Garrett Richards becoming an important man in the Angels bullpen

May 31, 2013

New York Mets – Though he’s been sabermetrically terrifying all season, Scott Rice has been real-world effective for the Mets as their go-to late-innings lefty.  Until his walk rate catches up to him, Rice would probably be the man for the save if the Mets were facing a lefty-heavy ninth inning and Bobby Parnell were unavailable.  Also in Mets news, Frank Francisco was transferred to the 60-day DL and may have thrown his last pitch as a Met.  Hierarchy change: Scott Rice to 2nd in line, replacing LaTroy Hawkins.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
NYMBobby ParnellBrandon LyonScott RiceBobby Parnell5/31/13
Frank Francisco (DL)

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Miami Marlins – Mike Dunn has seen his ERA climb by nearly a point and a half over his last two outings, including an uninspiring 0.1 innings last night.  Since declaring closer-by-committee a week and a half ago, there’s been little clarity in who has the lead, given how rarely the Marlins fall into a 9th inning save chance.  Steve Cishek is probably still the best guy to own, if you only own one Marlins reliever, but given the lefty’s recent struggles, Mike Dunn has likely fallen behind Chad Qualls in the runner-up position.  Hierarchy change: Chad Qualls to Set-up, Mike Dunn to 2nd in line.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
MIASteve CishekChad QuallsMike DunnSteve Cishek5/31/13

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Minnesota Twins – Glen Perkins had the night off on Thursday, so as predicted in yesterday’s Vulture Save Watch, Jared Burton picked up his second save of the year.  No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
MINGlen PerkinsJared BurtonCasey FienGlen Perkins5/31/13

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Houston Astros – Also predicted in yesterday’s Vulture Save Watch was a potential opportunity for Hector Ambriz, who struck out two in a solid 9th inning for his first career save.  (It was a good day for the VSW, even despite Mike Matheny’s baffling decision to go to Mitchell Boggs rather than Trevor Rosenthal in the Cardinals game.)  No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
HOUJose VerasHector AmbrizWesley WrightJose Veras5/31/13

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Los Angeles Angels – Garrett Richards has pitched the 8th inning ahead of Ernesto Frieri three times in the past week and has moved ahead of Scott Downs on the depth chart.  Richards now has five holds on the season, four of which have come in the last eight days.  Hierarchy change: Garrett Richards to Set-up, Scott Downs to 2nd in line. 

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
LAAErnesto FrieriGarrett RichardsScott DownsErnesto Frieri5/31/13
Ryan Madson (DL)

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Philadelphia Phillies – Mike Adams had a rocky return from the disabled list on Monday, but was back to his old form on Wednesday, pitching a clean 8th ahead of Jonathan Papelbon.  Hierarchy change: Mike Adams to Set-up, Antonio Bastardo to 2nd in line.  

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
PHIJonathan PapelbonMike AdamsAntonio BastardoJonathan Papelbon5/30/13

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Joel Peralta/Jake McGee, Tampa Bay Rays – Fernando Rodney has pitched in four straight and five of six.  Joel Peralta has also pitched in five of six, though his day off came more recently.  If Peralta can go, he’ll get the save opportunity tonight should one arise.  If not, Jake McGee will get the call.
2. Junichi Tazawa, Boston Red Sox – When Andrew Bailey returned from the DL a little over a week ago, John Farrell said he wouldn’t use him on back to back nights for a while.  Until he proves he can do it, Junichi Tazawa is a decent add after any Bailey appearance.

Brandon Lyon re-establishing himself; Fernando Rodney struggling

May 17, 2013

Detroit Tigers – After taking the loss on Wednesday, Al Alburquerque was sent to the minors to work on his control.  With 26 Ks in 14.1 innings, Alburquerque has electric stuff, but he’d walked 13 batters and thrown six wild pitches, good to lead the majors (which is hard to do as a reliever).  Drew Smyly has a 1.88 ERA on the season and might see more holds in Alburquerque’s absence.  Hierarchy change: Drew Smyly to 2nd in line, replacing Al Alburquerque.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
DETJose ValverdeJoaquin BenoitDrew SmylyBruce Rondon5/17/13

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New York Mets – With five straight scoreless outings — the fifth of which came last night in the 8th inning — Brandon Lyon has worked his way back into relevancy in the beleaguered Mets bullpen.  LaTroy Hawkins is headed in the other direction, having given up runs in his last three appearances.  Hierarchy change: Brandon Lyon to Set-up, LaTroy Hawkins to 2nd in line.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
NYMBobby ParnellBrandon LyonLaTroy HawkinsBobby Parnell5/17/13
Frank Francisco (DL)

