Stalking the rare Houston save, with Chia-Jen Lo

August 14, 2013

Houston Astros — One challenge in figuring out the Houston bullpen is that they win so very rarely — last night’s victory was but their second in August and fifth in over a month. This time, it was Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia-Jen Lo who got the call for the save, although he was inches away from losing the game to a Chris Young home run. It’s likely still a committee arrangement, but we’ll be watching to see if Bo Porter rides Lo again. No hierarchy change.

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Milwaukee Brewers — Rob Wooten had 20 saves at AAA this year, and he’s been used in a couple tight eighth-inning spots over the past week. Meanwhile, John Axford hasn’t gotten a hold since he imploded back in late July. Hierarchy change: Rob Wooten to 2nd in line, replacing John Axford.

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Atlanta Braves — David Carpenter, claimed off waivers last November, has claimed the last two eighth-inning holds and is striking out more than 10 per 9 innings. Hierarchy change: David Carpenter to 2nd in line, replacing Luis Avilan.

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Jonathan Broxton, Cincinnati Reds — Aroldis Chapman has pitched on three straight days and J.J. Hoover worked 2.1 innings last night.
2. Brett Cecil, Toronto Blue Jays — Casey Janssen has pitched on three of the last four days, including a horrible outing on Monday.
3. Paco Rodriguez, Los Angeles Dodgers — Kenley Jansen didn’t look sharp last night, following up a four-out save on Monday with control struggles on Tuesday. A day of rest could be in his future.
4. David Purcey/Ramon Troncoso, Chicago White Sox — The top three relievers in Chicago’s pen all threw at least 29 pitches in Tuesday’s extra-inning slog; Purcey is probably the next-best option, with Troncoso as a backup plan.
5. Tommy Hunter, Baltimore Orioles — Jim Johnson had a very difficult ninth inning last night, blowing a save and hurling 30 pitches.