July 19, 2014
San Diego Padres — Huston Street has been traded to the Angels and set-up man Joaquin Benoit will assume the 9th inning duties. It sounds like the Padres will use a number of different guys in the set-up role, with Dale Thayer, Kevin Quakenbush and Nick Vincent, when he returns from injury, being mentioned.
Updated hierarchy: Benoit | Thayer | Quakenbush.
Chicago White Sox — Zach Putnam got the first save opportunity coming out of the All-Star break and converted for his third save of the season. It’s hard to read too much into one game, especially with the way Robin Ventura has been using his relievers recently, but it looks like we are back to Putnam and Petricka sharing the closing duties for now.
Updated hierarchy: Petricka | Putnam | Guerra.
Los Angeles Angels — The Angels acquired former Padre closer Huston Street late Friday night, and he is expected to immediately bump Joe Smith back to a setup role.
Updated hierarchy: Street | Smith | Jepsen.
Miami Marlins — Kevin Gregg has been placed on the DL with right elbow inflammation. The Marlins activated A.J. Ramos from the DL and he should split time with Bryan Morris in the 7th and 8th innings.
Updated hierarchy: Cishek | Morris | Ramos.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Zach Putnam, Chicago White Sox – The White Sox are still going with a committee so it could be Putnam or Petricka on any given night.
2. Grant Balfour/Brad Boxberger, Tampa Bay Rays – Jake McGee has been pitching great and getting most of the save opportunities, which means it’s a perfect time for Joe Maddon to try somebody else in his committee.
