July 25, 2013
Texas Rangers – Neal Cotts picked up his second straight 8th-inning hold on Wednesday, and even helped the Rangers get through the 9th, retiring the first two hitters before Joe Nathan was summoned to get the final out. Though Joakim Soria obviously has a huge edge when it comes to experience, the Rangers are still being cautious with the oft-injured righty, and he’s only thrown 4 innings since returning to the big leagues on July 7. Cotts, meanwhile, now sports a 0.91 ERA, a 0.91 WHIP, and is striking out more than a batter per inning. Hierarchy change: Neal Cotts to 2nd in line, replacing Joakim Soria.
| . | Closer | . | Set-Up | . | 2nd in line | . | 2014 Closer | . | Updated | |
| TEX | Joe Nathan | Tanner Scheppers | Joakim Soria | Joe Nathan | 7/25/13 |
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Oakland A’s – Grant Balfour got the day off on Wednesday, and Ryan Cook picked up the save in his absence. Nothing to see here. No hierarchy change.
| . | Closer | . | Set-Up | . | 2nd in line | . | 2014 Closer | . | Updated | |
| OAK | Grant Balfour | Ryan Cook | Sean Doolittle | Ryan Cook | 7/25/13 |
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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Tanner Scheppers, Texas Rangers – Joe Nathan has pitched in three straight.
2. Tony Watson/Justin Wilson, Pittsburgh Pirates – Mark Melancon has pitched in back to back games and four of five.
3. John Axford, Milwaukee Brewers – If the Brewers are truly alternating save chances, then it’s Axford’s turn; Henderson got the save last night.
4. Scott Downs, Los Angeles Angels – Ernesto Frieri has pitched in two straight, throwing 47 pitches.
5. Pedro Strop, Chicago Cubs – Kevin Gregg threw 40 pitches last night over two innings.