August 30, 2012
Boston Red Sox – Alfredo Aceves returns from a team-imposed suspension on Tuesday. While Bobby Valentine said on Monday that he wasn’t sure what role the righty would assume upon returning, Aceves’s usage yesterday suggests he’s definitely no longer the team’s closer. With the Red Sox down by 7, Aceves was summoned for two innings of mop-up relief. He’d still likely assume the closer role again if Andrew Bailey struggles, but he’s no longer the man in Boston. Hierarchy change: Alfredo Aceves to Set-up, Vicente Padilla to 2nd in line.
|Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedBOS |Bailey |Aceves |Padilla |Bailey |8/30/12
Oakland A’s – Ryan Cook got the last out of the 8th inning in a close game on Wednesday, then stayed on for the 9th after the A’s tacked on a few runs. Cook has been pitching quite well as of late, but unfortunately for him, so has Grant Balfour, who will probably hold on to the role unless he starts to struggle. No hierarchy change.
|Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedOAK |Balfour |Cook |Doolittle |Cook |8/30/12
San Francisco Giants – Javier Lopez picked up his 5th save of the season on Wednesday, inducing a double play ground out from the only hitter he faced. The Giants are still in full platoon mode. No hierarchy change.
|Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedSF |Affeldt |Romo |Lopez |Wilson |8/30/12 |Wilson(DL) |
Los Angeles Dodgers – Ronald Belisario picked up the save on Wednesday, throwing 1.2 innings with the Dodgers up by two runs. After the game, the Dodgers revealed that Kenley Jansen is battling a heart condition that kept him out for a month last year. Seemingly out of nowhere, his season is in jeopardy. Belisario should close, but behind him, there are few sure things. Deadline acquisition Brandon League is the best bet to move in to the set-up role. Hierarchy change: Ronald Belisario to Closer, Brandon League to Set-up, Jamey Wright to 2nd in line.
|Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedLAD |Belisario |League |Wright |Jansen |8/30/12 |Jansen(INJ) |
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. 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.
2. 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.
