Mark Melancon to close while Jason Grilli is out; Charlie Furbush ascending

July 23, 2013

Pittsburgh Pirates – The Pirates have not released much on the injury to Jason Grilli, who will be re-evaluated today.  The official word thus far is “right forearm tightness,” which is often an ominous precursor to Tommy John surgery.  Vin Mazzaro picked up his first career save on Monday, getting the last out after Grilli’s exit, but All Star set-up man Mark Melancon will be the one to get saves going forward.  Justin Wilson and Tony Watson are the two best candidates for the 8th inning role.  Hierarchy change: Mark Melancon to Closer, Justin Wilson to Set-up, Tony Watson to 2nd in line, Jason Grilli injured.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
PITMark MelanconJustin WilsonTony WatsonJason Grilli7/23/13
Jason Grilli (INJ)

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Seattle Mariners – On Monday, Charlie Furbush got his third consecutive 8th inning hold and now has a 1.74 ERA in July.  The Mariners might be preparing for life after Oliver Perez, who is a candidate to move at the trade deadline, and Furbush now seems the best candidate to inherit the set-up role if and when the veteran lefty gets moved.  Hierarchy change: Charlie Furbush to 2nd in line, replacing Yoervis Medina.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
SEATom WilhelmsenOliver PerezCharlie FurbushTom Wilhelmsen7/23/13
Stephen Pryor (DL)

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Charlie Furbush, Seattle Mariners – Tom Wilhelmsen has accumulated 3.1 innings over the last four days.
2. Casey Fien, Minnesota Twins – Glen Perkins has pitched 3.1 innings over the last four days.

Jason Grilli injures pitching arm during save chance

July 22, 2013

Pittsburgh Pirates – After his 24th pitch of the night, Jason Grilli winced, grabbed his arm, and beckoned for the trainers.  If it’s serious, and observers are speculating that it is, then Mark Melancon will take over as Pirates closer for the foreseeable future.  Hierarchy change: Mark Melancon to Closer, Justin Wilson to Set-up, Tony Watson to 2nd in line, Jason Grilli injured.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
PITMark MelanconJustin WilsonTony WatsonJason Grilli7/18/13
Jason Grilli (INJ)

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Pedro Strop and Mitchell Boggs are relevant again

July 22, 2013

Chicago Cubs – For a “good time on the mound,” Dale Sveum plans to call on Pedro Strop to be the Cubs’ new closer if Kevin Gregg heads elsewhere this month, as expected. Hierarchy change: Pedro Strop to Set-up, Blake Parker to 2nd in line.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
CHCKevin GreggPedro StropBlake ParkerPedro Strop7/22/13

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Colorado Rockies — The Rockies responded to Rafael Betancourt’s incapacitation by summoning a blast from the National League past: Mitchell Boggs. Reports suggest that Colorado will use him in front of Matt Belisle, and Boggs insists that his time in double-A exile has helped him return to last season’s impressive form. Hierarchy change: Mitchell Boggs to 2nd in line, replacing Wilton Lopez.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
COLRex BrothersMatt BelisleMitchell BoggsRafael Betancourt7/22/13
Rafael Betancourt (DL)

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New York Yankees — Joba Chamberlain’s continued struggles have once again dropped him below Boone Logan on the Yankees’ depth chart; Logan struck out the side in a tied seventh inning on Sunday at Fenway. Hierarchy change: Boone Logan to 2nd in line, replacing Joba Chamberlain.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
NYYMariano RiveraDavid RobertsonBoone LoganDavid Robertson7/22/13

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Arizona Diamondbacks – After Brad Ziegler picked up his fourth save in as many opportunities, Kirk Gibson gave him a half-vote of confidence, saying that he will handle the closer role “for now . . . but that could change.” Gibson also admitted that Ziegler’s propensity to induce groundouts makes him a valuable arm at other points, which does nothing to dispel the long-term uncertainty in this bullpen. No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
ARIBrad ZieglerDavid HernandezJ.J. PutzJ.J. Putz7/22/13

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Detroit Tigers — Jim Leyland might be bluffing, but he sounds like a man who’s satisfied with his bullpen. Joaquin Benoit has converted all nine of his save opportunities, and Bruce Rondon is on a hot streak as well, retiring 11 straight batters over three scoreless outings. No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
DETJoaquin BenoitDrew Smyly Bruce RondonBruce Rondon7/22/13

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Baltimore Orioles — After Jim Johnson was used in two straight games, Darren O’Day picked up the save on Sunday night. No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
BALJim JohnsonTommy HunterDarren O’DayJim Johnson7/22/13

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Fernando Rodney, Tampa Bay Rays — Rodney threw 35 pitches last night in his second straight day of work.

Rex Brothers to close while Betancourt is on DL

July 21, 2013

Colorado Rockies – Rafael Betancourt has been placed on the DL with appendicitis.  The move is retroactive to July 15.  Rex Brothers will close in his absence.  Hierarchy change: Rex Brothers to Closer, Matt Belisle to Set-up, Wilton Lopez to 2nd in line, Rafael Betancourt to DL.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
COLRex BrothersMatt BelisleWilton LopezRafael Betancourt7/20/13
Rafael Betancourt (DL)

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Minnesota Twins – For the second night in a row, Casey Fien pitched the 8th ahead of Glen Perkins while Jared Burton pitched in the 7th inning.  Fien has made 11 straight scoreless appearances, lowering his ERA to 2.88 on the season.  Hierarchy change:  Casey Fien to Set-up, Jared Burton to 2nd in line.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
MINGlen PerkinsCasey FienJared BurtonGlen Perkins7/21/13

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San Francisco Giants – Javier Lopez got the last two outs of the 8th inning last night with the Giants up 2.  Lopez has a 1.54 ERA on the season. Hierarchy change: Javier Lopez to 2nd in line, replacing Jeremy Affeldt.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
SFSergio RomoSantiago CasillaJavier LopezSergio Romo7/21/13

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Drew Storen, Washington Nationals – Rafael Soriano and Tyler Clippard have both pitched two days in a row and Davey Johnson could go to Storen if there is a save opportunity today.
2. Sam LeCure, Cincinnati Reds – Aroldis Chapman has pitched in two straight.