May 10, 2015
Houston Astros — With Luke Gregerson out, Chad Qualls picked up his 3rd save of the season. Qualls will continue to close while Gregerson is out.
Hierarchy Remains: Qualls | Neshek | Sipp.
Atlanta Braves – Closer Jason Grilli was unavailable yesterday. Grilli last pitched on Wednesday when he picked up his 9th save of the season. If Grilli misses any additional time, Jim Johnson should fill in as closer.
Hierarchy remains: Grilli | Johnson | Avilan.
New York Yankees — Chris Martin has been placed on the DL with tendinitis in his right elbow. Martin has been solid for the Yankees this season and was 2nd on the team in appearances. David Carpenter had a rough outing on Tuesday but should see time in the 7th inning while Martin is out.
Updated hierarchy: Miller | Betances | Carpenter.
Baltimore Orioles — Tommy Hunter pitched the 8th inning yesterday before O’Day and Britton combined to pitch the 9th. Hunter has not allowed an earned run in his last 8 appearances, and the former closer should continue to see time at the back-end of the Orioles’ bullpen.
Updated hierarchy: Britton | O’Day | Hunter.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Jim Johnson, Atlanta Braves – If Jason Grilli is unavailable again on Sunday, Johnson should close.
2. Dale Thayer, San Diego Padres – Craig Kimbrel has pitched 2 days in a row, including a 23 pitch blown save yesterday. Benoit has also pitched two in a row and Quackenbush went two innings in an extra inning game last night. Thayer seems to be the freshest arm out of the bullpen so he could get a shot if the Padres want to save some of their relief arms on Sunday
3. Chris Hatcher, Los Angeles Dodgers – With the Dodgers still going with a committee, Hatcher could get the call at anytime.
