September 8, 2013
Oakland A’s – Grant Balfour threw 37 pitches in his Friday outing, so the A’s went to Sean Doolittle in the 9th on Saturday, and the lefty picked up his first save. Doolittle continues to share the 8th inning role with Ryan Cook. No hierarchy change.
| . | Closer | . | Set-Up | . | 2nd in line | . | 2014 Closer | . | Updated | |
| OAK | Grant Balfour | Ryan Cook | Sean Doolittle | Ryan Cook | 9/8/13 |
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Philadelphia Phillies – Jacob Diekman finished the 8th inning ahead of Jonathan Papelbon on Saturday. After a tough stretch in late July and early August, the lefty has only allowed one run in his last 11.2 innings. Hierarchy change: Jacob Diekman to Set-up, B.J. Rosenberg to 2nd in line.
| . | Closer | . | Set-Up | . | 2nd in line | . | 2014 Closer | . | Updated | |
| PHI | Jonathan Papelbon | Jacob Diekman | B.J. Rosenberg | Jonathan Papelbon | 9/4/13 |
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Kansas City Royals – Luke Hochevar got the call in the 7th inning yesterday, and stayed on to finish off the 8th. In recent weeks, the converted starter has seized control of the 8th-inning job in Kansas City, as he’s been more consistent than Kelvin Herrera. Also seeing late-game innings lately for the Royals is Will Smith, who picked up his 4th hold yesterday, but the lefty hasn’t cracked our hierarchy yet. Hierarchy change: Luke Hochevar to Set-up, Kelvin Herrera to 2nd in line.
| . | Closer | . | Set-Up | . | 2nd in line | . | 2014 Closer | . | Updated | |
| KC | Greg Holland | Luke Hochevar | Kelvin Herrera | Greg Holland | 9/8/13 |
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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. J.J. Hoover, Cincinnati Reds – Aroldis Chapman pitched in four straight games from Tuesday to Friday, and might need a second day off today to recover.
2. Jacob Diekman, Philadelphia Phillies – Jonathan Papelbon has pitched in back to back games and three of four, and blew a save yesterday afternoon. He might get the day off today.
