Welcome to our weekly Closer Hot Seat column! Each week — usually on Mondays — we’ll update this space to give you an easy-to-reference guide on who might be closest to losing their jobs. Note that this isn’t necessarily a ranking of the best closers; rather, it’s a guide to job security.
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Latest update: May 30, 2016
The Reds remain in a committee — you know that — but most of the other relievers on the hot seat this week are ones facing competition from their predecessors. Two of these are DL situations. Brad Boxberger could make his Tampa debut as early as today, and although he’s expected to be eased back into the closer role, everyone anticipates that he’ll get there. The Angels are counting on Huston Street’s return this week too, even if his fastball is a bit underwhelming. Meanwhile, Ryan Madson still has the edge in Oakland, but Sean Doolittle picking up a save on Sunday turns up the heat at least a little. Finally, Kevin Jepsen has been pretty bad for the Twins, but with Glen Perkins taking a week off in his rehab, Minnesota doesn’t have many good alternatives on the horizon.
Hottest: In a committee or on the verge of losing their job right now.
30. Tony Cingrani (Handcuff: Ross Ohlendorf)
Hot: Guys who could be in danger after their next blown save.
29. Alex Colome (DL return: Brad Boxberger)
28. Joe Smith (DL return: Huston Street)
27. Ryan Madson (Handcuff: Sean Doolittle)
26. Kevin Jepsen (Handcuffs: Fernando Abad/Trevor May)
Warmish: Two blown saves in a row and these players might be in trouble.
25. Sam Dyson
24. Jeremy Jeffress
23. Luke Gregerson
22. Santiago Casilla
21. Jeanmar Gomez
Cool: These players would have to blow 3 consecutive saves for their jobs to be in jeopardy.
20. Steve Cishek
19. Francisco Rodriguez
18. A.J. Ramos
17. Jake McGee
16. Cody Allen
15. Fernando Rodney
14. Arodys Vizcaino
13. Roberto Osuna
12. Jeurys Familia
11. Brad Ziegler
10. David Robertson
9. Hector Rondon
8. Jonathan Papelbon
7. Mark Melancon
6. Craig Kimbrel
5. Trevor Rosenthal
Sub-zero: These players would have to blow 4+ consecutive saves for their jobs to be in jeopardy.
4. Aroldis Chapman
3. Wade Davis
2. Zach Britton
1. Kenley Jansen