May 8, 2014
Oakland A’s — Jim Johnson got the ball in the ninth inning with a 2-0 lead, and retired the side to record just his second save of the season. An easy final three outs hasn’t been Johnson’s strong suit, but it appears as if he’ll get Oakland’s save opportunities moving forward. Should he slip again, expect Luke Gregerson to return to the ninth.
Hierarchy change: Johnson | Gregerson | Doolittle.
Chicago Cubs — Lunging didn’t agree with Pedro Strop’s groin, and now the righthander will hit the disabled list for as long as a month. Lefthander James Russell and former handlebar mustache aficionado Carlos Villanueva could stand to benefit; note also that Jose Veras, rehabbing from an oblique injury and a morbidly obese ERA, pitched a perfect inning on Tuesday in double-A.
Hierarchy change: Rondon | Grimm | Russell.
Baltimore Orioles — Converted starter Zach Britton continues to ascend in the Baltimore bullpen; he’s picked up two straight eighth-inning holds for the O’s.
Hierarchy change: Hunter | Britton | O’Day.
Washington Nationals — With another scoreless inning tonight, Rafael Soriano extended his streak to 25 straight games and innings. The last time he gave up an earned run — August 23, 2013 — was also the last time we had a legitimate Nats bullpen update. See you next year, Raf.
Hierarchy remains: Soriano | Clippard | Storen.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Cody Allen, Cleveland Indians — John Axford threw 26 pitches on Wednesday and has gone on four of the last five days.