Hector Rondon has dazzling 9th inning; Raul Valdes in the mix in Houston

April 28, 2014

Baltimore Orioles – Just five days removed from giving up four earned runs to the Blue Jays, Evan Meek got knocked around again on Sunday, and has now given up 8 ERs in his last 1.1 innings pitched.  It’s unlikely he’ll be trusted with any more important innings until he gets things turned around.  Hierarchy change: Brian Matusz to 2nd in line, replacing Evan Meek.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
BALTommy HunterDarren O’DayBrian MatuszTommy Hunter4/28/14

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Houston Astros – Raul Valdes got his first save of the season on Saturday, and on Sunday, he was summoned to get the final out of the game. It wasn’t a save this time around, but Valdes has as good of a chance as anyone to get a few more 9th inning looks in Houston. Hierarchy change: Raul Valdes to 2nd in line, replacing Anthony Bass.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
HOUJosh FieldsChad QuallsRaul ValdesJosh Fields4/28/14
Jesse Crain (DL)Matt Albers (DL)

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Seattle Mariners – Danny Farquhar has had a very different season from a year ago. In 2013, despite posting a spectacular strikeouts per inning ratio, he was often the victim of hard luck, finishing the season with an ERA over 4. This year, he’s not striking out as many people and his walks are up, yet his ERA is 1.50. He got the 8th inning last night (after Tom Wilhelmsen pitched the 7th) and earned the win after the Mariners broke the tie. Fernando Rodney is 5/6 in save chances, but he hasn’t exactly been reliable and currently has a WHIP higher than Farquhar’s ERA. If Rodney falters, Farquhar could pick up where he left off last year. Hierarchy change: Danny Farquhar to Set-up, Tom Wilhelmsen to 2nd in line.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
SEAFernando RodneyDanny FarquharTom WilhelmsenDanny Farquhar4/28/14

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Chicago Cubs – Hector Rondon struck out all three hitters he faced in a perfect ninth inning on Sunday afternoon, featuring mostly an array of 98 mph fastballs.  It wasn’t a save since the Cubs were up 4-0, but Pedro Strop had already been used in the 8th, so this looks like a changing of the guard in Chicago.  We’ll try not to say “I told you so” too loud.  Hierarchy change: Hector Rondon to Closer, Pedro Strop to Set-up.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
CHCHector RondonPedro StropJustin GrimmHector Rondon4/27/14

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Jim Johnson, Oakland A’s – Jim Johnson, who has opposing scouts raving, will likely see the next save opportunity in Oakland, and if he converts it, we think he’ll reclaim the job.  Expect an alert if that happens.
2. Santiago Casilla, San Francisco Giants – Sergio Romo has pitched in back to back games.