Kyuji Fujikawa makes a triumphant return

August 7, 2014

Chicago Cubs — Kyuji Fujikawa was activated from the disabled list on Wednesday and entered with two men on in the sixth, with the Cubs down four. After a hit batsman loaded the bases, Fujikawa induced a double play and a fly ball to escape the jam. Although Rick Renteria has said that he intends to ease Fujikawa back into higher-leverage roles, the Cubs will need to see him pitch in big spots soon to help them decide whether they should pick up his $5.5 million option for 2015 or exercise the $500k buyout.

Updated hierarchy: Rondon | Strop | Fujikawa.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Pat Neshek, St. Louis Cardinals — In a tied ninth, Mike Matheny went back to Trevor Rosenthal for the fourth day in five (and fifth in seven), and Rosenthal immediately gave up a single, double, and intentional walk. He escaped after allowing only one run, but still earned a loss. The Monkey will eat his Knicks hat if Trevor pitches on Thursday.