August 17, 2015
Seattle Mariners – After a successful recent stretch in AAA, Danny Farquhar returned to the big leagues over the weekend and picked up a save in extra innings on Sunday. At the moment, he doesn’t factor in to the usual late-inning plans in Seattle, but given Carson Smith’s struggles (he blew another save on Sunday), Farquhar could become an option for Lloyd McClendon. A resume that includes “past closer experience” still plays pretty well among most MLB managers.
Hierarchy remains: Smith | Rodney | Wilhelmsen.
Chicago White Sox – Nate Jones got the 8th inning in a 3-run game on Sunday, striking out the side ahead of David Robertson. Jones has been electric since returning to the big leagues, and has shown that he still has “closer-in-waiting” stuff. Look for him to share 8th inning duties with Zach Duke going forward — if Jones hasn’t passed him already, that is.
Updated hierarchy: Robertson | Jones | Duke.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Will Smith, Milwaukee Brewers – Francisco Rodriguez has pitched in four straight.
2. Fernando Rodney, Seattle Mariners – Carson Smith threw 40 pitches last night.