April 16, 2015
Pittsburgh Pirates – The Pirates are watching Mark Melancon’s velocity, as it is down three miles per hour from last year. Clint Hurdle isn’t “concerned” or “disappointed,” but is going to watch what happens with his closer. His ERA of 6.75 is a bit misleading, as he has three scoreless appearances (including last night in a loss) and one in which he yielded three runs. However, he has yet to record a save this year, mostly due to lack of opportunities. This isn’t enough to earn Melancon a spot on the hot seat just yet, but if he does begin to concern or disappoint his manager, Tony Watson remains next in line, with Arquimedes Carminero and Jared Hughes behind him.
Hierarchy remains: Melancon | Watson | Caminero.
Los Angeles Dodgers – The most unpredictable bullpen in the majors remained that way last night as the Dodgers held onto a three-run win. Chris Hatcher got the last two outs in the seventh, while Pedro Baez took the whole eighth and the first out of the ninth. Just when you thought you could count him out, JP Howell was summoned for the last two outs of the game. However, this wasn’t quite a save situation and Howell did face Seattle’s bottom two batters. In addition, Joel Peralta was dealing with a stiff neck. This doesn’t seem to be serious, as he had hoped to be available yesterday. All of this may not matter soon, as Kenley Jansen is scheduled to begin throwing off a mound, on Saturday. His return will be a welcome sight for anyone who is a fan of bullpen stability.
Hierarchy remains: *Peralta | Hatcher | Baez.
*closer-by-committee
Detroit Tigers — Joakim Soria picked up another save last night, but despite Soria’s hot start, Brad Ausmus said he would stick with Joe Nathan when he returns from the DL.
Hierarchy remains: Soria | Chamberlain | Krol.
New York Mets — If anybody was holding out hope that Jenrry Mejia would be a factor in the bullpen when he returns from his PED suspension, it may be time to cut ties with him. Mets GM Sandy Alderson said he isn’t even guaranteed a roster spot when he gets back, let alone a shot at the closer’s role.
Hierarchy remains: Familia | C.Torres | Montero.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Robert Osuna/Brett Cecil, Toronto Blue Jays – While Miguel Castro is the first choice here, anybody could get the call in Toronto
