August 23, 2012
Arizona Diamondbacks – Brad Ziegler finished off the 7th inning in the first game of Arizona’s doubleheader on Wednesday, earning his 9th hold of the year. Ziegler is having a solid season, and with 19 career saves, he has some experience as a closer. He could get an odd save chance on nights when JJ Putz and David Hernandez are not available. Hierarchy change: Brad Ziegler to 2nd in line, replacing Matt Albers.
|Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedARI |Putz |Hernandez |Ziegler |Putz |8/23/12
San Diego Padres – Tom Layne, who coming into the game had 3.1 career major league innings, picked up the save on Wednesday, throwing a perfect 9th inning with the Padres up by 2 runs. After blowing a save on Tuesday, Dale Thayer was given the night off, but Layne suddenly becomes a pitcher to watch in San Diego. Hierarchy change: Tom Layne to 2nd in line, replacing Brad Brach.
|Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedSD |Thayer |Gregerson |Layne |Street |8/23/12 |Street(DL) |
(UPDATED 8/22 6:15 PM EDT) Milwaukee Brewers – John Axford has apparently regained his job as Milwaukee closer, striking out three of the four Cubs he faced in today’s ninth. “He came in and talked to me,” Roenicke said. “I don’t want to say what went on, but he’s in a place where he should be.” Brewers fans will be forgiven for wondering just how long he can stay there. Hierarchy change: John Axford to Closer, Jim Henderson to Set-up.
|Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedMIL |Axford |Henderson |Loe |Axford |8/22/12
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Jonathan Broxton, Cincinnati Reds – Aroldis Chapman has pitched in two straight, and five of the last six.
2. Jared Burton, Minnesota Twins – The Twins are employing a committee, and while Glen Perkins remains the best bet for saves overall, Jared Burton could get an opportunity whenever match-ups are right.
