David Aardsma debuts for Mets, is probably already better than almost anyone else they’ve got

June 9, 2013

New York Mets – After a solid stint in AAA, David Aardsma was called up to the bigs and pitched a scoreless inning in the Mets marathon 20-inning loss on Saturday.  Given his past experience in the 9th, a couple good outings in a row could position him for an opportunity when Bobby Parnell needs a night off.  Hierarchy change: David Aardsma to 2nd in line, replacing Scott Rice.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
NYMBobby ParnellBrandon LyonDavid AardsmaBobby Parnell6/9/13

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Detroit Tigers – Phil Coke has been better as of late.  This isn’t saying much, given that his ERA has been below 5 at exactly one point since opening day.  However, he’s strung together 5 straight scoreless appearances, including a nice outing on Saturday where he finished off the 7th and then pitched the 8th ahead of Jose Valverde.  Although Drew Smyly is having a much better season, Coke’s late-inning experience and recent stretch of respectability makes him the go-to lefty again in the Detroit bullpen.  Hierarchy change: Phil Coke to 2nd in line, replacing Drew Smyly.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
DETJose ValverdeJoaquin BenoitPhil CokeBruce Rondon6/9/13

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Milwaukee Brewers – Jim Henderson was activated from the disabled list after Saturday’s game.  He should resume closing immediately.  Hierarchy change: Jim Henderson to Closer, Francisco Rodriguez to Set-up, Brandon Kintzler to 2nd in line.

(UPDATE: Ron Roenicke said this morning that Francisco Rodriguez, currently at 298 saves, will get a shot to reach 300. Unless Jim Henderson implodes in his temporarily-middle-relief role, this will likely play out similarly to what the Mets did with Jason Isringhausen a few years ago, allowing him to reach his milestone and then returning him to lower-stress role. Once K-Rod gets two more saves, Henderson will return as closer, and as such, we’ll leave Henderson in the closer spot in our hierarchy, assuming that he’ll re-assume the role in a week or two.)

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
MILJim HendersonFrancisco RodriguezBrandon KintzlerJim Henderson6/9/13

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Joaquin Benoit, Detroit Tigers – Jose Valverde has pitched in three straight.
2. Dale Thayer, San Diego Padres – Luke Gregerson threw 20 pitches last night, and has racked up 4 IPs in the last 4 days.

Joe Nathan, forever waiting, for a save that will never come

June 7, 2013

Texas Rangers — Ron Washington used Tanner Scheppers in a tied eighth inning, but since (as everyone knows) “you can’t use your closer on the road in the ninth inning of a tie ballgame,” out came Michael Kirkman and his 2.18 ERA WHIP for the ninth. Double, intentional walk, three-run homer, ballgame. Maybe Ron and Joe Nathan had dinner reservations. No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
TEXJoe NathanTanner ScheppersRobbie RossJoe Nathan6/7/13

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San Diego Padres — After Luke Gregerson pitched the 10th and 11th innings of a tied game (on the road!), the save opportunity fell to Brad Boxberger in the 12th. No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
 SDLuke GregersonDale ThayerJoe ThatcherHuston Street6/7/13
Huston Street (DL)

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Jesse Crain/Ramon Troncoso, Chicago White Sox — Addison Reed threw three innings on Wednesday night and might not be ready to go until Saturday. Jesse Crain has pitched in two straight games, so if he’s out too, the Sox will likely turn to recent callup Troncoso, who earned eight saves in ten opportunities for AAA Charlotte.
2. Joe Thatcher, San Diego Padres — Luke Gregerson pitched two innings on Thursday night in his second straight day of work. Dale Thayer has also pitched in two straight, and gave up two runs last night.
3. Kelvin Herrera, Kansas City Royals — Greg Holland needed 20 pitches in a non-save ninth, one night after he threw 26.

Luke Gregerson and Rex Brothers move into 9th inning roles; Tom Wilhelmsen struggling

June 2, 2013

Seattle Mariners – Tom Wilhelmsen blew his third save in four chances on Sunday, walking the bases loaded and then allowing a walk-off triple.  Eric Wedge didn’t say anything ominous about Wilhelmsen’s job security after the game, saying that closers go through rough spots throughout the season, but should Wilhelmsen blow another save or two, Wedge will have to start considering 8th inning man Carter Capps instead.  Also in the conversation is Charlie Furbush, whose high strikeout totals (31 Ks in 23 innings) probably make him a better 9th inning candidate than Oliver Perez.  Hierarchy change: Charlie Furbush to 2nd in line, replacing Oliver Perez.  Tom Wilhelmsen to Hot Seat.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
SEATom WilhelmsenCarter CappsCharlie FurbushTom Wilhelmsen6/2/13
Stephen Pryor (DL)

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Atlanta Braves – Jordan Walden now has three perfect innings since returning from the disabled list, including a clean 10th last night which earned him the win when the Braves walked off.  He might not become the team’s 8th inning guy for a while — Cory Gearrin and Luis Avilan have pitched well in that role — but now that he’s shown that he’s healthy, his previous closing experience gives him the edge for saves should anything happen to Craig Kimbrel.  Hierarchy change: Jordan Walden to Set-up, Cory Gearrin to 2nd in line. 

