July 9, 2015
Los Angeles Angels – Huston Street tweaked his groin Wednesday night on his second-to-last pitch of the evening, but doesn’t expect to need a DL stint. He may end up missing the upcoming four-game series with Seattle prior to the All-Star Break, but will be re-evaluated in Seattle. If Street does miss action this weekend, Joe Smith will take over as closer.
Hierarchy remains: Street | Smith | Gott.
Milwaukee Brewers — Jeremy Jeffress has appeared in the 8th inning in four straight games and has not given up a run in his last nine appearances. Although his numbers are still very solid, Will Smith gave up one little run his manager Craig Counsell got scared, so Counsell has sent him to live with his aunty and his uncle in the 7th inning for now.
Updated hierarchy: Rodriguez | Jeffress | Smith.
Los Angeles Dodgers — A day after getting a spot start, Yimi Garcia was optioned to Triple A. Manager Don Mattingly said it was to give Garcia a breather after the young righty has been used in 40 games this year. J.P. Howell has been the most effective reliever behind Jansen and Baez, so look for his role to expand with Garcia out of the mix.
Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Baez | Howell.
New York Yankees — Andrew Miller was activated from the DL and immediately saw his first save opportunity last night. Despite giving up a two-run home run, he fought back to escape a brief jam with two outs and remain perfect in save chances this year.
Hierarchy remains: Miller | Betances | Wilson.
Cleveland Indians — After being held out of a clear save opportunity on Tuesday due to a stiff back, Cody Allen was back in action on Wednesday and pitched a perfect 9th for his 17th save of the year. It looks like he will be fine going forward.
Hierarchy remains: Allen | Shaw | McAllister.
Pittsburgh Pirates — Mark Melancon was given the night off after pitching in three of the last four, which opened the door for…Antonio Bastardo? The one-time Phillies closer picked up his first save of the year after the Pirates scored three runs to break a tie in the bottom of the 8th. Bastardo was already warmed up to face the bottom of the Padres order, and remained in the game to pick up the save. In addition to Melancon pitching in 3 of 4, Tony Watson and Jared Hughes had both thrown back-to-back games. Bastardo doesn’t project to become a part of Clint Hurdle’s late-inning plans.
Hierarchy remains: Melancon | Watson | Hughes.
Chicago Cubs – As predicted in the Vulture (Blown) Save Watch, Pedro Strop was handed the ball to protect a one-run lead in the 9th. But it turns out the Cubs could have used Jason Motte, as Strop gave up the lead and took the loss.
Hierarchy remains: *Motte | Rondon | Strop.
* = closer-by-committee
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Wade Davis, Kansas City Royals — Greg Holland has thrown 39 pitches over the past two days, and the Royals don’t hesitate to throw Davis save opportunities.
2. Joe Smith, Los Angeles Angels — As mentioned above, Huston Street may take time to rest this weekend after tweaking his groin.
3. Dellin Betances/Justin Wilson, New York Yankees — Andrew Miller needed 30 pitches to close the game last night, and may not be ready to pitch back-to-back games just yet. Betances and Wilson have both pitched in two straight, but Wilson has only thrown 19 pitches over those two days.
4. Brett Cecil, Toronto Blue Jays — Right after kicking the asterisk, Roberto Osuna gave up a walk-off homer last night. He has pitched in two straight, but only threw two pitches last night. If he needs a night off, it may be the well-rested Brett Cecil instead of Steve Delabar, as Delabar worked two innings yesterday while Cecil tossed just one on Wednesday.
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