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.

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.

Scott Barnes, Robert Coello earn first career saves

May 24, 2013

Cleveland Indians – Scott Barnes picked up his first career save on Thursday, a three-inning effort that closed out an Indians blowout.  He does not factor in to Cleveland’s usual late-inning plans.  No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
CLEChris PerezVinnie PestanoJoe SmithChris Perez5/24/13

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Los Angeles Angels – Ernesto Frieri got knocked around in the 9th inning last night, allowing four baserunners before being lifted for Robert Coello, who got the game’s final out to pick up his first save.  Frieri has now allowed runs in three straight appearances, though he only has one blown save on the season, and with yet another Ryan Madson setback this week, he’s not in danger of losing his job.  Coello’s stats, meanwhile, are worth a peek if you haven’t seen what he’s been doing since being called up in mid-May: 7.1 innings, 12 Ks/0 BBs, 0 ERA, 0.28 WHIP, 1 win, 1 save.  He’s not on the hierarchy just yet, but with those numbers, the Angels might start giving him some hold opportunities soon.  No hierarchy change.

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.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2014 Closer.Updated
LAAErnesto FrieriScott DownsGarrett RichardsErnesto Frieri5/24/13
Ryan Madson (DL)Kevin Jepsen (DL)

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Scott Downs, Los Angeles Angels – Ernesto Frieri threw 35 pitches yesterday and might get a night off.
2. Drew Smyly, Detroit Tigers – Jose Valverde has pitched in three straight and set-up man Joaquin Benoit (who has yet to go three in a row all year) has pitched in two straight.
3. Brandon League, Los Angeles Dodgers – Brandon League could get a save on any night if Kenley Jansen is needed before the 9th.

Rays bullpen continues letting them down

May 2, 2013

Tampa Bay Rays – An ugly April for the Rays bullpen has spilled into May, as 7th inning man Jake McGee gave up 5 runs on Wednesday against the Royals.  McGee’s ERA jumped from 6.48 to 11.00 after the shellacking, and with hard-throwing righty Kyle Farnsworth struggling, the Rays may have to start leaning on journeyman Jamey Wright to get a few high-leverage outs late in games.  Wright has been one of the few reliable arms in Tampa, with a 1.54 ERA in 12 games so far.  Hierarchy change: Jamey Wright to 2nd in line, replacing Jake McGee.

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2014 Closer |UpdatedTB |Rodney |Peralta |Wright |Rodney |5/2/13

 
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Dane De La Rosa/Scott Downs, Los Angeles Angels – Ernesto Frieri threw 35 pitches last night, and has thrown 62 total over the past three days.  Scott Downs would be the man to earn the save in his absence, but he suffered a ribcage injury last night, and might not be available tonight.  If that’s the case, the job likely falls to young righty Dane De La Rosa.

Valverde and Marmol, no strangers to the hot seat

April 24, 2013

Detroit Tigers – After a short stint in the minors, Jose Valverde has been called up to the big leagues and will close starting today.  Joaquin Benoit will return to his familiar 8th inning role. Three innings of class-A ball might have been enough to wow Jim Leyland, but in our book, Valverde starts out on the Hot Seat. Hierarchy change: Jose Valverde to Closer, Joaquin Benoit to Set-up, Phil Coke to 2nd in line.  

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2014 Closer |UpdatedDET |Valverde |Benoit |Coke |Rondon |4/24/13

 
Los Angeles Angels — With Kevin Jepsen on the disabled list with a strained triceps, Scott Downs has been pitching the eighth inning in front of Ernesto Frieri. Downs blew a save last night, the result of an error, but Dane De La Rosa earned the win with two perfect innings of work.  Hierarchy change: Kevin Jepsen to DL, Scott Downs to Set-Up, Dane De La Rosa to 2nd in line.

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2014 Closer |UpdatedLAA |Frieri |Downs |De La Rosa |Frieri |4/24/13 |Madson(INJ) |Jepsen (DL) |

 
Chicago Cubs — With a runner on second and lefty slugger Joey Votto at the plate with one out in a tight ninth inning, Dale Sveum inexplicably passed over James Russell and put his faith in Votto’s 15 at bats against . . . Carlos Marmol. “Those numbers don’t lie,” Sveum later explained, incorrectly. Marmol gave up a single, the Reds tied the game, and (as predicted, somehow) Kevin Gregg picked up the vulture save. When will the sample size of Sveum’s bullpen mismanagement grow too large to ignore? Carlos Marmol to Hot Seat.

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2014 Closer |UpdatedCHC |Marmol |Russell |Camp |Fujikawa |4/24/13 |Fujikawa(DL)|

 
New York Mets – In both of Bobby Parnell’s saves this year, Scott Rice proved a competent 8th inning bridge. After Brandon Lyon’s debacle in the 7th inning of last night’s loss, we believe Rice will hold on to that position.  Hierarchy change: Scott Rice to Set-up, Brandon Lyon to 2nd in line.

 |Closer |Set-Up |2nd In Line |2014 Closer |UpdatedNYM |Parnell |Rice |Lyon |Parnell |4/24/13 |Francis(INJ)|

 
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Shawn Camp/James Russell, Chicago Cubs – Carlos Marmol has had two straight long outings and Kevin Gregg remains Kevin Gregg.
2. Sean Burnett, Los Angeles Angels — The top three Angel relievers have each pitched in three straight games, leaving the lefty as the most trustworthy option.