March 30, 2015
Tampa Bay Rays — The Rays have several options to close while Jake McGee is out. Grant Balfour should be ready for the start of the season after missing a couple weeks due to the passing away of his father. However, it looks like Brad Boxberger will see the most save chances. Boxberger had over 100 strikeouts last year and could thrive in the closer’s role to start the season.
Updated hierarchy: Boxberger* | Balfour | Jepsen.
* – closer-by-committee
Boston Red Sox — It looks like closer Koji Uehara will not be ready to close at the beginning of the season for the Red Sox. Manager John Farrell has said that Edward Mujica will close if Uehara is unavailable.
Updated hierarchy: Mujica | Ogando | Tazawa.
Oakland A’s — Manager Bob Melvin confirmed that Tyler Clippard will begin the season as their closer. Sean Doolittle is still working his way back from a shoulder injury and felt good after his first throwing session on Friday.
Hierarchy remains: Clippard | O’Flaherty | Otero.
New York Mets — Bobby Parnell could be back for the Mets sooner than the original May 1st target date. Parnell’s velocity has been down so far but he is not concerned by the radar gun readings as he works his way back. Parnell could challenge Mejia for the closer’s job when he returns.
Hierarchy remains: Mejia | Familia | Black.