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
ATLCraig KimbrelJordan WaldenCory GearrinCraig Kimbrel6/2/13
Eric O’Flaherty (DL)

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San Diego Padres – On the night that Huston Street was placed on the DL with a strained calf, Luke Gregerson got the call in the 9th inning.  Bud Black said that both Gregerson and Dale Thayer could be used in the 9th inning in Street’s absence, though “Luke is probably the guy we will turn to more.”  Hierarchy change: Luke Gregerson to Closer, Dale Thayer to Set-up, Joe Thatcher to 2nd in line, Huston Street to DL.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
 SDLuke GregersonDale ThayerJoe ThatcherHuston Street6/2/13
Huston Street (DL)

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Colorado Rockies – Rafael Betancourt hit the DL on Sunday, meaning more save chances for Rex Brothers.  Brothers, who is having a remarkable season so far (0.36 ERA), assumed his role immediately last night, pitching the 9th inning of a tie game.  Hierarchy change: Rex Brothers to Closer, Wilton Lopez to Set-up, Matt Belisle to 2nd in line, Rafael Betancourt to DL.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
COLRex BrothersWilton LopezMatt BelisleRafael Betancourt6/2/13
Rafael Betancourt (DL)

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Dale Thayer, San Diego Padres – Luke Gregerson has pitched three innings over the last two days, and might get the day off today.
2. Hector Ambriz, Houston Astros – Jose Veras has pitched in two straight and five of the last six.
3. Carter Capps/Charlie Furbush, Seattle Mariners – Tom Wilhelmsen has pitched in two straight and three of the last four, throwing 57 pitches in the process.  Especially given the rough outing yesterday, he might get a day off today.
4. Kenley Jansen, Los Angeles Dodgers – Though Don Mattingly said yesterday that Brandon League is still his closer, that hasn’t previously stopped him from using Kenley Jansen in a tight spot in the 9th.

Huston Street hits DL, Luke Gregerson to close

June 1, 2013

San Diego Padres – Huston Street has been placed on the DL with a strained calf.  Luke Gregerson is the best bet for saves in his absence.  Hierarchy change: Luke Gregerson to Closer, Dale Thayer to Set-up, Joe Thatcher to 2nd in line, Huston Street to DL.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
SDLuke GregersonDale ThayerJoe ThatcherHuston Street6/1/13
Huston Street (DL)

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Gregerson Closing in Street’s Place; Guerrier Returns to Bullpen for Dodgers

September 1, 2012

Los Angeles Dodgers – Matt Guerrier returned from the 60-day DL on Friday, allowing one run and taking the loss after he entered a tie game in the 11th inning. Guerrier had not pitched since April 18. He will move back into the 7th-inning role that he held before his injury. Hierarchy change: Matt Guerrier to 2nd in line, replacing Jamey Wright.

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedLAD |Belisario |League |Guerrier |Jansen |9/1/12 |Jansen(INJ) |

 
San Diego Padres – Luke Gregerson collected his third consecutive save on Saturday, just a few hours after Huston Street suffered a setback in his rehab.  Dale Thayer got the first two save chances after Street’s injury, but Gregerson has picked up the last three, and should continue to see chances until Street returns.  Hierarchy change: Luke Gregerson to Closer, Dale Thayer to Set-up.

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedSD |Gregerson |Thayer |Layne |Street |8/31/12 |Street(DL) |

 
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Darren Oliver, Toronto Blue Jays – Casey Janssen has pitched in three straight, and four of the last five.
2. Brandon League, Los Angeles Dodgers – Ronald Belisario pitched two innings on Friday night, throwing 26 pitches.
3. Dale Thayer, San Diego Padres – While Luke Gregerson has been the go-to guy when the Padres lead in the ninth, Dale Thayer could get a save opportunity until Huston Street returns.
4. Jared Burton, Minnesota Twins – The Twins are employing a committee, and while Glen Perkins remains the best bet for saves overall, Jared Burton could get an opportunity whenever match-ups are right.
5. Javier Lopez, San Francisco Giants – With the Giants in full committee mode, Sergio Romo or Javier Lopez could get a save on any night.