Updated MLB Closer Depth Chart

Closer1st in line2nd in lineUpdatedCloser1st in line2nd in lineUpdated
BALKimbrelCanoCoulombe4/22/24ATLIglesiasMinterJiménez4/22/24
BOSJansenMartinSlaten4/22/24MIAScottNardiFaucher4/22/24
NYYHolmesHamiltonV González4/22/24NYME.DíazOttavinoGarrett4/22/24
TB*Adam*Poche*Cleavinger4/24/24PHI*Alvarado*HoffmanKerkering4/24/24
TORRomanoY GarcíaSwanson4/22/24WASFinneganHarveyWeems4/22/24
        
CHWKopechWilsonLeasure4/22/24CHC*Neris*Leiter Jr.Alzolay.4/22/24
CLEClaseGaddisBarlow4/22/24CINAl.DíazCruzSims4/24/24
DETFoleyMillerChafin4/22/24MIL*Payamps*MegillUribe4/25/24
KCMcArthurSchreiberC Stratton4/22/24PITBednarChapmanHolderman4/22/24
MIN*Jax*StewartThielbar4/25/24STLHelsleyKittredgeRomero4/22/24
        
HOUHaderPresslyAbreu4/22/24ARIGinkelThompsonMcGough4/24/24
LAAEstévezMooreGarcía4/22/24COLLawrenceBirdMears4/25/24
OAKMillerErcegJiménez4/22/24LADPhillipsHudsonKelly4/22/24
SEA*Muñoz*StanekSpeier4/22/24SDSuarezDe Los SantosMatsui4/25/24
TEXYatesRobertsonLeclerc4/22/24SFDovalTy.RogersTa.Rogers4/22/24

* = closer-by-committee

Tiered Rankings for SOLDS, April 5

Once again, noting these rankings remain fluid, here’s an updated tiered look at relievers in SOLDS formats. Those in leagues with holds as a separate category can use this list as well.

Tier One

  • Emmanuel Clase (CLE)
  • Evan Phillips (LAD)
  • Edwin Díaz (NYM)
  • Andrés Muñoz (SEA)
  • David Bednar (PIT)
  • Raisel Iglesias (ATL)
  • Pete Fairbanks (TBR)
  • Ryan Helsley (STL)
  • Josh Hader (HOU)
  • Griffin Jax (MIN)

Tier Two

  • Craig Kimbrel (BAL)
  • Adbert Alzolay (CHC)
  • Robert Suarez (SDP)
  • Jason Foley (DET)
  • Carlos Estévez (LAA)
  • Clay Holmes (NYY)
  • Abner Uribe (MIL)
  • Kyle Finnegan (WSH)
  • Alexis Díaz (CIN)
  • Camilo Doval (SFG)
  • Kenley Jansen (BOS)
  • Kevin Ginkel (ARI)

Tier Three

  • José Alvarado (PHI)
  • Aroldis Chapman (PIT)
  • Chris Martin (BOS)
  • Tanner Scott (MIA)
  • A.J. Minter (ATL)
  • Giovanny Gallegos (STL)
  • Jason Adam (TBR)
  • Joel Payamps (MIL)
  • Jeff Hoffman (PHI)
  • Hunter Harvey (WSH)
  • Hector Neris (CHC)
  • Ryan Pressly (HOU)
  • Ian Hamilton (NYY)
  • Yennier Cano (BAL)
  • Bryan Abreu (HOU)
  • Mason Miller (OAK)

Tier Four

  • Pierce Johnson (ATL)
  • Lucas Sims (CIN)
  • Fernando Cruz (CIN)
  • Scott Barlow (CLE)
  • Daniel Hudson (LAD)
  • Justin Lawrence (COL)
  • Kirby Yates (TEX)
  • David Robertson (TEX)
  • José Leclerc (TEX)
  • Brock Stewart (MIN)
  • Tyler Rogers (SFG)
  • Shelby Miller (DET)
  • JoJo Romero (STL)
  • Andrew Chafin (DET)
  • Ryne Stanek (SEA)
  • Yimi García (TOR)
  • Taylor Rogers (SFG)

