May 19, 2014
Oakland A’s – A week ago today, Sean Doolittle got his second save of the season. Since then, the A’s haven’t had another save opportunity, but even before yesterday, it had started to appear that Doolittle was becoming the preferred option. Bob Melvin said on Wednesday that Doolittle would’ve gotten the save chance if there had been one that evening, and then Doolittle pitched the 9th inning in a 4-run game on Saturday. Meanwhile, Jim Johnson’s usage has been restricted to blowouts — the 9th inning of a 10-run game on Friday, and then the 6th inning of an 8-run game yesterday. In the latter appearance, Johnson walked 3 batters, hit a fourth, and then got yanked. Johnson appeared to be back on track earlier this month, but he’s fallen pretty far over the past week, and will probably have to string together a few strong appearances before he re-enters the conversation in Oakland. Look for Doolittle to be the main option for now, with Luke Gregerson getting the call if the A’s are facing a righty-heavy ninth inning.
Updated hierarchy: Doolittle | Gregerson | Johnson
Cleveland Indians – Speculators have spent the better part of the last week arguing the merits of Bryan Shaw vs Cody Allen, but in the meantime, John Axford has been quietly turning things around. Yesterday, he struck out the only two hitters he faced, bringing him to 3.1 scoreless, hitless innings (4 Ks, 2 BBs) since his demotion. With both Tito Francona and the other Indians relievers pulling for Axford to win his job back, the recent stretch might put him in line for saves again relatively soon.
Updated hierarchy: Shaw | Allen | Axford
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Cody Allen/John Axford, Cleveland Indians – Still a committee until further notice.