June 11, 2014
Tampa Bay Rays — It’s fun to talk about, but until the team finally wins a game, the Tampa closer committee will remain a matter for philosophers, theologians, and Seminole medicine men. Juan Carlos Oviedo might get the first shot at breaking the curse tomorrow, since Joel Peralta was used Tuesday in a high-leverage spot in the eighth, and Jake McGee followed him with a 20-pitch ninth. If that happens, we can’t rule out the possibility that Oviedo takes the job and runs with it, perhaps earning up to one save per month for the flailing Rays. Watch out for Kirby Yates as a dark horse candidate too; he’s been a lights-out closer for the AAA Durham Bulls.
Hierarchy remains: Peralta | McGee | Oviedo.
Miami Marlins — Since arriving in a trade from Pittsburgh on June 1, Bryan Morris has been immediately thrust into higher-leverage spots for the Marlins, including four eighth-inning appearances in the last five days. His ascent will allow Mike Redmond to use Mike Dunn in more of a matchup role.
Updated hierarchy: Cishek | Ramos | Morris.
New York Yankees — Shawn Kelley will be activated from the disabled list on Wednesday, but Joe Girardi will be careful with him for a while, avoiding use in back-to-back games. Dellin Betances and Adam Warren have been exemplary in Kelley’s absence.
Hierarchy remains: Robertson | Betances | Warren.
Atlanta Braves — Jordan Walden returned from the DL today after a month away, and we were all set to move him right into the Braves’ hierarchy — that is, until he entered Tuesday’s game with a four-run lead in the eighth and immediately issued three straight walks. Thanks to Shae Simmons, the Braves yielded only one run. Walden hasn’t historically struggled with control, but we’ll still wait to see what his next game holds before making the move.
Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Simmons | Carpenter.
Chicago Cubs — $4 million mistake Jose Veras was released today. Cubs fans, he can’t hurt you now. The bad man is gone.
Hierarchy remains: Rondon | Ramirez | Strop.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Juan Carlos Oviedo, Tampa Bay Rays — As noted above, if the Rays don’t give Joel Peralta the save opportunity Wednesday, it will likely go to Oviedo.
2. David Carpenter, Atlanta Braves — Craig Kimbrel struck out the side Tuesday with 11 pitches and 11 strikes, but it was his fourth night of work in the last five days. Shae Simmons has a similar usage pattern, leaving Carpenter as the best-rested option.
3. Luke Gregerson, Oakland A’s — Sean Doolittle threw 28 pitches in a two-inning outing.
