September 15, 2015
Washington Nationals – Pitching for the first time in 12 days, former starter Doug Fister picked up his first career save in the 11th inning against the Phillies. Jonathan Papelbon blew the save in the 9th inning, but his spot is safe, especially since Drew Storen’s self-inflicted hand injury sidelined him for the rest of the season.
Hierarchy remains: Papelbon | Thornton | Rivero.
Tampa Bay Rays – Brad Boxberger imploded in dramatic fashion while trying to hold a 1-0 lead in the 9th inning against the Yankees last night. Following a game-tying double by Alex Rodriguez, Boxberger allowed a 3-run home run by #72 Slade Heathcott. With the Rays season all but lost, we expect Boxberger to continue to get save opportunities, but he has experienced a significant decline this season relative to his dominant 2014.
Hierarchy remains: Boxberger | Colome | Cedeno.
Cleveland Indians – Jeff Manship has pitched lights-out this season after transitioning from a below-average starter to a reliable bullpen arm for the Indians. Prior to this season, he was the owner of a 6.46 ERA in 72 career games with the Twins, Rockies, and Phillies. This year has been a different story. In 31 innings pitched, Manship has a 1.16 ERA and 0.71 WHIP.
Updated hierarchy: Allen | Shaw | Manship.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Tyler Clippard, New York Mets – Jeurys Familia and Addison Reed both pitched last night and have been used heavily of late. Clippard has also experienced a heavy workload in the last week, but got the day off last night.
2. Alex Colome, Tampa Bay Rays – After Boxberger’s meltdown, Colome, who was effective last night, might get the nod against the Yankees.
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