Jason Grilli back with Pittsburgh; Jordan Walden out another week

September 4, 2013

Pittsburgh Pirates – Nearly eight years ago, Jason Grilli pitched 7.2 solid innings to lead the Toledo Mud Hens to their first AAA championship in 38 years. But his dream of recapturing Governors’ Cup glory was put on hold today when Pittsburgh summoned him to the big leagues for some boring old regular season action. Clint Hurdle confirmed that he will use Grilli in some non-save situations before transitioning him back into the closer role. Hierarchy change: Jason Grilli to Set-up, Tony Watson to 2nd in line.

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Atlanta Braves – Jordan Walden hasn’t pitched in two weeks, and after a five-pitch bullpen session on Tuesday, word is he’ll be out at least another week. Luis Ayala and Scott Downs are each getting a lot of late-inning work, but we think Ayala, as a righty, will be slightly more likely to grab any super-vulture saves down the stretch. Hierarchy change: Luis Ayala to 2nd in line, Jordan Walden to Set-up (INJ).

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Philadelphia Phillies – After two straight poor outings, Justin De Fratus came on in the fifth inning of Tuesday’s loss to Washington. B.J. Rosenberg, who finished Tuesday’s game, has 10 straight scoreless appearances since coming up in mid-August, and several have come in close eighth innings. Hierarchy change: B.J. Rosenberg to Set-up, replacing Justin De Fratus.

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Cleveland Indians – On a night where Chris Perez gave up a three-run homer and barely held on for the victory, it was Cody Allen, not Bryan Shaw, who pitched the seventh in front of Joe Smith. Shaw has been pitching as early as the fifth inning in recent days. In other news, Vinnie Pestano was recalled from Columbus on Tuesday and could also get a shot at some high-leverage innings down the stretch. Hierarchy change: Cody Allen to 2nd in line, replacing Bryan Shaw.

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Houston Astros – The one positive story in Houston’s bullpen — Kevin Chapman beginning his career with a streak of no earned runs in 13 appearances — came to its eventual end on Tuesday night. As a competent lefty, Chapman likely has several good seasons ahead of him. No hierarchy change.

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Minnesota Twins – Glen Perkins got within one out of collecting his 33rd save, but then put two men on and gave up a game-tying home run. Josh Roenicke eventually picked up the twelfth-inning save. No hierarchy change.

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Los Angeles Dodgers – With Kenley Jansen indeed unavailable on Tuesday, Don Mattingly used Paco Rodriguez up two in the eighth, presumably holding Ronald Belisario or Brian Wilson back for a save situation. When Rodriguez gave up a homer and a walk, Belisario entered and escaped further trouble — then stayed on for the ninth after LA’s lead grew to four. But Belisario gave up a run and put another guy on, so it was young Chris Withrow who got the call for his first major league save. No hierarchy change.

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Tampa Bay Rays – Starter Roberto Hernandez picked up the first save of his eight-year major league career with 3.2 scoreless innings in a 7-1 win. No hierarchy change.

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VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Kelvin Herrera, Kansas City Royals – Greg Holland has three saves in the last three days.
2. Matt Belisle, Colorado Rockies — Rex Brothers needed 30 pitches to get through the ninth on Tuesday, after throwing 21 on Sunday.