April 27, 2012
Miami Marlins — Another day, another debacle for big-ticket closer Heath Bell, who blew his third save in five chances with a 46-pitch, four-walk nightmare on Thursday. After the game, Ozzie Guillen gave Bell a vote of confidence as the Miami closer; it seems the Marlins have 27 million reasons to stay the course. No hierarchy change.
|Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedMIA |Bell |Mujica |Cishek |Bell |3/20/12
Baltimore Orioles — With Jim Johnson hospitalized all week with a mystery illness, the Orioles have had to turn elsewhere in the ninth during their last three games. After two straight saves for Pedro Strop, Thursday was Luis Ayala’s turn. Manager Buck Showalter says Johnson could be released from the hospital Friday “if he can hold the food down.” No hierarchy change.
|Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedBAL |Johnson |Strop |Lindstrom |Johnson |4/26/12
Boston Red Sox — Junichi Tazawa picked up a three-inning save in last night’s blowout win over the White Sox. No hierarchy change.
|Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedBOS |Aceves |Morales |Tazawa |Bailey |4/23/12
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Edward Mujica, Miami Marlins — Ozzie Guillen promised to give Heath Bell the day off on Friday, so if the Marlins need a save, they’ll likely turn to set-up man Mujica.
2. Aroldis Chapman, Cincinnati Reds — Sean Marshall blew his first save of the year on Thursday, and also pitched for the second straight day. Watch for Chapman to get the call in the ninth on Friday, if need be.
3. Andrew Cashner, San Diego Padres — Huston Street has pitched two days in a row, albeit in fairly short outings. There’s a chance he might get Friday off.
