May 29, 2015
Chicago White Sox — Before Thursday’s doubleheader with the Orioles, manager Robin Ventura expressed support for closer David Robertson, who has allowed six earned runs in his last eight outings. With Robertson unavailable, the White Sox turned to Zach Duke, as predicted in Thursday’s VSW, in the first game. Duke got the last out in the eighth and the first two in the ninth before allowing a two-run home run to Chris Davis. In relief of Duke came old friend Jake Petricka, who got the final out to earn his first save of the season. Petricka has moved ahead of Dan Jennings, who allowed three hits and a run with the team behind in game two. Jennings has had a difficult time adjusting to his unprecedented dual role as White Sox reliever and Marlins manager, with a 8.31 ERA and a 1.38 WHIP since the move was made on May 18.
Updated hierarchy: Robertson | Duke | Petricka.
Detroit Tigers – Bruce Rondon is slowly making his way back for the Tigers, tossing a scoreless inning in his most recent rehab appearance Tuesday night. The Tigers, though, want him fully pain-free before he returns to the big leagues. In the meantime, Tom Gorzellany allowed two hits, two walks and a grand slam against the Angels Thursday night, saddling him with a 1.56 WHIP and 5.06 ERA. Al Alburquerque came on to quiet things down with a scoreless eighth inning. Alburquerque hasn’t allowed a run since April 24 (12 appearances, 11 K), so for now we’ll slide him back to second in line, even if he’s only keeping the seat warm for Rondon.
Updated hierarchy: Soria | Chamberlain | Alburquerque.
Oakland A’s — With Sean Doolittle still being eased back into the closer’s role after his first appearance on Wednesday (a scoreless sixth inning with 1 hit allowed), the A’s called upon Tyler Clippard for Thursday’s save. Clippard allowed one run on a Brett Gardner double, but was able to close the door for his fifth save. We still strongly believe that Doolittle is back in the big leagues to close, and close soon, but it could be worth hanging onto Clippard until Doolittle gets the ball in the ninth inning — though it remains to be seen just what he’ll choose to “ride” to the mound.
Hierarchy remains: *Doolittle | Clippard | Scribner.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Darren O’Day, Baltimore Orioles — Zach Britton has pitched in two straight and three out of four.
2. Tyler Clippard, Oakland A’s — Sean Doolittle leads our committee and is the eventual closer but, as noted above, the A’s could turn to Clippard until they’re absolutely sure Doolittle is ready to go in the ninth.
3. Jake McGee, Tampa Bay Rays — Brad Boxberger took two consecutive losses against the Mariners this week, allowing four runs in the process. The Rays will probably give Boxberger another crack this weekend, but manager Kevin Cash uses his bullpen situationally, as the biggest outs sometimes come before the ninth. Keep an eye on old closer Jake McGee, but it’s worth noting he also struggled mightily on Wednesday, allowing a three-run blast.
