Heath Bell struggles; Oakland committee humming along

April 14, 2014

Milwaukee Brewers – With Francisco Rodriguez and Jim Henderson both getting the night off, lefty Will Smith was summoned for the one-out save chance, striking out the only man he faced on three pitches.  He’s the slickest they is, but he’s unlikely to get any more save opportunities while K-Rod and Henderson are both sporting 0.00 ERAs.  No hierarchy change.

	.	Closer	.	Set-Up	.	2nd in line	.	2015 Closer	.	Updated
MIL		Francisco Rodriguez		Jim Henderson		Will Smith		Jim Henderson		4/14/14
						Brandon Kintzler (DL)

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Tampa Bay Rays – A day after Jake McGee got an 8th hold inning for the Rays, Heath Bell was called upon to pitch in the 7th of a game that the Rays were losing by four.  Bell didn’t help matters, allowing two earned runs and raising his season ERA to 5.40.  His peripherals aren’t great so far, either, and at age 36, he’s got to start proving that he still belongs.  Hierarchy change: Jake McGee to 2nd in line, replacing Heath Bell.

	.	Closer	.	Set-Up	.	2nd in line	.	2015 Closer	.	Updated
TB		Grant Balfour		Joel Peralta		Heath Bell		Grant Balfour		4/14/14

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Texas Rangers – Joakim Soria was unavailable after pitching in back to back games, so Alexi Ogando got the save in his place.  With Neftali Feliz still in the minors, Ogando would have little competition for the closer gig should something happen to Soria.  No hierarchy change.

	.	Closer	.	Set-Up	.	2nd in line	.	2015 Closer	.	Updated
TEX		Joakim Soria		Alexi Ogando		Neal Cotts		Joakim Soria		4/14/14

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Luke Gregerson, Oakland A’s – On Saturday, Sean Doolittle got the 8th and Luke Gregerson got the 9th. Roles were reversed on Sunday, and both times, the duo got it done. We’ve still got Doolittle as our listed closer, but until the A’s decide to give Jim Johnson another chance, either of these two could get the call on any given night.
2. B.J. Rosenberg, Philadelphia Phillies – Both Jonathan Papelbon and Antonio Bastardo have pitched in three straight.