June 25, 2014
Chicago White Sox — Robin Ventura announced on Tuesday that he was sticking with Ronald Belisario as the White Sox closer despite his troubles — which include 11 earned runs over 11 IP in his 13 appearances in the role. Although Belisario’s peripherals strongly suggest that he’s pitched better than his stats, general manager Rick Hahn made a point of telling the Chicago Tribune that Ventura is free to be “more flexible” in his approach to the ninth, mentioning Zach Putnam, Javy Guerra, and Daniel Webb as options.
Hierarchy remains: Belisario | Putnam | Petricka.
Los Angeles Angels — Mike Scioscia is serious about this committee thing; the last three LA save chances have gone to Cam Bedrosian, Kevin Jepsen, and now Joe Smith. Putative closer Ernesto Frieri worked a clean eighth. We’re keeping things as they have been until we hear something more solid from the Angels brass.
Hierarchy remains: Frieri | Smith | Jepsen.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Tony Watson/Justin Wilson, Pittsburgh Pirates — Mark Melancon struggled through a 25-pitch save on Tuesday night and has pitched on three of four days. Watson has had a similar workload, but Wilson hasn’t pitched since last Friday.
2. Brian Wilson, Los Angeles Dodgers — Kenley Jansen has pitched on four of the last five days.
3. Drew Storen, Washington Nationals — Rafael Soriano has pitched on four of the last five (and six of the last eight) days, and Tyler Clippard has gone in three straight.