Frieri reinstated as closer, Cecil picks up save for Jays

May 6, 2014

Los Angeles Angels – As predicted in our Vulture Save Watch, Mike Scioscia gave the ball to Ernesto Frieri in the ninth inning and the right-hander delivered, preserving a three-run lead for his first save since April 21. Scioscia intended to move Frieri back to the ninth all along, and Frieri has earned his job back thanks to now 4.2 innings without giving up a hit since a blown save on April 23.

Hierarchy change: Frieri | Smith | Kohn.

Houston Astros – Raul Valdes was designated for assignment, with LHP Darin Downs called up to replace him. The Astros also signed Tony Sipp, who will be their best left-handed option behind Qualls and Bass in the bullpen.

Hierarchy change: Qualls | Bass | Sipp.

Toronto Blue Jays – Brett Cecil got the first crack at the closer’s role in manager John Gibbons’ committee, and he came through with a strong ninth inning to pick up his second save of the season. Both Aaron Loup and Steve Delabar pitched in front of Cecil, but it was Delabar who got the eighth ahead of Loup. All three have a chance at a save opportunity at this point, but it appears as if Delabar has the inside track to the ninth inning if Cecil isn’t given the nod.

Hierarchy change: Cecil | Delabar | Loup.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Steve Delabar/Aaron Loup, Toronto Blue Jays – Brett Cecil has pitched in back-to-back games, meaning Delabar or Loup could get a chance in the Jays’ committee. As stated above, we think Delabar is the more likely selection.
2. Wade Davis, Kansas City Royals – Greg Holland blew the save last night and has appeared in two straight games.
3. Cody Allen, Cleveland Indians – John Axford has thrown in three straight games, taking the loss last night after entering a tie game in the 10th inning.

Chris Perez blows save, Blue Jays go with committee

May 4, 2014

Los Angeles Dodgers – The Dodgers gave Kenley Jansen the night off last night and went with Chris Perez in the 9th inning.  Perez blew the save by walking in the game tying run.  Jansen is tied for the league lead in appearances this season, and he hasn’t been his usual dominant self, giving up 25 base runners in 15.1 innings.  The Dodgers will probably try to monitor Jansen’s usage moving forward so Chris Perez could continue to see save opportunities when Jansen is rested.

Hierarchy change remains: Jansen | Perez | Wilson.

Toronto Blue Jays – Manager John Gibbons has officially removed Sergio Santos from the closer’s role and has announced that they will go with a committee until Janssen is back.  Gibbons mentioned Brett Cecil and Aaron Loup as the main guys in the committee.  We like Cecil better because of his strikeout potential.  On another note, Casey Janssen could begin a rehab assignment on Monday.

Hierarchy change: Cecil | Loup | Delabar. 

Chicago White Sox – Nate Jones is going to have surgery on his lower back.  The White Sox have said this will not end his season, but this is not good news for those holding out hope that Jones would come back and take over as closer.  Hierarchy remains: Lindstrom | Belisario | Webb.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. J.J. Putz, Arizona Diamondbacks – Addison Reed has pitched in two straight and four of the last five.
2. Pedro Strop, Chicago Cubs – Hector Rondon has recorded save in the past two days and pitched in three of the last four.
3. A.J. Ramos, Miami Marlins – Steve Cishek has appeared in three straight games
4. Santiago Casilla, San Francisco Giants – Sergio Romo has thrown 37 pitches over the past two games and pitched in three of the past four games.
5. Jim Johnson, Oakland A’s – We think Jim Johnson gets the next save chance in Oakland, and the job should be his again if he converts it.
6. Aaron Loup, Toronto Blue Jays – The Blue Jays are going with a committee and Brett Cecil is unavailable tonight so Loup will get the call if there is a save opportunity
7. Anthony Bass, Houston Astros – It looks like Qualls and Bass will be the main guys for a little while.

Josh Fields no longer an option in Houston, Henderson to DL

May 3, 2014

Houston Astros – Bo Porter said on Friday that Josh Fields would be used in lower-leverage situations.  Porter went on to say that he still does not have a set closer, but he mentioned Chad Qualls and Anthony Bass as the main guys he would use in the 9th.

