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Baltimore Orioles
Closer: Alfredo Simon
Disabled list: Mike Gonzalez (shoulder)
Simon
notched two saves (and a win) in the O's series against the Washington Nationals. Neither of Simon's saves was particularly shaky; he didn't yield any hits and walked only one batter in the two innings. Manager Juan Samuel also trusted him yesterday despite Simon having worked the previous two games.
Tinkering Paps |
Gonzalez
reached 90-91 mph on his fastball yesterday during a two-run, one-inning rehab appearance with Class A Aberdeen. That's still a bit lower than his usual average fastball velocity, but he is hoping to return this Friday, if all goes well.
Whether Gonzo returns to the closer role immediately remains to be seen, but Simon's tenure might not have much more life despite his capable performance in the role.
Job security score: 2
Health score: 4
Mound meetings
- The Chicago White Sox will be without closer Bobby Jenks for at least a couple of more days. He was placed on the bereavement list yesterday and will be out three to seven days.
Matt Thornton will likely earn the save chances in Jenks' absence. J.J. Putz, who locked down a save chance Saturday, might also be called upon. The former is the better bet.
- Jonathan Papelbon returned to his usual self with a perfect save Saturday. The Boston Red Sox's closer received last Friday off, partly to work on some minor adjustments. Per pitching coach John Farrell, Paps has been a bit more east-to-west in his delivery rather than direct with his arm action. It was one reason the splitter Colorado Rockies slugger Jason Giambi hit for a homer last week flattened out.
Don't let Paps' two midweek meltdowns last week hide the fact he has been one of the top closers this year. His K/9 is down, but he still has solid ratios and is among the league leaders in saves.
- The Cleveland Indians' Kerry Wood quieted some of his critics yesterday with a scoreless, three-K save. The Tribe's closer was making his first appearance since blowing his third save last Wednesday. He'll probably need a few more appearances like Sunday's if Cleveland is to have any chance of moving his $10.5 million salary.
- Brandon League saved the Seattle Mariners' victory Saturday. He struck out one in one inning of work. Closer David Aardsma was away from the team to be with his wife, who went into labor. He's expected to be available Tuesday.
- Andrew Bailey wasn't as secure in the ninth yesterday as he usually is. He gave up two hits and one walk but escaped with his 14th save. The final out was a single that hit Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Pedro Alvarez as he was running to second.
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Mound meetings
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Wags dinged |
The Atlanta Braves weren't able to call on Billy Wagner in the ninth Saturday because the lefty was nursing a sore left ankle. It has been bothering him since last week, though he was able to pitch with it until he aggravated it Saturday warming up. He received a cortisone shot after Saturday's game and doesn't expect to miss much time.
Peter Moylan was the one used in the ninth to secure the Bravos' win after Takashi Saito, who started the ninth, gave up two runs. He could be your best bet in the short term for any saves, though Saito probably would be the choice once he is back on form following a DL stint. He only returned last Wednesday.
- Aaron Heilman walked only one batter in recording his second save for the Arizona Diamondbacks yesterday. He was a bit lucky, too, as a long fly ball died before it could leave the yard; if it left, it would have tied the game. On the surface, the save might tighten Heilman's grip on the job, but his skills don't suggest long-term viability.
Chad Qualls, or possibly Sam Demel, who gave up his first two hits in a D-backs uniform yesterday, are deep mixed and NL-only options for those speculating.
- The New York Mets' Francisco Rodriguez remained in for his 17th save Friday despite having his back lock up on him. He said he has been dealing with it for awhile, but extra stretching and some treatment, including an anti-inflammatory shot, have helped him avoid taking any time off.
- Trevor Hoffman had another two scoreless appearances for the Milwaukee Brewers over the weekend. He hasn't allowed any runs since surrendering three June 1 and hasn't given up a walk or hit in his last four outings. Speculating on him in deep mixed wouldn't be out of order; Milwaukee has mentioned the Hoff could be back closing eventually.
John Axford has yet to show many signs of shakiness as Milwaukee's closer, though. He struck out three while giving up one hit in a Sunday save.
- It wasn't a blown save, but the Los Angeles Dodgers' Jonathan Broxton gave up four runs on four hits and two walks in the ninth yesterday in the Blue's 8-6, extra-innings loss to the New York Yankees. Broxton needed 48 pitches to get through the inning, which included a borderline call on what would have been a third strike to Colin Curtis for the second out.
You have to wonder if J-Brox will be used today. He also worked 1 1/3 innings Saturday in non-save work. Ramon Troncoso could be in line for a save if Broxton isn't available, unless matchups dictate the left-handed George Sherrill is needed.
- The San Diego Padres' Luke Gregerson saved his first game of the year yesterday. Heath Bell worked the previous two days (34 pitches) and four of the last five.
