September 21, 2012
Detroit Tigers – Al Alburquerque was extraordinary for the Tigers last season, but a stress fracture in his throwing elbow required offseason surgery, sidelining him for much of this year. In the four outings since his recall on September 2, Alburquerque has allowed only one hit against nine strikeouts; this includes a sparkling 2.1 innings yesterday against Oakland. His return will ease any Tiger concern about Octavio Dotel’s recent struggles. Hierarchy change: Al Alburquerque to 2nd in line, replacing Octavio Dotel.
|Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedDET |Valverde |Benoit |Alburquerque|Valverde |9/21/12
San Diego Padres – Given a one-run lead, Luke Gregerson put two men on to start the ninth — so Bud Black played the platoon advantage for the rest of the inning, using five different pitchers who loaded the bases with no outs, only to escape unscathed. Anthony Bass was the last man standing, striking out Aaron Hill for his first career save. No hierarchy change.
|Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedSD |Gregerson |Thayer |Layne |Street |9/21/12 |Street(DL) |
Cincinnati Reds – As predicted, the Reds gave Jonathan Broxton the night off — but it was Alfredo Simon who picked up the save in Aroldis Chapman’s continued absence. No hierarchy change.
|Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedCIN |Chapman |Broxton |Marshall |Madson |9/21/12
Washington Nationals – After pitching in both ends of Wednesday’s doubleheader, Tyler Clippard was rested on Thursday in favor of Drew Storen. No hierarchy change.
|Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedWAS |Clippard |Storen |Burnett |Storen |9/21/12
New York Yankees – The Yankees did indeed rest Rafael Soriano, but it was David Robertson who collected the save in his absence, striking out the side. No hierarchy change.
|Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedNYY |Soriano |Robertson |Chamberlain |Robertson |9/21/12
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Jim Henderson, Milwaukee Brewers – John Axford has thrown 42 pitches in the last two days.
2. Fernando Salas, St. Louis Cardinals – Jason Motte has pitched in three straight games and on five of the last six days; Mitchell Boggs and Edward Mujica have also seen heavy recent use.
3. Jonathan Broxton, Cincinnati Reds – Aroldis Chapman might be a few more days away from returning.
4. Javier Lopez, San Francisco Giants – Javier Lopez and Sergio Romo continue to share the 9th inning role for the Giants.
5. Vicente Padilla, Boston Red Sox – Andrew Bailey blew a save on Thursday in a brutal 28-pitch outing. His job is safe, but he might need a day off.
