Machi sent down, but Santiago Casilla may return soon; another Papel-blown save

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 JulyHierarchy 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.

Huston Street approaching Heath Bell territory

June 24, 2013

San Diego Padres – Summoned in a tie game on Sunday, Huston Street gave up two solo HRs and took his fourth loss of the season.  Street only has one blown save all season, but his peripherals have been absolutely dreadful all year long.  In 26.1 innings, he’s struck out only 15 hitters while walking 8.  After yesterday, he’s allowed 10 home runs, the most of any full-time reliever in the NL.  And hitters are OPS-ing .923 against him, the 2nd worst among active NL pitchers with at least 20 IPs.  (Heath Bell is 1st.)  Frankly, it’s a miracle that he’s gone 15 for 16 in save opportunities, and while there’s no one behind him pitching lights out — Luke Gregerson and Dale Thayer have both been good, but not great — Street’s hold on his job is becoming more tenuous.  Huston Street to Hot Seat.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
SDHuston StreetLuke GregersonDale ThayerHuston Street6/24/13

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Luke Gregerson, San Diego Padres – Huston Street has pitched in three of four, including a rough outing last night.

Heath Bell blows save, Mike Adams is back on the DL

June 23, 2013

Arizona Diamondbacks – Heath Bell blew another save last night, and he has given up a homerun in his last five appearances.  When Kirk Gibson was asked about Bell continuing to close he just said that he would have to think about it.  JJ Putz is currently on a rehab assignment and could return soon.  Heath Bell is already on the hot seat and it just keeps getting hotter with each homerun he gives up.   No hierarchy change.

CloserSet-Up2nd in line2014 CloserUpdated
ARIHeath BellDavid HernandezBrad ZieglerJJ Putz6/23/13
JJ Putz (DL)

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Philadelphia Phillies – Mike Adams is back on the DL.  Antonio Bastardo pitched the 8th inning ahead of Papelbon last night and should continue to be used in that set-up role.  Hierarchy change: Mike Adams to DL, Antonio Bastardo to Set-up, Justin De Fratus to 2nd in line.

CloserSet-Up2nd in line2014 CloserUpdated
PHIJonathan PapelbonAntonio BastardoJustin De FratusJonathan Papelbon6/23/13
Mike Adams (DL)

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Milwaukee Brewers – Jim Henderson was given the night off after pitching three days in a row and Francisco Rodriguez picked up his 300th save last night.  K-Rod has been pitching well but since manager Ron Roenicke reiterated after the game on Thursday that Henderson is the closer it looks like K-Rod will only see save opps when Henderson is unavailable for the time being.  No hierarchy change.

CloserSet-Up2nd in line2014 CloserUpdated
MILJim HendersonFrancisco RodriguezJohn AxfordJim Henderson6/23/13

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Seattle Mariners – Yoervis Medina picked up the win last night night while working 2.1 scoreless innings.  He got the last out of the 7th inning and then pitched the 8th inning of a tie game.  The Mariners took the lead in the bottom of the 8th and Medina stayed on to finish the game.  Oliver Perez still has the best numbers in the Mariners bullpen but Medina showed last night that he is also capable of preserving a 9th inning lead.   Hierarchy change: Yoervis Medina to Set-up, Tom Wilhelmsen to 2nd in line.

CloserSet-Up2nd in line2014 CloserUpdated
SEAOliver PerezYoervis MedinaTom WilhelmsenTom Wilhelmsen6/23/13
Stephen Pryor (DL)

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Joe Smith, Cleveland Indians – Vinnie Pestano has pitched in two straight including a 34 pitch outing yesterday.
2. Tanner Scheppers, Texas Rangers – Joe Nathan has pitched in three straight.
3. David Hernandez, Arizona Diamondbacks – Heath Bell blew the save last night and Gibson could turn to Hernandez for the save today.

Tony Cingrani and Caleb Thielbar pitching well in relief

June 22, 2013

Cincinnati Reds — J.J. Hoover was brought on in the 5th inning on Friday and his usage has been all over the place this season.  Tony Cingrani has made three scoreless appearances since moving to the bullpen and clearly has the stuff to pitch at the back end of games if he isn’t need as a starter. Hierarchy change: Tony Cingrani to 2nd in line, replacing J.J. Hoover.

CloserSet-Up2nd in line2014 CloserUpdated
CINAroldis ChapmanSam LeCureTony CingraniJonathan Broxton6/22/13
Jonathan Broxton (DL)

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Minnesota Twins – Caleb Thielbar has a 0.00 ERA in 12.2 innings since being called up in late May and should see time later in games if he keeps that up.  Hierarchy change:  Caleb Thielbar to 2nd in line, replacing Casey Fien.

CloserSet-Up2nd in line2014 CloserUpdated
MINGlen PerkinsJared BurtonCaleb ThielbarGlen Perkins6/22/13

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Brandon Lyon, New York Mets – Bobby Parnell has pitched in two straight and three of the last four.
2. Francisco Rodriguez, Milwaukee Brewers – Jim Henderson has pitched in three straight so there is no better opportunity for the Brewers to give him a night off and let K-Rod continue to chase 300 career saves.