Mark Melancon is hurting; Brad Boxberger wins job in Arizona

March 27, 2018

San Francisco Giants – Closer Mark Melancon hasn’t pitched since Friday, and may start the season on the disabled list. We won’t adjust the hierarchy until we hear something official, but if he has to miss any time, look for Tony Watson and Sam Dyson to share closing duties until he returns. A Giants beat writer also thinks Hunter Strickland will get some consideration after a strong spring.

Hierarchy remains: Melancon | Watson | Dyson.

Arizona Diamondbacks – Torey Lovullo named Brad Boxberger his closer on Tuesday afternoon. At the outset of Spring Training, it seemed like this was going to be Archie Bradley’s job, but things started to change as the preseason progressed, prompting us to move Boxberger into the lead last week. His hold on this job will be tenuous, but it’s his to lose for the time being.

Updated hierarchy: Boxberger | Bradley | Hirano.

Philadelphia Phillies – Tommy Hunter, expected to be one of the main set-up men for Hector Neris — or possibly even serve as a 9th inning candidate if Neris gets the Andrew Miller treatment — will do neither for a while, as the Phillies announced that he will start the season on the DL. Pat Neshek and Adam Morgan figure to get the lion’s share of holds while Hunter is out.

Updated hierarchy: *Neris | Neshek | Morgan.
* = closer-by-committee