Tier Five

  • Michael Kopech (CWS)
  • Gabe Speier (SEA)
  • John Schreiber (KCR)
  • Ryan Borucki (PIT)
  • Will Smith (KCR)
  • Chad Green (TOR)
  • James McArthur (KCR)
  • Matt Moore (LAA)
  • Ryan Thompson (ARI)
  • Julian Merryweather (CHC)
  • Emilio Pagán (CIN)
  • Joe Kelly (LAD)
  • Josh Sborz (TEX)
  • Gregory Soto (PHI)

Spring Vibes, March 20: Toronto RP Injuries, Another Jansen Outing Scratched, Game Recaps, and more

Toronto Blue Jays –In a less than ideal tweet regarding two separate injuries affecting the Blue Jays high-leverage ladder, Keegan Matheson shared Jordan Romano has right elbow inflammation and Erik Swanso n has right forearm tightness. Per Matheson, both relievers had clean MRIs. Hazel Mae reported Romano will not throw for three days then “ramp back up“. She also shared Swanson will rest for a day or two, then resume throwing. For now it’s not time for panic, but any setbacks would cloud their respective availability for Opening Day. If anything happens, the adjusted hierarchy would be Yimi García, then Chad Green, and Tim Mayza in a potentially match-up based approach. 

In a follow-up injuries update column by Matheson for MLB.com, he mentioned García and Green as candidates for save chances if Romano misses time at the onset of the season. It’s too soon for a hierarchy reset, though the news about Swanson appears more concerning. 

During game action on Tuesday, recent news makes the outings by these two relievers potentially more interesting. Yimi García fired a clean top of the fifth, recording two strikeouts. He threw 11 pitches (63.6 Strike%) and induced three whiffs (27.3 SwStr%). Through his seven spring outings, he owns a 0.63 WHIP with seven strikeouts against two walks. Chad Green worked the sixth, allowing a solo home run. He’s had a rough March (7 ER in 4.2 IP) but would be a high-leverage option if his teammates miss time this season. 

Tentative Hierarchy Remains: Jordan Romano | Erik Swanson | Yimi García

Boston Red Sox – I’m starting to feel like Bill Murray in Groundhog’s Day with the Kenley Jansen daily updates. Once again, he was scheduled for an appearance but will be scratched with back tightness per Alex Speier, of the Boston Globe, on “X”. Time will be tight for readiness on Opening Day. Chris Martin remains on track for an appearance in a minor league game today, for now, reported by Ian Browne of MLB.com on “X”. If these two veterans are not ready for Opening Day, this leverage ladder becomes very inexperienced with Tanner Houck and Garrett Whitlock on track for spots in the rotation. This may result in high-leverage events for Josh Winckowski, Greg Weissert, and Isaiah Campbell, with Justin Slaten in the multi-inning role. 

During his outing on Tuesday, Martin hit 96-to-97 m.p.h., shared in this tweet by Speier. As for Jansen, Christopher Smith of MassLive noted a “tight back” kept him from his appearance and the team hopes he can pitch in a minor league game on Wednesday. If he does, they will reset his scheduled outings in preparation for Opening Day. (UPDATE – 8:00 a.m. EST) In a recent tweet by Speier, it appears the earliest Jansen will pitch could be Thursday. Plan accordingly.

Tentative Hierarchy Remains: Kenley Jansen | Chris Martin | Josh Winckowski

Los Angeles Dodgers – Before their first game in South Korea against San Diego, the Dodgers placed two relievers, Brusdar Graterol (shoulder) and Blake Treinen (lung), on the 10-day injured list per Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic on “X”. It will be interesting how Dave Roberts structures his leverage ladder during a save chance, which could happen soon while many have their morning coffee. 

Adjusted Hierarchy: Evan Phillips | Joe Kelly | Daniel Hudson

Quick Hits (Game Recaps from March 19)

Cincinnati Reds – Another sullied outing for Alexis Díaz. He worked 1.2 innings, allowing two hits, including a two-run home run by Aaron Hicks, and a walk while striking out one. After serving up the home run, he retired five of his next batters faced, but the damage had been done. Through five games this spring, he boasts a 1.59 WHIP with eight strikeouts versus three walks.

