May 21, 2014
Cleveland Indians — Bryan Shaw pitched the seventh and eighth innings up three runs, yielding to Cody Allen for the ninth — although by then the Indians had scored another run to eliminate the save situation. Without that run, this would have been the second straight save chance for Allen, who hit 100 mph on the radar gun on Tuesday. We interpret this as a sign that he’s the favored option in the committee. He’s pitched on three straight days, though, so don’t lose faith when he doesn’t get called on Wednesday.
Updated hierarchy: Allen | Shaw | Axford.
Chicago White Sox — After Jake Petricka pitched a solid seventh for the Sox, Chicago scored three runs in the top of the eighth — only to see Scott Downs and a horrid Frank Francisco give them right back. After Zach Putnam got out of the jam, it was indeed Ronald Belisario who got the first post-Lindstrom save chance. Belisario gave up one run (on a bizarre passed ball and a single through a shifted infield) before striking out Lorenzo Cain to clinch the win. He’s not likely to be able to go tomorrow, but he’s still our best bet for saves from this pen with Lindstrom out.
Hierarchy remains: Belisario | Webb | Petricka.
Oakland A’s — Sean Doolittle’s first walk in nine months didn’t scare off Bob Melvin Tuesday night. After the lefty finished off the Rays, he was officially anointed Oakland’s closer. “It’s pretty cool, I guess,” was Doolittle’s response — fitting for a man who’s been known to dance like no one is watching to George Michael.
Hierarchy remains: Doolittle | Gregerson | Johnson.
Colorado Rockies – LaTroy Hawkins blew his first save of the season on Sunday, and he followed it up by giving up the go-ahead run in a tied ninth last night. In his last nine appearances, Hawkins has given up seven earned runs in seven innings — and, more importantly, has surrendered 16 hits with only 2 strikeouts. With Adam Ottavino and Rex Brothers each pitching well, Hawkins might not have many more shots at the ninth.
LaTroy Hawkins to Hot Seat.
St. Louis Cardinals — Jason Motte, he of the beard and the cancer foundation, returned to the Cardinals roster on Tuesday after Tommy John surgery. Mike Matheny didn’t commit to a role for Motte apart from “right-handed pitcher,” but he also hinted that he wouldn’t be afraid to use Motte in a high-leverage spot right away.
Updated hierarchy: Rosenthal | Martinez | Motte.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. John Axford, Cleveland Indians — Cody Allen has pitched in three straight games and Bryan Shaw threw two innings on Tuesday.
2. Daniel Webb, Chicago White Sox — Belisario has had two straight lengthy outings, while Webb has had two days off.
3. Darren O’Day, Baltimore Orioles — The Orioles haven’t had many save chances lately, but as last night’s usage shows, they can go with either O’Day or Zach Britton in the ninth.
