May 18, 2015
Texas Rangers – After a pre game news conference where Jeff Banister said that the Rangers “can’t stay status quo” in regards to the late innings, Shawn Tolleson was given the keys to the ninth inning. It wasn’t a save situation because the Rangers scored a run in the bottom of the 8th, but Tolleson had been warming beforehand. In post game interviews, Banister spoke as if this situation will be a committee going forward, something that was echoed by Tolleson. But with Tolleson getting the first crack at the 9th inning and pitching well, we think he’s the favorite to see more opportunities in the near future.
Updated hierarchy: *Tolleson | Feliz | Scheppers.
* = closer-by-committee
Los Angeles Dodgers – It didn’t take long for Kenley Jansen to return to his full-time closer position, and Sunday’s 1-0 game gave a good look at how the rest of the bullpen will be employed. The Dodgers went to Yimi Garcia in the 7th and Chris Hatcher in the 8th before Jansen got his first save, and we’ll position the new asterisk-free hierarchy in the same fashion.
Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Hatcher | Garcia.
Miami Marlins – The Marlins fired Mike Redmond on Sunday after the team was 2-hit by Shelby Miller. Though A.J. Ramos’s role shouldn’t be affected too much, this wasn’t the most settled bullpen, and it’s possible that the new skipper — due to be announced this morning — will have a different idea about how to employ his best reliever. We’ll follow the situation.
Hierarchy remains: Ramos | Dunn | Morris.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Chad Qualls, Houston Astros – Luke Gregerson has thrown 45 pitches over the last two days.
2. Seth Maness/Kevin Siegrist, St. Louis Cardinals – Trevor Rosenthal has pitched in back to back games and three of four, throwing 57 pitches in the process.
