May 28, 2014
New York Mets — After Jenrry Mejia took to Twitter on Tuesday afternoon and proclaimed he was “very comfortable” with the closer role, Terry Collins tested that resolve with a two-inning, 37-pitch slog against the Pirates. Mejia earned the save and, no doubt, a day off. Vic Black made his return appearance in the sixth with the score tied, escaping a bases-loaded jam with a strikeout of ex-Met Ike Davis. Black stayed on for the seventh and earned the win, and is poised to move into our hierarchy whenever Terry Collins decides to utilize Dice-K elsewhere.
Hierarchy remains: Mejia | Familia | Matsuzaka.
Chicago White Sox — Jake Petricka pitched the seventh and eighth innings of a one-run game, then Ronald Belisario delivered a clean ninth for a pleasantly undramatic White Sox save.
Hierarchy remains: Belisario | Webb | Petricka.
Pittsburgh Pirates — Jason Grilli struck out the side in the eighth on Tuesday with the Pirates trailing, after Clint Hurdle explained that he has no timeline for Grilli’s official return to the closer role. Although Mark Melancon might get the next save opportunity, Hurdle won’t hold off long, saying, “I do like my bullpen best with Grilli closing.”
Hierarchy remains: Grilli | Melancon | Watson.
Baltimore Orioles — In a tight game with the Brewers on Tuesday, Baltimore used Ryan Webb in the seventh, Darren O’Day and Brian Matusz in the eighth (the latter as a LOOGY), and Zach Britton (working on his third straight day) in the ninth. A swinging bunt resulted in Britton’s first blown save, and he should expect some rest tomorrow.
Hierarchy remains: Britton | O’Day | Webb.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Jeurys Familia, New York Mets — See above.
2. Brandon Kintzler, Milwaukee Brewers — K-Rod has now pitched on three straight days, and Will Smith threw 22 pitches on Tuesday.
3. Mark Melancon, Pittsburgh Pirates — Grilli isn’t all the way back yet.
4. Ryan Webb/Brian Matusz, Baltimore Orioles — Zach Britton and Darren O’Day are both tired and could be unavailable.
5. Joe Smith, Los Angeles Angels — Ernesto Frieri has pitched on three of the last four days.
