July 23, 2014
San Diego Padres — 25-year-old Kevin Quackenbush had six saves in six attempts at El Paso earlier this year, and so far in the big leagues, he’s put up a sub-1.00 WHIP and averaged more than a strikeout per inning. Recent comments from Bud Black suggest that if Joaquin Benoit ends up being traded, “Quack” will inherit the ninth.
Updated hierarchy: Benoit | Quackenbush | Thayer.
San Francisco Giants — It took Tim Lincecum only 1,532 innings to earn his first career save, but we’re sure he has other talents. Lincecum’s only previous regular-season relief appearance came on April 2, 2008 — when he was held back until the fourth inning to avoid an expected rain delay. The Giants couldn’t spell Tim’s name right in a celebratory tweet they later deleted, but they did correctly point out that he’s the first player since Sandy Koufax to earn a save in the same season that he pitched a no-hitter.
Hierarchy remains: Casilla | Romo | Affeldt.
Toronto Blue Jays — For the second straight appearance, Casey Janssen entered in a non-save ninth and allowed enough runs to allow a wingman to earn a vulture save. Tonight it was Brett Cecil’s turn, since Aaron Loup and Dustin McGowan had already appeared. If Janssen’s ineffectiveness can be traced to his recent illness, he’d be better off resting than hooking up pals at the expense of his ERA.
Hierarchy remains: Janssen | McGowan | Loup.
Baltimore Orioles — Zach Britton looked dominant on Tuesday night, and he has earned his last three saves with a miserly 25 combined pitches.
Hierarchy remains: Britton | O’Day | Hunter.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Aaron Loup, Toronto Blue Jays — Casey Janssen threw 24 pitches on Tuesday and has been struggling with an illness. Dustin McGowan, although next in line, threw 28 pitches of his own.
2. A.J. Ramos, Miami Marlins — Steve Cishek and Bryan Morris have each pitched in three straight games.
3. Dellin Betances, New York Yankees — David Robertson threw 32 pitches in two innings on Tuesday.
