June 24, 2016
Oakland A’s – Former (or sometimes) closer Sean Doolittle picked up his fourth save of the season Thursday night. Regular closer Ryan Madson, meanwhile, pitched the eighth inning. It appears manager Bob Melvin was playing matchups, as Madson was asked to mow down Mike Trout, Albert Pujols and C.J. Cron. He retired the side on 16 pitches, striking out two. Doolittle, who may be on the block, allowed two runs in an ugly ninth inning but was able to secure the win for Oakland.
Hierarchy remains: Madson | Doolittle | Axford.
Miami Marlins – As the Vulture Save Watch foreshadowed, David Phelps got the call in the ninth inning Thursday, picking up his third save of the season after loading up the bases with just one out. A.J. Ramos had pitched in four of the last five days, but should be good to go on Friday.
Hierarchy remains: Ramos | Phelps | Barraclough.
Detroit Tigers – Bruce Rondon entered the game in the 6th inning Thursday and promptly gave up a game-tying blast to Nelson Cruz. The Tigers led 4-3 and one of Seattle’s best hitters was at the plate, so manager Brad Ausmus appeared to trust the youngster in a tight spot. Rondon settled down after that, securing five outs, so hopefully Ausmus’ perceived confidence remains.
Hierarchy remains: Rodriguez | J.Wilson | Rondon.
San Francisco Giants – Former closer Sergio Romo, on the disabled list with an elbow injury, may be back with the big club as early as this weekend. Romo allowed an RBI single during a rehab appearance Thursday and could require one more minor-league appearance. If not, you may see him in potential hold situations this weekend.
Hierarchy remains: Casilla | Gearrin | Strickland.
Atlanta Braves – The bad Braves may be one of those teams that can offer relief help in the form of closer Arodys Vizcaino (2.01 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 9 SV, 44 Ks). Jon Heyman says Vizcaino is drawing “intense” interest, meaning Jim Johnson may be worth a speculative add. Stay tuned.
Hierarchy remains: Vizcaino | Johnson | Cervenka.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Cory Gearrin, San Francisco Giants – Santiago Casilla has pitched in two straight, throwing 42 pitches. Gearrin, meanwhile, has through just 25 pitches over the last two days, so he would theoretically be available if Casilla needs a breather.
2. Joaquin Benoit, Seattle Mariners – Closer Steve Cishek pitched Thursday for the first time in six days, but he labored, tossing 39 pitches over 1.2 innings.
3. Jason Motte, Colorado Rockies – Carlos Estevez has pitched in three of the last four days, throwing 58 pitches.
4. Koji Uehara, Boston Red Sox – Craig Kimbrel pitched two innings Thursday, throwing 32 pitches. It was his first game in three days, so he may be good to go on Friday.
