March 25, 2019
Arizona Diamondbacks – Despite a 12.27 spring ERA, Greg Holland has won the closer job for Arizona. Archie Bradley will be used in the relief ace role, while Yoshihisa Hirano will set up. Depending on the depth of your league, we’d probably recommend holding on to Bradley if you have the space, as Holland will likely be on a short leash.
Updated hierarchy: Holland | Bradley | Hirano.
St. Louis Cardinals – Jordan Hicks will likely see the lion’s share — but not all — of the save chances in St. Louis, Mike Shildt said this weekend. This was largely expected throughout the spring, and now we have confirmation, and if Hicks pitches well in the early going, look for him to ascend to the full time role.
Updated hierarchy: Hicks | Miller | Brebbia.
Chicago Cubs – Pedro Strop is progressing from a hamstring injury, and looks to be ready for opening day. Though Joe Maddon went out of his way to say that he hasn’t declared that “Stropie” will be the closer out of the gate, we think he’s got a clear leg up on his competition.
Hierarchy remains: *Strop | Cishek | Edwards.
* = closer-by-committee
Greg Holland tabbed as D’Backs closer
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