Cleveland Guardians – Suffering his first blown save this spring, Emmanuel Clase allowed two hits, including a two-run home run (Willy Adames), and a walk while striking out two. He’s appeared in seven spring games with a 12:2 K:BB and a 1.71 WHIP over seven innings.

Colorado Rockies – Still in competition for the “closer” role, Justin Lawrence completed a scoreless sixth, working around a hit and a walk. Following eight outings this spring, he owns a 2.05 WHIP with 10 strikeouts against three walks. In the other split-squad game, Tyler Kinley gave up three hits, three earned runs, and two walks while striking out one during one-third of the seventh. This moved his WHIP to 1.26 and he owns an 8:4 K:BB through 6.1 innings. From a fantasy lens, maybe there is no winner. 

Detroit Tigers – In a scoreless tie, Shelby Miller fired a clean sixth, striking out one on 11 pitches (63.6 Strike%) with three whiffs (27.3 SwStr%). He’s logged five spring outings producing a 0.80 WHIP with seven strikeouts against one walk. Alex Lange retired the side in order in the seventh, recording two strikeouts. He threw 12 pitches (75 Strike%) and induced four whiffs (33.3 SwStr%). Through his first five outings, he owns a 1.40 WHIP with a 9:2 K:BB over five innings.

Houston Astros – It will not appear in the boxscores, but Brian McTaggart reported Josh Hader appeared in a minor league game on Tuesday, working on consecutive days in this tweet on “X”. This may be a byproduct of building up his stamina for the season, or working on his pitches after serving up two home runs on Monday. Either way, it’s a positive development with Opening Day just over a week away.

Miami Marlins – During a split-squad game against the Astros, Tanner Scott tossed a scoreless eighth, yielding a hit. He’s been scoreless in his last three outings. Anthony Bender worked a scoreless ninth, allowing a hit and striking out one. In their other contest against St. Louis, Andrew Nardi got credit for his third hold, navigating around two walks while striking out one. Through six outings, he owns a 1.41 WHIP with two strikeouts against seven walks. In this game, his four-seam fastball was 2.7 m.p.h. below last year’s average velocity.

Oakland A’s – In a tie, the relievers provided a mixed bag of results. Dany Jiménez got credit for his first hold, allowing an earned run and walking four while striking out one. This moved his WHIP to 1.35 through 6.2 innings. Lucas Erceg gave up a hit and an unearned run, resulting in his second blown save. Mason Miller tossed a scoreless fifth, walking one. He owns a 0.67 WHIP with nine strikeouts against one walk over six innings this spring. 

Seattle Mariners – During a lopsided win, Andrés Muñoz tossed a scoreless fifth, allowing a hit and striking out one. He’s made six appearances this spring, posting a 1.06 WHIP with six strikeouts and no walks.

Tampa Bay Rays – Pete Fairbanks worked a scoreless bottom of the eighth, yielding a hit and striking out two. He’s made four appearances this spring, posting a 1.25 WHIP with five strikeouts versus two walks over four innings.

Texas Rangers – Entering in the fifth, David Robertson retired the side in order, recording one strikeout. Kirby Yates allowed three hits and three runs (two earned) while striking out two. José Leclerc tossed a scoreless seventh, giving up an infield hit and striking out two. He’s rounding into form, working three straight scoreless outings with five strikeouts against one walk.

Stay safe and be well. Enjoy the Dodgers versus the Padres if you can watch it live.

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Spring Vibes, March 18: Leclerc trending toward closing in Texas, Stephenson update, Finnegan’s back, Game Recaps, and more

Texas Rangers – It’s déjà vu all over again, with Bruce Bochy indicating he will begin the season with José Leclerc as the “closer” in this tweet by Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News on “X”. After struggling with an injury early on in 2023, Leclerc converted four of five save chances during the postseason with a 14:6 K:BB through 13.2 innings. With the Rangers adding David Robertson and Kirby Yates in free agency, the margin for error remains thin for maintaining the top spot in this bullpen’s leverage ladder. Last year, Leclerc’s rebound from August forward coincided with a rise in his velocity. Monitor this, and his command, early on this season, they will be harbingers of him remaining in the role.

