July 24, 2013
Milwaukee Brewers — As we feared, now that K-Rod is gone, Ron Roenicke told reporters before Tuesday’s game that Jim Henderson and John Axford will likely “flip-flop” future save opportunities. What can we say? The man loves him some drama. Note that Henderson pitched the ninth on Tuesday with the team down by four. Hierarchy change: Jim Henderson to Closer, John Axford to Set-up, Brandon Kintzler to 2nd in line.
| . | Closer | . | Set-Up | . | 2nd in line | . | 2014 Closer | . | Updated | |
| MIL | Jim Henderson | John Axford | Brandon Kintzler | Jim Henderson | 7/24/13 |
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Baltimore Orioles — As we reported last night, the Orioles have traded for Francisco Rodriguez and are likely to put him to immediate use in the set-up role. Jim Johnson is now on notice. Hierarchy change: Francisco Rodriguez to Set-up, Tommy Hunter to 2nd in line.
| . | Closer | . | Set-Up | . | 2nd in line | . | 2014 Closer | . | Updated | |
| BAL | Jim Johnson | Francisco Rodriguez | Tommy Hunter | Jim Johnson | 7/24/13 |
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Pittsburgh Pirates — Jason Grilli officially hit the DL on Tuesday and Mark Melancon will indeed take his place in the ninth inning. No hierarchy change.
| . | Closer | . | Set-Up | . | 2nd in line | . | 2014 Closer | . | Updated | |
| PIT | Mark Melancon | Justin Wilson | Tony Watson | Jason Grilli | 7/24/13 | |||||
| Jason Grilli (DL) |
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Texas Rangers — Yankees fans are happy; this time, Joe Nathan set up Mariano Rivera. Blown save or no, Nathan certainly seemed to have a valid case against the home plate umpire. No hierarchy change.
| . | Closer | . | Set-Up | . | 2nd in line | . | 2014 Closer | . | Updated | |
| TEX | Joe Nathan | Tanner Scheppers | Joakim Soria | Joe Nathan | 7/24/13 |
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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Jared Burton, Minnesota Twins — Ron Gardenhire should have read yesterday’s Vulture Save Watch; instead, he called on a tired Glen Perkins, only to see him blow the save with three walks and a hit. He can’t possibly use Perkins again on Wednesday, and Casey Fien (although slightly better-rested) has also pitched on four of the last five days.
2. Oliver Perez, Seattle Mariners — With Tom Wilhelmsen having pitched four of the last five days, perhaps the Mariners will take one final opportunity to showcase their coveted lefty.
3. John Axford, Milwaukee Brewers — Axford is serving as a sort of “co-closer” with Jim Henderson, and Henderson pitched on Tuesday.
4. Tanner Scheppers, Texas Rangers — Joe Nathan has appeared in two straight games, throwing a total of 43 pitches; he also threw an awkward wild pitch when his spikes appeared to catch on the Texas mound.
5. Ryan Cook, Oakland A’s — Grant Balfour also blew a save on Tuesday and has pitched two days in a row.
6. Paco Rodriguez, Los Angeles Dodgers — Kenley Jansen had a rough outing on Tuesday night, throwing 28 pitches.
7. Scott Downs, Los Angeles Angels — Ernesto Frieri suffered a full-on meltdown, giving up 5 runs on 27 pitches in a tied tenth.
