May 11, 2014
Cincinnati Reds — The Reds officially activated Aroldis Chapman from the disabled list before yesterday’s game, and manager Bryan Price has said that he won’t hesitate to go to Chapman in a save opportunity.
Hierarchy change: Chapman | Broxton | LeCure.
Los Angeles Angels — Joe Smith picked up the save yesterday, but he made it interesting. Smith came on with two men on and nobody out in the 9th inning, with the Angels up four runs. He gave up a couple run-scoring singles before finally getting Adam Lind to ground into a double play to end the inning. We think Frieri will get the bulk of the save chances, but Smith could still see some saves from time to time.
Hierarchy remains: Frieri | Smith | Kohn.
Chicago White Sox — The White Sox have called up Frank Francisco. Francisco was dominating Triple-A, having allowed 0 runs with 12 Ks in 8 innings. Lindstrom has been solid as the closer recently, and it’s not clear how the White Sox will use Francisco immediately, but he could start seeing high-leverage situations if he can continue to pitch as well as he did in Charlotte.
Hierarchy remains: Lindstrom | Belisario | Webb.
Atlanta Braves – The Braves have placed Jordan Walden on the DL with a strained hamstring. David Carpenter should take over Walden’s set-up role, while Anthony Varvaro could see more time in the later innings.
Hierarchy change: Kimbrel | Carpenter | Varvaro.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. David Carpenter, Atlanta Braves – Craig Kimbrel has pitched in 2 straight, throwing a total of 43 pitches.
2. Zach Britton/Darren O’Day, Baltimore Orioles – Tommy Hunter has appeared in two straight days and four of the last five.
3. Aaron Loup, Toronto Blue Jays – Cecil got the last save chance so the Blue Jays could turn to Loup for the next save opportunity.
4. Anthony Bass, Houston Astros – Bass blew the save yesterday so it would likely be Qualls’s turn today but you never know with the Astros.