Updated Hierarchy: José Leclerc | David Robertson | Josh Sborz

Los Angeles Angels –  In a column by Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register, Robert Stephenson will not be ready for Opening Day. He’s been throwing, but then the discomfort resurfaces. Although an MRI has only shown inflammation, the team will not rush him into game action so he’s available for the rest of the season. Plan accordingly in upcoming drafts. 

Updated Hierarchy: Carlos Estévez | Matt Moore | José Soriano

Washington Nationals –  It’s not considered serious, but manager Davey Martinez mentioned Kyle Finnegan has been dealing with a “stiff back” and will receive a bit more rest, then pitch on Wednesday (March 20) per Mark Zuckerman’s post on MASN. He last appeared on March 12, retiring both batters faced via strikeout. 

Hierarchy remains: Kyle Finnegan | Hunter Harvey | Tanner Rainey

Boston Red Sox – With the team narrowing down its pitchers vying for the rotation, Josh Winckowski will re-join the bullpen per Sean McAdam of MassLive. Last year, he went 4-4 as a reliever with three saves, 18 holds, a 13.9 K-BB percentage through 59 relief appearances. However, if he will work in multiple-inning outings, the third in line may be Isaiah Campbell or Greg Weissert, so this will be monitored closely over the next week. In a separate note, Kenley Jansen threw a light bullpen and will log his second spring outing on Monday (March 18) against the Twins, courtesy of Alex Speier of the Boston Globe. 

Hierarchy remains: Kenley Jansen | Chris Martin | Josh Winckowski

Quick Hits (Game Recaps from March 17)

Baltimore Orioles – Yennier Cano gave up three hits and an earned run in the seventh. This marked his fourth appearance and he’s posted a 1.00 WHIP with five strikeouts over four innings.

Cleveland Guardians – Back on track after a rough outing, Emmanuel Clase recorded his third spring hold, tossing a scoreless seventh, yielding a hit, and striking out one. He’s made six appearances this spring, posting a 1.50 WHIP with 10 strikeouts against one walk over six innings.

Kansas City Royals – Appearing in the sixth inning, Will Smith allowed a hit, an earned run, and a walk. This marked his sixth spring outing and he owns a 1.33 WHIP with three strikeouts and three walks through six innings.

Miami Marlins – Securing his second hold, Sixto Sánchez fired two clean frames while striking out one. He threw 20 pitches (65 Strike%) and produced two whiffs. Through four spring appearances, he’s posted a 0.50 WHIP with four strikeouts over six innings.

Oakland A’s – Dany Jiménez retired both batters faced, recording a strikeout. He owns a 0.79 WHIP with eight strikeouts versus two walks over 6.1 innings. Mason Miller navigated around two hits while striking out two for a scoreless eighth. He’s posted a 0.60 WHIP with nine strikeouts against zero walks through five innings.

Milwaukee Brewers – Taking over in the fifth, Joel Payamps stranded both inherited runners, and worked 1.2 scoreless frames, striking out two while collecting his first win this spring. Elvis Peguero turned in two clean frames, striking out four for his first hold. Abner Uribe notched his first save of the spring, tossing a scoreless ninth, giving up a hit, and striking out two. One should not overreact, however, Payamps entered a messy situation and handled it, with Uribe closing out the contest. This may happen in the regular season as well with Pat Murphy’s match-up based approach.

New York Mets – Edwin Díaz made his second outing, firing a clean sixth. He threw 10 pitches (50 Strike%) without a whiff. Through two clean appearances, he’s recorded three strikeouts.

Philadelphia Phillies – Entering in the fifth, Jeff Hoffman retired the side in order, recording one strikeout. He threw 11 pitches (6 strikes – 54.5 Strike%) and induced three whiffs (27.3 SwStr%). Seranthony Domínguez secured his second hold despite giving up two hits and two runs (one earned) while striking out one on 15 pitches (11 strikes – 73.3 Strike%) with one whiff. Gregory Soto notched his first spring hold, tossing a scoreless seventh, yielding a hit, and striking out two.

