September 24, 2013
St. Louis Cardinals — Over the weekend, the Cardinals demoted Edward Mujica from the closer role in favor of a committee, and on Monday night, erstwhile set-up man Trevor Rosenthal picked up its first save. Other possible committee members include Carlos Martinez, former closer John Axford, and lefty Kevin Siegrist — who got the first out of the ninth on Monday and hasn’t given up a run in nearly two months. Hierarchy change: Trevor Rosenthal to Closer, Kevin Siegrist to Set-Up.
| . | Closer | . | Set-Up | . | 2nd in line | . | 2014 Closer | . | Updated | |
| STL | Trevor Rosenthal | Kevin Siegrist | Carlos Martinez | Jason Motte | 9/24/13 |
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Tampa Bay Rays — After nearly three months on the disabled list, All-Star set-up man Jesse Crain was finally activated on Monday. If he’s truly healthy, he should soon pass Jake McGee as Tampa’s top seventh-inning option. No hierarchy change.
| . | Closer | . | Set-Up | . | 2nd in line | . | 2014 Closer | . | Updated | |
| TB | Fernando Rodney | Joel Peralta | Jake McGee | Fernando Rodney | 9/24/13 |
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Houston Astros — One week into our prediction, Josh Fields and your mother are tied in recent saves, and she has a decided advantage over his recent 2.00 WHIP. No hierarchy change.
| . | Closer | . | Set-Up | . | 2nd in line | . | 2014 Closer | . | Updated | |
| HOU | Josh Fields | Josh Zeid | Kevin Chapman | Josh Fields | 9/24/13 |
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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Kevin Siegrist/Carlos Martinez/John Axford, St. Louis Cardinals — As the Cardinals head into the postseason, their ninth innings will be handled by a potentially crowded committee.
2. Luke Hochevar, Kansas City Royals — Greg Holland has pitched in back-to-back games, including a 27-pitch outing last night.
3. Jared Burton, Minnesota Twins — Glen Perkins was used for two innings (27 pitches) on Monday night.