Jordan Romano had not recorded a save since April 6 and had two rough outings against the Yankees before an implosion on Saturday. He allowed three hits, four earned runs, and a walk during two-thirds of the eighth. He was removed in favor of a positional player (Adam Frazier), who allowed two of three inherited runners to score. After this game, Romano has a 2.125 WHIP with 12 strikeouts versus six walks (14.3 K-BB%) over eight innings.
As a result:
This leaves the Angels without a defined closer, though help may be on the way soon. Fantasy managers hoped Kirby Yates would be the eventual replacement atop this hierarchy. However, in his second appearance with Triple-A Salt Lake, he allowed four hits, including a three-run home run, and recorded two strikeouts on 22 pitches (14 strikes – 63.6 Strike%) with four whiffs (18.2 SwStr%). He’s working at two miles an hour below his spring averages:
It’s understandable he’s checking boxes while getting work in during a rehab assignment. However, he’s also in his Age-39 season, coming off a 2025 campaign during which he posted a 1.331 WHIP across 41.1 innings. He could be a temporary fill-in at closer upon his return, but it’s not a slam-dunk scenario.
Ben Joyce has also been making progress:
It’s clear the team will not rush their “closer” of the future, but once he’s activated, he will work his way into save situations, though his workload will be monitored closely. In the current saves ecosystem, any reliever capable of securing saves will garner interest.
For now, plan on a shared save approach with Sam Bachman and Drew Pomeranz deployed based on lineup lanes. José Fermin has the velocity of a leverage reliever, but his command remains an obstacle. In the interim until Yates improves or Joyce nears a return:
Adjusted Hierarchy: *Ryan Zeferjahn | *Drew Pomeranz | *Sam Bachman
*= closer-by-committee
In shallower formats, this is a situation worth avoiding if possible.
Thanks for being a part of the Closer Monkey community. Stay safe, and be well.
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