June 28, 2014
Chicago White Sox – Jake Petricka came on to get the last two outs of the 9th inning and preserve a White Sox win. After the game Robin Ventura said they don’t have a closer right now. He did mention that Petricka would be used in the later innings, but that this could be a tight spot in the 7th or 8th, and not always the 9th inning. It sounds like a committee right now, but we will continue to monitor this to see if anybody emerges as the primary closer.
Updated hierarchy: Petricka | Putnam | Guerra.
Pittsburgh Pirates — Ernesto Frieri has been traded to the Pirates in a swap of former closers. Mark Melancon just became the Pirates closer a week ago, and he should hang on to the job for now. However, the Pirates like Frieri’s stuff, so if he can get back on track, he could challenge Melancon for saves.
Updated hierarchy: Melancon | Frieri | Watson.
Los Angeles Angels — The Angels have acquired former Pirates closer Jason Grilli. Grilli has struggled recently, so it is unlikely that he will immediately take over as the closer for the Angels. However, the Angels would prefer to have more flexibility in when they bring in Joe Smith, so if Grilli can string together a couple good outings, he could become the closer.
Updated hierarchy: Smith | Grilli | Jepsen.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Zach Putnam/Javy Guerra, Chicago White Sox – For now it looks like a committee in Chicago, so anybody could get the call in the 9th.
2. Jonathan Broxton, Cincinnati Reds – Aroldis Chapman has pitched in 3 straight.
3. Jeurys Familia, New York Mets – Jenrry Mejia pitched 2 innings last night.
4. Joel Peralta, Tampa Bay Rays – Jake McGee recorded the save in the first game of the doubleheader yesterday so it could be Joel Peralta’s turn in the committee today.