July 1, 2015
Colorado Rockies –John Axford was placed on the personal inactive list Tuesday night in order to take care of things at home, though thankfully it seems as if his son, who was bit by a rattlesnake earlier this year, is fine. By rule, Axford’s absence must last a minimum of three days, and the Rockies will go to a committee during that time. LaTroy Hawkins, Tommy Kahnle and Scott Oberg were mentioned by manager Walt Weiss as committee members, with Hawkins getting the first chance on Tuesday. The 42-year-old earned his second save of the season and his first since April 7. He has allowed just one earned run in nine appearances since returning to the Rockies’ roster and is the leading candidate for saves in Axford’s stead. Boone Logan was up in the ‘pen if a lefty got into the game for the A’s in the 9th, meaning Weiss is willing to play matchups as well.
Updated hierarchy: *Hawkins | Kahnle | Oberg.
* = closer-by-committee.
Chicago Cubs – Jason Motte picked up his second save in June, with Hector Rondon being used in the 7th and Pedro Strop taking the 8th ahead of Motte. Each of the last two save chances for the Cubs have gone to Motte, who has moved to the top of the their committee for the time being.
Updated hierarchy: *Motte | Rondon | Strop.
* = closer-by-committee
Texas Rangers – Tanner Scheppers pitched the 8th inning on Tuesday, facing the 2-3-4 hitters in the potent Orioles lineup and retiring the side in order. Keone Kela got the 7th ahead of Scheppers, which was the order of appearance the previous evening. Expect Scheppers to get more of the high-leverage work immediately ahead of Shawn Tolleson in the future.
Updated hierarchy: Tolleson | Scheppers | Kela.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Daniel Hudson, Arizona Diamondbacks – Brad Ziegler has appeared in each of the last three games.
2. Junichi Tazawa, Boston Red Sox – Koji Uehara has pitched in three straight and four of the last five.
3. Hector Rondon/Pedro Strop, Chicago Cubs – Joe Maddon can go to any of his three late-inning options to get a save.
4. Tommy Kahnle/Scott Oberg, Colorado Rockies – Same goes for Walt Weiss, who may choose to rest 42-year-old LaTroy Hawkins.
5. Jeremy Jeffress, Milwaukee Brewers – K-Rod has gone in three straight games and so has Will Smith, who struggled a bit in the 8th on Tuesday before Jeffress bailed him out.
6. Trevor Gott/Fernando Salas, Los Angeles Angels – We’ll try this again. After both Joe Smith and Huston Street pitched in their fourth straight game on Tuesday, expect youngster Trevor Gott or one-time Cardinals closer Fernando Salas to get the call in the ninth if the Angels have a lead.
