August 17, 2014
San Francisco Giants — Sergio Romo got the last two outs of the game last night and picked up his first save since June 22nd. Manager Bruce Boche said he wanted to give closer Santiago Casilla a day off. Casilla has allowed a run in his last three appearances, picking up losses in the past two. Romo, on the other hand, has not allowed a run in his last eight games. Casilla has not blown a save since he took over as closer at the end of June but if he continues to give up runs and former All Star closer Romo regains his form, the Giants could consider making a change.
Hierarchy remains: Casilla | Romo | Affeldt.
Santiago Casilla to Hot Seat.
Detroit Tigers – Joe Nathan gave up another run last night but picked up his 25th save of the season. Nathan’s ERA is over 5.00 but that seems great compared to his new bullpen mate. The Tigers have called up Jim Johnson, and his 7.14 ERA. If Johnson can regain the form that saw him record 50 saves last season, he could factor into the late inning plans for the Tigers, but for now he is likely just bullpen depth.
Hierarchy remains: Nathan | Chamberlain | Alburquerque.
St. Louis Cardinals – Kevin Siegrist took the loss last night, giving up four runs in less than an inning of work. Siegrist has now given up 11 runs in 9 appearances since returning from the DL on July 25th. Seth Maness picked up the 8th inning hold on Friday night and has not given up any runs so far in August. With Siegrist struggling, Maness should see more time in the later innings.
Updated hierarchy: Rosenthal | Neshek | Maness.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Edward Mujica, Boston Red Sox – Koji Uehara has pitched in two in a row.
2. Kevin Jepsen, Los Angeles Angels – Huston Street and Joe Smith have both pitched in two straight and three of the last four.
