May 18, 2016
Texas Rangers — Shawn Tolleson blew his fourth save of the season on Tuesday, but despite a 9.20 ERA, Jeff Bannister did not want to make a reactionary decision. Tolleson is clearly on the thinnest of ice, however, and Sam Dyson is even closer to taking over the 9th inning for the Rangers.
Hierarchy remains: Tolleson | Dyson | Diekman.
Colorado Rockies — Carlos Estevez converted his fifth straight hold on Tuesday while Chad Qualls has not pitched since a blown save on May 11. Estevez, who has closing experience from over two decades ago, has allowed just two hits and one earned run in his last six appearances.
Updated hierarchy: McGee | Logan | Estevez.
Seattle Mariners — Joaquin Benoit has been activated from the disabled list and rejoined the Mariners in Baltimore on Tuesday night.
Updated hierarchy: Cishek | Benoit | Peralta.
Houston Astros — Tony Sipp stumbled his way into an extra-inning save after Luke Gregerson’s third blown save of the season. Sipp is not a prominent factor in the Astros’ late-inning plans. Meanwhile, Ken Giles looked strong with a pair of strikeouts in the seventh inning to preserve a tie game.
Hierarchy remains: Gregerson | Harris | Giles.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Sam Dyson, Texas Rangers – Shawn Tolleson may get the night, or the next few weeks, off.
2. John Axford, Oakland Athletics – Ryan Madson blew his first save of the season on Tuesday and has pitched in three straight games while Axford had last night off after two straight outings.
3. Nate Jones, Chicago White Sox – David Robertson only threw 21 pitches on Tuesday and has seen little work of late, but last night’s performance was two innings.
4. Ross Ohlendorf, Cincinnati Reds – Tony Cingrani needed 33 pitches yesterday in a blowout loss, though he managed to strike out two and walk only one without giving up a run.
5. Tony Watson, Pittsburgh Pirates – Mark Melancon has pitched each of the last three days.
