May 22, 2014
Chicago White Sox — Bad news for Matt Lindstrom Wednesday; the righthander will need surgery on his injured ankle and is unlikely to return before late August. In his absence, Robin Ventura has chosen Ronald Belisario and his speedy sinker as the team’s closer.
Hierarchy remains: Belisario | Webb | Petricka.
Los Angeles Dodgers — Chris Perez hasn’t pitched since May 17, and when he has been used, he’s been strikingly ineffective in some low-leverage spots. We can’t yet tell you whether injury, fatigue, or ineffectiveness is to blame for him being passed over in situations like Wednesday’s tight seventh and eighth, but we’re concerned enough to move him out of the top three until he proves he’s okay.
Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Wilson | League.
Pittsburgh Pirates — Jason Grilli expects to return on Saturday, and should slide back into the closer role soon thereafter. He’s owned in over 80% of ESPN and Yahoo! leagues, so we won’t issue an email alert when he comes back, but if he’s available in your league, act now.
Hierarchy remains: Melancon | Watson | Wilson.
San Francisco Giants — Santiago Casilla injured his right hamstring during a rare plate appearance late Wednesday. He’ll be tough to replace, but the search should start with Jean Machi, who’s working on a 15-game scoreless streak.
Updated hierarchy: Romo | Machi | Lopez.
Chicago Cubs — The euphonious Brian Schlitter pitched a scoreless eighth before Hector Rondon blew his first save of the year and Jose Veras lost a game of dodgeball with John Ryan Murphy. Schlitter happens to be getting what passes for high-leverage work in the Cubs bullpen lately.
Updated hierarchy: Rondon | Ramirez | Schlitter.
Texas Rangers — When Tanner Scheppers returns from the disabled list after this weekend’s rehab assignment, he will do so as a set-up reliever, the role that he filled so ably for the team in 2013.
Hierarchy remains: Soria | Frasor | Ogando.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Luke Gregerson/Jim Johnson, Oakland A’s — New closer Sean Doolittle might not be ready to pitch in three straight games.
2. Chris Perez, Los Angeles Dodgers — If he’s healthy and mentally sound, he’s the best-rested option.
3. Darren O’Day, Baltimore Orioles — Still a possibility at any time.
