May 13, 2014

Oakland A’s — The A’s were seemingly on their way to a comfortable win over the White Sox, but after starter Jesse Chavez allowed a leadoff homer in the ninth and Fernando Abad followed that up with a walk, Jim Johnson made a mess of things. He faced just two batters, allowing a double and an RBI single before giving way to Sean Doolittle. After a sac fly cut Oakland’s lead to 5-4, Doolittle fanned the next two batters to pick up the save. Manager Bob Melvin praised Doolittle after the game and after being booed off the field, Johnson may be another poor outing away from losing the job he just reclaimed.

Jim Johnson to Hot Seat; Hierarchy change: Johnson | Doolittle | Gregerson.

New York Mets – Jenrry Mejia was moved to the bullpen prior to Monday’s game and he made an immediate impact, picking up the win in 1.1 innings over work. Mejia retired the only batter he faced in the seventh inning  and allowed just two hits in the eighth after the Mets regained the lead. If he continues to pitch this way, he may quickly move up the depth chart.

Hierarchy change: Farnsworth | Familia | Mejia.

Toronto Blue Jays – A day after being activated from the disabled list, Casey Janssen returned to his familiar ninth-inning role. It wasn’t a save situation, as the Jays had a four-run lead, but Janssen preserved the win. After a leadoff walk, Janssen retired the next three hitters, throwing 10 of his 19 pitches for strikes.

Hierarchy remains: Janssen | Cecil | Delabar.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Chris Perez, Los Angeles Dodgers – Kenley Jansen has pitched in two straight games.
2. Cody Allen, Cleveland Indians – Allen and Shaw may share chances in the Indians’ new committee.
3. Anthony Bass, Houston Astros – Chad Qualls has been more effective as of late, but Anthony Bass could get a 9th inning chance at any time.