Jim Johnson out as closer, replaced by committee involving Doolittle, Gregerson, Cook

April 10, 2014

Oakland A’s – Bob Melvin is giving Jim Johnson a break from closing duties for the time being.  Johnson may have the chance to win the job back if he pitches well, but for now, the A’s are going closer by committee.  Sean Doolittle, Luke Gregerson, Ryan Cook, and Dan Otero all figure to be involved.  Hierarchy change: Sean Doolittle to Closer, Ryan Cook to Set-up, Luke Gregerson to 2nd in line.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
OAKSean DoolittleRyan CookLuke GregersonRyan Cook4/10/14

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Who could replace Jim Johnson as Oakland closer?

April 10, 2014

Oakland A’s — It’s hard to raise a 15.00 ERA, but Jim Johnson pulled it off today. When asked to comment on potential replacements, Bob Melvin helpfully offered, “I’m just saying that I’m not saying anything.” Aha. We see Sean Doolittle as the best alternative, with Luke Gregerson behind him in a virtual tie with Ryan Cook, who’s still recovering from shoulder issues. No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
OAKJim JohnsonSean DoolittleRyan CookRyan Cook4/10/14

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Philadelphia Phillies — In a tie game on Wednesday, the Phils called on Jake Diekman in the seventh, and he struck out the side. After Antonio Bastardo came out for the eighth, the Brewers pulled away with three runs, including a two-run triple from even bigger cheater Ryan Braun. Ryne Sandberg has been somewhat inconsistent handing out high-leverage work, but Bastardo would certainly be in the mix if Jonathan Papelbon goes down, or just keeps getting worse. Hierarchy change: Antonio Bastardo to 2nd in line, replacing Jacob Diekman.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
PHIJonathan PapelbonB.J. RosenbergAntonio BastardoJonathan Papelbon4/10/14
Mike Adams (DL)

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Chicago White Sox — Ronald Belisario entered a tie game with one on; he gave up five singles and wound up tagged for five runs. This probably wouldn’t be news if he hadn’t also left the game with tightness in his lower back. Maikel Cleto continues to pitch well and would probably slide into a set-up role if the injury is at all serious. Hierarchy change: Maikel Cleto to 2nd in line, replacing Daniel Webb.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
CHWMatt LindstromRonald BelisarioMaikel CletoNate Jones4/10/14
Nate Jones (DL)

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Detroit Tigers — Joe Nathan blamed his early-season struggles on a “dead arm,” then downplayed its significance, comparing it to “knowing there’s second base on the field.” Somebody tell Fred Merkle. Nathan followed up the controversy by blowing a three-run lead for his second blown save in three chances, but he told reporters that the ball felt better coming out of his hand. No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
DETJoe NathanAl Alburquerque Joba ChamberlainJoe Nathan4/10/14

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Arizona Diamondbacks – Josh Collmenter pitched well in earning a four-inning save on his way to the rotation. No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
ARIAddison ReedJ.J. PutzBrad ZieglerAddison Reed4/10/14

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Chad Qualls/Matt Albers, Houston Astros – Josh Fields remains the best bet for Astros save chances, but with a committee in place, anything could happen.
2. Cody Allen, Cleveland Indians – John Axford has pitched on three of the last four days.
3. Matt Thornton/Dellin Betances, New York Yankees — Shawn Kelley had a difficult 30-pitch outing on Wednesday, and has pitched on three of four days. Adam Warren has also pitched three of the last four days.

Broxton back with the Reds; Santos doing well for Toronto

April 9, 2014

Cincinnati Reds — Jonathan Broxton was activated from the disabled list on Tuesday, and though manager Bryan Price says he would like to let him “get his feet wet” before returning him to the ninth, it’s clear that he will be the Reds’ closer going forward. Meanwhile, J.J. Hoover entered in the seventh inning with Cincinnati trailing, and appears to have fallen behind the other members of the team’s short-lived closer committee. Hierarchy change: Jonathan Broxton to Closer, replacing J.J. Hoover.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
CINJonathan BroxtonSam LeCureManny ParraAroldis Chapman4/9/14
Aroldis Chapman (DL)Sean Marshall (DL)

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Toronto Blue Jays — Brett Cecil pitched the eighth last night after Steve Delabar was used to finish the sixth. Keep an eye on Sergio Santos too — he struck out the side in the ninth, and could have a shot at keeping the closer job even after Casey Janssen returns. Janssen will throw a side session on Wednesday before starting a few rehab outings. Hierarchy change: Brett Cecil to Set-up, Steve Delabar to 2nd in line.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
TORSergio SantosBrett CecilSteve DelabarCasey Janssen4/9/14
Casey Janssen (DL)

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Texas Rangers — Joakim Soria entered in the ninth inning of a 10-4 game and scattered four hits among three strikeouts, surrendering three runs. With Neftali Feliz impressing in the minors, another outing like that one could send Soria to the Hot Seat. No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
TEXJoakim SoriaAlexi OgandoNeal CottsJoakim Soria4/9/14

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Kelvin Herrera/Aaron Crow, Kansas City Royals — Greg Holland has had two long outings in a row, and set-up man Wade Davis threw 27 pitches on Tuesday.
2. Chad Qualls/Matt Albers, Houston Astros – Josh Fields remains the best bet for Astros save chances, but with a committee in place, anything could happen.
3. Carlos Martinez, St. Louis Cardinals – Trevor Rosenthal has pitched on two straight days, including throwing 27 pitches on Monday.

Shawn Kelley to close in New York; Ryan Cook returns from DL

April 8, 2014

New York Yankees – David Robertson sustained an injured groin and is going on the disabled list. For what it’s worth, Robertson only expects to miss the minimum 15 days. Hierarchy change: Shawn Kelley to Closer, Adam Warren to Set-up, Matt Thornton to 2nd in line.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
NYYShawn KelleyAdam WarrenMatt ThorntonDavid Robertson4/7/14
David Robertson (DL)

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Oakland A’s – Ryan Cook returned from the disabled list and pitched a scoreless ninth inning in an 8-3 Oakland win. He should take over the 7th-inning role previously held by Luke Gregerson. Hierarchy change: Ryan Cook to 2nd in line, replacing Luke Gregerson.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
OAKJim JohnsonSean DoolittleRyan CookRyan Cook4/8/14

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Boston Red Sox – Left-hander Chris Capuano got the call in the 8th inning of a 2-1 game with two of the three Rangers due up that inning batting from the left side. The move paid off, as he allowed just one hit and escaped the inning unscathed. Capuano has been solid in his four innings of work this year, not allowing a run and striking out five, but for the moment is still behind Edward Mujica and Junichi Tazawa. No Hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
BOSKoji UeharaJunichi TazawaEdward MujicaKoji Uehara4/5/14

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Chad Qualls/Matt Albers, Houston Astros – Due to recent usage, listed closer Josh Fields is probably the best bet for any Astros save chance today, but with a committee in place, anything could happen.
2. Carlos Martinez, St. Louis Cardinals – Trevor Rosenthal threw 27 pitches in a non-save situation yesterday.