Arizona going closer-by-committee; Tom Wilhelmsen struggling

July 12, 2013

Tampa Bay Rays – Fernando Rodney had the night off on Thursday, and Jake McGee who got the save in his absence.  The opp likely would’ve gone to Joel Peralta, but Peralta had to be summoned in the 8th inning to bail the Rays out of a sticky situation.  But McGee has been pitching very well lately, having only allowed 3 runs in his last 24.2 innings, and his usage over the past week suggest that he’s basically sharing the set-up role with Peralta at this point.  No hierarchy change.

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Seattle Mariners – Tom Wilhelmsen has had two rough outings in a row, giving up two runs in a blowout on Wednesday and taking an extra-inning loss on Thursday.  He hasn’t done much to seize back the closer role since being re-appointed earlier this month.  Tom Wilhelmsen to Hot Seat.

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Arizona Diamondbacks – Heath Bell has lost his hold on the closer’s role, and the D-Backs are going to a closer by committee. Arizona will be playing matchups for the time being, but Brad Ziegler was brought in to close the game tonight, and sports a 2.49 ERA, the best of the relievers in the Arizona pen. He has some experience closing from his days in Oakland, and it is likely that he will be given some opportunities going forward. Former closer J.J. Putz could find himself back in that role as well, as he had pitched the last two games and Gibson ruled him out before the game. Hierarchy change: Brad Ziegler to Closer, replacing Heath Bell.

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Yoervis Medina, Seattle Mariners – Tom Wilhelmsen has had two rough outings in a row, giving up two runs in a blowout on Wednesday and taking an extra-inning loss on Thursday.  He’ll likely get the day off today, as will Oliver Perez, who threw 30 pitches last night.  Medina is the best bet for a save chance tonight.
2. J.J. Putz, Arizona Diamondbacks – Brad Ziegler has pitched in three straight, and Putz might be sharing the closer role at this point anyway.  He’s the best bet to get the call tonight.