March 24, 2016
Philadelphia Phillies – Andrew Bailey appears to be the front-runner for the closer’s job, though manager Pete Mackanin has also said that David Hernandez and Dalier Hinojosa are also in the mix. While Edward Mujica is all but a lock to make the roster, the three aforementioned arms are the only ones being considered for the ninth inning at the moment.
Updated hierarchy: *Bailey | Hernandez | Hinojosa.
* = closer-by-committee
Houston Astros — A bit of a closer controversy is developing for Houston after Ken Giles has struggled this spring. He finally turned in a clean inning on Wednesday, and manager AJ Hinch said after the game that he won’t have a closer determination until the team’s trip to Mexico, which begins Friday. Even with Luke Gregerson beginning to return from an oblique injury, our bet is that Giles will be the team’s closer on opening day.
Hierarchy remains: Giles | Gregerson | Neshek.
Colorado Rockies – Manager Walt Weiss is in no rush to name a closer, but while the ninth inning is no closer to being decided upon, hard-throwing Miguel Castro may have impressed enough this spring to get a shot in the seventh inning.
Updated hierarchy: McGee | Motte | Castro.
Boston Red Sox — Carson Smith will begin the season on the disabled list but the Sox avoided a long-term setback for the right-hander, who suffered an elbow injury. While Smith recovers, Junichi Tazawa will be the best option for John Farrell in the seventh inning.
Updated hierarchy: Kimbrel | Uehara | Tazawa.
Minnesota Twins — Trevor May will begin the season in the bullpen, according to manager Paul Molitor. May was solid in relief last season and will likely return to his role in the seventh inning.
Updated hierarchy: Perkins | Jepsen | May.
Texas Rangers — Sam Dyson was terrific for the Rangers down the stretch last year to help Texas reach the postseason. He’ll be a potential candidate for saves and will almost certainly be called upon in the 8th inning in what is shaping up to be a solid bullpen in Arlington.
Updated hierarchy: Tolleson | Dyson | Kela.
