Mark Melancon rising; random saves for Darren Oliver, Kevin Jepsen

July 16, 2012

Toronto Blue Jays – Darren Oliver pitched the last two innings in a three-run game for the Jays last night, earning his first save of the season.  Casey Janssen remains the team’s regular closer, and will maintain that role for the foreseeable future, as the Jays also announced Sunday that Sergio Santos would undergo season-ending surgery.  No hierarchy change. 

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedTOR |Janssen |Oliver |Frasor |Santos |7/16/12

 
Los Angeles Angels – Both Ernesto Frieri and Scott Downs were unable to close the game out in the 9th inning against the Yankees on Sunday.  After they combined to allow three runs and six baserunners, Kevin Jepsen got the game’s final out, retiring Alex Rodriguez to earn his first save of the season.  Jepsen does not figure in to the Angels usual late-inning hierarchy.  No hierarchy change. 

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedLAA |Frieri |Downs |Hawkins |Walden |7/16/12

 
Boston Red Sox – The Red Sox placed Scott Atchison on the DL on Sunday.  After finishing the 7th and 8th innings on Sunday, Mark Melancon has given up just 1 run in 13.2 innings since returning from the minors.  He has struck out 12 and walked only 2 in that span, and moves up in Atchison’s absence.  Hierarchy change: Mark Melancon to 2nd in line, replacing Scott Atchison. 

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedBOS |Aceves |Padilla |Melancon |Bailey |7/16/12 |Bailey(DL) |

 
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Sean Marshall, Cincinnati Reds – Aroldis Chapman has pitched in three straight.

Scott Atchison quietly compiling a brilliant season

June 17, 2012

Boston Red Sox – Toiling in what’s generally been a mop-up role for much of the season, Scott Atchison has been nothing short of brilliant, pitching 35.1 innings– the most of anyone in the Red Sox bullpen– and compiling a 1.27 ERA in the process.  On Saturday, he earned his third hold of the season, finishing off the 7th inning, and it appears the Red Sox are finally ready to start using him in meaningful spots.  Hierarchy change: Scott Atchison to 2nd in line, replacing Andrew Miller.

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedBOS |Aceves |Padilla |Atchison |Bailey |6/17/12 |Bailey(DL) |

 
Cleveland Indians – Nick Hagadone’s ERA rose to 4.98 after he got knocked around by the Pirates on Saturday.  After Chris Perez and Vinnie Pestano, the Indians bullpen has been shaky.  Only Joe Smith has been reliable in recent weeks, as he’s only allowed 1 run in his past 7.2 innings.  Hierarchy change: Joe Smith to 2nd in line, replacing Nick Hagadone.

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2013 Closer |UpdatedCLE |C.Perez |Pestano |Smith |C.Perez |6/17/12

 
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Scott Downs, Los Angeles Angels – Ernesto Frieri has gotten 6 of the last 9 save opps, but Downs could still snag a save on any night if match-ups are right.