June 1, 2015
Colorado Rockies – John Axford needed a night off, so Scott Oberg picked up his first career save. Oberg certainly wouldn’t have been our first choice — the 25-year-old rookie has all of 19 big league appearances (3 holds) and hasn’t been especially impressive — but he’s only allowed 1 run in his last eight appearances, so maybe Walt Weiss was playing the hot hand. We’ll tentatively welcome him to the hierarchy and keep an eye on his usage going forward.
Updated hierarchy: Axford | Betancourt | Oberg.
Arizona Diamondbacks – Just days after saying that he had renewed confidence in Addison Reed, Chip Hale ran his former closer out in the 8th inning of a tie game. That doesn’t mean Reed won’t get the save chance, but it’s definitely still a committee in Arizona.
Hierarchy remains: *Reed | Ziegler | Hudson.
* = closer-by-committee
San Francisco Giants – Santiago Casilla picked up his third blown save of the season when he allowed four runs in the 9th inning against the Braves. Casilla has been very effective this season, as his ERA sits at 2.82 even after Sunday’s shellacking. But his WHIP (1.48) and FIP (4.48) suggest he’s been quite fortunate, and with former closer Sergio Romo and youngster Hunter Strickland looming, Casilla will be in trouble if he blows another save or two.
Hierarchy remains: Casilla | Romo | Strickland.
Tampa Bay Rays – If there was ever a time to give someone other than Brad Boxberger a save opportunity, it was earlier this week, after he had consecutive bad outings. Instead, Kevin Cash went back to the righty immediately for the next two save chances, and Box converted them both. We know the Rays have said otherwise all season, but until they actually use someone else in the 9th, we’re finally removing the committee asterisk.
Hierarchy remains: Boxberger | McGee | Jepsen.
Cleveland Indians – After almost every other reliever in the Indians pen had been used, Austin Adams picked up his first career save in the 12th inning on Sunday. Adams has good numbers thus far, but does not factor in to the Indians usual late inning plans.
Hierarchy remains: Allen | McAllister | Hagadone.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Joe Smith, Los Angeles Angels – Huston Street has pitched in three straight.
2. Sergio Romo, San Francisco Giants – Santiago Casilla might get a night off to clear his head after his worst outing of the season.
