Veras out as Cubs closer; Rondon, Strop, Grimm all in the mix

April 12, 2014

Chicago Cubs — Rick Renteria just announced that Jose Veras will be moved from the closer role, and Cubs save situations going forward will be matchup-dependent. As we mentioned earlier today, Hector Rondon has been pitching great and would be our pick to close — but unfortunately for him, he’s pitched the last three days (and four of the last five), and is almost certainly unavailable today. If there’s a save situation today that goes to Pedro Strop, Strop just might get the opportunity to make the job his own. We’ll be watching closely. Hierarchy change: Hector Rondon to Closer, Pedro Strop to Set-Up, Justin Grimm to 2nd in line.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
CHCHector RondonPedro StropJustin GrimmHector Rondon4/12/14

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Koji Uehara has tightness in shoulder, Veras blows another save

April 12, 2014

Boston Red Sox – Edward Mujica pitched a perfect 9th inning last night to pick up his first save of the season. Closer Koji Uehara was unavailable with shoulder tightness. The Red Sox are saying the injury is not serious but Uehara said he experienced similar tightness in Texas a couple years ago and it took him two months to get over it. Junichi Tazawa has pitched better this season but manager John Farrell likes that Mujica has had success as a closer before so he might be the first option to close if Uehara misses more time. Hierarchy change: Edward Mujica to Set-up, Junichi Tazawa to 2nd in line.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
BOSKoji UeharaEdward MujicaJunichi TazawaKoji Uehara4/12/14

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Chicago Cubs — Jose Veras blew another save last night and his ERA is over 12 so far this season. The ERA will obviously come down but he also has 7 walks in 3.2 innings. Manager Rick Renteria said that Veras is still their closer. Hector Rondon ended up getting the save as he pitched a scoreless 11th inning. Pedro Strop pitched the 8th ahead of Veras, but Rondon has now made 15 straight scoreless appearances dating back to last season and could be given a chance to close if Veras continues to struggle.  Hierarchy change: Hector Rondon to Set-up, Pedro Strop to 2nd in line.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
CHCJose VerasHector RondonPedro StropPedro Strop4/12/14

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Cincinnati Reds — Jonathon Broxton got his first work of the season last night, pitching a scoreless 9th inning with 2 ks. Manager Bryan Price previously said that he didn’t want to use Broxton in a save situation for his first appearance. Now that Broxton has gotten that first inning out of the way he should see the save opportunities until Aroldis Chapman is able to return. Speaking of Chapman, he is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Monday. No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
CINJonathan BroxtonSam LeCureManny ParraAroldis Chapman4/12/14
Aroldis Chapman (DL)Sean Marshall (DL)

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Edward Mujica/Junichi Tazawa, Boston Red Sox — Koji Uehara is day-to-day with shoulder tightness.  Mujica got the call last night but the Red Sox could use Tazawa as well.
2. 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.