July 4, 2015
Detroit Tigers – Just nine days ago, Joba Chamberlain had an ERA under 2, but after it doubled thanks to a few three-run outings, the Tigers shockingly cut the former Yankee phenom, designating him (and Tom Gorzelanny) for assignment. Bruce Rondon and Al Alburquerque will slide up a few spots in the team’s late-innings hierarchy but, given their recent performance, both should be worried about newly promoted Jeff Ferrell, a converted starter who earned 15 saves between Erie and Toledo this year.
Updated hierarchy: Soria | Rondon | Alburquerque.
Texas Rangers — Well, never mind that business yesterday about Neftali Feliz. After his first outing (two scoreless innings, two hits, 1 K, high of 95 MPH) on Friday, the Rangers immediately designated him for assignment. Feliz will be released if he doesn’t attract trade interest or agree to a demotion to AAA.
Hierarchy remains: Tolleson | Scheppers | Kela.
Colorado Rockies — John Axford returned to the team on Friday and is likely to be reactivated for Saturday’s game. During an incredibly stressful season, Axford has found baseball to be a peaceful haven.
Updated hierarchy: Axford | Hawkins | Kahnle.
Cleveland Indians — After Zach McAllister retired the final batter in the seventh, Bryan Shaw came on and struck out two batters in the eighth. Shaw and his 1.88 ERA have moved ahead of McAllister in the Tribe pen.
Updated hierarchy: Allen | Shaw | McAllister.
Pittsburgh Pirates — Over the last 10 days, Arquimedes Caminero has given up six runs in five innings; meanwhile, Jared Hughes has given up no runs and only three hits in his last 10 appearances.
Updated hierarchy: Melancon | Watson | Hughes.
Seattle Mariners — Carson Smith didn’t do himself any favors in the fight for Seattle saves, giving up a couple runs after coming on with a six-run lead in the ninth inning.
Hierarchy remains: *Rodney | Smith | Lowe.
* = closer-by-committee
Atlanta Braves — Jason Grilli got the night off after working in two straight, allowing Jim Johnson to pick up a vulture save.
Hierarchy remains: Grilli | Johnson | Masset.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Sergio Romo, San Francisco Giants — Santiago Casilla saw a team doctor on Friday and is expected to avoid the DL, but he probably won’t pitch on Saturday.
2. Kevin Siegrist/Seth Maness, St. Louis Cardinals — Trevor Rosenthal threw 24 pitches on Friday and has appeared in three of four games.
3. Hector Rondon/Pedro Strop, Chicago Cubs — It’s Joe Maddon, you know the routine.
4. Yimi Garcia, Los Angeles Dodgers — Kenley Jansen picked up the loss on Friday and needed 24 pitches. He’s now thrown in three out of four (53 pitches).
