August 26, 2012
Oakland A’s – Sean Doolittle pitched the 8th inning ahead of Grant Balfour on Saturday, striking out 2 in a perfect inning for his 9th hold of the year. The A’s have gone back and forth between Doolittle and Jerry Blevins over the past month or so, using whoever is pitching better as their go-to lefty. Lately, that’s been Doolittle, who over his last 7 innings pitched has allowed 0 runs while striking out 13. Hierarchy change: Sean Doolittle to 2nd in line, replacing Jerry Blevins.
|Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedOAK |Balfour |Cook |Doolittle |Cook |8/26/12
Boston Red Sox – Alfredo Aceves has been suspended for three games for conduct detrimental to the team. At the moment, it is unclear whether he was suspended for his expletive-laden media comment after his last blown save, or due to an explosive meeting he had with Bobby Valentine after being bypassed for the save yesterday. Either way, this might be it for the mercurial righty, as Bailey, barring any slip-ups, should take the job and run with it from here. Hierarchy change: Andrew Bailey to Closer, Vicente Padilla to Set-up, Craig Breslow to 2nd in line, Alfredo Aceves suspended.
|Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedBOS |Bailey |Padilla |Breslow |Bailey |8/25/12 |Aceves(SUSP)|
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Antonio Bastardo, Philadelphia Phillies – Jonathan Papelbon has pitched in three straight games.
2. Craig Breslow, Boston Red Sox – Both Andrew Bailey and Vicente Padilla have pitched in three straight.
3. 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.
4. Sergio Romo/Javier Lopez, San Francisco Giants – With the Giants in full committee mode, Sergio Romo or Javier Lopez could get a save on any night.
