Pedro Strop now closing for the Cubs

September 19, 2013

Chicago Cubs – Although the Kevin Gregg era was astonishingly successful in Chicago, the Cubs are looking ahead to next season and have announced that Pedro Strop will close over the last 10 games. Hierarchy change: Pedro Strop to Closer, Kevin Gregg to Set-Up.

 .Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
CHC Pedro Strop Kevin Gregg Blake Parker Pedro Strop 9/19/13

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Disappointing season for Wilton Lopez

September 19, 2013

Colorado Rockies – With the game still close in the 8th inning yesterday, the Rockies went to lefty Adam Ottavino, who pitched a clean inning to lower his ERA to 2.77, nearly a point and a half lower than Wilton Lopez.  Lopez, the former closer for the Astros, never really got it together this year and has been a disappointment for Colorado all year long.  Hierarchy change: Adam Ottavino to 2nd in line, replacing Wilton Lopez.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
COLRex BrothersMatt BelisleAdam OttavinoRex Brothers9/19/13
Rafael Betancourt (DL)

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Francisco Rodriguez, Baltimore Orioles – The Baltimore bullpen has been heavily taxed as of late, with Jim Johnson having pitched in two straight and five of the last seven, and Tommy Hunter accumulating 5.2 innings in the last six games. In the wild race for the AL wild card, the O’s will probably throw their top guys if they’ve got anything left, but if not, Francisco Rodriguez is the best bet for the save opp.
2. Sean Doolittle/Ryan Cook, Oakland A’s – Grant Balfour has a tired arm and has pitched in back to back games.
3. Santiago Casilla, San Francisco Giants – Sergio Romo has pitched in two straight and four of six, throwing 98 pitches in that span.