John Axford out as closer in Milwaukee, Francisco Rodriguez to get saves

Milwaukee Brewers – Brewers manager Ron Roenicke said before Tuesday’s game that John Axford would be relieved of his closing duties for the time being.  Francisco Rodriguez will inherit the 9th inning role, effective immediately.  Hierarchy change: Francisco Rodriguez to Closer, John Axford to Set-up.

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedMIL |Rodriguez |Axford |Veras |Axford |7/17/12

Mike Dunn earns first save in Miami’s closer-by-committee; Wilton Lopez returns

July 17, 2012

Houston Astros – Wilton Lopez has returned from the disabled list and resumed his 8th inning duties on Monday, throwing a clean inning on Monday ahead of Brett Myers.  Lopez could get save chances if and when the Astros deal Brett Myers.  Hierarchy change: Wilton Lopez to Set-up, Brandon Lyon to 2nd in line. 

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedHOU |Myers |Lopez |Lyon |Myers |7/17/12

 
New York Mets – Frank Francisco had a setback in his rehab and will take a few days off before attempting to throw again.  Bobby Parnell remains the team’s closer for the foreseeable future.  No hierarchy change. 

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedNYM |Parnell |Rauch |Beato |Francisco |7/17/12 |Francisc(DL)|

 
Miami Marlins – Mike Dunn pitched the 9th inning on Monday to pick up his first save of the season.  Heath Bell pitched a clean 8th inning, and is still potentially in the mix for saves, but Cishek and Dunn have gotten the first two opportunities since Ozzie Guillen installed a closer by committee.  Hierarchy change: Mike Dunn to Set-up, Heath Bell to 2nd in line.  

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedMIA |Cishek |Dunn |Bell |Bell |7/17/12 |Oviedo(SUSP)|Mujica(DL) |

 
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Joaquin Benoit, Detroit Tigers – Jose Valverde has pitched in four straight games.
2. Mike Dunn, Miami Marlins – The Marlins are employing a closer-by-committee and thus far, Steve Cishek and Mike Dunn have each picked up one save.  Cishek is still the best bet for a save on any given night, but Dunn could get the call if the Marlins are facing a lefty-heavy 9th inning.