April 21, 2014
Los Angeles Angels – Kevin Jepsen has always been a favorite of Mike Scioscia, but Jepsen just isn’t getting it done so far this year, as he currently sports an ERA north of 7. Michael Kohn, meanwhile, has gotten an occasional 8th inning opportunity this year, and after logging another scoreless inning on Sunday, the righty’s ERA sits at 1.86. Hierarchy change: Michael Kohn to 2nd in line, replacing Kevin Jepsen.
| . | Closer | . | Set-Up | . | 2nd in line | . | 2015 Closer | . | Updated | |
| LAA | Ernesto Frieri | Joe Smith | Michael Kohn | Ernesto Frieri | 4/21/14 |
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Pittsburgh Pirates – Jason Grilli has been burned on consecutive days by Ryan Braun home runs, and now has three blown saves for the season. Generally speaking, Grilli’s recent history as a lights-out closer gives him a longer leash than most. But Mark Melancon is yet again proving himself to be one of the best set-up men in baseball, and if Grilli can’t get things straightened out, then the struggling Pirates will be forced to look elsewhere. Jason Grilli to Hot Seat.
| . | Closer | . | Set-Up | . | 2nd in line | . | 2015 Closer | . | Updated | |
| PIT | Jason Grilli | Mark Melancon | Tony Watson | Mark Melancon | 4/21/14 |
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New York Mets – Kyle Farnsworth will close for the Mets for the time being, announced Terry Collins on Sunday morning. Collins had hinted Saturday night that Jose Valverde was finished, and if Farnsworth also struggles, then, Carlos Torres and Gonzalez Germen figure to get looks. Hierarchy change: Kyle Farnsworth to Closer, Carlos Torres to Set-up, Gonzalez Germen to 2nd in line.
| . | Closer | . | Set-Up | . | 2nd in line | . | 2015 Closer | . | Updated | |
| NYM | Kyle Farnsworth | Carlos Torres | Gonzalez Germen | Bobby Parnell | 4/20/14 | |||||
| Bobby Parnell (DL) |
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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Will Smith/Tyler Thornburg, Milwaukee Brewers – K-Rod and Jim Henderson have both pitched in three straight.
2. Joba Chamberlain, Detroit Tigers – Joe Nathan has pitched in back to back games and three of four, throwing a total of 58 pitches.
3. Brian Wilson, Los Angeles Dodgers – Kenley Jansen has pitched in back to back games and three of four.
4. Matt Albers/Chad Qualls, Houston Astros – The Astros could use pretty much anyone in the 9th inning at this point.
