June 13, 2013

San Diego Padres – Luke Gregerson put two runners on in the 9th inning last night before being lifted for Tommy Layne.  Nick Vincent eventually got the save.  We’d normally put Gregerson on the Hot Seat after something like this — it certainly doesn’t show a lot of confidence when you pull your would-be closer with 2 outs in the 9th inning when you’re still up by three runs — but Huston Street’s rehab is going fine, and he’s expected back in a couple days.  No hierarchy change.

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Detroit Tigers – Jose Valverde blew another save last night, allowing a game-tying home run on an 0-2 pitch with 2 out in the 9th.  His ERA has climbed from 0.75 to 4.15 over the past two weeks, and he’s 3 for 5 in save opportunities in that span.  Meanwhile, set-up man Joaquin Benoit continues to be excellent (1.93 ERA).  Further up in the Detroit bullpen, Drew Smyly’s role has been hard to pin down.  He’s ostensibly the long man — four of his last eight appearances have been for two innings or longer — but he’s also now getting more late-inning work, pitching the 8th inning last night and staying on to face one hitter in the 9th before giving way to Valverde.  Phil Coke, meanwhile, took another loss last night and has an ERA more than double Smyly’s.  Coke’s experience keeps him in the conversation for a vulture save on any night Valverde is unavailable, but over the past few days, Smyly has slid ahead of him.  Hierarchy change: Drew Smyly to 2nd in line, replacing Phil Coke.  Jose Valverde to Hot Seat.

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Seattle Mariners – Tom Wilhelmsen blew a save in spectacular fashion on Wednesday night, and Eric Wedge didn’t sound like a man enamored with his stopper.  “We have to talk about it,” he said. “Obviously, you want to do what’s best for the ball club and Tom, too. … Tom Wilhelmsen is still our closer standing here right now.”  Wilhelmsen has now blown four of his last nine save chances.  Carter Capps would be the first choice to replace him if he slips any further.  Tom Wilhelmsen to Hot Seat.

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