Weekly Hot Seat Update: May 8, 2015

We are a little over a month into the season and closers seem to be settling into their roles.  Steve Cishek has three straight scoreless appearances, recording two saves during that span.  Fernando Rodney has converted six consecutive save chances after giving up six runs in 1.1 innings in the middle of April.  Let’s take a look at the closer with the highest ERA, as well as some closers coming back from injury.

Cody Allen, Cleveland Indians — Cody Allen entered May with an ERA in the double digits, and even after yesterday’s scoreless outing, it still sits at a healthy 9.00.  Although his ERA is high, Allen has some things going for him.  He has maintained a very good strikeout rate with 15 Ks in 10 innings.  Cleveland also doesn’t have any other strong options to close games.  Bryan Shaw has not been as good as he was last year and his usage has been strange.  Manager Terry Francona likes to match up his relievers, and that has resulted in 10 of Shaw’s 14 appearances lasting less than a full inning.  Lefty Nick Hagadone has shown some flashes, but he is still too inconsistent to be considered a serious threat to Allen.  The guy who might end up challenging Allen, if he continues to struggle, started out the season in the Indians’ starting rotation.  After one bad start, Zach McAllister was moved to the bullpen and has thrived there.  Pitching coach Mickey Callaway has said that the team trusts McAllister in any situation right now, and that he could even close a game if needed.  Allen is coming off a great season, and the Indians will likely give him every chance to hold on to the closer’s job.  Still, if he doesn’t get that ERA under control, McAllister could end up getting a shot.

Jake McGee, Tampa Bay Rays — Jake McGee is scheduled to pitch for Triple-A Durham on Friday, and will need a few more outings before rejoining the Rays.  Manager Kevin Cash has said that he will continue to manage his bullpen without anointing a closer.  Brad Boxberger has been excellent so far this season, recording seven saves already.  McGee should see save chances once he returns, but don’t expect him to immediately become the primary closer, as Boxberger will still very much be in the mix for saves.

Sean Doolittle, Oakland A’s — Sean Doolittle is expected back later this month after having a great bullpen session on Tuesday.  Unlike McGee, Doolittle should immediately take over as the closer when he comes back.  The A’s bullpen has really struggled, and getting Doolittle back in the closer’s role will allow them to move Tyler Clippard back to the 8th inning and Evan Scribner to the 7th.

Kenley Jansen, Los Angeles Dodgers — Kenley Jansen had a tough rehab outing, but is still targeting a May 15th return.  Jansen has established himself as one of the best closers in the baseball over the past couple seasons.  Nobody from the Dodgers’ closer committee has run away with the job, and Jansen should slide right back into his normal role as closer when gets back.