June 26, 2015
Detroit Tigers – Bruce Rondon is back, and the timing couldn’t be any better for the Tigers. Rondon struck out the only two batters he faced to close the sixth inning. Bullpen mate Joba Chamberlain was not nearly as impressive, coughing up three runs to put the game out of reach. Chamberlain is still in the late-innings conversation, but it’s probably time for Rondon to enter it, too, as manager Brad Ausmus said he will not hesitate to use Rondon in high-leverage situations. Apologies to Al Alburquerque, of course.
Updated hierarchy: Soria | Chamberlain | Rondon.
Oakland Athletics — Tyler Clippard did his job, recording the save, but it’s who pitched ahead of him that caught our eye. In the seventh inning, we saw Drew Pomeranz, and in the eighth, we saw Edward Mujica, who returned from the DL last week and may start getting more looks in the late innings. Mujica closed for the Cardinals a couple years ago, and started this year as the Red Sox closer while Koji Uehara was hurt. Don’t forget that Clippard has been prominently mentioned in some trade rumors recently, and that Evan Scribner has recorded as many home runs allowed as he has strikeouts (three) over his last eight appearances (5.2 IP). Add it all up, and Mujica belongs in the hierarchy.
Updated hierarchy: Clippard | Mujica | Pomeranz.
New York Mets — Pitching for the first time in almost a full week, closer Jeurys Familia nailed down the save with a clean ninth inning. Familia had been battling groin tightness, but it appears his groin has loosened up a bit.
Hierarchy remains: Familia | Parnell | Robles.
Cincinnati Reds — Closer Aroldis Chapman returned from paternity leave on Thursday, and threw a scoreless 11th inning in a 5-4 extra-innings win.
Hierarchy remains: Chapman | Hoover | Parra.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Zach Duke/Jake Petricka, Chicago White Sox — David Robertson allowed two runs and threw 31 pitches Thursday night, so he could need a breather on Friday night.
2. Steve Delabar, Toronto Blue Jays — In a very unsettled bullpen situation, manager John Gibbons could turn to Delabar or Robert Osuna on any given night.
3. Pedro Strop/Jason Motte, Chicago Cubs — As long as Joe Maddon is in charge and Rafael Soriano is in the minor leagues, expect the committee to reign supreme in Chicago.
4. Jake McGee/Kevin Jepsen, Tampa Bay Rays — Death, taxes and the Tampa Bay Rays employing a closer committee.
