June 4, 2014
Detroit Tigers — Hometown hero RoboCop threw out Tuesday’s first pitch; even his bounced eephus looked good up against the offerings of closer Joe Nathan, who yielded four runs in one-third of an inning to raise his ERA to 6.86. Nathan’s reduced velocity and deteriorating command has put Brad Ausmus in a difficult position: stick with his $10 million man, who reports feeling “damn good,” or give Joba Chamberlain and his 10-game scoreless streak a shot. After last night’s game, Ausmus made no promises, saying only that he wouldn’t discuss the issue publicly without talking to Nathan first. Joba is the heir apparent, but if RoboCop is still available in your league, do yourself a favor and buy that for a dollar.
Joe Nathan to Hot Seat.
Los Angeles Angels — Michael Kohn was sent to the minor leagues on Tuesday after battling some control problems recently. Promoted to replace him was former first-round pick Cam Bedrosian, who boasts 45 strikeouts in 24 low-minor innings, and could ascend quickly. For now, Kohn’s spot in the hierarchy should be filled by Fernando Salas or, better yet, impressive 23-year-old rookie Mike Morin — but this being Mike Scioscia’s team, our money is on the pedestrian Kevin Jepsen, who pitched after both of those guys on Tuesday. In his defense, Jepsen hasn’t allowed a run in his last 10 outings, and has shown an improved strikeout rate.
Updated hierarchy: Frieri | Smith | Jepsen.
Oakland A’s — Ryan Cook was reactivated from the disabled list on Tuesday and, although he didn’t make it into the game, Bob Melvin had him warming along with lefty Fernando Abad in a tied seventh inning. If Cook can return to form, he should move into a seventh-inning role right away.
Updated hierarchy: Doolittle | Gregerson | Cook.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Brad Ziegler, Arizona Diamondbacks — Addison Reed has pitched on three of the last four days.
2. John Axford/Bryan Shaw, Cleveland Indians — Cody Allen has pitched in two straight, four of five, and six of eight. Shaw pitched in three straight before Tuesday’s day off. Meanwhile, Axford hasn’t pitched in a week, but is aching to get back to his old role.
