April 20, 2015
New York Mets – Jerry Blevins broke his forearm fielding a comebacker on Sunday, and will likely miss at least the next month or two. Vic Black, meanwhile, had a setback in his recovery, meaning the Mets will have to rely on Alex Torres and Buddy Carlyle in the 7th inning going forward. Bobby Parnell can’t get back soon enough.
Updated hierarchy: Familia | C.Torres | A.Torres.
Texas Rangers – It wasn’t exactly a banner night for the Texas bullpen, which saw its top three relievers get knocked around in a late game collapse against the Mariners. Shawn Tolleson pitched the 7th and fared the best, only allowing one run on two hits. Tanner Scheppers got the 8th and only recorded one out while surrendering three runs. Then, summoned for a five-out save, Neftali Feliz allowed two inherited runners to score in the 8th, then two more of his own in the 9th. Since everyone looked bad in this one, Feliz shouldn’t have too much to worry about yet. But with his peripherals looking shady, another blown save could land him on the Hot Seat.
Hierarchy remains: Feliz | Scheppers | Tolleson.
Pittsburgh Pirates – Jared Hughes picked up his fifth hold of the season on Sunday, which places him among the league leaders. Though Arquimedes Caminero has the better raw stuff, Hughes has been excellent so far this year, so we’ll nudge him into the hierarchy, while acknowledging that he and Caminero are essentially neck and neck behind Mark Melancon and Tony Watson.
Updated hierarchy: Melancon | Watson | Hughes.
San Diego Padres – Joaquin Benoit picked up his first save of the year on Sunday. Craig Kimbrel was unavailable after pitching back to back nights and three of four. Score another one for the Vulture Save Watch.
Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Benoit | Thayer.
St. Louis Cardinals – Jordan Walden picked up the save on Sunday night. After the game, Mike Matheny said that Trevor Rosenthal has had a high workload in the early going, and that he wanted to give him two consecutive days off. Walden, tied for the league lead in holds, remains the handcuff.
Hierarchy remains: Rosenthal | Walden | Belisle.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Chad Qualls, Houston Astros – Luke Gregerson has pitched in back to back games.
