Weekly Hot Seat Update: May 29, 2015

With all the closer changes so far this season, it’s easy to see the value in owning guys who are first in line.  But while it’s always nice to have a new closer, wouldn’t it be even better to get the next dominant one?  Back in 2012, Greg Holland was first in line to saves for the Royals, behind Jonathan Broxton.  After the Royals traded Broxton, Holland stepped in and solidified himself as a top-five closer over the next several seasons.  Who could be the next Greg Holland?

Jake McGee, Tampa Bay Rays — McGee is a little different than the other guys on this list since he closed for a while last year, and could even see save chances right now, in a committee with Brad Boxberger.  Still, with McGee coming back from injury, and coming off a rough outing, this seemed like a good time to talk about him.  McGee was an elite reliever last year, striking out 90 batters to go along with an ERA under 2 and a WHIP under 1.  He gave up a grand slam on Tuesday to raise his ERA over 8.00 in limited appearances this season.  McGee’s strikeout numbers are still there (6 in 3.1 innings), and in his first three appearances he only gave up one hit.  If Boxberger gets hurt or starts to struggle, McGee could take the job and run with it.

Carson Smith, Seattle Mariners — Smith is probably the least well-known reliever on this list, but some people think he should take over as the Mariners closer right now.  Called up in September last year, Smith impressed in limited action, giving up only five baserunners in 8.1 innings.  Smith has continued to dominate hitters this season, giving up 9 hits while striking out 24 in 21 IP.  With over 40 saves in his minor league career, Smith has shown the ability to close out games, and should be a guy to watch the rest of this season.

Ken Giles, Philadelphia Phillies — When Ken Giles joined the Phillies last year in June, he gave up a run in his first appearance.  It took almost a month and a half before he gave up another one.  He finished 2014 with 64 strikeouts in 45.2 innings, good enough to rank him in the top 15 in K/9 among relief pitchers with more than 40 IP.  Giles has not been as dominant this year, but he’s still striking out about a batter per inning.  It’s no secret that the Phillies would like to trade their current closer, Jonathan Papelbon, and if that happens, Giles could step right in and be a lights-out closer.

Dellin Betances, New York Yankees — Remember when Dellin Betances was supposed to be the Yankees’ closer this season after David Robertson left?  Andrew Miller had a little something to say about that, but that hasn’t stopped Betances from remaining one of the best relievers in the game.  Betances has yet to allow an earned run in 26 innings so far this season, and his 41 strikeouts lead all relievers.  Although he wasn’t able to capitalize on Robertson’s departure early this season, he still looks like a guy who could be one of the best fantasy closers in baseball if he can get the full-time gig.

Wade Davis, Kansas City Royals – Let’s finish up with the guy who’s currently pitching behind the example we mentioned at the top.  Like Betances, Wade Davis has yet to allow an earned run this season, and has only given up 8 hits in 20 innings.  He also has 7 saves from when closer Greg Holland was hurt earlier this season.  Davis’s strikeout numbers aren’t as good as some of the other guys listed above, but he is still at almost one per inning, and he finished last season with over 100 Ks.

Jake Petricka earns first save; Dan Jennings can’t pitch either

May 29, 2015

Chicago White Sox — Before Thursday’s doubleheader with the Orioles, manager Robin Ventura expressed support for closer David Robertson, who has allowed six earned runs in his last eight outings. With Robertson unavailable, the White Sox turned to Zach Duke, as predicted in Thursday’s VSW, in the first game. Duke got the last out in the eighth and the first two in the ninth before allowing a two-run home run to Chris Davis. In relief of Duke came old friend Jake Petricka, who got the final out to earn his first save of the season. Petricka has moved ahead of Dan Jennings, who allowed three hits and a run with the team behind in game two. Jennings has had a difficult time adjusting to his unprecedented dual role as White Sox reliever and Marlins manager, with a 8.31 ERA and a 1.38 WHIP since the move was made on May 18.

Updated hierarchy: Robertson | Duke | Petricka.

Detroit Tigers – Bruce Rondon is slowly making his way back for the Tigers, tossing a scoreless inning in his most recent rehab appearance Tuesday night. The Tigers, though, want him fully pain-free before he returns to the big leagues. In the meantime, Tom Gorzellany allowed two hits, two walks and a grand slam against the Angels Thursday night, saddling him with a 1.56 WHIP and 5.06 ERA. Al Alburquerque came on to quiet things down with a scoreless eighth inning. Alburquerque hasn’t allowed a run since April 24 (12 appearances, 11 K), so for now we’ll slide him back to second in line, even if he’s only keeping the seat warm for Rondon.

Updated hierarchy: Soria | Chamberlain | Alburquerque.

Oakland A’s — With Sean Doolittle still being eased back into the closer’s role after his first appearance on Wednesday (a scoreless sixth inning with 1 hit allowed), the A’s called upon Tyler Clippard for Thursday’s save. Clippard allowed one run on a Brett Gardner double, but was able to close the door for his fifth save. We still strongly believe that Doolittle is back in the big leagues to close, and close soon, but it could be worth hanging onto Clippard until Doolittle gets the ball in the ninth inning — though it remains to be seen just what he’ll choose to “ride” to the mound.

Hierarchy remains: *Doolittle | Clippard | Scribner.
* = closer-by-committee

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
1. Darren O’Day, Baltimore Orioles — Zach Britton has pitched in two straight and three out of four.
2. Tyler Clippard, Oakland A’s — Sean Doolittle leads our committee and is the eventual closer but, as noted above, the A’s could turn to Clippard until they’re absolutely sure Doolittle is ready to go in the ninth.
3. Jake McGee, Tampa Bay Rays — Brad Boxberger took two consecutive losses against the Mariners this week, allowing four runs in the process. The Rays will probably give Boxberger another crack this weekend, but manager Kevin Cash uses his bullpen situationally, as the biggest outs sometimes come before the ninth. Keep an eye on old closer Jake McGee, but it’s worth noting he also struggled mightily on Wednesday, allowing a three-run blast.