Brent
Hershey
May 11, 2012 12:05 AM GMT
Earlier this week our own Doug Dennis advised patience with Sean Marshall's (LHP, CIN) near-5.00 ERA due to superior peripherals (2.28 xERA, 5.0 Cmd, 194 BPV). But when Marshall gave up three hits and a run in two-thirds of an inning in what was a 2-0 game on Wednesday, Dusty Baker came with the hook. Logan Ondrusek (RHP, CIN) finished it off by recording the final out and his first career save. Is CIN the next participant in the Great Closer Turnover Trend of 2012?
Thomas
Kephart
May 10, 2012 12:05 AM GMT
[FREE] Casey Janssen (RHP, TOR) recorded his first save since replacing temporary closer Francisco Cordero (RHP, TOR) Wednesday with a 1-2-3 inning. Cordero was demoted from the closer role following his third Blown Save in five opportunities in spectacular fashion May 8, surrendering a game-winning Grand Slam HR to Oakland's Brandon Inge, failing to hold a one-run lead.
Brian
Rudd
May 09, 2012 12:05 AM GMT
The San Diego bullpen in its current state (Street on the DL) was profiled just a few days ago, but there is another member of the pen that could surprisingly play a prominent role. Manager Bud Black indicated over the weekend that any of Andrew Cashner, Luke Gregerson, or Dale Thayer could be used to close out games. On May 6, Gregerson pitched the seventh inning of a tie game, and Cashner the eighth, meaning neither were going to be called upon to get the save. The next day, when a save situation presented itself, Thayer got the call, and preserved the victory with a perfect inning.
Jock
Thompson
May 08, 2012 12:05 AM GMT
Jason Werth's broken wrist could mean a broken season. Plus Jansen is the new closer in LA, Frieri is suddenly in the LAA saves mix, and more ...
Kristopher
Olson
May 07, 2012 12:05 AM GMT
After being almost no-hit for the second time in a week, one had to figure that the Minnesota Twins would make some changes. And change they will, bringing in a new shortstop. But not all are of their choosing, as DH Justin Morneau is headed to the DL. Meanwhile, SP Liam Hendricks is reportedly heading to the minors to work out his early season struggles. Who will fill the voids, and how might they fare?
Matt
Gelfand
May 06, 2012 12:05 AM GMT
Huston Street (RHP ,SD) was forced to leave Friday's extra-inning loss to the Marlins after two-thirds of an inning with what would later be diagnosed as a right lat injury. It was originally feared to be a shoulder issue given Street's mannerisms before exiting, but it looks as if he's averted any sort of long-term issue, although a DL stint is still possible.
Thomas
Kephart
May 05, 2012 12:05 AM GMT
With Carlos Marmol (RHP, CHC) and Hector Santiago (LHP, CHW) banished from their erstwhile closer roles, Rafael Dolis (RHP, CHC) and Chris Sale (LHP, CHW) are now in line for saves. Each new Chicago closer, however, could split saves with other relievers. James Russell (LHP, CHC) has been named as a potential situational substitute for Dolis, while reports of elbow tenderness could limit Sale's availability.
Brent
Hershey
May 04, 2012 12:05 AM GMT
Pablo Sandoval (3B, SF) exited Wednesday's game with an injured hand after a sixth-inning AB; tests on Thursday revealed a broken left hamate bone and the Giants placed him on the 15-day DL. In case this sounds familiar, Sandoval broke the hamate bone in his right hand in 2011. He missed 41 games last season, which makes the 4-to-6 week timetable for his return seem optimistic at best.
Harold
Nichols
May 03, 2012 12:05 AM GMT
Kevin Youkilis (3B, BOS) was due to sit out his fourth consecutive game with back problems on Wednesday, and word out of Boston was that his back pains were "only intensifying, not abating." Then, he was placed on the DL and prospect Will Middlebrooks was called up from AAA-Pawtucket and made the start Wednesday night.
Brian
Rudd
May 02, 2012 12:05 AM GMT
Evan Longoria (3B, TAM) has been diagnosed with a partial tear of his left hamstring, and is expected to miss the next six to eight weeks. There is no clear cut replacement for him at the present time, but Elliot Johnson (SS, TAM) got the first start at third base in his absence. With a .566 career OPS in 201 at-bats, he is a significant drop-off from Longoria, and very unlikely to grab a full-time role, even temporarily. Another option would involve Sean Rodriguez (SS, TAM) sliding over there, with the recently recalled Will Rhymes (2B, TAM) plenty of the work at shortstop.