Weekly Hot Seat Update: April 16, 2015

April 16, 2015

Since last week, LaTroy Hawkins has lost his job, and Chris Hatcher and Dellin Betances are no longer the head of their committees.  Who else is in danger of losing their job and what’s going on with all those committees?

Fernando Rodney, Seattle Mariners
It’s probably not a good sign for a closer when your local newspaper is running a poll asking whether or not they are concerned about you.  Rodney has given up 7 hits and 6 runs in his last 2 outings.  Manager Lloyd McClendon has already said that Rodney is still the guy.  However, the Mariners have other options with Yoervis Medina, who already has a save this season, and Danny Farquhar, who had 16 saves just two seasons ago.

Miguel Castro, Toronto Blue Jays
Miguel Castro has converted both of his save opportunities since Brett Cecil was removed as closer.  He also has given up zero earned runs on the young season (though he did give up an unearned run and took the loss on Tuesday).  So why is he on this list?  One reason is Cecil has pitched well since his opening night struggles, throwing two scoreless innings with three strikeouts.  The other reason is Castro entered in the 7th inning the other night, which is not typical for a traditional closer.  Castro has pitched well enough so far to keep the job, but the Blue Jays might want to give Roberto Osuna and Cecil some save chances as well.

Andrew Miller, New York Yankees
After David Robertson left in the off-season, most people figured Dellin Betances would slide right in and dominate hitters in the 9th inning, like he did in the 7th and 8th inning last year.  Unfortunately for Betances’ fantasy owners, that has not happened.  Betances has struggled to throw strikes, as he has 6 walks against 5 strikeouts in only 4.1 innings.  Andrew Miller, on the other hand, has picked up right where he left off last season.  Miller has made three scoreless appearances, earning two saves, and has yet to give up a hit.  Betances had an encouraging outing last night as he threw a scoreless inning with two strikeouts, and more importantly, no walks.  Miller is the better bet to get saves in the short-term, but Betances could still factor in long term, especially if he can get his walks under control.

Jeurys Familia, New York Mets
The Mets have already changed closers once this season, after Jenrry Mejia got hurt (and then suspended).  Jeurys Familia has stepped up and recorded three saves, while only giving up a couple runs in five outings.  The Mets could have a new closer returning from injury soon.  Bobby Parnell, who saved 22 games for the Mets two years ago, has started a rehab assignment.  Manager Terry Collins said before the season that the closer’s role would be Bobby Parnell’s to lose once he returns from injury so if he sticks to that, Familia’s days as closer could be numbered.