to 2nd in line. 

.
San Diego Padres – On the night that Huston Street was placed on the DL with a strained calf, Luke Gregerson got the call in the 9th inning.  Bud Black said that both Gregerson and Dale Thayer could be used in the 9th inning in Street’s absence, though “Luke is probably the guy we will turn to more.”  Hierarchy change: Luke Gregerson to Closer, Dale Thayer to Set-up, Joe Thatcher to 2nd in line, Huston Street to DL.

.
Colorado Rockies – Rafael Betancourt hit the DL on Sunday, meaning more save chances for Rex Brothers.  Brothers, who is having a remarkable season so far (0.36 ERA), assumed his role immediately last night, pitching the 9th inning of a tie game.  Hierarchy change: Rex Brothers to Closer, Wilton Lopez to Set-up, Matt Belisle to 2nd in line, Rafael Betancourt to DL.

.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Dale Thayer, San Diego Padres – Luke Gregerson has pitched three innings over the last two days, and might get the day off today.
2. Hector Ambriz, Houston Astros – Jose Veras has pitched in two straight and five of the last six.
3. Carter Capps/Charlie Furbush, Seattle Mariners – Tom Wilhelmsen has pitched in two straight and three of the last four, throwing 57 pitches in the process.  Especially given the rough outing yesterday, he might get a day off today.
4. Kenley Jansen, Los Angeles Dodgers – Though Don Mattingly said yesterday that Brandon League is still his closer, that hasn’t previously stopped him from using Kenley Jansen in a tight spot in the 9th.