April 12, 2015
Atlanta Braves – Jim Johnson recorded his first save of the season last night, as regular closer Jason Grilli was given the night off. Johnson has gotten off to a great start and should continue to see save chances whenever Grilli is unavailable.
Hierarchy remains: Grilli | Johnson | Avilan.
New York Mets — Jenrry Mejia has been suspended 80 games for testing positive for the performance-enhancing drug Stanozolol. Manager Terry Collins said he was disappointed for the other guys on the team and David Wright expressed his frustration. Familia should continue to close for now, but this could create a bigger opportunity for Bobby Parnell when he returns.
Hierarchy remains: Familia | C.Torres | Montero.
Washington Nationals – The Nationals went to Blake Treinen in the 8th inning yesterday to protect a lead. Treinen was successful in that same spot on Wednesday but couldn’t get the job done yesterday. This is a new role for Treinen, but it sounds like manager Matt Williams would like to give Treinen a shot at locking down the 8th inning ahead of closer Drew Storen. Casey Janssen felt good after throwing on Friday and should factor into the late inning bullpen plans for the Nationals when he is able to return.
Updated hierarchy: Storen | Treinen | Barrett.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Kevin Jepsen, Tampa Bay Rays — Brad Boxberger has pitched on four of the last five days.
2. Joba Chamberlain, Detroit Tigers — Joakim Soria has pitched in two straight and three of the last four.
3. Ken Giles, Philadelphia Phillies — Jonathan Papelbon has pitched in two straight and three of the last four.
4. Shawn Tolleson/Roman Mendez, Texas Rangers — Neftali Feliz has pitched in back-to-back games, throwing a total of 40 pitches. Tolleson has also pitched in two straight, but only thrown 17 pitches so he could be fresher than Feliz.
5. Andrew Miller, New York Yankees — Miller has out-pitched Betances so far this season and could get the call on any night.
