Category: Kansas City Royals

  • Joe Nathan, forever waiting, for a save that will never come

    June 7, 2013 Texas Rangers — Ron Washington used Tanner Scheppers in a tied eighth inning, but since (as everyone knows) “you can’t use your closer on the road in the ninth inning of a tie ballgame,” out came Michael Kirkman and his 2.18 ERA WHIP for the ninth. Double, intentional walk, three-run homer, ballgame. Maybe Ron and Joe…

  • Kelvin Herrera returns to the bigs, reassumes old role

    June 6, 2013 Kansas City Royals – After five appearances in the minors in which he allowed two hits and no runs in 4.2 innings, Kelvin Herrera returned to the bigs and on Wednesday was immediately thrust back in to his old 8th inning role.  He pitched a clean inning, and another solid outing or…

  • Andrew Bailey back with Boston, while the heat goes up on Jim Johnson

    May 21, 2013 Boston Red Sox — Andrew Bailey was reactivated in time for Monday’s loss to the White Sox. Although he will return to the closer’s seat immediately, John Farrell is likely to limit his workload, at least initially. Hierarchy change: Andrew Bailey to Closer, Junichi Tazawa to Set-up, Koji Uehara to 2nd in line. . Closer . Set-Up…

  • Jason Grilli possibly out for a few days; Santiago Casilla returning to the Giants

    May 14, 2013 Pittsburgh Pirates — Jason Grilli left the clubhouse abruptly on Monday due to personal reasons, and should be considered day-to-day. No hierarchy change. . Closer . Set-Up . 2nd in line . 2014 Closer . Updated PIT Jason Grilli Mark Melancon Tony Watson Jason Grilli 5/14/13 San Francisco Giants — Santiago Casilla told MLB.com this past weekend that he expects…

  • A new closer every day in Boston

    May 7, 2013 Boston Red Sox — Joel Hanrahan’s ignoble return to the Boston bullpen lasted for precisely four batters, one of whom tapped him for a game-tying home run. To add injury to insult (and injury), Hanrahan left shortly thereafter with “right forearm tightness.” We believe Junichi Tazawa has a slight edge over Koji Uehara, but either…