May 1, 2015
Minnesota Twins – Twins setup man Casey Fien was placed on the disabled list due to soreness in his shoulder. For now, we’ll slide Aaron Thompson to the first-in-line slot and Blaine Boyer behind him, but keep an eye on Brian Duensing, who could be activated from the DL this weekend and may sneak back into the Closer Monkey hierarchy.
Updated hierarchy: Perkins | Thompson | Boyer.
Chicago White Sox – In a meaningless, no-pressure spot in the ninth inning Thursday night, Jake Petricka allowed three runs on four hits to balloon his ERA to 7.20. Robin Ventura could continue to give Petricka a breather from the high-pressure situations. Look for Dan Jennings to fill in more in the late innings, as he has become a reliable arm in the pen (BAA of .147 in 9 appearances).
Updated hierarchy: Robertson | Duke | Jennings.
Colorado Rockies – As a fantasy owner, these are words you do not want to hear from an injured closer due back soon: “I’m definitely worried,” Adam Ottavino told reporters. “It’s kind of weird. I haven’t had any elbow/triceps issues in my whole career.” Ottavino also revealed he will be shut down for a while and is “in a holding pattern.” It could be at least a few weeks before we see him again, and by then, John Axford could have the job secured.
Hierarchy remains: Axford | Betancourt | Logan.
Oakland A’s – Injured A’s closer Sean Doolittle (shoulder strain) threw a 25-pitch bullpen session on Thursday, and could begin a rehab assignment next week. If that goes well, he could be in line to return to Oakland by Memorial Day and would certainly figure into manager Bob Melvin’s late-inning plans.
Hierarchy remains: Clippard | Scribner | Cook.
Tampa Bay Rays – Rays reliever Jake McGee said he “felt good” in a rehab outing Wednesday allowing no runs, hits or walks in an inning of work at Single-A. McGee believes he’ll pitch again for Single-A on Friday or Saturday before beginning a rehab stint with Triple-A Durham. If all goes well, he will certainly toss his name into Tampa Bay’s late-innings hat.
Hierarchy remains: *Boxberger | Jepsen | Frieri.
* closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Joe Smith/Mike Morin, Los Angeles Angels: Huston Street, Joe Smith and Mike Morin have all pitched in two straight games. Should a save situation arise, Street may get called upon again, but LA could go with backup options should Street need a break.
