August 28, 2015
Los Angeles Dodgers — Jim Johnson picked up his first save with LA since being traded from the Braves before the deadline. He pitched a clean ninth inning in a one-run game in place of Kenley Jansen, who had pitched on the previous two nights (and three of the last four) and was unavailable. Johnson’s Dodgers tenure got off to a rough start (with runs in six of his first nine appearances), and before you do anything crazy, remember that Juan Nicasio, Luis Avilan and J.P. Powell were all unavailable, too, leaving Chris Hatcher (remember him?) to pitch the eighth inning. Still, this might be a sign of higher-leverage things to come for Johnson. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Avilan | Johnson.
Minnesota Twins – Glen Perkins is dealing with lower back spasms and was unavailable for the third straight game Thursday. Paul Molitor said Perkins tried to play catch and do light movements on the field before the game, but was held out of those activities as a precaution. He did do some throwing, though, and looked “a lot better.” Molitor said he could be available Friday night — we’ve heard this song before — and there’s no plan to put Perkins on the DL. Kevin Jepsen will continue to see fill-in save opportunities, with Trevor May and Casey Fien backing him up.
Updated hierarchy: Perkins | Jepsen | May.
Chicago Cubs — The Mariners somehow found someone interested in the services of Fernando Rodney, who was reunited with old friend Joe Maddon in exchange for future considerations from Chicago. The Cubs clearly have had issues in the bullpen, and with Jason Motte on the DL, the acquisition of the veteran Rodney makes some sense — especially if the Cubs have developed Stockholm Syndrome when it comes to missing the playoffs. He doesn’t seem to factor into the the late-inning discussion yet, but he’ll be ready to pitch Friday night.
Hierarchy remains: Rondon | Strop | Grimm.
Kansas City Royals — Pitching for the first time in five days, Greg Holland struggled again Thursday, allowing two runs and three hits after coming into the game with a four-run lead. He has been battling “cranky arm,” which seems like just the latest explanation for his up-and-down season. Until he’s placed on the DL or removed from the closer role, Holland will continue to see high-leverage work for the first-place Royals.
Hierarchy remains: Holland | Davis | Herrera.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Wade Davis, Kansas City Royals — As noted, Holland is having arm trouble and might not go in two straight.
2. Kevin Siegrist, St. Louis Cardinals — Trevor Rosenthal has notched saves in three of the last four games (63 pitches), tying him with Mark Melancon for the MLB lead at 41. Kevin Siegrist will likely get the chance, unless Rosenthal cares a little too much about the memory of the ROLAIDS Relief Man award and insists on going out there. UPDATE: Rosenthal will miss the weekend series against the Giants for the birth of his second daughter.
