July 22, 2015
Detroit Tigers – Neftali Feliz was tasked to protect a two-run lead in the 8th inning on Tuesday, and it didn’t go so well. Feliz ambled his way to a pair of outs before he threw a wild pitch and allowed a grand slam to blow the save. Joakim Soria didn’t warm up at any point in the 8th. Ausmus defended his decision to stick with Feliz, curious as it was, and we’re curious how soon he’ll go back to the former closer in a high-leverage spot.
Hierarchy remains: Soria | Rondon | Alburquerque.
Atlanta Braves – Former Royals reliever Jason Frasor has been terrific in 2015, and he has posted two holds in three appearances with the Braves since being released by Kansas City. Meanwhile David Aardsma doesn’t have a hold since July 7.
Updated hierarchy: Johnson | Vizcaino | Frasor.
Toronto Blue Jays — Toronto signed Joba Chamberlain to a minor league deal, but Chamberlain is not the pitcher the Jays are excited to eventually have in their beleaguered bullpen. Aaron Sanchez made his final rehab appearance in Triple-A Buffalo on Tuesday, and the former starter will join a bullpen that is desperate for help. Manager John Gibbons said Sanchez could return as early as Thursday.
Hierarchy remains: Osuna | Delabar | Schultz.
Chicago Cubs – The Cubs and Reds needed 13 innings to settle Tuesday’s tilt, and Justin Grimm was the beneficiary, picking up his second save of the season. Both of his saves this season have come in the 12th inning or later.
Hierarchy remains: *Motte | Rondon | Soriano.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Pedro Strop, Chicago Cubs – Both Jason Motte and Hector Rondon pitched two innings on Tuesday and the Cubs and Reds are playing two on Wednesday.
2. Burke Badenhop, Cincinnati Reds – Aroldis Chapman has pitched a ton lately, and even though he had Tuesday night off, a Wednesday doubleheader may mean Badenhop gets a look. J.J. Hoover blew his vulture chance on Tuesday.
3. Arodys Vizcaino, Atlanta Braves – Jim Johnson has pitched in back-to-back games.
4. Fernando Rodney, Seattle Mariners – Carson Smith was needed for a four-out save on Tuesday, and while Rodney also pitched, Lloyd McClendon may be more apt to run Rodney into the ground than overwork Smith.
5. Wade Davis, Kansas City Royals – Greg Holland needed 21 pitches to earn a not-so-sharp save on Tuesday, and the best team in the AL may rest Holland.