September 12, 2012
Cincinnati Reds – After Aroldis Chapman’s last outing, when even his best fastball was clocked several miles per hour slower than it had been all year, the Reds became concerned that the flame throwing lefty may be injured. Fortunately, a scan revealed nothing serious, but Chapman will likely be shut down for a week or so to recover. Jonathan Broxton should see save opportunities in his place over the next few days; he picked up his first National League save of the year on Tuesday. No hierarchy change.
|Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedCIN |Chapman |Broxton |Marshall |Madson |9/12/12
Philadelphia Phillies – Phillippe Aumont pitched the 8th inning ahead of Jonathan Papelbon for the second time this week. Aumont, a 23-year-old prospect who was closing for the Phillies in AAA also picked up a save last week, and may get another chance or two down the stretch. Hierarchy change: Phillippe Aumont to 2nd in line, replacing Josh Lindblom.
|Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedPHI |Papelbon |Bastardo |Aumont |Papelbon |9/12/12
Houston Astros – Jose Valdez pitched a perfect 8th inning ahead of Wilton Lopez on Tuesday, earning his second hold of the season. Valdez, a hard-throwing righty, was closing for Houston’s AAA team, where he amassed 66 Ks in 48.2 innings. Hierarchy change: Jose Valdez to 2nd in line, replacing Fernando Rodriguez.
|Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedHOU |Lopez |Wright |Valdez |Lopez |9/12/12
Oakland A’s – Grant Balfour got into trouble in the 9th inning on Tuesday, and Jerry Blevins bailed him out for his first save of the season. Balfour has been pitching well since returning to the closer role and it’s unlikely that his job is in jeopardy. No hierarchy change.
|Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedOAK |Balfour |Cook |Doolittle |Cook |9/12/12
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Jonathan Broxton, Cincinnati Reds – Aroldis Chapman is likely to be sidelined for a week while he regains his arm strength, and Jonathan Broxton should see the majority of save chances in the interim.
2. Ryan Cook, Oakland A’s – Grant Balfour has pitched in three straight games.
3. Drew Storen, Washington Nationals – Tyler Clippard has pitched in two straight and four of the last five. Storen has also appeared in each of those same games, but has thrown far fewer pitches.
4. Brandon League, Los Angeles Dodgers – Brandon League is sharing save chances with Ronald Belisario.
5. Javier Lopez, San Francisco Giants – Javier Lopez and Sergio Romo continue to share the 9th inning role for the Giants.
