August 23, 2015
Oakland A’s – Sean Doolittle was activated on Saturday, and while Manager Bob Melvin said that Doolittle will get at least one outing before returning to closing games, last night was just another reason why the A’s need Doolittle in the ninth inning sooner rather than later. With a one run lead, switch-pitcher Pat Venditte got the call to face the righties due up. He gave up a hit and walk, before Drew Pomeranz came on to try and preserve the lead. He gave up a two-run double to the first batter he faced and the A’s lost by one run. Pomeranz and Venditte could still see some time in the ninth inning in the near future but look for Doolittle to take over as soon as he can.
Updated hierarchy: *Doolittle | Pomeranz | Venditte.
* = closer-by-committee
Minnesota Twins – The Twins bullpen performed well again yesterday without regular closer Glen Perkins. Kevin Jepsen pitched a perfect ninth for the save, while Trevor May struck out the side in a scoreless eighth. Perkins, who has been battling this neck problem for six weeks, played catch yesterday and “felt great.” Perkins is scheduled to throw a bullpen today and could return Tuesday.
Hierarchy remains: Perkins | Jepsen | May.
Tampa Bay Rays — Alex Colome pitched a perfect eighth inning with the Rays down one run last night. After the Rays scored two runs in the top of the ninth to take the lead, Colome came back out for the ninth and pitched another perfect inning to finish the game. Brad Boxberger had thrown 33 pitches on Friday so even though it turned out to be a save opportunity, he was likely unavailable. Colome has been impressive recently in relief, including striking out the side in Houston on just 10 pitches in the eighth inning a couple nights ago, and could be the guy when Boxberger is unavailable moving forward.
Updated hierarchy: Boxberger | Colome | Cedeno.
Seattle Mariners — It was another rough night for the Mariners bullpen as Carson Smith blew the save in the ninth inning and then Danny Farquhar gave up three runs (one earned) in the tenth inning. After the game, the Mariners decided to shake things up as they optioned Farquhar and designated Fernando Rodney for assignment. Tom Wilhelmsen threw 1.1 scoreless innings on Saturday and should slide into 1st in line behind Carson Smith.
Updated hierarchy: Smith | Wilhelmsen | Olmos.
Arizona Diamondbacks – Daniel Hudson came in to clean up a mess in the ninth inning to pick up his second save of the season last night. Arizona entered the inning with a six run lead but after the Reds scored two runs and had two men on base, Hudson was needed to record the last two outs and complete the win.
Hierarchy remains: Ziegler | Hudson | Reed.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Kevin Jepsen, Minnesota Twins – Glen Perkins will be unavailable again on Sunday
2. Drew Pomeranz/Pat Venditte, Oakland A’s – Sean Doolittle is expected to get at least one outing in a non-save situation before returning to closing so Pomeranz or Venditte could get the call on Sunday.
