May 17, 2013
Detroit Tigers – After taking the loss on Wednesday, Al Alburquerque was sent to the minors to work on his control. With 26 Ks in 14.1 innings, Alburquerque has electric stuff, but he’d walked 13 batters and thrown six wild pitches, good to lead the majors (which is hard to do as a reliever). Drew Smyly has a 1.88 ERA on the season and might see more holds in Alburquerque’s absence. Hierarchy change: Drew Smyly to 2nd in line, replacing Al Alburquerque.
| . | Closer | . | Set-Up | . | 2nd in line | . | 2014 Closer | . | Updated | |
| DET | Jose Valverde | Joaquin Benoit | Drew Smyly | Bruce Rondon | 5/17/13 |
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New York Mets – With five straight scoreless outings — the fifth of which came last night in the 8th inning — Brandon Lyon has worked his way back into relevancy in the beleaguered Mets bullpen. LaTroy Hawkins is headed in the other direction, having given up runs in his last three appearances. Hierarchy change: Brandon Lyon to Set-up, LaTroy Hawkins to 2nd in line.
| . | Closer | . | Set-Up | . | 2nd in line | . | 2014 Closer | . | Updated | |
| NYM | Bobby Parnell | Brandon Lyon | LaTroy Hawkins | Bobby Parnell | 5/17/13 | |||||
| Frank Francisco (DL) |
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Cincinnati Reds – Aroldis Chapman took a tough blown save last night, taking over for Mat Latos in the 9th with a 1-run lead and a runner on 3rd with 1 out. Chapman allowed the runner to score, and after the Reds retook the lead in the 10th, it was J.J. Hoover who closed the game out. Hoover was warming when the game was still 2-2, so this isn’t an indication that he’s passed Jonathan Broxton on the depth chart. But, due to various game circumstances, he’s now picked up 3 saves in May and deserves a place on the Reds depth chart. Hierarchy change: J.J. Hoover to 2nd in line, replacing Sean Marshall.
| . | Closer | . | Set-Up | . | 2nd in line | . | 2014 Closer | . | Updated | |
| CIN | Aroldis Chapman | Jonathan Broxton | J.J. Hoover | Jonathan Broxton | 5/17/13 |
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Tampa Bay Rays – After another dreadful outing, Fernando Rodney now has a 5.28 ERA and 3 blown saves in 10 tries this year. Joe Madden gave him a vote of confidence after the game, saying: “I’m not really concerned yet. I’m not running away from Fernando. We’ll get him right.” We are, though, especially with reliable set-up man Joel Peralta (1.96 ERA) having another solid season. Fernando Rodney to Hot Seat.
| . | Closer | . | Set-Up | . | 2nd in line | . | 2014 Closer | . | Updated | |
| TB | Fernando Rodney | Joel Peralta | Jake McGee | Fernando Rodney | 5/17/13 |
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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Jonathan Broxton, Cincinnati Reds – Aroldis Chapman has pitched on back-to-back nights, including a 26-pitch outing on Wednesday and a blown save last night. He might get the night off.
2. Carter Capps, Seattle Mariners – Tom Wilhelmsen has pitched on back-to-back nights and has yet to go three straight this season.
3. Joel Peralta, Tampa Bay Rays – Fernando Rodney threw 35 pitches last night in blowing his third save of the season and could get a breather tonight.
