June 25, 2013
San Francisco Giants — After a four-run, two-homer appearance on Sunday, Jean Machi was demoted to AAA Fresno. George Kontos took his place with the Giants and will slide right into Machi’s spot in their hierarchy. Note that Kontos is currently appealing a three-game suspension he received for throwing at Andrew McCutchen. In other news, Santiago Casilla threw off a mound over the weekend and could be on pace to return by the 4th of July. Hierarchy change: George Kontos to 2nd in line, replacing Jean Machi.
| . | Closer | . | Set-Up | . | 2nd in line | . | 2014 Closer | . | Updated | |
| SF | Sergio Romo | Jeremy Affeldt | George Kontos | Sergio Romo | 6/25/13 | |||||
| Santiago Casilla (DL) |
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Philadelphia Phillies — Almost any other closer who blew four of his last five save opportunities would be on the Hot Seat, if not looking for new work. Jonathan Papelbon, however, is not your average closer and, in fairness, he was placed in a tough spot on Monday by Charlie Manuel’s decision to let a flagging Cliff Lee start the ninth. With the Phillies bullpen sporting a league-worst 4.68 ERA and 1.50 WHIP, something has to change soon — but that’s more likely to be Papelbon’s trade value than his bullpen role. No hierarchy change.
| . | Closer | . | Set-Up | . | 2nd in line | . | 2014 Closer | . | Updated | |
| PHI | Jonathan Papelbon | Antonio Bastardo | Justin De Fratus | Jonathan Papelbon | 6/25/13 | |||||
| Mike Adams (DL) |
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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Brandon League, Los Angeles Dodgers — Kenley Jansen has pitched on three straight days.
2. Joe Smith/Cody Allen, Cleveland Indians — Vinnie Pestano has pitched on three of the last four days, including a 34-pitch outing on Saturday.
