Sorry, K-Rod owners, Jim Henderson’s return is right on target

June 8, 2013

Milwaukee Brewers – Jim Henderson struck out three in a rehab appearance on Friday and said he didn’t feel any hamstring discomfort at all.  He’s likely to be activated tomorrow and will re-assume the closer role immediately.  Francisco Rodriguez did an admirable job in his place, but will have to wait a while before he gets to 300 saves.  No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
MILFrancisco RodriguezBrandon KintzlerMike GonzalezJim Henderson6/8/13
Jim Henderson (DL)

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Kelvin Herrera, Kansas City Royals – Greg Holland has pitched in three straight.
2. David Hernandez, Arizona Diamondbacks – Heath Bell has pitched in back to back games and three of four.
3. Jesse Crain, Chicago White Sox – It’s possible that Addison Reed needs one more day off to recover from his marathon 55-pitch outing on Wednesday.

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.

Kelvin Herrera returns to the bigs, reassumes old role

June 6, 2013

Kansas City Royals – After five appearances in the minors in which he allowed two hits and no runs in 4.2 innings, Kelvin Herrera returned to the bigs and on Wednesday was immediately thrust back in to his old 8th inning role.  He pitched a clean inning, and another solid outing or two will re-secure his status as the the go-to guy behind Greg Holland.  Hierarchy change: Kelvin Herrera to Set-up, Aaron Crow to 2nd in line.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
KCGreg HollandKelvin HerreraAaron CrowGreg Holland6/6/13

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Los Angeles Angels – The Angels bullpen has been a real point of strength lately.  Converted starter Garrett Richards has taken to his new relief role, and Robert Coello’s WTF pitch has him seeing more higher-leverage innings as well.  Also, recently returning from injury was one of Mike Scioscia’s favorite arms from a year ago, Kevin Jepsen.  In five appearances since coming off the DL, Jepsen has the following line: 4.2 IP, 7 Ks, 2 hits, 1 walk, 0.00 ERA (and the walk was intentional).  Scott Downs might still be an occasional match-up play for a vulture save, but Jepsen is looking like his 2012 self and should start to see more late inning work, as he did last night, pitching the 8th in a tie game.  Hierarchy change: Kevin Jepsen to 2nd in line, replacing Scott Downs.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
LAAErnesto FrieriGarrett RichardsKevin JepsenErnesto Frieri6/6/13
Ryan Madson (DL)

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Cleveland Indians – Chris Perez is under investigation after a package containing marijuana was delivered to his home.  He hasn’t been charged with anything, but obviously, any lengthy suspension would put his season in doubt and greatly increase Vinnie Pestano’s value.  No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
CLEVinnie PestanoJoe SmithCody AllenChris Perez6/6/13
Chris Perez (DL)

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Jesse Crain, Chicago White Sox – In one of the most spectacular relief appearances in recent memory, Addison Reed entered with a 5-run lead in the 14th inning last night and gave up 5 runs, including a game-tying grand slam to Kyle Seager.  It was the first time in baseball history that anyone had ever hit a game-tying grand slam in extra innings, but perhaps even more amazingly, Reed went on to pitch two more innings and earn the win.  Anyway, relevant to VSW is the fact that Reed threw 55 pitches in the effort, and won’t be available today (or possibly Friday, either).  Jesse Crain will likely see the save in his absence, though the White Sox could also play matchups with lefty Matt Thornton.

Brandon Kintzler, Francisco Rodriguez best bets to close in Jim Henderson’s absence

May 25, 2013

(UPDATE: Ron Roenicke has confirmed that Jim Henderson will be out for “a while,” and that he intends to use a committee of closers in Henderson’s absence.) Milwaukee Brewers – After recording two outs, Jim Henderson went down with a hamstring injury, and the recently-returning Francisco Rodriguez got the last out for his first save of the season.  Henderson isn’t certain of the severity of the injury, saying after the game that he was hoping it was just a cramp.  Ron Roenicke was less optimistic though, offering that Henderson could miss a few days, and said that he could play matchups and go with a closer-by-committee until Henderson is back.  The Brewers have three pitchers with 9th inning experience: Rodriguez, Mike Gonzalez, and John Axford, but it’s been righty Brandon Kintzler who has gotten the 8th inning over the last few weeks.  If Henderson is missing time, we’ll handicap the race as follows until we hear more: Kintzler (30%), Rodriguez (30%), Axford (25%), Gonzalez (15%).  Hierarchy change: Brandon Kintzler to Closer, Francisco Rodriguez to Set-up, Jim Henderson injured.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
MILBrandon KintzlerFrancisco RodriguezJohn AxfordJim Henderson5/25/13
Jim Henderson (INJ)Tom Gorzelanny (DL)

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Los Angeles Angels – Ernesto Frieri got a night off last night after throwing 35 pitches on Thursday, and Garrett Richards picked up a 1.2 inning save in his absence.  No hierarchy change. 

