Stalking the rare Houston save, with Chia-Jen Lo

August 14, 2013

Houston Astros — One challenge in figuring out the Houston bullpen is that they win so very rarely — last night’s victory was but their second in August and fifth in over a month. This time, it was Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia-Jen Lo who got the call for the save, although he was inches away from losing the game to a Chris Young home run. It’s likely still a committee arrangement, but we’ll be watching to see if Bo Porter rides Lo again. No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
HOUJosh FieldsChia-Jen LoJosh ZeidJosh Fields8/14/13

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Milwaukee Brewers — Rob Wooten had 20 saves at AAA this year, and he’s been used in a couple tight eighth-inning spots over the past week. Meanwhile, John Axford hasn’t gotten a hold since he imploded back in late July. Hierarchy change: Rob Wooten to 2nd in line, replacing John Axford.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
MILJim HendersonBrandon KintzlerRob WootenJim Henderson8/14/13

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Atlanta Braves — David Carpenter, claimed off waivers last November, has claimed the last two eighth-inning holds and is striking out more than 10 per 9 innings. Hierarchy change: David Carpenter to 2nd in line, replacing Luis Avilan.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
ATLCraig KimbrelJordan WaldenDavid CarpenterCraig Kimbrel8/14/13

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Jonathan Broxton, Cincinnati Reds — Aroldis Chapman has pitched on three straight days and J.J. Hoover worked 2.1 innings last night.
2. Brett Cecil, Toronto Blue Jays — Casey Janssen has pitched on three of the last four days, including a horrible outing on Monday.
3. Paco Rodriguez, Los Angeles Dodgers — Kenley Jansen didn’t look sharp last night, following up a four-out save on Monday with control struggles on Tuesday. A day of rest could be in his future.
4. David Purcey/Ramon Troncoso, Chicago White Sox — The top three relievers in Chicago’s pen all threw at least 29 pitches in Tuesday’s extra-inning slog; Purcey is probably the next-best option, with Troncoso as a backup plan.
5. Tommy Hunter, Baltimore Orioles — Jim Johnson had a very difficult ninth inning last night, blowing a save and hurling 30 pitches.

A day off for Mariano, another night on for Aroldis

August 13, 2013

New York Yankees — As we suspected, Mo Rivera got a night off on Monday, and although David Robertson didn’t make it easy — surrendering three baserunners and allowing an inherited run to score — he ultimately picked up his first save of the season. No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
NYYMariano RiveraDavid RobertsonBoone LoganDavid Robertson8/13/13

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Cincinnati Reds — Aroldis Chapman struck out the side for the second straight day, and has now K’d 12 of the last 15 batters he’s faced. News flash: this guy’s pretty good. No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
CINAroldis ChapmanJ.J. HooverJonathan BroxtonJonathan Broxton8/13/13

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Houston Astros — With the departure of Wesley Wright to Tampa for cash considerations, the lowly Astros are down to one player — Erik Bedard — who makes more than 6% over the league minimum. No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
HOUJosh FieldsChia-Jen LoJosh ZeidJosh Fields8/13/13

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Kevin Siegrist is finally getting some big innings

August 12, 2013

St. Louis Cardinals – We’ve extolled the virtues of Kevin Siegrist in this space before, and finally, the young lefty is getting some love.  On Sunday, he pitched the 7th inning and earned his fifth hold of the season, three of which have come this week in similar circumstances.  The 24-year old lefty currently has a 0.84 ERA, a 0.60 WHIP, and is now getting the high-leverage innings he deserves.  Hierarchy change: Kevin Siegrist to 2nd in line, replacing Seth Maness.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
STLEdward MujicaTrevor RosenthalKevin SiegristJason Motte8/12/13

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New York Yankees – Most closers who blow three consecutive save chances would be destined for a trip to the Hot Seat.  But Mariano Rivera, who completed the third leg of that ignominious feat on Sunday, would probably have to double, or maybe even triple, his current streak of blown saves in order for the Yankees to consider derailing his farewell tour.  No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
NYYMariano RiveraDavid RobertsonBoone LoganDavid Robertson8/12/13

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Matt Belisle, Colorado Rockies – Rex Brothers has pitched in three straight.
2. David Aardsma, New York Mets – LaTroy Hawkins has pitched in two straight and three of the last four.
3. David Robertson, New York Yankees – Less concerning than his string of blown saves (mentioned above) is the fact that Mariano Rivera has thrown a total of 81 pitches over the past five days.  He might get Monday off to recover.
4. Ryan Cook/Sean Doolittle, Oakland A’s – Grant Balfour has pitched in two straight, including a 37-pitch outing on Sunday.

Nate Jones racking up Ks, David Hernandez sent down

August 11, 2013

Chicago White Sox – Nate Jones got the last two outs of the 7th and the first two outs of the 8th all via the strikeout on Saturday night.  He has 68 ks in 59 innings this season while Matt Lindstrom only has 32 ks against 22 walks.  Hierarchy change: Nate Jones to Set-up, Matt Lindstrom to 2nd in line.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
CHWAddison ReedNate JonesMatt LindstromAddison Reed8/11/13

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Arizona Diamondbacks – David Hernandez gave up two more runs last night and was sent down to Triple-A after the game. Hierarchy change: Heath Bell to 2nd in line, replacing David Hernandez.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
ARIBrad ZieglerJ.J. PutzHeath BellJ.J. Putz8/11/13

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Los Angeles Angels – Dane De La Rosa would have gotten the call again last night if there was a save opportunity.  Ernesto Frieri pitched with the Angels up 5 last night and will continue to pitch in low leverage situations until he can get back on track. Hierarchy change: Dane De La Rosa to Closer, Kevin Jepsen to Set-up, Ernesto Frieri to 2nd in line.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
LAADane De La RosaKevin JepsenErnesto FrieriErnesto Frieri8/11/13

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Blake Parker, Chicago Cubs — Kevin Gregg and Pedro Strop have both pitched in 2 straight and 3 of the past four.
2. Matt Lindstrom, Chicago White Sox — Addison Reed and Nate Jones have pitched in back to back games and 4 of the last 5.

Dane De La Rosa to close while Frieri figures it out

August 11, 2013

Los Angeles Angels – Dane De La Rosa would have gotten the call again last night if there was a save opportunity.  Ernesto Frieri pitched with the Angels up 5 on Saturday and will continue to pitch in low leverage situations until he can get back on track. Hierarchy change: Dane De La Rosa to Closer, Kevin Jepsen to Set-up, Ernesto Frieri to 2nd in line.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
LAADane De La RosaKevin JepsenErnesto FrieriErnesto Frieri8/11/13

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