July 8, 2015
New York Yankees — Andrew Miller will be activated today and immediately take over the closer role he ceded to Dellin Betances, who will slide back to the 8th inning after going 5-of-6 in save opportunities during Miller’s absence. Justin Wilson and Chasen Shreve will likely combine for a majority of the holds ahead of Miller and Betances.
Updated hierarchy: Miller | Betances | Wilson.
Cleveland Indians — Cody Allen has been suffering from a stiff back, and it kept him out of Tuesday’s game, which Bryan Shaw saved in the ninth. Manager Terry Francona said that he expects Allen to be available out of the bullpen on Wednesday.
Hierarchy remains: Allen | Shaw | McAllister.
Seattle Mariners – After a stretch of nine-straight scoreless appearances, Fernando Rodney was up to his old tricks again, allowing a solo shot in the 8th inning to blow a one-run lead. In Rodney’s defense, it was Yoenis Cespedes who crushed a 98-mph fastball over the centerfield fence. Carson Smith pitched the 9th and 10th in a tie game and struck out five of the six batters he faced. With manager Lloyd McClendon unavailable to manage the series with Detroit, bench coach Trent Jewett said that both Smith and Rodney will be used as the team’s closer. After 36 pitches from Smith on Tuesday, Rodney is all but a lock for the next chance.
Hierarchy remains: *Rodney | Smith | Lowe.
* = closer-by-committee
Toronto Blue Jays – Roberto Osuna grabbed another save on Tuesday and with Brett Cecil and Steve Delabar nowhere to be found last night in a 2-1 game, it’s safe to say the asterisk can be removed.
Hierarchy remains: Osuna | Delabar | Cecil.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Jim Johnson, Atlanta Braves — Jason Grilli has pitched in three straight, and Johnson got a crucial night off on Tuesday.
2. Hector Rondon/Pedro Strop, Chicago Cubs — Jason Motte threw 21 pitches during Tuesday’s doubleheader, while Rondon and Strop only appeared in one of the two tilts.
3. Sergio Romo, San Francisco Giants — Santiago Casilla, who had a tired arm last week, has pitched in two straight. Romo struggled in his last outing, but is still the most likely to get the nod if Casilla is held out.