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
LAAErnesto FrieriScott DownsGarrett RichardsErnesto Frieri5/25/13
Ryan Madson (DL)Kevin Jepsen (DL)

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Kansas City Royals – Kelvin Herrera was sent to the minors earlier this week to sort himself out.  Luke Hochevar and Tim Collins are likely to share the 7th inning role ahead of set-up man Aaron Crow.  Hierarchy change: Luke Hochevar to 2nd in line, replacing Kelvin Herrera.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
KCGreg HollandAaron CrowLuke HochevarGreg Holland5/25/13

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Hector Ambriz, Houston Astros – Jose Veras threw 29 pitches in a rough outing last night and could get the day off today.
2. Brandon League, Los Angeles Dodgers – Brandon League could get a save on any night if Kenley Jansen is needed before the 9th.

Andrew Bailey back with Boston, while the heat goes up on Jim Johnson

May 21, 2013

Boston Red Sox — Andrew Bailey was reactivated in time for Monday’s loss to the White Sox. Although he will return to the closer’s seat immediately, John Farrell is likely to limit his workload, at least initially. Hierarchy change: Andrew Bailey to Closer, Junichi Tazawa to Set-up, Koji Uehara to 2nd in line.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
BOSAndrew BaileyJunichi TazawaKoji UeharaAndrew Bailey5/21/13

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Baltimore Orioles — In under a week, a Jim Johnson blown save has gone from historical oddity to disturbing three-time trend. It’s likely that Johnson, never conventionally dominant, is simply reverting to the mean via a run of particularly bad luck. On the heels of a six-game losing streak in the competitive AL East, however, Buck Showalter may not long have the luxury of keeping faith in his large righthander. Jim Johnson to Hot Seat.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
BALJim JohnsonDarren O’DayTommy HunterJim Johnson5/21/13

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Philadelphia Phillies — Mike Adams was placed on the disabled list with a strained back, retroactive to May 11. He hopes to return by the 27th, but in the meantime, Charlie Manuel has indicated that Justin De Fratus will see more action. Hierarchy change: Mike Adams to DL, Antonio Bastardo to Set-up, Justin De Fratus to 2nd in line.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
PHIJonathan PapelbonAntonio BastardoJustin De FratusJonathan Papelbon5/21/13
 Mike Adams (DL)

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Kansas City Royals — After Kelvin Herrera surrendered his eighth home run in his last 14 innings on Sunday, Ned Yost announced Herrera’s demotion from the setup role. Hierarchy change: Aaron Crow to Set-up, Kelvin Herrera to 2nd in line.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
KCGreg HollandAaron CrowKelvin HerreraGreg Holland5/21/13

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Houston Astros — Hector Ambriz is again the first choice for Houston in the eighth innings of close games, while lefty Wesley Wright has been used in earlier matchup situations. Hierarchy change: Hector Ambriz to Set-up, Wesley Wright to 2nd in line.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
HOUJose VerasHector AmbrizWesley WrightJose Veras5/21/13

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Atlanta Braves — As predicted in Monday morning’s Vulture Save Watch, Cory Gearrin grabbed a weird one-out save on Monday after entering with two on and a four-run lead. No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
ATLCraig KimbrelCory GearrinLuis AvilanCraig Kimbrel5/21/13
 Eric O’Flaherty (DL)Jordan Walden (DL)

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Vinnie Pestano, Cleveland Indians — Chris Perez struggled Monday in a 28-pitch outing and was lucky to avoid the loss. Although Pestano also pitched in that game, he might get the call if Perez is fatigued.
2. Brandon League, Los Angeles Dodgers – Brandon League could get a save on any night if Kenley Jansen is needed before the 9th.