April 18, 2016
Oakland A’s – Bob Melvin explained Sean Doolittle’s usage after the game on Saturday, and for the first time acknowledged that “it depends” who gets the 9th inning — on that day, it was because Doolittle had been overworked so he wanted to use him for only one batter. On Sunday, meanwhile, Doolittle needed a day off entirely after pitching in two games in a row, allowing Ryan Madson to capture his 4th save of the year. (Doolittle has only one.) So we’re officially in committee mode in Oakland right now, and given Doolittle’s early struggles, we’ll elevate Madson to the top of the line with the understanding that this is still a fluid situation.
Updated hierarchy: *Madson | Doolittle | Axford.
* = closer-by-committee
Atlanta Braves – The Braves wanted to give Arodys Vizcaino a day off on Sunday, so Jason Grilli was tapped for the save. He gave up the tying run, but fortunately for the Braves, they were able to retake the lead, allowing Matt Wisler to earn his first career save in extra innings. Wisler does not factor into the Braves’ usual late-inning plans.
Hierarchy remains: *Vizcaino | Grilli | Johnson.
* = closer-by-committee
Tampa Bay Rays – Alex Colome picked up his first save of the season on Sunday. Though not the official closer yet, he remains firmly in the driver’s seat for any saves until Brad Boxberger’s return.
Hierarchy remains: *Colome | Cedeno | Farquhar.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. David Hernandez, Philadelphia Phillies – Jeanmar Gomez threw 39 pitches in a two-inning effort on Sunday.
2. Trevor May/Casey Fien, Minnesota Twins – Kevin Jepsen has pitched in three straight. Trevor May would normally be the handcuff, but his availability is also in question after a heavy workload over the last four days, meaning Casey Fien is a longshot for a vulture save.