April 25, 2014
New York Mets – Kyle Farnsworth had the day off yesterday, and Terry Collins proved he wasn’t kidding when he said Daisuke Matsuzaka could be an option to close games. Matsuzaka recorded his first career save yesterday. Carlos Torres has been pitching very well in the 8th and it looks like this could be one of those situations where the manager would rather not mess with his 8th inning guy. Dice K should continue to get the call when Farnsworth is not available. Hierarchy change: Daisuke Matsuzaka to Set-up, Carlos Torres to 2nd in line.
| . | Closer | . | Set-Up | . | 2nd in line | . | 2015 Closer | . | Updated | |
| NYM | Kyle Farnsworth | Daisuke Matsuzaka | Carlos Torres | Bobby Parnell | 4/25/14 | |||||
| Bobby Parnell (DL) |
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Milwaukee Brewers – The Brewers have activated Brandon Kintzler from the DL. Kintzler should jump right back into important spots in the 7th and 8th innings ahead of closer K-rod. Hierarchy change: Brandon Kintzler to 2nd in line, replacing Will Smith.
| . | Closer | . | Set-Up | . | 2nd in line | . | 2015 Closer | . | Updated | |
| MIL | Francisco Rodriguez | Jim Henderson | Brandon Kintzler | Jim Henderson | 4/25/14 |
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Cincinnati Reds – Sam LeCure struck out the side in the 8th inning last night and lowered his ERA under 1.00 on the season. Manny Parra picked up a save earlier this season but has given up runs in 3 of his last 4 appearances. On another note, closer Aroldis Chapman threw batting practice. He is scheduled to throw BP again on Saturday and could head out on a rehab assignment after that. Hierarchy change: Sam LeCure to Set-up, replacing Manny Parra.
| . | Closer | . | Set-Up | . | 2nd in line | . | 2015 Closer | . | Updated | |
| CIN | Jonathan Broxton | Sam LeCure | Sean Marshall | Aroldis Chapman | 4/25/14 | |||||
| Aroldis Chapman (DL) |
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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Sean Marshall, Cincinnati Reds — Jonathan Broxton and Sam LeCure have both pitched 2 days in a row.
2. Hector Rondon, Chicago Cubs — The Cubs could finally give Hector Rondon a chance to close today after Strop really struggled in his last outing.
3. Chad Qualls/Matt Albers, Houston Astros — Josh Fields blew his last save chance, and Matt Albers has been unavailable the last couple days. Chad Qualls could get a shot tonight if there is a save opportunity.
4. Sean Doolittle, Oakland A’s — Oakland is still going based on match-ups so Doolittle could get the call on any night. Jim Johnson has been pitching better and could be working his way back into a 9th inning option.