May 7, 2015
Tampa Bay Rays — Jake McGee may be ready to rejoin the team as early as this weekend, but manager Kevin Cash indicated that when McGee returns he “won’t just make him the ninth-inning guy.” This isn’t the news that anyone who stashed McGee on the DL was hoping to hear, but it is not too surprising. Brad Boxberger has been extremely effective at the top of the committee, and Kevin Cash has already signaled that he will use his best relievers in the most important spots.
Hierarchy remains: *Boxberger | Jepsen | Geltz.
Detroit Tigers — The Tigers’ bullpen continued to struggle on Wednesday; this time it was the usually solid Joba Chamberlain that took the blown save and the loss, giving up four runs in the eighth inning. Bruce Rondon is now in Detroit, and while manager Brad Ausmus refused to call it a positive step, Detroit could use the young righty to step in and stabilize their relief situation once he is deemed fit.
Hierarchy remains: Soria | Chamberlain | Gorzelanny.
Washington Nationals — According to ESPN Insider Eric Karabell, Tanner Roark may take Stephen Strasburg’s spot in the rotation if his injury requires a stint on the DL. While this isn’t official yet, Roark has been one of the most effective arms in the Nationals bullpen, picking up his first save on Tuesday. He added his third hold of the year last night, but if he ends up sticking in the rotation then look for Blake Tiernan to be the third option until Casey Janssen, who will start a rehab assignment today, returns to the roster.
Hierarchy remains: Storen | Barrett | Roark.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Tony Cingrani, Cincinnati Reds – Aroldis Chapman has pitched in back-to-back games, including a 30-pitch outing on Tuesday.
2. Zach Duke, Chicago White Sox – David Robertson has pitched in two straight and three of the last four.
