April 10, 2014
Oakland A’s — It’s hard to raise a 15.00 ERA, but Jim Johnson pulled it off today. When asked to comment on potential replacements, Bob Melvin helpfully offered, “I’m just saying that I’m not saying anything.” Aha. We see Sean Doolittle as the best alternative, with Luke Gregerson behind him in a virtual tie with Ryan Cook, who’s still recovering from shoulder issues. No hierarchy change.
| . | Closer | . | Set-Up | . | 2nd in line | . | 2015 Closer | . | Updated |
| OAK | | Jim Johnson | | Sean Doolittle | | Ryan Cook | | Ryan Cook | | 4/10/14 |
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Philadelphia Phillies — In a tie game on Wednesday, the Phils called on Jake Diekman in the seventh, and he struck out the side. After Antonio Bastardo came out for the eighth, the Brewers pulled away with three runs, including a two-run triple from even bigger cheater Ryan Braun. Ryne Sandberg has been somewhat inconsistent handing out high-leverage work, but Bastardo would certainly be in the mix if Jonathan Papelbon goes down, or just keeps getting worse. Hierarchy change: Antonio Bastardo to 2nd in line, replacing Jacob Diekman.
| . | Closer | . | Set-Up | . | 2nd in line | . | 2015 Closer | . | Updated |
| PHI | | Jonathan Papelbon | | B.J. Rosenberg | | Antonio Bastardo | | Jonathan Papelbon | | 4/10/14 |
| | | | Mike Adams (DL) | | | | | | |
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Chicago White Sox — Ronald Belisario entered a tie game with one on; he gave up five singles and wound up tagged for five runs. This probably wouldn’t be news if he hadn’t also left the game with tightness in his lower back. Maikel Cleto continues to pitch well and would probably slide into a set-up role if the injury is at all serious. Hierarchy change: Maikel Cleto to 2nd in line, replacing Daniel Webb.
| . | Closer | . | Set-Up | . | 2nd in line | . | 2015 Closer | . | Updated |
| CHW | | Matt Lindstrom | | Ronald Belisario | | Maikel Cleto | | Nate Jones | | 4/10/14 |
| | | | | | Nate Jones (DL) | | | | |
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Detroit Tigers — Joe Nathan blamed his early-season struggles on a “dead arm,” then downplayed its significance, comparing it to “knowing there’s second base on the field.” Somebody tell Fred Merkle. Nathan followed up the controversy by blowing a three-run lead for his second blown save in three chances, but he told reporters that the ball felt better coming out of his hand. No hierarchy change.
| . | Closer | . | Set-Up | . | 2nd in line | . | 2015 Closer | . | Updated |
| DET | | Joe Nathan | | Al Alburquerque | | Joba Chamberlain | | Joe Nathan | | 4/10/14 |
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Arizona Diamondbacks – Josh Collmenter pitched well in earning a four-inning save on his way to the rotation. No hierarchy change.
| . | Closer | . | Set-Up | . | 2nd in line | . | 2015 Closer | . | Updated |
| ARI | | Addison Reed | | J.J. Putz | | Brad Ziegler | | Addison Reed | | 4/10/14 |
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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Chad Qualls/Matt Albers, Houston Astros – Josh Fields remains the best bet for Astros save chances, but with a committee in place, anything could happen.
2. Cody Allen, Cleveland Indians – John Axford has pitched on three of the last four days.
3. Matt Thornton/Dellin Betances, New York Yankees — Shawn Kelley had a difficult 30-pitch outing on Wednesday, and has pitched on three of four days. Adam Warren has also pitched three of the last four days.
