Sean Marshall officially loses job, Aroldis Chapman is new closer

Cincinnati Reds – Dusty Baker told John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer that Aroldis Chapman will be his new closer going forward.  Chapman won’t close today, as he’s pitched in three of the last four games, but he’s now the man in Cincinnati going forward.  Hierarchy change: Aroldis Chapman to Closer, Sean Marshall to Set-up.

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedCIN |Chapman |Marshall |Ondrusek |Madson |5/20/12

Aroldis Chapman on verge of closing for Cincinnati Reds

Cincinnati Reds – Sean Marshall had to be bailed out again yesterday, as Jose Arredondo was summoned to record the game’s final two outs.  After the game, Dusty Baker told the Cincinnati Enquirer that he was considering giving the closer job to Aroldis Chapman.  ”Who knows – maybe graduation time is here?” Baker said of Chapman.  ”We’re got to discuss it, talk about it.”  Even if Marshall keeps the job, he’ll remain on a blazing Hot Seat, but the Reds clearly could look elsewhere sooner rather than later.  No hierarchy change.

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedCIN |Marshall |Chapman |Ondrusek |Madson |5/20/12

 
Houston Astros – Brandon Lyon, who is completely healthy for the first time in a while, has been solid all month, lowering his ERA to 1.76.  With Fernando Rodriguez unavailable, Lyon pitched the 8th inning yesterday, setting up for Brett Myers.  Hierarchy change: Brandon Lyon to 2nd in line, replacing Wilton Lopez.

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedHOU |Myers |Rodriguez |Lyon |Myers |5/20/12

 
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Luis Ayala, Baltimore Orioles – Jim Johnson threw 21 pitches in his outing yesterday, his fourth game out of the last five.  Pedro Strop has also pitched in four of the last five, including the last three games in a row.