Mark Melancon hits the DL; Keone Kela will start off as closer in Texas

March 29, 2018

San Francisco Giants – It’s official: Mark Melancon will start the season on the DL. No word yet on who will close, though Sam Dyson, Tony Watson, and Hunter Strickland are all in the mix.

[UPDATE: Bruce Bochy announced that Hunter Strickland will serve as closer for now.]

Updated hierarchy: Strickland | Watson | Dyson.

Texas Rangers – Keone Kela will be the Rangers’ primary closer, Jeff Banister announced. In a bit of a surprise, Banister mentioned Kevin Jepsen as the player who will spell Kela when he needs a break. Alex Claudio could ascend if they falter.

Updated hierarchy: Kela | Jepsen | Claudio. 

Greg Holland inks deal with Cardinals

March 29, 2018

St. Louis Cardinals – Greg Holland has agreed to a one-year, $14 million deal with the Cardinals. He will almost certainly serve as the team’s closer once he gets up to speed and should be added in all formats. He still has to pass a physical for the deal to become official, but we are moving him up to the top of the hierarchy with the understanding that he may not close for at least a week or two.

Updated hierarchy: Holland | Leone | Lyons.

New York Mets – Pitching coach Dave Eiland said yesterday that Jeurys Familia will serve as the team’s primary closer. There was talk earlier in the spring that the Mets might take a mix-and-match approach in the final innings — and Eiland said they still may occasionally use Familia before the 9th — but right now, it seems that he’s got the full-time gig, or close to it. We’re removing his asterisk.

Updated hierarchy: Familia | Ramos | Swarzak.

San Francisco Giants – We are still awaiting word as to whether the Giants will place Mark Melancon on the disabled list and will continue to monitor throughout the afternoon. Sam Dyson, Tony Watson, and Hunter Strickland have all been mentioned by beat writers as possibilities to close in his absence.

Hierarchy remains: Melancon | Watson | Dyson.