Chris Sale takes over as closer for White Sox

May 4, 2012

Chicago White Sox – Per the Chicago Tribune, Chris Sale has been moved from the starting rotation to the bullpen and will immediately take over as closer.  Chris Sale experienced elbow soreness after his last start and the White Sox decided a move to the bullpen would be better for his health.  Sale will be given a few days off and will start closing on Monday in Cleveland.  Hierarchy change: Chris Sale to Closer, Hector Santiago to Set-up, Matt Thornton to 2nd in line.

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedCHW |Sale |Santiago |Thornton |Sale |5/4/12

Rafael Dolis, David Robertson inherit jobs; Heath Bell still the closer in Miami

May 4, 2012

Miami Marlins – Edward Mujica got the save Thursday afternoon, as Heath Bell was unavailable.  Ozzie Guillen insisted before the game that Bell, despite a disastrous first month, is still the closer in Miami.  No hierarchy change.

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedMIA |Bell |Mujica |Cishek |Bell |5/4/12

 
New York Yankees – Mariano Rivera tore his ACL while shagging fly balls during warmups before Thursday’s game. He’s out for the year and his career may be over. Rafael Soriano was used in the 8th inning yesterday with the Yankees down by a run, leaving little doubt that it will be David Robertson who steps in and attempts to fill Rivera’s big shoes. Hierarchy change: Mariano Rivera to DL, David Robertson to Closer, Rafael Soriano to Setup, Cory Wade to 2nd in line.

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedNYY |Robertson |Soriano |Wade |Robertson |5/4/12

 
Chicago Cubs – Carlos Marmol had another terrible outing today and after the game Manager Dale Sveum said he is definitely thinking about removing Marmol as closer. Sveum mentioned Rafael Dolis and James Russell as potential replacements.  Dolis should get the first shot as he was brought on today to try and clean up Marmol’s mess. Hierarchy change: Rafael Dolis to Closer, James Russell to set-up, Carlos Marmol to 2nd in Line.

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedCHC |Dolis |Russell |Marmol |Marmol |5/4/12

 
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Joel Peralta, Tampa Bay Rays – Fernando Rodney has pitched on four of the last five days.
2. Ryan Cook/Brian Fuentes, Oakland A’s – Grant Balfour was held out of Wednesday’s game due to heavy use and a nagging back injury. If his back is still keeping him out, the A’s will look to Ryan Cook or Brian Fuentes for the save opportunity.

Mariano Rivera injured; David Robertson to close

New York Yankees – Mariano Rivera injured his knee shagging fly balls during warmups before a game with Kansas City. The early diagnosis is a sprained knee, and he will have an MRI tonight. David Robertson is likely to step in and take the first save opportunities if Rivera misses time. Rafael Soriano has closing experience and could step in if needed as well. Hierarchy change: Mariano Rivera injured, David Robertson to Closer, Rafael Soriano to Setup, Cory Wade to 2nd in line.

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedNYY |Robertson |Soriano |Wade |Robertson |5/3/12 |Rivera(INJ) |

Carlos Marmol out as closer, Rafael Dolis and James Russell potential replacements

May 3, 2012

Chicago Cubs- Carlos Marmol had another terrible outing today and after the game Manager Dale Sveum said he is definitely thinking about removing Marmol as closer.   Sveum mentioned Rafael Dolis and James Russell as potential replacements.  Dolis should get the first shot as he was brought on today to try and clean up Marmol’s mess. Hierarchy change: Rafael Dolis to Closer, James Russell to set-up, Carlos Marmol to 2nd in Line.

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedCHC |Dolis |Russell |Marmol |Marmol |5/3/12

Heath Bell close to losing his job; Brian Fuentes as temporary closer

May 3, 2012

Oakland A’s – Grant Balfour threw 29 pitches in blowing a save on Tuesday, and has been dealing with a sore back, so Brian Fuentes picked up the save in his absence on Wednesday.  But while Balfour remains on the Hot Seat, this isn’t an indication that he’s lost his job yet.  If his back continues to bother him, Brian Fuentes or Ryan Cook will get save opportunities.  No hierarchy change.

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedOAK |Balfour |Cook |Fuentes |Balfour |5/3/12

 
Kansas City Royals – Tim Collins has been used in some tight spots lately, and he recorded the win on Wednesday after getting 2 outs in a tie game in the 8th inning.  Hierarchy change: Tim Collins to 2nd in line, replacing Jose Mijares.

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedKC |Broxton |Crow |Collins |Broxton |5/3/12 |Soria(DL) |Holland(DL) |

 
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Edward Mujica/Steve Cishek, Miami Marlins – Heath Bell blew another save last night, and for the first time, Ozzie Guillen indicated that he may have to look elsewhere for the 9th inning role.  Whether or not Guillen anoints a new closer remains to be seen, but either way, Bell is almost certain to get the day off today, giving Edward Mujica or Steve Cishek the chance to nab a save.