July 20, 2014
Toronto Blue Jays – Casey Janssen was unavailable due to a bout of food poisoning, so Aaron Loup got the call in the 9th inning, picking up his third save of the year. With Brett Cecil pitching erratically as of late (Cecil has allowed a run in four of his last nine outings), Loup is now the primary lefty in the Toronto pen.
Updated hierarchy: Janssen | McGowan | Loup.
Detroit Tigers – Joe Nathan’s first appearance out of the break wasn’t a pretty one, as he allowed 3 earned runs and took the loss. Nathan’s ratios have improved considerably since he adjusted his arm slot in mid-June — he has 16 Ks against just 3 BBs in his past 10 innings — but when hitters make contact, they’re still hitting the ball pretty hard. He continues to get a vote of confidence from Brad Ausmus, but with his ERA now at 6.23, he’s back on our Hot Seat.
Hierarchy remains: Nathan | Chamberlain | Alburquerque.
Joe Nathan to Hot Seat.
Chicago White Sox – Zach Putnam got the save on Friday, so it was Jake Petricka’s turn to try for the last three outs on Saturday. But Petricka was only able to get two of those outs, also allowing a hit and a walk before being yanked by Robin Ventura — Putnam would strike out the game’s final hitter to earn the save. With two saves in two days, and an uncomfortably quick hook on Petricka, Putnam has inched to the top of the White Sox closer-by-committee.
Updated hierarchy: Putnam | Petricka | Guerra.
Philadelphia Phillies – Ken Giles got the ball in the 8th inning last night and picked up his third hold of the season. With Giles continuing to shine in his audition, he’s a great speculative add (as mentioned here) for teams looking for saves. Jonathan Papelbon could be shipped out soon.
Updated hierarchy: Papelbon | Giles | Bastardo.
Seattle Mariners – Charlie Furbush picked up his first save of the season on Saturday, pitching the bottom of the 12th inning. He does not factor in to the Mariners’ usual late-inning plans.
Hierarchy remains: Rodney | Farquhar | Medina.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Dustin McGowan/Aaron Loup, Toronto Blue Jays – Casey Janssen’s food poisoning could keep him out another day or so.
