April 17, 2014
Oakland A’s — It was Luke Gregerson’s turn to blow a save on Wednesday. Bob Melvin has said that he’ll consider making some changes in the bullpen on tomorrow’s off day; don’t be surprised if Jim Johnson gets back into it. Hierarchy change: Jim Johnson to 2nd in line, replacing Ryan Cook.
| . | Closer | . | Set-Up | . | 2nd in line | . | 2015 Closer | . | Updated | |
| OAK | Luke Gregerson | Sean Doolittle | Jim Johnson | Sean Doolittle | 4/17/14 |
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Boston Red Sox — After Wednesday’s extra-inning slog against the White Sox, today’s expected return of Koji Uehara should be huge for Boston. Burke Badenhop was the last man standing to pick up the save in the 14th. No hierarchy change.
| . | Closer | . | Set-Up | . | 2nd in line | . | 2015 Closer | . | Updated | |
| BOS | Koji Uehara | Edward Mujica | Junichi Tazawa | Koji Uehara | 4/17/14 |
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Chicago Cubs — The Cubs were swept by the Yankees in a Wednesday doubleheader, and both Justin Grimm and Hector Rondon entered with Chicago trailing — Rondon in the sixth. The Cubs are behind a lot, and somebody has to pitch, but this might point to Pedro Strop as the most likely recipient of the next (rare) save opportunity. No hierarchy change.
| . | Closer | . | Set-Up | . | 2nd in line | . | 2015 Closer | . | Updated | |
| CHC | Hector Rondon | Pedro Strop | Justin Grimm | Hector Rondon | 4/17/14 |
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Seattle Mariners — Fernando Rodney was all over the place on Wednesday night, turning a Felix Hernandez gem into a loss with two unearned runs. The Mariners’ bullpen is somewhat unsettled; although Tom Wilhelmsen would probably be the most likely replacement closer, he hasn’t been used in exclusively high-leverage spots. Nor has Danny Farquhar, who watched Charlie Furbush and Yoervis Medina handle the eighth last night. We’re not quite sure what to tell you about Seattle, other than not to trust the guy with the crooked hat. No hierarchy change.
| . | Closer | . | Set-Up | . | 2nd in line | . | 2015 Closer | . | Updated | |
| SEA | Fernando Rodney | Tom Wilhelmsen | Danny Farquhar | Danny Farquhar | 4/17/14 |
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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Chad Qualls/Anthony Bass, Houston Astros — Josh Fields has pitched on two straight days, and anyone can get a save in Houston anyway.
2. Wade Davis, Kansas City Royals — Greg Holland has thrown 40 pitches over the last two days.
3. Jake Petricka, Chicago White Sox — Matt Lindstrom pitched two innings and Daniel Webb threw 59 pitches on Wednesday. Maikel Cleto also issued three walks during his appearance, and Robin Ventura has said he’s comfortable using Petricka in high-leverage situations.
4. Joaquin Benoit, San Diego Padres — Huston Street has pitched on three of the last four days.
5. Javier Lopez, San Francisco Giants — Sergio Romo has also pitched on three of the last four days.
