Vinnie Pestano likely to see save chances if Chris Perez’s injury is serious

May 26, 2013

Cleveland Indians – Chris Perez left Sunday’s game early, favoring his arm after throwing a pitch.  The Indians went on to lose after Joe Smith gave up the game-winning hit on the next pitch.  Vinnie Pestano stands to get first crack at saves if Perez’s injury is serious.  Hierarchy change: Vinnie Pestano to Closer, Joe Smith to Set-up, Bryan Shaw to 2nd in line, Chris Perez injured.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
CLEVinnie PestanoJoe SmithBryan ShawChris Perez5/26/13
 Chris Perez (INJ)

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Francisco Rodriguez and Mike Gonzalez inch to the lead in the Milwaukee save race

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
MILFrancisco RodriguezMike GonzalezBrandon KintzlerJim Henderson5/26/13
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
TBFernando RodneyJoel PeraltaJake McGeeFernando Rodney5/18/13

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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
LADBrandon LeagueKenley JansenPaco RodriguezKenley Jansen5/26/13

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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.

Brandon Kintzler, Francisco Rodriguez best bets to close in Jim Henderson’s absence

May 25, 2013

(UPDATE: Ron Roenicke has confirmed that Jim Henderson will be out for “a while,” and that he intends to use a committee of closers in Henderson’s absence.) Milwaukee Brewers – After recording two outs, Jim Henderson went down with a hamstring injury, and the recently-returning Francisco Rodriguez got the last out for his first save of the season.  Henderson isn’t certain of the severity of the injury, saying after the game that he was hoping it was just a cramp.  Ron Roenicke was less optimistic though, offering that Henderson could miss a few days, and said that he could play matchups and go with a closer-by-committee until Henderson is back.  The Brewers have three pitchers with 9th inning experience: Rodriguez, Mike Gonzalez, and John Axford, but it’s been righty Brandon Kintzler who has gotten the 8th inning over the last few weeks.  If Henderson is missing time, we’ll handicap the race as follows until we hear more: Kintzler (30%), Rodriguez (30%), Axford (25%), Gonzalez (15%).  Hierarchy change: Brandon Kintzler to Closer, Francisco Rodriguez to Set-up, Jim Henderson injured.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
MILBrandon KintzlerFrancisco RodriguezJohn AxfordJim Henderson5/25/13
Jim Henderson (INJ)Tom Gorzelanny (DL)

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Los Angeles Angels – Ernesto Frieri got a night off last night after throwing 35 pitches on Thursday, and Garrett Richards picked up a 1.2 inning save in his absence.  No hierarchy change. 

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
LAAErnesto FrieriScott DownsGarrett RichardsErnesto Frieri5/25/13
Ryan Madson (DL)Kevin Jepsen (DL)

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Kansas City Royals – Kelvin Herrera was sent to the minors earlier this week to sort himself out.  Luke Hochevar and Tim Collins are likely to share the 7th inning role ahead of set-up man Aaron Crow.  Hierarchy change: Luke Hochevar to 2nd in line, replacing Kelvin Herrera.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
KCGreg HollandAaron CrowLuke HochevarGreg Holland5/25/13

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Hector Ambriz, Houston Astros – Jose Veras threw 29 pitches in a rough outing last night and could get the day off today.
2. Brandon League, Los Angeles Dodgers – Brandon League could get a save on any night if Kenley Jansen is needed before the 9th.

Scott Barnes, Robert Coello earn first career saves

May 24, 2013

Cleveland Indians – Scott Barnes picked up his first career save on Thursday, a three-inning effort that closed out an Indians blowout.  He does not factor in to Cleveland’s usual late-inning plans.  No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
CLEChris PerezVinnie PestanoJoe SmithChris Perez5/24/13

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Los Angeles Angels – Ernesto Frieri got knocked around in the 9th inning last night, allowing four baserunners before being lifted for Robert Coello, who got the game’s final out to pick up his first save.  Frieri has now allowed runs in three straight appearances, though he only has one blown save on the season, and with yet another Ryan Madson setback this week, he’s not in danger of losing his job.  Coello’s stats, meanwhile, are worth a peek if you haven’t seen what he’s been doing since being called up in mid-May: 7.1 innings, 12 Ks/0 BBs, 0 ERA, 0.28 WHIP, 1 win, 1 save.  He’s not on the hierarchy just yet, but with those numbers, the Angels might start giving him some hold opportunities soon.  No hierarchy change.

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.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
LAAErnesto FrieriScott DownsGarrett RichardsErnesto Frieri5/24/13
Ryan Madson (DL)Kevin Jepsen (DL)

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Scott Downs, Los Angeles Angels – Ernesto Frieri threw 35 pitches yesterday and might get a night off.
2. Drew Smyly, Detroit Tigers – Jose Valverde has pitched in three straight and set-up man Joaquin Benoit (who has yet to go three in a row all year) has pitched in two straight.
3. Brandon League, Los Angeles Dodgers – Brandon League could get a save on any night if Kenley Jansen is needed before the 9th.

Melancon and Brothers pick up saves

May 23, 2013

Colorado Rockies – Rex Brothers pitched a scoreless ninth for his first save of the season.  It appears Rafael Betancourt will avoid the disabled list and could be back tomorrow.   However, Betancourt has a history of groin injuries so we will wait and see if he is actually ready to go that soon.  No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
COLRex BrothersWilton LopezMatt BelisleRafael Betancourt5/23/13
Rafael Betancourt (INJ)

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Pittsburgh Pirates — Mark Melancon picked up the save on Wednesday.  As noted in yesterday’s Vulture Save Watch, Jason Grill had pitched three of the last four games. No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
PITJason GrilliMark MelanconJustin WilsonJason Grilli5/23/13

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Minnesota Twins – Josh Roenicke relieved Vance Worley in the 4th inning yesterday and his usage has been all over the place this season.  Casey Fien pitched a scoreless 7th on Tuesday and has seen more action later in games.  Hierarchy change:  Casey Fien to 2nd in line, replacing Josh Roenicke.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
MINGlen PerkinsJared BurtonCasey FienGlen Perkins5/23/13

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