Nathan to DL; Vulture Saves highlight busy night

April 9, 2015

Detroit Tigers – Joe Nathan is heading to the DL with an elbow flexor strain. Joakim Soria will close in his absence, though Nathan will get the job back when he returns, said Brad Ausmus. Ausmus mentioned Joba Chamberlain and Ian Krol as 8th-inning candidates.

Updated hierarchy: Soria | Chamberlain | Krol.

New York Yankees – Dellin Betances’ struggles carried over from spring, as he entered the game with the Yankees down by one to face the heart of the order in the eighth inning. He left after giving up a run, but earned a vulture win after Aaron Loup and Brett Cecil combined to give up three runs in the eighth. Andrew Miller earned his first save of the season, saying afterwards that he was comfortable as a co-closer. It’s too early to call this a shift at the top of the Yankees’ committee, as Betances was brought in to face three dangerous righties in a close game, and Miller fell into a save due to the implosion by Toronto’s bullpen. However, the early returns are leaning towards Miller, and you should not hesitate to pick him up if he is somehow still available.

Hierarchy remains: *Betances | Miller | Carpenter.
*closer-by-committee

Los Angeles Dodgers – As was predicted in the Vulture Save Watch, it was Joel Peralta who got the call to close out a two-run game. Peralta was the only reliever that did not pitch yesterday, so it could be that it was simply his turn in the committee, but it is hard to ignore the disaster outing Hatcher had Tuesday. This is still a committee, but Peralta is worth a pickup if he is available after the past couple days.

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

Colorado Rockies – John Axford got the save in the 10th inning after Latroy Hawkins blew his bid in the ninth. Adam Ottavino had already pitched, but Axford is a former closer, and that experience could get him some more high leverage spots in the future.

Hierarchy remains: Hawkins | Ottavino | Logan.

Philadelphia Phillies – Ken Giles struggled with his control in his 2015 debut, walking three and giving up a pair of unearned runs. However, the story of the night was Jonathan Papelbon, who bailed out Giles to get a four-out save. Afterwards he had some fun with the press, which included his best Randy Moss impression. All this serves to highlight his rift with the Philadelphia front office, which could lead to a trade if the right buyer comes along.

Hierarchy remains: Papelbon | Giles | Diekman.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Andrew Miller, New York Yankees – Miller looked sharp in his first save opportunity and may get another shot sooner rather than later after a tough outing for Dellin Betances on Wednesday.

Mejia lands on DL; Marshall sharp in 2015 debut

April 8, 2015

New York Mets – Jenrry Mejia was officially placed on the 15-day DL Tuesday. Jeurys Familia will be the go-to option for Terry Collins in the ninth for the time being.

Hierarchy remains: Familia | Torres | Montero.

Arizona Diamondbacks – Evan Marshall pitched a 1-2-3 eighth inning ahead of Addison Reed, who locked down his first save of the season. Marshall may figure into Arizona’s late-inning plans after a solid rookie season in 2014. With Brad Ziegler being used in the sixth on Tuesday, Marshall appears to be the most likely handcuff to Reed at the moment.

Updated hierarchy: Reed | Marshall | Ziegler.

Boston Red Sox – Good news for Koji Uehara owners: manager John Farrell says that he may return early next week. Fenway Park already has Sandstorm cued up.

Hierarchy remains: Mujica | Ogando | Tazawa.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Joel Peralta/JP Howell, Los Angeles Dodgers – Chris Hatcher got the ninth in a tie game last night and the Padres promptly plated four runs. Expect someone else to get a turn in the ninth on Wednesday if necessary.
2. Andrew Miller, New York Yankees – Joe Girardi may be in no rush to name a closer, but he probably is in a rush to have to actually use one.
3. Tommy Hunter, Baltimore Orioles – Zach Britton has pitched in each of the last two games and Darren O’Day threw 19 pitches yesterday in his second straight appearance.

Chris Hatcher gets first save; Jenrry Mejia’s injury could be serious

April 7, 2015

New York Mets – Jenrry Mejia experienced elbow stiffness in the Mets’ bullpen while warming up and never entered the game. Pitching coach Ricky Bones said that Mejia had the same expression on his face as when he hurt his elbow in 2011, when Bones was his coach in Buffalo. That injury required surgery. We will keep an eye on Mejia’s status, but for now, Jeurys Familia will get save opportunities, according to Terry Collins.

Updated hierarchy: Familia | Torres | Montero.

Los Angeles Dodgers – Chris Hatcher picked up his first career save on Opening Day in the Dodgers’ win over the Padres. Joel Peralta was sent in to face the heart of the San Diego order in the 8th, showing Don Mattingly’s willingness to use his best guys in tough spots. For now we will move Hatcher to the front of the class, but don’t be surprised if Mattingly gets comfortable mixing and matching. Either way, this bears close watching, as Kenley Jansen was still in a walking boot yesterday.

Updated hierarchy: *Hatcher | Peralta | Howell.
*closer-by-committee

Atlanta Braves – Prior to Jason Grilli picking up his first save of the year, Freddie Gonzalez confirmed that Grilli will be his closer and Jim Johnson his set-up man to start the season. This comes after the Braves shipped off über-closer Craig Kimbrel to the Padres ahead of opening day.

Hierarchy remains: Grilli | Johnson | Avilan.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Joel Peralta/JP Howell, Los Angeles Dodgers – We are not convinced that Hatcher is the go-to guy in LA just yet.
2. Andrew Miller, New York Yankees – It may be a while until we find out who the closer is in New York if the potentially lifeless Yankees don’t get a save opportunity soon.