May 1, 2014
Oakland A’s — Jim Johnson remains undefeated — for his career! — when protecting an 11-run lead. Luke Gregerson, who hadn’t pitched since Saturday, got the eighth inning in this laugher, and it seems all but official that JJ will claim the next high-leverage ninth. We’ll slide him up one slot, for now. Hierarchy change: Jim Johnson to Set-Up, Sean Doolittle to 2nd in line.
| . | Closer | . | Set-Up | . | 2nd in line | . | 2015 Closer | . | Updated | |
| OAK | Luke Gregerson | Jim Johnson | Sean Doolittle | Sean Doolittle | 5/1/14 |
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Chicago Cubs — The Cubs had a save situation all lined up for our man Hector, but then double agent Sean Marshall boosted them into a five-run lead. Rondon was warming for the ninth, and although Renteria refuses to make a commitment, it appears that Hector has a corner on the closer market. No hierarchy change.
| . | Closer | . | Set-Up | . | 2nd in line | . | 2015 Closer | . | Updated | |
| CHC | Hector Rondon | Pedro Strop | Justin Grimm | Hector Rondon | 5/1/14 |
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Colorado Rockies – Rather than pitch LaTroy Hawkins on three straight days, Colorado called on Rex Brothers with a two-run lead. He couldn’t get the job done, sending the game into extra innings. No hierarchy change.
| . | Closer | . | Set-Up | . | 2nd in line | . | 2015 Closer | . | Updated | |
| COL | LaTroy Hawkins | Adam Ottavino | Rex Brothers | Rex Brothers | 5/1/14 |
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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Chris Perez, Los Angeles Dodgers — LA has a doubleheader tomorrow and might not wish to use Kenley Jansen in both games.
2. Jared Burton, Minnesota Twins — Same goes for Glen Perkins.
3-6. Darren O’Day, Junichi Tazawa, Joel Peralta, and Tony Watson — Their teams all got rained out on Wednesday, so they could pick up vulture saves in the nightcaps of tomorrow’s doubleheaders.
