August 16, 2015
Detroit Tigers — Blaine Hardy and Alex Wilson combined to pitch a scoreless eighth inning and it was Bruce Rondon again who got the call in the ninth. However, this time Rondon was unable to convert the save opportunity, as he blew the one run lead by giving up a leadoff home run. He did finish the inning strong by striking out the final two batters to preserve the tie. Neftali Feliz ended up recording the save after the Tigers took the lead in the eleventh inning.
Hierarchy remains: *Rondon | Wilson | Hardy.
* = closer-by-committee
Chicago Cubs — Justin Grimm got the last out of the seventh inning and then pitched the eighth inning ahead of closer Hector Rondon yesterday. Grimm has yet to allow a run in August and has racked up a win, a save, and four holds so far this month. With an ERA just over 1.00, Grimm should continue to see work in the later innings for the Cubs.
Updated hierarchy: Rondon | Strop | Grimm.
New York Mets – Carlos Torres pitched a perfect seventh inning in a tie game yesterday. Torres has given up zero earned runs over his last eleven innings, picking up two wins during that time. Meanwhile, Bobby Parnell took the loss on Thursday after he gave up three hits and two runs without recording an out. Parnell has only one strikeout versus four walks in her last 4.1 innings and it will be hard for the Mets to trust him in tight situations with those type of numbers.
Updated hierarchy: Familia | Clippard | Torres.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Will Smith/Jeremy Jeffress, Milwaukee Brewers – Francisco Rodriguez has pitched in three straight.
2. Pedro Strop, Chicago Cubs – Hector Rondon has pitched in two straight and three of four.
3. Joakim Soria, Pittsburgh Pirates – Mark Melancon has pitched in three straight
4. Alex Wilson, Detroit Tigers – Bruce Rondon blew the save yesterday so Wilson could get a shot today.
5. Josh Fields, Houston Astros – Luke Gregerson and Pat Neshek have both appeared in the last two games and three of the last four.