July 19, 2015
Tampa Bay Rays — Jake McGee picked up his 4th save of the season on Saturday and has not allowed a run in his last 18 appearances. However, it was Brad Boxberger who pitched in the more important spot, as he faced the top of the order in the 8th inning. Boxberger still appears to be the closer for the Rays but McGee could still see some save opportunities when Boxberger is needed before the 9th inning.
Hierarchy remains: Boxberger | McGee | Jepsen.
Seattle Mariners – Carson Smith recorded his 7th save of the season yesterday, while Fernando Rodney was used for the last out of 8th inning. Smith gave up a run in the 9th, but the fact that Rodney was used in the 8th and Smith was able to convert another save opportunity should bode well for him moving forward.
Hierarchy Remains: *Smith | Rodney | Lowe.
* = closer-by-committee.
Kansas City Royals – Ryan Madson earned his first save since 2011 in an extra innings win for the Royals yesterday. Kelvin Herrera, Wade Davis, and Greg Holland had all pitched earlier in the game, with Holland blowing the save in the 9th. Madson has been a great comeback story this year with an ERA under 2.00, and could challenge Kelvin Herrera for the 7th inning role if he continues to pitch well.
Hierarchy remains: Holland | Davis | Herrera.
San Francisco Giants – Sergio Romo entered the game with 2 outs and 2 men on in the 8th inning, with the Giants up by 4. He retired the only batter he faced and then stayed on to pitch a scoreless 9th for his first save of the year.
Hierarchy remains: Casilla | Romo | Strickland.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Wade Davis, Kansas City Royals – Greg Holland has pitched in two straight, including a 26 pitch blown save yesterday.
2. Fernando Rodney, Seattle Mariners – Carson Smith picked up the save yesterday but it took him 30 pitches so Lloyd McClendon could choose to go with Rodney on Sunday.
