July 9, 2014
Arizona Diamondbacks — Addison Reed blew his fifth save of the year — and third in his last six tries — on Tuesday night. Before Marcell Ozuna’s go-ahead home run, Reed was one strike away from cementing a victory in Vidal Nuño’s Arizona debut. Kirk Gibson, who might have a soft spot for go-ahead home runs, has remained firm in his support for Reed, but he has quality alternatives in sidearmer Brad Ziegler, Evan Marshall, and rookie Matt Stites. With the D-Backs currently sporting the worst record in baseball, another blown save might force the manager’s hand. Reed has allowed a run in 17 relief appearances and 11 save situations, each of which leads MLB.
Hierarchy remains: Reed | Ziegler | Marshall.
Addison Reed to Hot Seat.
Tampa Bay Rays — After using each of the three other members of the Tampa closer committee in turn, Joe Maddon has now called on Jake McGee in three straight save situations. McGee didn’t make it easy on Tuesday, giving up two runs in the ninth, but he got out of trouble in the end. It’s still a committee until mad genius Joe Maddon says otherwise, but McGee remains the best guy to own.
Hierarchy remains: McGee | Balfour | Peralta.
Atlanta Braves — In the week since David Carpenter was activated from the disabled list, he made precisely zero appearances, while Luis Avilan and Jordan Walden took care of the eighth inning in front of Craig Kimbrel. When Carpenter finally pitched again on Tuesday night, it was with the Braves trailing 6-0, and he gave up five hits and two runs over two line drive-heavy innings. Although the appearance raised Carpenter’s 2014 WHIP to 1.79 — percentage points higher than the 1.78 ERA he boasted in last year’s breakout season — part of the reason is a whopping .462 BABIP this year. Whether Carpenter is hurting or just unlucky, Atlanta seems likely to let him figure things out in lower-leverage spots for the time being. Shea Simmons would likely be next in line for saves behind Kimbrel and Walden.
Updated hierarchy: Kimbrel | Walden | Simmons.
Chicago Cubs — Hector Rondon was the hard-luck loser in the second Cubs loss on Tuesday, victim of a misplayed pop fly and a broken-bat slice down the line. In other Cubs news, Kyuji Fujikawa and his $4 million salary made his first rehab appearance on Sunday, striking out one in a clean inning for the rookie-league Cubs of Mesa, Arizona. He has a shot at late-inning relevance later this season.
Hierarchy remains: Rondon | Ramirez | Strop.
St. Louis Cardinals — In stressing the importance of getting Trevor Rosenthal regular rest, Mike Matheny noted that All-Star Pat Neshek is the team’s backup closer, while Jason Motte — who gave up four runs in a Sunday appearance — will continue to be used outside any “designated role.”
Updated hierarchy: Rosenthal | Neshek | Motte.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Pat Neshek/Jason Motte, St. Louis Cardinals — Rosenthal threw 27 pitches on Tuesday and was used heavily over the weekend. Since backup closer Neshek has pitched in four of five games, Matheny may go to Motte for a save after all.
2. Joel Peralta/Grant Balfour, Tampa Bay Rays — Jake McGee needed 26 pitches to get his last save, and the Tampa committee system is still in effect.