Joe Nathan out for year; Mark Melancon picks up save despite continued low velocity

April 24, 2015

Detroit Tigers – Former closer Joe Nathan, the active leader in saves and the second-oldest player in the AL, is out for the season with a torn UCL in his pitching elbow. Nathan suffered the injury on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Toledo on Wednesday morning. Although Nathan will require a second Tommy John surgery, he insists that he will return to pitch another day. Joakim Soria, with 5 saves in 5 chances this season, should be secure in the closer role from this point forward. Ian Krol, meanwhile, got sent to the minors to work on his delivery, which will likely lead to more holds opportunities for Al Alburquerque.

Updated hierarchy: Soria | Chamberlain | Alburquerque.

Colorado Rockies — John Axford, back from dealing with his son’s snake bite, earned his second save of the season on Thursday, shutting down the Padres in the 9th. After the game, regular closer Adam Ottavino said that he had asked for the day off due to “usual pitcher soreness.” All indications are that Ottavino is fine and will remain the closer moving forward, but Axford will play an important role as well. In other news, former closer LaTroy Hawkins has been placed on the DL with tendinitis in his biceps. This is Hawkins’s final season in what has been a $47 million career; his next appearance in one of our updates may be as part of a front office.

Updated hierarchy: Ottavino | Axford | Betancourt.

Los Angeles Dodgers — LA continues to have the most volatile closing situation in the league. On Thursday, after Chris Hatcher and Joel Peralta had already pitched, Pedro Baez got the chance at his first career save, but promptly coughed up the one-run lead, allowing a leadoff single and a game-tying triple. Although Baez managed to strand that runner on third, the Dodgers went on to lose 3-2 against the Giants. The Baez move, which puzzled the great Vin Scully, shows how wide-open things are now in the Dodgers’ ninth. The uncertainty should end soon, with Kenley Jansen scheduled to begin a rehab assignment next week.

Hierarchy remains: *Peralta | Hatcher | Baez.
*closer-by-committee

New York Yankees — Andrew Miller picked up his AL-leading sixth save Wednesday; Miller, who has not allowed a run, has 15 strikeouts in 7 games this season. Joe Girardi hasn’t confirmed that Miller is the full-time closer, but we’re sure enough to remove the committee asterisk. Dellin Betances, meanwhile, has overcome his early control issues and allowed only one walk in his last five appearances. He’ll be the guy should Miller falter or get hurt.

Hierarchy remains: Miller | Betances | Carpenter.

Kansas City Royals — On Saturday, injured closer Greg Holland will be evaluated by team doctors, who will decide when he can begin a throwing program. Holland has not thrown a baseball since feeling discomfort in his pectoral muscle, but said he “feels a lot better.” He’s eligible to return from the DL on May 3, but it will take longer if his evaluation goes poorly. Wade Davis has done a fine job filling in for Holland, and he picked up the save Thursday night after a wild night in Chicago, where a bench-clearing brawl led to five ejections.

Hierarchy remains: Davis | Herrera | Frasor.

Pittsburgh Pirates — With his velocity still down, embattled Pirates closer Mark Melancon managed to shut down the Cubs 1-2-3 in the ninth inning Thursday, finishing with a strikeout of über-prospect Addison Russell. Melancon’s cut fastball hovered in the 85-90 mph range, down from the low-to-mid-90s range he reached for most of last season. Melancon remains Pittsburgh’s primary closer, but his seat ought to be feeling very warm…

Hierarchy remains: Melancon | Watson | Hughes.

Texas Rangers — Rangers manager Jeff Bannister will use Tanner Scheppers in lower-leverage situations for the time being after some rough outings. Bannister likes the righty’s stuff, so don’t be surprised to see Scheppers return to the eighth-inning role soon.

Updated hierarchy: Feliz | Tolleson | Scheppers.

Toronto Blue Jays – Liam Hendricks was ineffective in a 7-2 game, creating a save situation for Blue Jays committee head Miguel Castro. Castro made things even more interesting by giving up a three-run homer, but escaped with a fly out and a strikeout to end it. This poor outing notwithstanding, Castro remains the most likely closer on any given day.

