May 14, 2016
Texas Rangers — Matt Bush was the first overall pick as a shortstop in the 2004 draft, but his once-promising career was derailed by a series of alcohol-related arrests, culminating in a 39-month prison sentence for critically injuring a 72-year-old motorcyclist in a drunken hit-and-run accident. After his release, Bush was working as a baker at Golden Corral when the Rangers — very familiar with the work needed to support a recovering addict — offered him one final chance at baseball. Friday night, Bush made his major league debut, striking out reigning AL MVP Josh Donaldson and hitting 99 on the radar gun. He could be relevant right away in the late innings for Texas.
Hierarchy remains: Tolleson | Dyson | Diekman.
San Francisco Giants — Santiago Casilla apologized to Bruce Bochy for his outburst Thursday night, and the closer handled it much better Friday night when a lefty was called on to face Jake Lamb. Of course, it probably helped that Josh Osich came in to start the ninth, allowing Casilla to finish things off and earn his eighth save.
Hierarchy remains: Casilla | Osich | Gearrin.
Oakland A’s — Ryan Madson has now loaded the bases in an astonishing four straight appearances, escaping each time without a run allowed. With Sean Doolittle rounding into form, a five-game streak could see Madson’s Houdini act moved to an earlier showing.
Hierarchy remains: Madson | Doolittle | Axford.
Seattle Mariners — Joel Peralta and Steve Cishek each allowed two runs for a rare 2016 Seattle blown save.
Hierarchy remains: Cishek | Peralta | Vincent.
Los Angeles Angels — After Seattle blew the save, Fernando Salas came in for the ninth and picked up a save.
Hierarchy remains: Smith | Salas | Alvarez.
Washington Nationals — Dusty Baker used lefty Felipe Rivero to start the ninth to maximize the platoon advantage, then went to Jonathan Papelbon for the last two outs and the save. Nothing to see here.
Hierarchy remains: Papelbon | Kelley | Rivero.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Cory Gearrin/Hunter Strickland, San Francisco Giants — Casilla has now pitched in three straight, as has Osich.
2. Bryan Shaw/Zach McAllister, Cleveland Indians — Cody Allen has pitched in three of four (72 pitches). So has Shaw (51 pitches), so we’re not sure which set-up guy will get the call if Allen needs a rest.
