August 16, 2012
Boston Red Sox – Before Vicente Padilla hit the DL, Andrew Miller was often the man who was summoned just ahead of him, as Bobby Valentine counted on the hard-throwing lefty to get key outs late in the game. But oddly, that’s changed over the past week, as Miller’s last three appearances have seen him pitch in the 6th inning or earlier. Andrew Bailey has thrown only 13 pitches in the big leagues so far this year, but given Miller’s recent usage, the righty would probably be thrust right into the closer role if Alfredo Aceves was unavailable. Hierarchy change: Andrew Bailey to Set-up, Andrew Miller to 2nd in line.
|Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedBOS |Aceves |Bailey |Miller |Bailey |8/16/12 |Padilla(DL) |
Milwaukee Brewers – Jim Henderson blew his second straight save on Wednesday, the 23rd blown save for the Brewers bullpen overall. Ron Roenicke didn’t say anything about the closer role after the game, so Henderson remains on the Hot Seat and virtually anyone is a decent candidate for the next save. Henderson and John Axford remain the best bets to seize the role for a significant period. No hierarchy change.
|Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedMIL |Henderson |Axford |Loe |Axford |8/16/12
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Joel Peralta/Kyle Farnsworth, Tampa Bay Rays – Fernando Rodney pitched four straight days from Saturday to Tuesday and may be given a second day off to recover. Joel Peralta also pitched four straight, so Kyle Farnsworth could also get a save chance.