Hierarchy remains: *Castro | Osuna | Cecil.
*closer-by-committee

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Roberto Osuna/Brett Cecil, Toronto Blue Jays — Castro has pitched in two straight games and leads a committee, so Osuna or Cecil could see a chance Friday.
2. Chris Hatcher/Paco Rodriguez, Los Angeles Dodgers — It’s a closer-by-committee system until Jansen returns. It could be Hatcher’s turn on Friday, or they could turn to Rodriguez, one of the few relievers who didn’t pitch for the Dodgers last night.
3. Ernesto Frieri, Tampa Bay Rays — Manager Kevin Cash has made it clear that he’ll use his best reliever, Brad Boxberger, in the most important moments of a game, sometimes earlier than the ninth inning. This is a wise move for the Rays, but a headache for fantasy owners. Kevin Jepsen has pitched in two straight, so keep an eye on Frieri.
4. Jordan Walden, St. Louis Cardinals — Trevor Rosenthal has pitched in two straight games and could be in line for a night off Friday.
5. Jonathan Broxton, Milwaukee Brewers — Save opportunities are few and far between for the bad Brewers, but closer Francisco Rodriguez has pitched in two straight games (and on three days out of four). Look for Broxton to fill in if K-Rod needs a breather.

Joe Nathan suffers setback Wednesday

April 23, 2015

Detroit Tigers – The big league club got blown out, but the real story was with the Toledo Mud Hens. Joe Nathan was pulled from his rehab assignment after re-injuring his throwing arm. This is bad news for Nathan owners, but good news for Soria owners, as Soria seems locked in to the closer’s role for the time being.

Hierarchy remains: Soria | Chamberlain | Krol.

Tampa Bay Rays — Manager Kevin Cash earned a lot of praise Wednesday night for his willingness to use closer Brad Boxberger in the seventh inning of a tie game. The move paid off, as Boxberger struck out the heart of the Red Sox order. This led to Steven Geltz earning his first Major League save. Cash is of the mindset that his best reliever should pitch the most volatile situation, and this means that we’re back to calling this a committee for the time being. Boxberger is still the clear favorite for saves, but don’t be surprised if he is used in the seventh or eighth depending on the situation.

Hierarchy remains: *Boxberger | Jepsen | Frieri.
* closer-by-committee

Pittsburgh Pirates — After Tuesday’s troubles, Mark Melancon was ruled unavailable by manager Clint Hurdle before Wednesday’s game, with Hurdle maintaining that Melancon is still the closer. In a one-run game it was Tony Watson who got a six-out save for the Pirates in Melancon’s stead. As we noted yesterday, Melancon’s velocity is down and he has struggled mightily this season. Despite Hurdle’s statement, still expect to see Melancon on the hot seat in our weekly column.

Hierarchy remains: Melancon | Watson | Hughes.

Chicago Cubs — Jason Motte has had a rough start to the season, sporting an ERA over 6.00 in the early going. Edwin Jackson is reaping the benefits, and recently got a vote of confidence from his manager, saying he has earned the right to pitch in higher leverage situations. Maddon was quick to note that this was not a reflection on Motte or Brian Schlitter, but be ready to see Jackson picking up more holds for the Cubs.

Updated hierarchy: Rondon | Strop | Jackson.

Los Angeles Dodgers — Kenley Jansen is continuing his road back to bullpen this week with some bullpen sessions and a minor-league assignment could be on tap late next week. If everything goes as planned, Jansen is on target for a mid-May return.

Hierarchy remains: *Peralta | Hatcher | Baez.
*closer-by-committee

Toronto Blue Jays – Miguel Castro got a four-out save, but his committee colleagues Roberto Osuna and Brett Cecil also put in scoreless appearances. If all three continue to pitch well, manager John Gibbons may have more difficult decisions to make with the late innings. For now though, Castro is the favorite.

Hierarchy remains: *Castro | Osuna | Cecil.
*closer-by-committee

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Jumbo Diaz, Cincinnati Reds — Aroldis Chapman has pitched in two straight and the Reds have a matinee matchup.
2. Roberto Osuna/Brett Cecil, Toronto Blue Jays — John Gibbons may use his relievers in different roles based on matchups.

