September 11, 2014
Oakland A’s — After a successful outing on Wednesday, Sean Doolittle is on track to return from the DL on Friday.
Hierarchy remains: O’Flaherty | Cook | Gregerson.
Houston Astros — With a lefty-heavy Mariners lineup in the 9th, it was Tony Sipp (mentioned in Wednesday’s VSW) who earned the save last night. It’s Josh Fields who will get most of the save chances as long as Chad Qualls is hurt, however.
Updated hierarchy: Qualls | Fields | Sipp.
Detroit Tigers — Joakim Soria returned from the DL on Wednesday, giving up one run in the ninth with the team behind. If Joe Nathan’s arm troubles worsen, Brad Ausmus could turn to the experienced Soria.
Updated hierarchy: Nathan | Chamberlain | Soria.
Washington Nationals — Rafael Soriano returned from a five-day hiatus to pitch in a low-leverage outing on Wednesday. Club brass hopes he’ll be willing to accept a set-up role as the postseason approaches.
Hierarchy remains: Storen | Clippard | Soriano.
Kansas City Royals — With Greg Holland remaining unavailable, Wade Davis picked up another save on Wednesday.
Hierarchy remains: Holland | Davis | Herrera.
Baltimore Orioles — The Orioles led 10-1 entering the bottom of the ninth and somehow still managed to squeeze out a save for Darren O’Day. Joe Saunders gets credit for the assist; he gave up two more baserunners than starter Wei-Yin Chin, while recording only 20 fewer outs.
Hierarchy remains: Britton | O’Day | Miller.
NFL — After an anonymous law enforcement source claimed that he sent a copy of the damning Ray Rice video to NFL officials in April, commissioner Roger Goodell announced that former FBI director Robert Mueller will head up an investigation into the league’s handling of evidence in the case. As cries for his dismissal grow louder, Goodell should be looking over his shoulder at Condoleeza Rice, who combines impressive professional credentials with a deep love of football — and could allow the Ravens to repurpose all their now-worthless “RICE” jerseys. Also in the mix is the logorrheic choice of the football gods, Gregg “TMQ” Easterbrook, who has written more words about the NFL than you have ever said. About anything.
Updated hierarchy: Goodell | Rice | Easterbrook.
Roger Goodell to Hot Seat.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Josh Fields, Houston Astros — As noted, Chad Qualls remains unavailable.
2. Joe Smith, Los Angeles Angels — As does Huston Street, until Friday.
3. Kevin Quackenbush, San Diego Padres — No news yet on Joaquin Benoit’s return.
4. Wade Davis, Kansas City Royals — Greg Holland might still be hobbled.
5. Will Smith, Milwaukee Brewers — K-Rod and Jonathan Broxton have been used a lot the last few days, and Wisconsin loves Pig Latin rap.
