July 13, 2014
Chicago White Sox — After yesterday’s game, it looks like Jake Petricka is moving towards becoming the closer of the White Sox. His main competition, Zach Putnam, was brought on in the 6th inning and gave up 3 hits and a run in his 1.1 innings of work. Petricka was saved for the 9th inning and, although it wasn’t a save opportunity after the White Sox scored 3 runs in the top of the 9th, he pitched a perfect inning with one strikeout. This still could be a committee but Petricka is, at the very least, the top of the committee at this point.
Updated hierarchy: Petricka | Guerra | Putnam.
Atlanta Braves — David Carpenter recorded the save last night. He entered the game in the 8th inning with a three run lead and then came back for the 9th after the Braves added two more runs to make it a five run game. It was only Carpenter’s second appearance since coming off the DL, but it was much better than the first. Shae Simmons still has an ERA under 1.00 so we will leave him at second in line for now but Carpenter could move back into that role shortly.
Hierarchy Remains: Kimbrel | Walden | Simmons.
Pittsburgh Pirates – Jeanmar Gomez picked up the save in the 11th inning last night. Melancon, Watson and Frieri all pitched earlier in the game so, despite the save, Gomez still does not factor into the Pirates’ late inning plans.
Hierarchy Remains: Melancon | Watson | Frieri.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Grant Balfour/Brad Boxberger, Tampa Bay Rays – Jake McGee is out on paternity leave so Balfour or Boxberger should get the call if there is a save opportunity.
2. Jason Grilli, Los Angeles Angels – Joe Smith has pitched in 2 straight and 3 of the last 4.