June 4, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers – Kenley Jansen was unavailable to shut down a two-run game in the 9th, and that proved to be costly as Adam Liberatore, Yimi Garcia, J.P. Howell and Chris Hatcher all combined to blow the lead and take the loss. Jansen refused to talk to media after the game, but a team spokesman said Jansen wasn’t feeling well, and manager Don Mattingly would only add that it came up during the game. Rick Sutcliffe, who was part of the broadcast team, even “sent prayers” to Jansen and the Dodgers. Jansen has a history of heart trouble, but it doesn’t appear to be the issue here and he may even be available Thursday. There’s certainly more to the story and hopefully Jansen or the team sheds more light on the subject Thursday. For now, Jansen remains a closer that will be closely monitored.
Hierarchy remains: Jansen | Hatcher | Garcia.
Tampa Bay Rays – Brad Boxberger was brought in with two outs in the 8th to protect a lead, which he did, but then blew the save in the 9th inning. He picked up the win after the Rays scored in the 10th, and Steven Geltz secured up his second save of the year with Jake McGee and Kevin Jepsen having already pitched. Boxberger has been excellent, despite a recent rough stretch, and his primary competition, Jake McGee, was used in the 7th inning last night, so his job is probably safe for now.
Hierarchy remains: Boxberger | McGee | Jepsen.
New York Yankees — David Carpenter was designated for assignment when the Yankees activated Masahiro Tanaka. Meanwhile, Chris Martin has begun a rehab assignment in AAA. Chasen Shreve moves into our hierarchy for now; he has been seeing more high-leverage situations, and seems to have the trust of Joe Girardi. However, an intriguing dark horse is Jacob Lindgren, a 22-year-old fireballer who was done nothing but strike out hitters since he turned professional. His four innings of work are too small to make the crowded Yankees hierarchy, but he has been electric in the early part of his career.
Updated hierarchy: Miller | Betances | Shreve.
Chicago Cubs – Travis Wood was brought in for the 6th inning with the Cubs down by three, and he promptly gave up a run and was yanked after getting only one out. It seems that his 5.44 ERA has finally caught up to him, and that he won’t be seeing the late innings until he straightens himself out. Jason Motte has been excellent recently, putting together seven straight scoreless appearances, including two holds and a win.
Updated hierarchy: Rondon | Strop | Motte.
Arizona Diamondbacks – Brad Ziegler got another clear save chance last night, and converted, despite giving up a home run. Addison Reed pitched a clean 8th inning before him, but Ziegler continues to get the save opportunities. We’ll keep the asterisk for now, since Reed has pitched well ahead of Ziegler, but the committee seems to be fading in Arizona.
Hierarchy remains: *Ziegler | Reed | Hudson.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Addison Reed, Arizona Diamondbacks – Brad Ziegler has pitched in back-to-back games and you just never know with Chip Hale.
2. Chris Hatcher, Los Angeles Dodgers – If Kenley Jansen is still unavailable, Hatcher may get a chance.
3. Ken Giles, Philadelphia Phillies – Jonathan Papelbon has pitched three of the last four days.
4. Kevin Siegrist, St. Louis Cardinals – Trevor Rosenthal has thrown in three of the last four games.