Hierarchy change: Qualls | Bass | Fields. 

Milwaukee Brewers – Jim Henderson has been placed on the DL with a sore shoulder.  Brandon Kintzler and Will Smith could both be used in the set-up role while Henderson is out.

Hierarchy change: Rodriguez | Kintzler | Smith.

Detroit Tigers — The Tigers have signed former All-Star closer Joel Hanrahan.  He has been placed on the DL and is expected back in June.

Hierarchy remains: Nathan | Chamberlain | Alburquerque.

(Updated 12:21 AM) Toronto Blue Jays – Sergio Santos blew his second straight save tonight and after the game Manager John Gibbons said that they might have to re-arrange some things in the bullpen.  Brett Cecil pitched a scoreless 7th and 8th inning tonight and has 18 ks in 10.1 innings this year.  He should get the first chance at closing but might not be available tomorrow after throwing 31 pitches tonight.  Steve Delabar could also be an option to close games until Casey Janssen returns from the DL.

Hierarchy change: Cecil | Delabar | Santos.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Darren O’Day, Baltimore Orioles – Tommy Hunter pitched last night after pitching in both games of the doubleheader on Thursday.
2. Jim Johnson, Oakland A’s – As we’ve said for the past week, we think Jim Johnson gets the next save chance in Oakland, and we think the job is his again if he converts it.
3. Anthony Bass/Raul Valdes, Houston Astros – Well at least we know it won’t be Josh Fields blowing a save for the Astros today.

Sergio Santos likely out as Blue Jays closer

May 3, 2014

Toronto Blue Jays — Sergio Santos blew his second straight save tonight, and after the game, Manager John Gibbons said that they might have to re-arrange some things in the bullpen. Brett Cecil pitched a scoreless 7th and 8th inning tonight and has 18 ks in 10.1 innings this year.  He should get the first chance at closing but might not be available tomorrow after throwing 31 pitches tonight.  Steve Delabar could also be an option to close games until Casey Janssen returns from the DL. Hierarchy change: Cecil | Delabar | Santos.
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O’Day picks up save, Santos bounces back

April 19, 2014

Baltimore Orioles – Darren O’Day picked up the save last night.  He got the last out of the 8th inning with the Orioles up 3 and then Orioles added another run in the top of the 9th.  O’Day stayed on to finish the game and record his first save of the season.  No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
BALTommy HunterDarren O’DayEvan MeekTommy Hunter4/19/14

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Toronto Blue Jays — Before yesterday’s game, manager John Gibbons said that Sergio Santos has been tremendous this season.  Santos successfully closed out the Indians on Friday but it wasn’t smooth, as he allowed a hit and 2 walks in the 9th inning.  He is 5 out of 6 in save chances this season but he has struggled with walks and will need to get that under control if he wants to keep the job.   No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
TORSergio SantosBrett CecilSteve DelabarSergio Santos4/19/14
Casey Janssen (DL)

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Arizona Diamondbacks – Addison Reed blew his first save of the season on Friday, giving up the game-tying solo homerun to Juan Uribe.  The Diamonbacks would go on to win the game in extra innings and former starter Trevor Cahill earned his first career save.  No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
ARIAddison ReedJ.J. PutzBrad ZieglerAddison Reed4/19/14

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Brett Cecil, Toronto Blue Jays – Sergio Santos has pitched in 2 straight and 3 of the last 4, throwing a total of 56 pitches.
2. Sean Doolittle, Oakland A’s – Luke Gregerson has seen more save chances that Doolittle since Jim Johnson’s demotion but this is still looking like a committee so Doolittle could get the call based on match-ups.
3. Pedro Strop, Chicago Cubs – Our preference for saves in Chicago is still Hector Rondon, but with no official word yet from Rick Renteria, Pedro Strop could be the 9th inning option.
4. Chad Qualls/Anthony Bass, Houston Astros – If the Astros ever get another save opportunity they could use pretty much anyone at this point.