April 19, 2015
Toronto Blue Jays – Miguel Castro blew his first save of the season yesterday. This was the first earned run given up by Castro, who has gotten off to a good start to the season much to the delight of the scout who signed him. Brett Cecil pitched a scoreless 10th and picked up the win after Josh Donaldson hit a walk-off homer in the bottom of the inning. This all comes just one night after Cecil had a terrible outing, and it looked like Castro had the chance to solidify himself as the closer. With Castro and Cecil pitching on back-to-back days, Osuna could get the call on Sunday if there is a save opportunity and further complicate things in the Blue Jays bullpen.
Hierarchy remains: *Castro | Osuna | Cecil.
*closer-by-committee
Kansas City Royals — Greg Holland has been placed on the 15-day disabled list with a right pectoral strain. The injury does not appear to be serious, but Holland will be rested for about a week. Wade Davis will take over closing duties in his absence, with Kelvin Herrera handling the 8th inning.
Updated hierarchy: Davis | Herrera | Frasor.
Los Angeles Dodgers – Joel Peralta recorded his third save of the season last night. Chris Hatcher got the last out of the 7th and J.P. Howell pitched the 8th. Peralta has not given up a hit in his last four appearances and looks to be asserting himself as the primary closer until Kenley Jansen returns.
Hierarchy remains: *Peralta | Hatcher | Baez.
*closer-by-committee
New York Mets — Alex Torres came on to get the last out of the 9th inning and record his first career save. With Jeurys Familia and Jerry Blevins getting the night off, Carlos Torres made a mess of a 4 run lead to start the 9th. He gave up three runs and had the tying run on first base, before A. Torres struck out Christian Yelich to end the game.
Hierarchy Remains: Familia | C.Torres | Blevins.
Oakland A’s — Jesse Chavez recorded a save yesterday by pitching the last 3.2 innings after starter Jesse Hahn left with an injury. Chavez does not factor into the A’s late inning plans but Sean Doolittle will when he returns and he is making progress.
Hierarchy remains: Clippard | O’Flaherty | Otero.
Tampa Bay Rays — Grant Balfour gave up 3 runs last night, and the Rays decided they have seen enough. Balfour was designated for assignment after the game.
Updated hierarchy: Boxberger | Jepsen | Frieri.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Roberto Osuna, Toronto Blue Jays – Miguel Castro and Brett Cecil have both pitched in two straight
2. Joaquin Benoit, San Diego Padres – Craig Kimbrel has pitched on back-to-back days and three of the last four.
3. Pedro Strop/Jason Motte, Chicago Cubs – Hector Rondon blew the save yesterday and has appeared in two straight games, throwing a total of 48 pitches. Pedro Strop has also pitched in two straight so the Cubs could go to Motte if they want to give Strop the day off as well.
