March 26, 2021
Tampa Bay Rays — Nick Anderson learned Thursday that a partially torn elbow ligament will put him out of action for at least the first half of the season. Until his August return, Pete Fairbanks and Diego Castillo should see even more of high-leverage work, with Chaz Roe and Ryan Thompson also possible options.
Updated hierarchy: *Fairbanks | Castillo | Roe.
* = closer-by-committee
Chicago Cubs — Brandon Workman has had an impressive spring in his attempted return from a terrible 2020, and David Ross is singing his praises. If Workman has truly recaptured his spectacular 2019 form, he’ll be the Cubs’ best setup option by far.
Updated hierarchy: Kimbrel | Workman | Chafin.
Baltimore Orioles — Brandon Hyde confirmed that it’ll be a committee handling Baltimore’s closing duties in Hunter Harvey’s absence, but with Cesar Valdez getting stretched out to possibly start, we think Tanner Scott, Shawn Armstrong, and Paul Fry have the best shots. The sheer number of options (including Cole Sulser, Dillon Tate, and Travis Lakins) — and, just as importantly, their mediocrity — continues to counsel against trusting this ‘pen at all.
Updated hierarchy: *Scott | Armstrong | Fry.
* = closer-by-committee
Arizona Diamondbacks — Tyler Clippard will miss at least two months with a capsule sprain in his shoulder, opening the door for Kevin Ginkel, Taylor Widener, and Chris Devenski to get some late-innings run.
Updated hierarchy: Soria | Crichton | Ginkel.
Los Angeles Angels — Felix Pena is expected to start the season on the IL with a strained hamstring, and Ty Buttrey will likely handle the seventh in his absence.
Updated hierarchy: Iglesias | Mayers | Buttrey.
Pittsburgh Pirates – We’ve got to stick a committee asterisk on this bullpen, with Kyle Crick’s strong spring training giving Richard Rodriguez a fight for the closer’s role. Chris Stratton’s setup role is secure behind these two.
Updated hierarchy: *Rodriguez | Crick | Stratton.
* = closer-by-committee
New York Yankees — Justin Wilson got good news about his injured shoulder, but still seems likely to start the year on the IL. Expect Darren O’Day to take over the seventh inning in the meantime.
Updated hierarchy: Chapman | Green | O’Day.