June 29, 2014
Chicago White Sox – Zach Putnam recorded his first career save on Saturday. He got the last out of the 8th inning and then came back out for the 9th to finish the game. Putnam has been effective against both righties and lefties this season so we think he is the best option to close games. However, Jake Petricka was warming up in the bullpen in the 9th inning yesterday and Robin Ventura has said they will mix and match so this is still very much a committee. We will move Putnam to the top of the committee but it could be anybody getting the next save opportunity.
Updated hierarchy: Putnam | Petricka | Guerra.
San Francisco Giants — Sergio Romo blew his 5th save of the season last night, giving up a 2 run homer to Brandon Phillips. After the game, manager Bruce Bochy said he wouldn’t answer questions about whether Romo would get the next save, but he did say it was something they would talk about. Santiago Casilla has an ERA just over 1.00 and could be in line for some save opportunities if the Giants want to give Romo a break from closing.
Sergio Romo to Hot Seat.
Tampa Bay Rays – Jake McGee picked up his second save in two days on Saturday. Grant Balfour worked the 8th inning ahead of McGee in game 1 of the doubleheader on Friday and did it again yesterday. It is also worth noting that Joel Peralta gave up 2 runs in the 7th inning with the Rays losing in game 2 of the doubleheader on Friday. McGee looks to be moving ahead of the other members of the Rays committee and could be establishing himself as the primary closer.
Hierarchy remains: McGee | Balfour | Peralta.
Oakland Athletics – Sean Doolittle’s scoreless inning streak ended at 26 yesterday, as he blew a one run lead in the 9th inning. Jeff Francis ended up getting the save in the 14th inning, but he does not factor into the A’s normal late inning bullpen plans.
Hierarchy Remains: Doolittle | Gregerson | Otero.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Jake Petricka, Chicago White Sox – The White Sox are using a committee and Zach Putnam has pitched in 2 straight and 3 of the last 4.
2. Jonathan Broxton, Cincinnati Reds – Aroldis Chapman blew the save yesterday and has pitched 4 games in a row.
3. Brandon Kintzler, Milwaukee Brewers – K-Rod and Will Smith have both appeared in 3 straight games.