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Cincinnati Reds – Aroldis Chapman took a tough blown save last night, taking over for Mat Latos in the 9th with a 1-run lead and a runner on 3rd with 1 out.  Chapman allowed the runner to score, and after the Reds retook the lead in the 10th, it was J.J. Hoover who closed the game out.  Hoover was warming when the game was still 2-2, so this isn’t an indication that he’s passed Jonathan Broxton on the depth chart.  But, due to various game circumstances, he’s now picked up 3 saves in May and deserves a place on the Reds depth chart.  Hierarchy change: J.J. Hoover to 2nd in line, replacing Sean Marshall.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
CINAroldis ChapmanJonathan BroxtonJ.J. HooverJonathan Broxton5/17/13

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Tampa Bay Rays – After another dreadful outing, Fernando Rodney now has a 5.28 ERA and 3 blown saves in 10 tries this year.  Joe Madden gave him a vote of confidence after the game, saying: “I’m not really concerned yet. I’m not running away from Fernando. We’ll get him right.”  We are, though, especially with reliable set-up man Joel Peralta (1.96 ERA) having another solid season.  Fernando Rodney to Hot Seat. 

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
TBFernando RodneyJoel PeraltaJake McGeeFernando Rodney5/17/13

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Jonathan Broxton, Cincinnati Reds – Aroldis Chapman has pitched on back-to-back nights, including a 26-pitch outing on Wednesday and a blown save last night.  He might get the night off.
2. Carter Capps, Seattle Mariners – Tom Wilhelmsen has pitched on back-to-back nights and has yet to go three straight this season.
3. Joel Peralta, Tampa Bay Rays – Fernando Rodney threw 35 pitches last night in blowing his third save of the season and could get a breather tonight.

Brandon League barely hanging on to his job; Heath Bell blows a save

May 13, 2013

Los Angeles Dodgers – Brandon League entered Sunday’s game with the Dodgers up by four, and promptly allowed two runs to score before nailing down the final out.  His ERA climbed to 6.28 after the crummy outing, and he remains firmly on the Hot Seat.  One more bad outing, and Kenley Jansen could finally inherit the job.  No hierarchy change.

CloserSet-Up2nd in line2014 CloserUpdated
LADBrandon LeagueKenley JansenRonald BelisarioKenley Jansen5/13/13

 
Arizona Diamondbacks – Heath Bell looked like the Heath Bell of 2012 on Sunday, blowing the save and watching as the Diamondbacks lost in the 10th.  It was Bell’s first blown save since inheriting the job, but since Kirk Gibson said early on that Bell and David Hernandez could both be used in the 9th inning, Bell might not get another opportunity if he blows up again.  Heath Bell to Hot Seat.

CloserSet-Up2nd in line2014 CloserUpdated
ARIHeath BellDavid HernandezBrad ZieglerJJ Putz5/13/13
JJ Putz (DL)

 
Milwaukee Brewers – Tom Gorzelanny was placed on the DL over the weekend.  Brandon Kintzler picked up an 8th-inning hold earlier this week and stands to get more high-leverage chances in Gorzelanny’s absence.  Hierarchy change: Burke Badenhop to Set-up, Brandon Kintzler to 2nd in line, Tom Gorzelanny to DL.

CloserSet-Up2nd in line2014 CloserUpdated
MILJim HendersonBurke BadenhopBrandon KintzlerJim Henderson5/13/13
Tom Gorzelanny (DL)

 
New York Mets – Scott Rice’s ratios have been ugly all season, but early on, he was at least getting outs.  His high walk rate has started to catch up to him though, and given that he has a tough time facing righties, it’s unlikely the Mets would go to him in a save spot unless they were playing matchups.  Veterans LaTroy Hawkins and Brandon Lyon are both more likely to get a 9th inning chance on nights when Bobby Parnell is unavailable.  Hierarchy change: LaTroy Hawkins to Set-up, Brandon Lyon to 2nd in line.

