Kevin Jepsen pitching well in set-up role

September 8, 2012

Los Angeles Angels – Kevin Jepsen pitched the 8th inning ahead of Ernesto Frieri last night, after Scott Downs was unable to record an out in the 7th.  Downs hasn’t been quite as effective as the hard-throwing righty lately, and it’s shown in their usage, as Jepsen has been called on in the 8th inning regularly over the past few weeks.  Hierarchy change: Kevin Jepsen to Set-up, Scott Downs to 2nd in line.

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedLAA |Frieri |Jepsen |Downs |Frieri |9/8/12

 
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Jonny Venters, Atlanta Braves – Both Craig Kimbrel and Eric O’Flaherty have pitched in three straight.
2. Javier Lopez, San Francisco Giants – Javier Lopez and Sergio Romo continue to share the 9th inning role for the Giants.

Joba Chamberlain not being used in high-leverage spots

September 7, 2012

New York Yankees – It was a rough night for the Yankees bullpen, which surrendered four 8th inning runs in a loss to the Orioles.  Boone Logan was among the relievers who were touched up, as he gave up a run without recording an out.  But the lefty has been getting a lot of late inning opportunities in recent weeks, while Joba Chamberlain has been pitching early in games, or in blowouts.  Hierarchy change: Boone Logan to 2nd in line, replacing Joba Chamberlain.

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedNYY |Soriano |Robertson |Logan |Robertson |9/7/12

 
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Javier Lopez, San Francisco Giants – Javier Lopez and Sergio Romo continue to share the 9th inning role for the Giants.

Tom Layne picks up another save for San Diego

September 6, 2012

San Diego Padres – Tom Layne picked up his second save of the season on Wednesday, retiring the only batter he faced.  Luke Gregerson had pitched to the first three hitters of the inning (allowing the third to reach) and is still the best bet for saves until Huston Street returns.  No hierarchy change.

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedSD |Gregerson |Thayer |Layne |Street |9/6/12 |Street(DL) |

 
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Jim Henderson, Milwaukee Brewers – John Axford has pitched in two straight and four of the last five.

Francisco Rodriguez pitching in high-leverage spots again

September 5, 2012

Milwaukee Brewers – Francisco Rodriguez pitched a clean 7th inning on Tuesday, picking up his 25th hold of the year.  K-Rod actually was summoned a week ago for a save chance when John Axford was unavailable, and while he blew that save chance, he has reestablished himself as a late-inning reliever in the Brewers bullpen.  Hierarchy change: Francisco Rodriguez to 2nd in line, replacing Kameron Loe.

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedMIL |Axford |Henderson |Rodriguez |Axford |9/5/12

 
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Brandon League, Los Angeles Dodgers – Ronald Belisario has pitched in three straight.  With the Dodgers using a committee anyway, League is certain to get a save opportunity tonight if the Dodgers have a lead.
2. Javier Lopez, San Francisco Giants – Javier Lopez and Sergio Romo continue to share the 9th inning role for the Giants.

Pestano picks up second save of the season, Aumont gets save for Phillies

September 4, 2012

Cleveland Indians – Vinny Pestano picked up his second save of the season as Chris Perez was still out on paternity leave. Perez is expected to be back on Tuesday and will resume closing duties when he comes back. No hierarchy change.

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedCLE |C.Perez |Pestano |Smith |C.Perez |9/4/12

 
Philadelphia Phillies – Jonathan Papelbon threw in the bullpen but that was all manager Charlie Manuel wanted out of his closer after Papelbon had pitched four of the last six days. Right-hander Phillippe Aumont came on in the ninth for his first major league save. Antonio Bastardo had also faced heavy work of late, so Justin De Fratus pitched the eighth for his first hold of the season. No hierarchy change.

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedPHI |Papelbon |Bastardo |Lindblom |Papelbon |9/4/12

 
VULTURE SAVE WATCH

1. Charlie Furbush, Seattle Mariners – Tom Wilhelmsen has pitched in three straight games, throwing 56 pitches total.
2. Brandon League, Los Angeles Dodgers – Manager Don Mattingly has said he will use a committee going forward, so League could see save opportunities in the future.
3. Edward Mujica, St. Louis Cardinals – Jason Motte threw 31 pitches for a five-out save on Monday and Mitchell Boggs struggled through a 22-pitch outing on Monday, so Mujica may be called upon for the save if Motte and Boggs need rest.