May 24, 2014
Pittsburgh Pirates — Jason Grilli was activated from the DL on Friday and immediately got the call in the 9th inning. He worked around a lead-off walk and picked up his 5th save of the season. Mark Melancon pitched well in Grilli’s absence, and is worth handing onto in case Grilli struggles, but it looks like he will go back to his set-up role for now.
Updated Hierarchy: Grilli | Melancon | Watson
Los Angeles Dodgers — The Dodgers called on Brandon League in the 7th inning last night with a 2 run lead. League loaded the bases while recording no outs. J.P. Howell came on and finished off the 7th inning by stranding all three runners. Howell has 10 holds on the season, an ERA just over 2, and proved last night that he can be trusted to pitch in tough spots in the later innings.
Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Wilson | Howell.
San Francisco Giants — Jean Machi picked up his 2nd save of the season last night. He entered the game with two men on and one out in the 8th inning with the Giants up 4. He got a double play to get out of that inning and then came back for the 9th inning to finish the game.
Hierarchy Remains: Romo | Machi | Lopez.
Colorado Rockies – Walt Weiss has said that LaTroy Hawkins is still their closer but he also mentioned that Adam Ottavino could be an option to close down the road. Hawkins has given up 22 hits, with only 6 strikeouts, in his 16 innings of work so far this year so Weiss might be forced to give Ottavino a shot at closing sooner rather than later.
Hierarchy Remains: Hawkins | Ottavino | Brothers.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Mark Melancon, Pittsburgh Pirates – Jason Grilli returned last night and got the save but Melancon could still see some save opportunities if the Pirates want to ease Grilli’s workload right after coming back from his injury.
2. Darren O’Day, Baltimore Orioles – O’Day could still get the call in the 9th inning over Britton if the match-ups are right
3. Bryan Shaw, Cleveland Indians – The Indians could give Allen another night off after a heavy workload this week.
