Seattle bullpen melts down; Sergio Santos finally returns

August 2, 2013

Seattle Mariners – Tom Wilhelmsen led the Seattle bullpen to one of the most epic collapses of the season thus far, as he, Oliver Perez, and Yoervis Medina combined to allow six runs in the 9th inning in an 8-7 loss to the Red Sox.  The three relievers combined to retire only one hitter in the walkoff loss.  Wilhelmsen allowed four baserunners without recording an out, and then after a bizarre sequence that saw interim manager Robby Thompson summon the wrong reliever by accident, Perez and Medina wrapped up the futility clinic by combining to allow four more hits and a walk.  The only real beneficiary here was Charlie Furbush, who had an stellar-by-comparison 8th inning, where he allowed just one run on a hit and a walk.  Wilhelmsen, whose ratios have been terrible all year (47.1 IP, 35 Ks, 26 BBs), won’t hold on to his job with another outing or two like this.  Hierarchy change: Charlie Furbush to Set-up, Oliver Perez to 2nd in line.  Tom Wilhelmsen to Hot Seat.

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Toronto Blue Jays – Sergio Santos finally returned to the big leagues on Thursday after spending most of the season on the disabled list.  He’ll pitching middle relief at first, but given his contract and experience, the Blue Jays will likely elevate him to a set up role if he pitches well.  That’s no guarantee of course, as Santos was pretty awful during his rehab stint, posting a 6.17 ERA in 12 appearances.  No hierarchy change.

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. LaTroy Hawkins, New York Mets – Bobby Parnell has had a stiff neck for the last several days. He said yesterday that he expected to be available tonight, but if he can’t go, LaTroy Hawkins is the best bet for a save opp.