Glen Perkins could be shut down soon

September 18, 2014

Minnesota Twins — Glen Perkins has had an abysmal September, and Twins doctors performed an MRI on his entire arm on Wednesday to try to find out why. Jared Burton was in line for the vulture save last night until Minnesota scored a few runs in the eighth; he will serve as interim closer for as long as Perkins is out.

Hierarchy remains: Perkins | Burton | Fien.

Miami Marlins — Bryan Morris hasn’t pitched in eight days and he might be done for the season with an injured groin. If Steve Cishek needs a break, Miami is likely to call on converted catcher (and potential cruiserweight champion) Chris Hatcher, who has been punching out hitters in Morris’s absence.

Updated hierarchy: Cishek | Hatcher | Ramos.

New York Yankees — Dellin Betances surpassed some Mariano Rivera guy on Wednesday to set a Yankees record for strikeouts by a reliever (132), and he did it in 20 fewer innings. Because of Masahiro Tanaka’s injury, Betances is now only three Ks away from leading the entire team.

Hierarchy remains: Robertson | Betances | Kelley.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Kevin Quackenbush, San Diego Padres — No explanation needed.

John Holdzkom: a name to remember

September 17, 2014

Detroit Tigers — After Glen Perkins handed the Tigers a win in the top half of the ninth, Joe Nathan’s poor command and Ezequiel Carrera’s defensive mistake combined to give it right back. After the game, Brad Ausmus confirmed that Nathan remains the closer, 5.10 ERA and all, but Nathan remains on the Hot Seat, where he’s made his home for almost two months now. Although Tigers fans are pining for Joakim Soria, at least this way Nathan is guaranteed more mean tweets to read on camera.

Hierarchy remains: Nathan | Soria | Chamberlain.

Pittsburgh Pirates — John Holdzkom’s major league career now comprises six scoreless innings, two baserunners, and 11 strikeouts. A former prospect rediscovered in an independent league earlier this season, Holdzkom is eliciting comparisons to a young K-Rod, and is a name to remember for October and beyond, especially in holdz holds leagues.

Updated hierarchy: Melancon | Watson | Holdzkom.

Kansas City Royals — Wade Davis and Kelvin Herrera came into Tuesday night with the two longest scoreless streaks in the major leagues, a combined 62 2/3 innings that started way back on June 27. Both streaks were snapped in the eighth inning of a 7-5 Royals loss. Kansas City used eight relievers; Davis and Herrera were the only ones to be scored on.

Hierarchy remains: Holland | Davis | Herrera.

Chicago White Sox — Zach Putnam earned his fifth save on Tuesday while Jake Petricka stood by if needed. Petricka blew a save on Monday, and Chicago’s bullpen remains in flux.

Hierarchy remains: Petricka | Putnam | Guerra.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Tyler Clippard/Rafael Soriano, Washington Nationals — Drew Storen has pitched in three straight games and Washington has clinched the division.
2. Joakim Soria, Detroit Tigers — Joe Nathan has thrown 68 pitches in the last four days. He’s not pitching on Wednesday.
3. Jared Burton, Minnesota Twins — Glen Perkins has pitched on three of the last four days, including a three-run debacle on Tuesday night that ultimately earned him the cheapest of cheap wins.
4. Kevin Quackenbush, San Diego Padres — Joaquin Benoit could return to the Padres late this week, just in time not to help you in your playoffs.

Papelbon suspended; Soria secures first save since July

September 16, 2014

Philadelphia Phillies — Jonathan Papelbon’s homage to Michael Jackson has earned him a seven-game suspension, which started last night in San Diego. Ken Giles is the man to own in the Philly pen for the next week — and perhaps thereafter. The Phillies have tired of Papelbon’s antics, issuing a statement that oozes with contempt, and the team is well aware that his $13 million option for 2016 vests with another five games finished this season.

Updated hierarchy: Giles | Diekman | De Fratus.

Detroit Tigers — With Joe Nathan having thrown 42 pitches over the last two games, Joakim Soria picked up the save after Nathan got a night off. It was Soria’s first save with the Tigers and his first since July 21. Joba Chamberlain meanwhile got tagged for two runs after walking the only two guys he faced in the eighth inning. When Nathan is unavailable, expect Soria to be the first one called upon in the ninth.

Updated hierarchy: Nathan | Soria | Chamberlain.

Washington Nationals – Rafael Soriano got the ninth with a 4-0 lead, and while he retired two batters, he also allowed two doubles and a walk before giving way to Drew Storen, who allowed one inherited runner to score before escaping with the save. Not a strong performance from Soriano, who likely needed to impress in order to start challenging Storen for save chances.

Hierarchy remains: Storen | Clippard | Soriano.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Bryan Morris, Miami Marlins – Steve Cishek has thrown 38 pitches over the last two games.

Jonathan Papelbon crotch grab earns him a 7-game suspension

September 15, 2014

Philadelphia Phillies — Jonathan Papelbon’s homage to Michael Jackson has earned him a seven-game suspension, starting tonight in San Diego. Ken Giles is the man to own in the Philly pen for the next week — and perhaps thereafter. The Phillies have tired of Papelbon’s antics, issuing a statement that oozes with contempt, and the team is well aware that his $13 million option for 2016 vests with another five games finished this season.

Updated hierarchy: Giles | Diekman | De Fratus.

 

Drew Storen now The Man in Washington

September 15, 2014

Washington Nationals – Sunday’s scoreless ninth marked four straight saves (and 16 straight scoreless appearances) for Drew Storen, which is enough for him to shake his asterisk for the time being. Given the righty’s recent dominance, it’s unlikely that Rafael Soriano reclaims his job.

Hierarchy remains: Storen | Clippard | Soriano.

Tampa Bay Rays – After Jake McGee blew the save in the 9th, Jeff Beliveau picked up the scraps once the Rays re-took the lead in the 10th. It was Beliveau’s first save.

Hierarchy remains: McGee | Boxberger | Balfour.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Ken Giles, Philadelphia Phillies – Jonathan Papelbon has pitched in three straight (and crotch-grabbed in one straight).
2. Dellin Betances, New York Yankees – David Robertson has pitched in three straight.