San Diego Padres – During an exhibition game versus Team Korea, Robert Suarez recorded a save, working around a hit and a walk with a pop-up, then a game-ending double play groundout. He threw 14 pitches (50 Strike%) and induced one whiff.

Tampa Bay Rays – Making his third appearance this spring, Pete Fairbanks gave up a hit during a scoreless fourth. He’s posted a 1.33 WHIP with three strikeouts over three innings.

Closer Monkey’s filthy pitch of the day was awarded to Sixto Sánchez, video courtesy of the Pitching Ninja.

Stay safe and be well.

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Spring Vibes, March 8: Injury Updates, Mariners Reliever “Bucket”, and Game Recaps

It was a relatively quiet day on the reliever front, with most beat writers focusing on their respective teams’ Spring Breakout Rosters. Still, news about a timetable for a veteran closer surfaced, another limited by injury completed a side session, and game recaps will receive a larger focus in today’s post.

Boston Red Sox – Citing MLB.com’s injuries and roster moves page, Kenley Jansen had a pain-free live batting practice session and is targeting March 15 as his spring debut so he’s ready for Opening Day. The veteran closer stated he feels he can appear in five games barring a setback. Monitor this closely.

Chicago White Sox – Although no reports surfaced following John Brebbia successfully completing his bullpen session on Thursday, this video surfaced, showing no signs of hesitation because of his calf issue.

During a loss on Thursday, Jordan Leasure turned in his fourth straight scoreless appearance this spring. He secured his third hold, firing a clean fourth and striking out one. After four outings, he owns a 0.75 WHIP with six strikeouts against two walks. Bryan Shaw went nuclear, allowing five hits, six earned runs, and hit a batter during his two-thirds of the fifth. He was tagged with his second loss and first blown save. 

Seattle Mariners – Intriguing tidbits of information surfaced in the Ryan Divish column about relievers emerging from “the bucket” for The Seattle Times. First, he provides notes about the team not rushing the returns of Matt Brash or Gregory Santos. Before Brash’s setback, there were two spots open on the roster for the season in the leverage ladder, but if Santos cannot be ready for Opening Day either, there’s three. It’s apparent Andrés Muñoz will be the “closer” early on, but the leverage relievers getting him opportunities may be pieced together from a group which includes Jackson Kowar, Ty Buttrey, and Carlos Vargas. (UPDATE 11:00 A.M. EST): Perhaps a reaction to this current bullpen structure, Mark Feinsand reports the Mariners have agreed on a deal with Ryne Stanek. If Brash and Santos are not ready for Opening Day, he will jump into the hierarchy in a set-up capacity. 

Quick Hits (Game Recaps from March 7)

  • Detroit Tigers – In a split-squad outing against Toronto, Alex Lange fired a clean sixth, striking out two on 16 pitches (62.5 Strike%) with one whiff. He’s made three appearances this spring, posting a 7:1 K:BB with a 2.00 WHIP. Command remains a key for his success, but the team may have him on a short leash as their preferred save option this season. This was a strong outing, but can he record them consistently?
  • Houston Astros – Making his second spring appearance, Ryan Pressly allowed two hits and an earned run while striking out two. He threw 25 pitches (72 Strike%) and produced five whiffs (20 SwStr%). Josh Hader notched his second hold, working a scoreless fifth, walking one on 13 pitches (7 strikes – 53.8 Strike%) with one whiff. He’s logged two spring outings and owns a 1.00 WHIP with one walk.
  • New York Yankees – Ian Hamilton tossed two scoreless frames, walking one and striking out five. He threw 29 pitches (18 strikes – 62.1 Strike%) and generated seven whiffs (24.1 SwStr%). Through three outings, he owns a 0.40 WHIP with a 7:2 K:BB over five innings. Clay Holmes will be the closer, but for those in leagues that value vulture wins and ancillary saves, Hamilton will fill the vacated multiple-inning relief role of Michael King.
  • Texas Rangers – Entering in the fifth, Kirby Yates navigated around a hit and a walk, while striking out one for his first spring hold. In direct competition for his leverage role, he owns a 1.33 WHIP with six strikeouts versus one walk over three innings.

Thanks for stopping by. Stay safe and be well.