CloserSet-Up2nd in line2014 CloserUpdated
NYMBobby ParnellLaTroy HawkinsBrandon LyonBobby Parnell5/13/13
Frank Francisco (DL)

 
Tampa Bay Rays – Jake McGee picked up his second 7th-inning hold in the past week on Sunday.  McGee has an extremely high ERA, but it’s mostly due to one horrible outing he had in early May.  On the rare night when both Fernando Rodney and Joel Peralta were unavailable, he’d likely get the save opp.  Hierarchy change: Jake McGee to 2nd in line, replacing Jamey Wright. 

CloserSet-Up2nd in line2014 CloserUpdated
TBFernando RodneyJoel PeraltaJake McGeeFernando Rodney5/13/13

 
Cleveland Indians – Cody Allen picked up a one-inning save in the 10th inning for the Indians on Sunday.  Chris Perez experienced some mild stiffness as he was warming up, but expects to be fine tomorrow.  No hierarchy change.

CloserSet-Up2nd in line2014 CloserUpdated
CLEChris PerezJoe SmithBryan ShawChris Perez5/13/13
Vinnie Pestano (DL)

 
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Joe Smith, Cleveland Indians – Chris Perez was unavailable last night, and if he can’t go today, Joe Smith could get a save opportunity.  Even if Perez is available, Smith is a decent add, as the Indians have a doubleheader today.
2. LaTroy Hawkins, New York Mets – Bobby Parnell threw 30 pitches in a 1.1 inning outing on Sunday.
3. Jared Burton, Minnesota Twins – Glen Perkins has been unavailable for a few days with a strained side.

Hector Ambriz struggling; LaTroy Hawkins still hasn’t walked a batter all year

May 10, 2013

New York Mets – Up by 1 run in the 8th inning on Thursday, the Mets went to veteran LaTroy Hawkins for the high-leverage hold.  Hawkins surrendered a solo home run, but despite the blown save, the Mets may continue to use him in important late inning spots, as he’s become a reliable man in an otherwise-shaky bullpen.  Prior to yesterday, Hawkins (3.00 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 14 Ks, 0 BBs) had gone 10 straight appearances without allowing a run.  In other Mets news this week, manager Terry Collins said that Bobby Parnell would continue closing even after Frank Francisco’s return.  Hierarchy change: LaTroy Hawkins to 2nd in line, replacing Brandon Lyon.  Frank Francisco to Set-up (DL). 

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2014 Closer |UpdatedNYM |Parnell |Rice |Hawkins |Parnell |5/10/13 |Francisc(DL)|

 
Houston Astros – Hector Ambriz had a terrible outing on Thursday, taking the loss after allowing 4 baserunners while only recording one out; his ERA had climbed to 6.23 by night’s end.  Hierarchy change: Wesley Wright to Set-up, Hector Ambriz to 2nd in line.

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2014 Closer |UpdatedHOU |Veras |Wright |Ambriz |Veras |5/10/13

 
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. David Hernandez, Arizona Diamondbacks – Heath Bell has pitched in three straight.
2. David Robertson, New York Yankees – Mariano Rivera has pitched on back to back nights and has yet to pitch on three straight days all year.

Kevin Jepsen runs scoreless streak to 11 straight outings

July 28, 2012

Los Angeles Angels – Hard-throwing righty Kevin Jepsen pitched the 7th inning last night, and he now has three holds and win this week, all pitching in the 7th inning or later.  Jepsen has not allowed a single run since returning from the minors, a span of 11 appearances.  Hierarchy change: Kevin Jepsen to 2nd in line, replacing LaTroy Hawkins.

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedLAA |Frieri |Downs |Jepsen |Walden |7/28/12

 
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Mitchell Boggs, St. Louis Cardinals – Jason Motte has pitched in three straight games, throwing 4 innings in the process.
2. Jason Grilli, Pittsburgh Pirates – Joel Hanrahan has pitched in three straight.
3. Pedro Strop, Baltimore Orioles – Jim Johnson had a brutal outing yesterday, giving up 6 ERs while only recording one out.  His job is not in jeopardy, but he’s pitched two days in a row, throwing 42 pitches, and could be given the day off today.
4. Mike Dunn, Miami Marlins – The Marlins are employing a closer-by-committee and thus far, Steve Cishek has picked up two saves to Mike Dunn’s one.  Cishek is still the best bet for a save on any given night, but Dunn could get the call if the Marlins are facing a lefty-heavy 9th inning.
5. Jared Burton, Minnesota Twins – The Twins are employing a committee, and while Glen Perkins remains the best bet for saves, Jared Burton could get an opportunity whenever the Twins are facing a righty-heavy lineup.