April 17, 2016
Oakland A’s — Ryan Madson picked up his third save of the season on Saturday, compared to just one for closer Sean Doolittle. Doolittle came on for the last out of the 8th, getting lefty Alex Gordon to fly out. Doolittle has struggled with homers so far this season but feels like he is still pitching well. It’s early in the season, and the bullpen has been a little out of whack, thanks to outings like Rich Hill’s on Friday, but Doolittle owners have to be concerned about how many save opportunities Madson has seen so far this season. Despite the results so far, we think Doolittle is still the primary closer, but we will continue to monitor this situation to determine if this is going to become more of a committee.
Hierarchy remains: Doolittle | Madson | Axford.
Atlanta Braves — As expected, Arodys Vizcaino got the day off on Saturday, and Jason Grilli recorded his first save since last July. Manager Fredi Gonzalez will be careful with Vizcaino, and he may be unavailable on Sunday, so Grilli should continue to see some save opportunities throughout the season.
Hierarchy remains: *Vizcaino | Grilli | Johnson.
* = closer-by-committee
Cincinnati Reds — J.J. Hoover got his first save of the season yesterday, but it wasn’t pretty. He gave up a two-run homer, and then put the tying run on base before finally shutting the door. Manager Bryan Price is sticking with Hoover, but not necessarily because he wants to. Every reliever in the bullpen has allowed at least one run this season and his other primary option, Jumbo Diaz, has also struggled. Hoover is still the closer for now, but if any of the Reds’ relievers can put together a few good outings in a row, they could challenge Hoover for the job.
Hierarchy remains: Hoover | Diaz | Cingrani.
Cleveland Indians – Bryan Shaw had another rough outing yesterday. He gave up four runs, including two home runs, and now has given up nine earned runs on the season. Shaw has been a key part of the Indians’ bullpen for the past couple years so we would expect Terry Francona to keep running him out there in the late innings. However, with Zach McAllister and Jeff Manship both sporting 0.00 ERAs, Shaw will have to pitch better to keep the job as the primary set-up man.
Hierarchy remains: Allen | Shaw | McAllister.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Jason Grilli, Atlanta Braves – Arodys Vizcaino could get another day off after his 35 pitch outing on Friday.
2. Tyler Clippard, Arizona Diamondbacks – Brad Ziegler and Daniel Hudson have both pitched in back to back games, with Ziegler throwing 39 pitches yesterday.
3. Junichi Tazawa, Boston Red Sox – Craig Kimbrel and Koji Uehara have appeared in two straight and three of the past four.
4. Jumbo Diaz, Cincinnati Reds – J.J. Hoover threw 22 pitches yesterday and 29 a few days ago so he could get Sunday off.
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