April 14, 2016
Minnesota Twins – The Twins placed Glen Perkins on the 15-day disabled list yesterday. Perkins, whose velocity has been down all year, will be replaced by Kevin Jepsen, who did a serviceable job with the role last season. When Perkins returns — which will be longer than 15 days — he’ll have to rebound from a start that produced a 9.00 ERA and a blown save in two outings.
Updated hierarchy: Jepsen | May | Fien.
Houston Astros — Ken Giles has had a nightmare start to the season, which wasn’t helped on Wednesday when he took the loss after giving up a two-run shot in the 8th inning. Manager A.J. Hinch backed Giles after the game, saying that he was throwing hard and made good pitches, but we have yet to see Giles turn a corner on his rough start to the season. Meanwhile, Luke Gregerson still has a 0.00 ERA to go with his two saves this year, so Giles may need more than just a return to form in order to get back in the closer mix.
Hierarchy remains: Gregerson | Giles | Neshek.
San Francisco Giants – Sergio Romo was unavailable last night and is headed back to San Francisco for tests on his elbow. Manager Bruce Bochy is hopeful that this is just precautionary and that Romo does not have a serious injury, but if the Giants are ahead late on Thursday and perhaps this weekend against the Dodgers, expect Hunter Strickland to get the 8th inning.
Hierarchy remains: Casilla | Romo | Strickland.
Kansas City Royals – As predicted in the Vulture Save Watch, Wade Davis was unavailable after a 33-pitch outing last night. Joakim Soria got the call in the 9th inning, and needed only five pitches to record his first save of the year and his first save for the Royals since his days as the “Mexicutioner.” Davis has been battling a bit of dead arm, but he says that is normal for this part of the year, and he should be ready to go when needed.
Hierarchy remains: Davis | Soria | Herrera.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Bryan Shaw, Cleveland Indians – Cody Allen has pitched in two straight games.
2. Dalier Hinojosa, Philadelphia Phillies – Both Jeanmar Gomez and David Hernandez have pitched in back-to-back games, with Gomez throwing in four of the last five days.
3. Kevin Siegrist, St. Louis Cardinals – Trevor Rosenthal struggled through a 33-pitch outing on Wednesday and may get a day off.
