April 15, 2015
Atlanta Braves – David Carpenter got the save in a wild 9-6 win at Philadelphia – unexpected to everyone except Fredi Gonzalez, who held closer Craig Kimbrel out due to right shoulder soreness that crept up over the weekend. Kimbrel plans to rest for a few days, which means Carpenter is the best bet for saves in the interim. Jordan Walden, who has prior experience as a closer, will also be in the mix. No hierarchy change.
| . | Closer | . | Set-Up | . | 2nd in line | . | 2015 Closer | . | Updated | |
| ATL | Craig Kimbrel | David Carpenter | Jordan Walden | Craig Kimbrel | 4/3/14 |
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Philadelphia Phillies – With both Jonathan Papelbon and Antonio Bastardo unavailable, Jacob Diekman blew the save last night in a wild game against Atlanta that no team seemed to want to win. Before Diekman’s implosion, B.J. Rosenberg made history in the eighth inning when he became the first pitcher in major league history to face three batters and allow three home runs. The Phillies did get some good bullpen news yesterday, however, as Mike Adams is set to be activated off the DL today. He’ll likely slide into the seventh inning for the time being. Hierarchy change: Mike Adams to 2nd in line, replacing B.J. Rosenberg.
| . | Closer | . | Set-Up | . | 2nd in line | . | 2015 Closer | . | Updated | |
| PHI | Jonathan Papelbon | Antonio Bastardo | Mike Adams | Jonathan Papelbon | 4/15/14 | |||||
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Oakland A’s –After the Angels’ Ernesto Frieri blew a 3-2 lead in the ninth, Luke Gregerson earned his second save of the season in the bottom half of the inning. Oakland’s committee continues to shine, with Gregerson likely getting the call thanks to the pair of righties due up in the ninth. No hierarchy change.
| . | Closer | . | Set-Up | . | 2nd in line | . | 2015 Closer | . | Updated | |
| OAK | Sean Doolittle | Luke Gregerson | Ryan Cook | Ryan Cook | 4/13/14 |
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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Luke Gregerson, Oakland A’s – Luke Gregerson picked up his second save of the season on Monday. We’ve still got Doolittle as our listed closer, but until the A’s decide to give Jim Johnson another chance, either of these two could get the call on any given night.
2. Pedro Strop, Chicago Cubs – Our preference for saves in Chicago is still Hector Rondon, but with no official word yet from Rick Renteria, Pedro Strop could be the 9th inning option.
3. Chad Qualls/Anthony Bass, Houston Astros – Nearly any Astros reliever could get a 9th inning chance at this point.
