Should Jonathan Papelbon be traded, Mike Adams has the edge for saves in Philly

June 14, 2013

Philadelphia Phillies – The Philadelphia bullpen hasn’t been a point of strength this season, and it’s been touch-and-go in terms of getting the ball to Jonathan Papelbon, who until last night didn’t have a single save in June.  After Antonio Bastardo got knocked around on Wednesday, blowing the game in the 7th inning and eventually taking the loss, the Phillies went to Mike Adams in the 8th inning on Thursday.  Adams hasn’t been as good since coming off the disabled list, but after last night, he’s probably moved past Bastardo again on the depth chart.  For speculators, the 8th-inning battle in Philly is worth watching, as Papelbon is a candidate to be dealt some time this summer.  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 Papelbon6/14/13

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Cincinnati Reds – Jonathan Broxton was supposed to have the night off on Thursday, but was pressed into duty when the Reds game stretched into the 14th inning.  He ultimately took the loss, allowing a run on two hits and a walk.  Broxton confirmed after the game that he was hurting a bit, and this wasn’t an issue of overuse — he’d had three days off prior to yesterday.  Broxton’s fastball velocity is down this year, and after last night, his ERA sits at 4.33.  If he’s now dealing with arm trouble, then Sam LeCure could be inheriting the 8th inning role soon.  No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
CINAroldis ChapmanJonathan BroxtonSam LeCureJonathan Broxton6/14/13

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Ryan Cook/Sean Doolittle, Oakland A’s – Grant Balfour has pitched in three straight.  If he can’t go tonight, Ryan Cook is the best bet for a save opp, though Sean Doolittle could also get a chance if the A’s face a lefty-heavy 9th inning.
2. Francisco Rodriguez, Milwaukee Brewers – K-Rod will continue to steal opportunities from Jim Henderson until he reaches 300 saves for his career.  He’s currently at 298.

Antonio Bastardo, Ryan Cook move into set-up roles

June 3, 2013

Philadelphia Phillies – Jonathan Papelbon missed the game on Sunday with a bad sinus infection and could be out for an additional day or two.  Antonio Bastardo picked up a shaky save in his absence and will likely share 9th inning duties with Mike Adams if Papelbon needs another day to recover.  Hierarchy change: Antonio Bastardo to Set-up, Mike Adams to 2nd in line.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
PHIJonathan PapelbonAntonio BastardoMike AdamsJonathan Papelbon6/3/13

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Houston Astros – Jose Veras was given a day off on Sunday after pitching five of the previous six days, as mentioned in the Vulture Save Watch.  Hector Ambriz picked up his second save of the week in his place.  No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
HOUJose VerasHector AmbrizWesley WrightJose Veras6/3/13

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Oakland A’s – Ryan Cook finished off the 7th and stayed on for a spotless 8th on Sunday, marking the third straight 8th-inning appearance for Cook.  Sean Doolittle, meanwhile, has struggled in his last two outings, allowing two runs each time.  Hierarchy change: Ryan Cook to Set-up, Sean Doolittle to 2nd in line.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
OAKGrant BalfourRyan CookSean DoolittleGrant Balfour6/3/13

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Toronto Blue Jays – Aaron Loup picked up an 11th-inning save on Sunday night after the Jays had used most of the other relievers in their bullpen.  Brett Cecil pitched the 8th and 9th for Toronto and extended his scoreless innings streak to 11.  Though Neil Wagner had a strong debut earlier this week, he hasn’t pitched in a game in which the Blue Jays were winning or tied since.  Hierarchy change: Brett Cecil to 2nd in line, replacing Neil Wagner.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
TORCasey JanssenSteve DelabarBrett CecilSergio Santos6/3/13
Sergio Santos (DL)Darren Oliver (DL)

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Antonio Bastardo/Mike Adams, Philadelphia Phillies – Jonathan Papelbon might need another day off to recover from a nasty sinus infection that kept him out on Sunday.
2. Joe Thatcher, San Diego Padres – Luke Gregerson and Dale Thayer have both pitched in three straight.

Neil Wagner with impressive debut; Kyuji Fujikawa done for the year

May 30, 2013

Atlanta Braves – Jordan Walden returned from the DL to pitch a scoreless inning on Wednesday.  Though Cory Gearrin and Luis Avilan have pitched well in their roles as the 8th inning triage team, Walden’s experience would have to throw him into immediate consideration for saves should anything happen to Craig Kimbrel.  Hierarchy change: Jordan Walden to 2nd in line, replacing Luis Avilan.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
ATLCraig KimbrelCory GearrinJordan WaldenCraig Kimbrel5/30/13
Eric O’Flaherty (DL)

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Chicago Cubs – Reports emerged yesterday that Kyuji Fujikawa will undergo Tommy John surgery.  He can safely be dropped in any non-keeper league.  No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
CHCKevin GreggCarlos MarmolJames Russell
Kevin Gregg5/30/13

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Toronto Blue Jays – With many of their top relievers injured, the Blue Jays on Wednesday called up their AAA closer, Neil Wagner, and immediately thrust him in to a big spot.  Wagner, 29, a hard-throwing righty, pitched the 7th and 8th innings in a 3-run game before giving way to Casey Janssen.  He allowed only one hit and struck out two.  Wagner’s stats in AAA are very impressive (20.1 IP, 0.89 ERA, 0.89 WHIP, 13 saves, and 32 Ks/8 BBs), and the lack of (healthy) closing experience in the Toronto bullpen puts him immediately in the conversation if Janssen’s recent shoulder complaints turn into something real.  Hierarchy change: Neil Wagner to 2nd in line, replacing Brett Cecil.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
TORCasey JanssenSteve DelabarNeil WagnerSergio Santos5/30/13
Sergio Santos (DL)Darren Oliver (DL)

