May 20, 2013
Oakland A’s – Grant Balfour and Sean Doolittle both had the day off on Sunday after pitching the previous two days, so Ryan Cook got the call in the 9th inning. The righty made it interesting, allowing two runners to reach, but ultimately locked down his first save of the season. No hierarchy change.
| . | Closer | . | Set-Up | . | 2nd in line | . | 2014 Closer | . | Updated | |
| OAK | Grant Balfour | Sean Doolittle | Ryan Cook | Grant Balfour | 5/20/13 |
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Miami Marlins – Steve Cishek struggled after coming in with a man on 2nd and nobody out in the 9th inning against the Diamondbacks. He got 2 outs, but was lifted for set-up man Mike Dunn after a single and a walk. Dunn, who came in sporting a 1.77 ERA on the year, walked his first batter before closing the game out and leaving the bases loaded. The lefty is the best candidate to get save chances if Cishek is pulled from the closer role. Steve Cishek to Hot Seat.
| . | Closer | . | Set-Up | . | 2nd in line | . | 2014 Closer | . | Updated | |
| MIA | Steve Cishek | Mike Dunn | AJ Ramos | Steve Cishek | 5/19/13 |
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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Cory Gearrin/Luis Avilan, Atlanta Braves – Craig Kimbrel has pitched in three straight and should get the night off tonight. The Braves will likely play matchups in the 9th if they have a lead.
2. Carlos Martinez/Seth Maness, St. Louis Cardinals – Edward Mujica and Trevor Rosenthal have both pitched in three straight. Carlos Martinez or Seth Maness will likely get the call in the 9th tonight, if needed.
3. AJ Ramos, Miami Marlins – Steve Cishek has pitched in two straight and three of the last four, throwing 55 pitches in the process. Mike Dunn, meanwhile, has pitched in two straight and four of the last five. If they’re both rested tonight, AJ Ramos is the most likely candidate for a save chance.
4. Tanner Scheppers, Texas Rangers – Joe Nathan has pitched in back to back games and has yet to pitch on three straight days at any point this year.
5. Brandon League, Los Angeles Dodgers – Brandon League could get a save on any night if Jansen is needed before the 9th.
