Giants gaining confidence again in Santiago Casilla

September 18, 2012

San Francisco Giants – On Monday, Santiago Casilla finished the 7th inning, pitched a clean 8th, then got the first out of the 9th with the Giants up by 1 run.  With Jeremy Affeldt going through some serious struggles over the past month or so, Casilla has been getting more usage in high-leverage situations.  Hierarchy change: Santiago Casilla to 2nd in line, replacing Jeremy Affeldt.

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedSF |Romo |Lopez |Casilla |Wilson |9/18/12 |Wilson(DL) |

 
1. Jonathan Broxton, Cincinnati Reds – Aroldis Chapman’s fatigued arm means Jonathan Broxton should see the majority of Cincinnati save chances over the next week or so.
2. Javier Lopez, San Francisco Giants – Javier Lopez and Sergio Romo continue to share the 9th inning role for the Giants.

Joe Nathan getting extra rest; Aroldis Chapman still on the shelf

September 17, 2012

Cincinnati Reds – Jonathan Broxton picked up his second NL save on Sunday.  Aroldis Chapman will be sidelined for a few more days with a tired arm.  No hierarchy change.

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedCIN |Chapman |Broxton |Marshall |Madson |9/17/12

 
Los Angeles Angels – Ernesto Frieri was given the night off on Sunday after pitching two days in a row and getting knocked around on Saturday.  Kevin Jepsen got the save in his place, but Frieri’s job is not in jeopardy.  No hierarchy change.

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedLAA |Frieri |Jepsen |Downs |Frieri |9/17/12

 
Texas Rangers – Koji Uehara picked up his first save of the season on Sunday.  Joe Nathan has had some arm fatigue and is being rested.  Uehara has been pitching a lot lately, having not allowed a run in September.  Hierarchy change: Koji Uehara to 2nd in line, replacing Mike Adams.

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedTEX |Nathan |Ogando |Uehara |Nathan |9/17/12

 
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Joaquin Benoit, Detroit Tigers – Jose Valverde has pitched in three straight and five of the last six.  He’s a near certainty to get a day off today.
2. Heath Bell, Miami Marlins – Steve Cishek has pitched in three straight.
3. Javier Lopez, San Francisco Giants – Javier Lopez and Sergio Romo continue to share the 9th inning role for the Giants.

Addison Reed’s struggles continue

September 16, 2012

Chicago White Sox – Addison Reed allowed three baserunners without recording an out on Saturday, and had to be bailed out by Matt Thornton, who picked up the save.  Reed has now allowed multiple baserunners, and at least one run, in 7 of his last 9 appearances.  Addison Reed to Hot Seat. 

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedCHW |Reed |Myers |Thornton |Reed |9/16/12

 
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Jonathan Broxton, Cincinnati Reds – Aroldis Chapman’s fatigued arm means Jonathan Broxton should see the majority of Cincinnati save chances over the next week or so.
2. Javier Lopez, San Francisco Giants – Javier Lopez and Sergio Romo continue to share the 9th inning role for the Giants.

Junichi Tazawa continues to impress

September 15, 2012

Boston Red Sox – Up by a run in the 7th inning, the Red Sox turned to Junichi Tazawa, who pitched a scoreless inning.  Tazawa, who has a 1.47 ERA on the year, is earning the trust of Bobby Valentine and is being used in tight, late-game situations more frequently.  Hierarchy change: Junichi Tazawa to 2nd in line, replacing Alfredo Aceves.

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedBOS |Bailey |Padilla |Tazawa |Bailey |9/15/12

 
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Jonathan Broxton, Cincinnati Reds – Aroldis Chapman’s fatigued arm means Jonathan Broxton should see the majority of Cincinnati save chances over the next week or so.
2. Javier Lopez, San Francisco Giants – Javier Lopez and Sergio Romo continue to share the 9th inning role for the Giants.

Aumont takes over the 8th in Philly

September 14, 2012

Philadelphia Phillies – The Phillies went back to Phillippe Aumont yet again in a close 8th inning, this time after Antonio Bastardo had already pitched the 7th. Although Aumont struggled with his control and was tagged with the loss, all three runs were scored after he was relieved with two outs in favor of lefty Jake Diekman. All signs point to Aumont’s ascension in the Philadelphia pen. Hierarchy change: Phillippe Aumont to Set-up, Antonio Bastardo to 2nd in line.

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedPHI |Papelbon |Aumont |Bastardo |Papelbon |9/14/12

 
Texas Rangers – On his third straight night of work, Joe Nathan was horrid, giving up three runs on four hits and blowing the save before being replaced by Koji Uehara. Nathan’s team-record 31 straight converted save chances have earned him some good will.  No hierarchy change.

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedTEX |Nathan |Ogando |Adams |Nathan |9/14/12

 
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Mike Adams, Texas Rangers – As noted, Joe Nathan has pitched in three straight games for the Rangers, culminating in a blown save on Thursday night.
2. Pedro Strop, Baltimore Orioles – Jim Johnson has thrown over 20 pitches on two straight days and Strop got last night off.