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Trevor Rosenthal, St. Louis Cardinals – Edward Mujica has pitched in four straight.
2. Joel Peralta, Tampa Bay Rays – Fernando Rodney has pitched in three straight and four of five.
3. Sean Doolittle/Ryan Cook, Oakland A’s – Grant Balfour has pitched in three straight.  Sean Doolittle has gotten the 8th lately, but he’s pitched 4.1 innings over the past four days, and might be rested tonight as well, meaning a possible save opp for Ryan Cook.
4. Jared Burton, Minnesota Twins – Glen Perkins has pitched in three straight.
5. Hector Ambriz, Houston Astros – Jose Veras has pitched in three straight.

Steve Delabar could be closing soon for the Blue Jays

May 29, 2013

Toronto Blue Jays — With Darren Oliver on the disabled list with a strained shoulder, Steve Delabar has ascended to the setup role in the threadbare Jays bullpen. Right behind him is an equally overworked Brett Cecil, who has struck out eight of the last fourteen batters he’s faced. As Casey Janssen was held out of Tuesday’s game with a “tender” shoulder, Delabar may see ninth-inning action very soon. Hierarchy change: Steve Delabar to Set-up, Brett Cecil to 2nd in line, Darren Oliver to DL.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
TORCasey JanssenSteve DelabarBrett CecilSergio Santos5/29/13
Sergio Santos (DL)Darren Oliver (DL)

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Miami Marlins – Mike Dunn entered in the eighth with a one-run lead and gave up three singles to tie the game; sent back out for the bottom of the ninth, he allowed two more singles and took the loss after Chad Qualls surrendered a game-ending hit. Those looking for clarity from this bullpen should prepare to wait two more weeks for the next save situation. No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
MIASteve CishekMike DunnChad QuallsSteve Cishek5/29/13

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New York Yankees — Joba Chamberlain was reactivated from the disabled list before Tuesday’s game. Although the Yankees’ pen has grown somewhat crowded in his absence, he should get a chance to regain his seventh-inning role. Hierarchy change: Joba Chamberlain to 2nd in line, replacing Boone Logan.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
NYYMariano RiveraDavid RobertsonJoba ChamberlainDavid Robertson5/29/13

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Cleveland Indians — Chris Perez had an MRI on Tuesday, which revealed tendinitis in his right rotator cuff. The injury is not expected to be serious, and Perez should return from the disabled list on or around June 11. No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
CLEVinnie PestanoJoe SmithCody AllenChris Perez5/29/13
 Chris Perez (DL)

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Minnesota Twins — Brian Duensing got his first save of the season on Tuesday by pitching a scoreless fourteenth inning. No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
MINGlen PerkinsJared BurtonCasey FienGlen Perkins5/29/13

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Trevor Rosenthal, St. Louis Cardinals — Edward Mujica has pitched in three straight.
2. Jake McGee, Tampa Bay Rays — Fernando Rodney and Joel Peralta have each had two straight lengthy outings.
3. Jared Burton, Minnesota Twins — Glen Perkins blew a save last night in a 29-pitch outing, and Burton is slightly better rested.
4. Sean Doolittle/Ryan Cook, Oakland A’s — Grant Balfour has had two somewhat strenuous outings back-to-back.
5. Kenley Jansen, Los Angeles Dodgers — Jansen has at least a putative shot at a save every night under the current Dodgers bullpen setup.

Steve Cishek pulled from save opportunity as Mike Dunn cleans up mess

May 20, 2013

Oakland A’s – Grant Balfour and Sean Doolittle both had the day off on Sunday after pitching the previous two days, so Ryan Cook got the call in the 9th inning.  The righty made it interesting, allowing two runners to reach, but ultimately locked down his first save of the season.  No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
OAKGrant BalfourSean DoolittleRyan CookGrant Balfour5/20/13

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Miami Marlins – Steve Cishek struggled after coming in with a man on 2nd and nobody out in the 9th inning against the Diamondbacks. He got 2 outs, but was lifted for set-up man Mike Dunn after a single and a walk. Dunn, who came in sporting a 1.77 ERA on the year, walked his first batter before closing the game out and leaving the bases loaded. The lefty is the best candidate to get save chances if Cishek is pulled from the closer role.  Steve Cishek to Hot Seat.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
MIASteve CishekMike DunnAJ RamosSteve Cishek5/19/13

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Cory Gearrin/Luis Avilan, Atlanta Braves – Craig Kimbrel has pitched in three straight and should get the night off tonight.  The Braves will likely play matchups in the 9th if they have a lead.
2. Carlos Martinez/Seth Maness, St. Louis Cardinals – Edward Mujica and Trevor Rosenthal have both pitched in three straight.  Carlos Martinez or Seth Maness will likely get the call in the 9th tonight, if needed.
3. AJ Ramos, Miami Marlins – Steve Cishek has pitched in two straight and three of the last four, throwing 55 pitches in the process.  Mike Dunn, meanwhile, has pitched in two straight and four of the last five.  If they’re both rested tonight, AJ Ramos is the most likely candidate for a save chance.
4. Tanner Scheppers, Texas Rangers – Joe Nathan has pitched in back to back games and has yet to pitch on three straight days at any point this year.
5. Brandon League, Los Angeles Dodgers – Brandon League could get a save on any night if Jansen is needed before the 9th.