July 2, 2016
San Diego Padres — True to his word, Andy Green gave Brandon Maurer the first save opportunity in the post-Fernando Rodney era, although it wasn’t the smoothest debut. Maurer entered in the ninth, up four with two men on, and allowed a run-scoring double, an RBI groundout, and a wild pitch that lowered the lead to one. After yet another double, Maurer escaped with back-to-back groundouts for his first save. The 25-year-old has the inside track for now, but Ryan Buchter might well press him for saves while this bullpen settles.
Hierarchy remains: Maurer | Buchter | Quackenbush.
St. Louis Cardinals — In an attempt to challenge everyone’s spelling abilities, Kevin Siegrist was put on the disabled list with mononucleosis, and AAA closer Sam Tuivailala, a converted reliever and future closer prospect, was recalled to take his place. With Siegrist sidelined, Mike Matheny identified Jonathan Broxton, Trevor Rosenthal, and Seung Hwan Oh as the “three great options” still available in relief for St. Louis.
Updated hierarchy: *Oh | Broxton | Rosenthal.
* = closer-by-committee
Miami Marlins — On Friday, Don Mattingly made it official that A.J. Ramos would remain Miami’s closer, tempting the baseball gods by saying, “He’s been perfect.” Ramos proceeded to blow his first save of the year last night, giving up the tying home run. Since freshly shaven setup man Fernando Rodney had pitched the eighth, Dustin McGowan wound up with the save once the Marlins took the lead in the twelfth. Ramos has indeed been excellent, so one blown save won’t change Mattingly’s mind, but with Rodney putting up some of the best numbers of the year, Ramos’s seat is a little bit warmer.
Hierarchy remains: Ramos | Rodney | Phelps.
Los Angeles Angels — Joe Smith returned from his DL stint and pitched a scoreless sixth with the Angels down one. Mike Scioscia indicated that Smith will be eased back into action, and won’t see eighth-inning work immediately. Cam Bedrosian has been impressive in that role lately, and we think he’ll get the first crack at saves when Street is unavailable. We’ll trust Scioscia’s word on Smith for now, but he’s been a premier set-up man for the last seven years, so don’t be surprised if he quickly climbs the ladder again.
Updated hierarchy: Street | Bedrosian | Salas.
Cincinnati Reds — Raisel Iglesias has found a home in the Reds bullpen, appearing in the seventh and eighth innings in his last two outings. Iglesias is not a typical relief prospect, throwing from multiple arm angles and relying on control and movement more than power, so it may take him a while to find a consistent role. With the Reds still setting records for bullpen futility, he’s one of the team’s better options.
Updated hierarchy: Cingrani | Ohlendorf | Iglesias.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Jim Johnson, Atlanta Braves — Arodys Vizcaino has pitched in two straight, three of four (74 pitches), and five of seven — while Johnson was held out of last night’s 12-inning game.
2. Jason Grilli, Toronto Blue Jays — Roberto Osuna has gone in three of four (57 pitches).
3. Joaquin Benoit, Seattle Mariners — Steve Cishek has pitched in two straight and three of four (56 pitches).
4. Felipe Rivero, Washington Nationals — The Nationals have said they’ll be careful with Shawn Kelley’s workload, and he’s gone in three of four and four of six (82 pitches).
