May 28, 2015
San Diego Padres – Brandon Maurer got the 8th inning ahead of Craig Kimbrel on Wednesday to pick up his fifth hold on the year. Although he gave up a run to break his 13-inning scoreless streak, Maurer currently sports the best ERA and WHIP on the team at 2.25 and 0.83, respectively. Bud Black and pitching coach Darren Balsley recently praised the young righty, saying he has found his niche in the 7th inning. Expect Maurer to continue to get the ball in that spot, and on nights when Benoit is unavailable, to see the 8th as well.
Updated hierarchy: Kimbrel | Benoit | Maurer.
Tampa Bay Rays — After converting nine straight save opportunities, Brad Boxberger has taken losses in his last two appearances. Last night he gave up three runs on two walks and a Nelson Cruz moonshot. Boxberger has been great right up until this recent rough patch, and his primary competitor Jake McGee is coming off his own disaster outing on Tuesday, so its unlikely that he would slide out of his spot as the top guy in the committee just yet. However, if he blows a save in his next loss, it could be McGee getting the next look.
Hierarchy remains: *Boxberger | McGee | Jepsen.
* closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Joaquin Benoit, San Diego Padres -Craig Kimbrel has made three consecutive appearances and has yet to pitch four days in a row this season.
2. Zach Duke/Dan Jennings, Chicago White Sox – David Robertson has blown two straight saves, meaning he may get a full day off during Thursday’s doubleheader. Duke should be the first guy to get a save chance, with Jennings in the mix if Duke has an especially long outing in the first game.
3. David Carpenter, New York Yankees – Both Andrew Miller and Dellin Betances have pitched three of the last four, so Carpenter may get a chance if both guys get the night off.
4. Sergio Romo, San Francisco Giants – Santiago Casilla has pitched in back-to-back days and in five of the last seven.
5. Joba Chamberlain, Detroit Tigers – Joakim Soria has thrown 19 pitches in consecutive outings.