Mark Melancon’s woes continue; Joe Nathan nears return

April 22, 2015

Pittsburgh Pirates – Mark Melancon had another rough outing on Tuesday in what has been a less than stellar year for the Pirates closer. His velocity has been down all season and his ERA moved to 8.53 after he allowed three runs on Tuesday. Melancon doesn’t “pay attention” to the drop in his fastball and manager Clint Hurdle was quick to point out that even with a slight dip, “there’s no injury.” But something doesn’t seem right with Melancon, and fantasy owners should look for him to be added to the hot seat in this week’s column.

Hierarchy remains: Melancon | Watson | Hughes.

Detroit Tigers – Joe Nathan is eligible to return from the DL on Wednesday after he completes a rehab assignment in Toledo. If everything goes as planned, he could be ready as early as Friday, though Brad Ausmus was less sure of that timetable than Nathan.

Hierarchy remains: Soria | Chamberlain | Krol.

Philadelphia Phillies – Luis Garcia has been terrific for the Phillies this season and he picked up his second hold of the year on Tuesday. Garcia has not allowed a run since Sept. 10, 2014, and has struck out seven batters in his last six innings of work, including two on Tuesday. With Jake Diekman’s ERA a robust 13.50, Garcia is the safer bet in the seventh inning going forward.

Updated hierarchy: Papelbon | Giles | Garcia.

Kansas City Royals – Kelvin Herrera was suspended five games for Sunday’s nastiness, and he will appeal that suspension, a process that is estimated to take two weeks to complete. Herrera will be available during the appeal, which is good news for the Royals as they try and get Greg Holland back off the DL.

Hierarchy remains: Davis | Herrera | Frasor.

Houston Astros – Chad Qualls chalked another one up for the Vulture Save Watch with a clean ninth inning.

Hierarchy remains: Gregerson | Qualls | Neshek.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Bryan Shaw, Cleveland Indians – Cody Allen has thrown 48 pitches over the last two games; Bryan Shaw does have three straight appearances under his belt, but has been extremely efficient over the last two.
2. Roberto Osuna/Brett Cecil, Toronto Blue Jays – John Gibbons has mixed and matched relievers for the past week.

Cody Allen struggling; Jake McGee on the mend

April 21, 2015

Cleveland Indians – Nick Hagadone is getting more opportunities in the late innings — he shared the 8th inning with Bryan Shaw last night — and is in line for more holds going forward. Cody Allen, meanwhile, imploded in the 9th, surrendering 4 runs and blowing a 3-run lead. He’s been very shaky so far this year, but after a stellar 2014 campaign, we don’t think his job is in jeopardy quite yet.

Updated hierarchy: Allen | Shaw | Hagadone.

Tampa Bay Rays – Jake McGee is on his way to the Durham Bulls to begin a rehab assignment after throwing a successful bullpen session on Sunday. Brad Boxberger has pitched well in the closer role to start the season, but expect McGee could potentially compete for save opportunities as soon as he completes his stint in Triple-A.

Hierarchy remains: Boxberger | Jepsen | Frieri.

Kansas City Royals – An MRI revealed that Greg Holland suffered a low-grade strain to his right pectoral muscle. As expected, Holland’s injury is not serious and should not have him sidelined for very long. Wade Davis will get saves in his absence, especially now that Kelvin Herrera may be suspended following his foray into headhunting on Sunday.

Hierarchy remains: Davis | Herrera | Frasor.

Detroit Tigers – In other injury news, Bruce Rondon is on the mend and has returned to throwing off a mound following being shut down with biceps tendonitis. He will return to the Tigers’ bullpen and could quickly become a strong holds option, pitching ahead of Joakim Soria until Old Man Joe Nathan hobbles back to the Hot Seat.

Hierarchy remains: Soria | Chamberlain | Krol.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Chad Qualls/Pat Neshek, Houston Astros – Luke Gregerson has pitched in three straight.
2. Roberto Osuna/Brett Cecil, Toronto Blue Jays – John Gibbons has mixed and matched relievers for the past week.
3. Tanner Scheppers/Shawn Tolleson, Texas Rangers – Neftali Feliz might need a second day off after a marathon 47-pitch outing on Sunday.

Jerry Blevins injured; Neftali Feliz knocked around

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.