June 14, 2015
Tampa Bay Rays — Jake McGee recorded his third save of the season on Saturday after Brad Boxberger pitched the 8th inning. Boxberger replaced starter Chris Archer after he gave up a leadoff walk to start the 8th. After giving up the tying homerun to the first batter he faced, Boxberger was able to get out of the inning without anymore runs. Kevin Cash had good things to say about him since he went through the heart of the White Sox order to finish the 8th and helped them win the game. This looks like a full committee right now, with the Rays using Boxberger in big spots before the 9th if they need to. We will leave Boxberger as head of the committee for now, but if McGee gets the next save opportunity, he would likely move to the top.
Hierarchy remains: *Boxberger | McGee | Jepsen.
New York Mets — With Jeurys Familia away from the team on paternity leave, the Mets were unable to hold a late inning lead. Manager Terry Collins mentioned Bobby Parnell as an option to close while Familia is away, but instead used the righty to get the last out of the 8th inning. Collins went with rookie Hansel Robles to start the 9th inning. He got two outs but also gave up a run and left two runners on. Lefty Alex Torres came on to try and get Freddie Freeman to end the game but instead gave up the game tying run. Familia is clearly the closer when he comes back, but we will see if Collins actually gives Parnell a chance or if he goes back to Robles when Familia is not available.
Updated hierarchy: Familia | Parnell | Robles.
Atlanta Braves — Williams Perez picked up his first career save in extra innings last night. Jim Johnson and Jason Grilli each pitched a scoreless inning earlier in the game, and Grilli ended up with the win.
Hierarchy remains: Grilli | Johnson | Cunniff.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Joe Smith, Los Angeles Angels – Huston Street has pitched in three straight
2. Bobby Parnell/Hansel Robles, New York Mets – Jeurys Familia is on paternity leave so Terry Collins could use former closer Bobby Parnell or give rookie Hansel Robles another chance on Sunday.
3. Roberto Osuna, Toronto Blue Jays – Brett Cecil has pitched in two straight, including a 30 pitch outing on Friday.
