May 26, 2013
Milwaukee Brewers – Ron Roenicke said he is unlikely to name any single closer, but some of his afternoon comments after the Brewers officially put Jim Henderson on the DL, combined with the way he used the bullpen in a losing effort on Saturday, gave some clarity as to who might be the best bet for saves. It’s not John Axford, as Roenicke was asked specifically about him and said “I like what we’re doing with Ax. I’d like to continue to do it that way,” reinforcing his comments by sending Axford out to pitch the 8th yesterday. It’s also probably not Brandon Kintzler, as Roenicke said that the young righty might “move” to the 8th inning role, which was a little confusing since Kintzler has pitched the 8th inning for the past month. Tom Gorzelanny had also seen some 8th inning action earlier this year, but he returned from the DL to pitch the 5th inning yesterday, so he’s also out of the mix. That leaves Francisco Rodriguez and Mike Gonzalez who, along with Kintzler, were the only members of the bullpen who didn’t see action yesterday. If Roenicke is being honest about not using any one player to close games, K-Rod and Gonzalez could share duties based on matchups. Hierarchy change: Francisco Rodriguez to Closer, Mike Gonzalez to Set-up, Brandon Kintzler to 2nd in line.
| . | Closer | . | Set-Up | . | 2nd in line | . | 2014 Closer | . | Updated |
MIL | | Francisco Rodriguez | | Mike Gonzalez | | Brandon Kintzler | | Jim Henderson | | 5/26/13 |
| | Jim Henderson (DL) | | | | | | | | |
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Tampa Bay Rays – Joe Maddon on Saturday gave Fernando Rodney yet another vote of confidence after the closer’s fifth blown save of the year. But with his ERA now at 6.05 on the season, Rodney remains on the hottest of Hot Seats, and Joel Peralta’s continued efficiency makes him a great speculative add, if he’s available. No hierarchy change.
| . | Closer | . | Set-Up | . | 2nd in line | . | 2014 Closer | . | Updated |
TB | | Fernando Rodney | | Joel Peralta | | Jake McGee | | Fernando Rodney | | 5/18/13 |
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Los Angeles Dodgers – For the first time in 11 days, someone on the Dodgers got a save, and that someone was Brandon League. Kenley Jansen, who Don Mattingly has continued to use in the highest-pressure situations, pitched in the 7th and 8th innings against the heart of the St. Louis lineup, striking out 4 in 1.1 innings of work. With high-pressure situations occurring earlier rather than later for the Dodgers, League is probably the better bet for saves for the time being. Hierarchy change: Brandon League to Closer, Kenley Jansen to Set-up.
| . | Closer | . | Set-Up | . | 2nd in line | . | 2014 Closer | . | Updated |
LAD | | Brandon League | | Kenley Jansen | | Paco Rodriguez | | Kenley Jansen | | 5/26/13 |
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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Jonathan Broxton, Cincinnati Reds – Aroldis Chapman has pitched two in a row, three of the last four, and five of the last seven.
2. Kenley Jansen, Los Angeles Dodgers – Now that we’ve swapped Brandon League and Kenley Jansen in the hierarchy, it’s Jansen’s turn to show up regularly in the Vulture Save Watch. If the highest-pressure spot comes up in the 9th inning, Jansen could get the call.