4/4/2022
Miami Marlins – The other side of the Cole Sulser trade is leading to an unsettled situation in Miami. Furthermore, we learned recently that Dylan Floro wouldn’t be ready to start the year but it shouldn’t be too long before he’s back in the mix. For now, count on Sulser with a slight lead in a very muddy committee that should get muddier when Floro returns. Anthony Bender and Anthony Bass should also factor into the saves conversation.
Updated hierarchy: Sulser* | Bender | Bass
*= closer-by-comittee
Texas Rangers – As teams finalize their Opening Day rosters, it’s becoming clear how the Rangers plan to deploy their bullpen corps. Earlier in the spring, manager Chris Woodward indicated he’d move away from Joe Barlow in favor of a committee approach given the rise in the team’s expectations. Now, it appears members of that committee will include Spencer Patton, Matt Bush, Garrett Richards, Josh Sborz and others. Watch for non-roster invitee Greg Holland, who could still make the team, though a corresponding 40-man roster move would be needed to squeeze him in. Barlow also made the team, it’s worth noting, so we’ll give him the nod at second in line over other more established veterans until we see this unit deployed in the regular season.
Updated hierarchy: Patton* | Bush | Barlow
*= closer-by-committee
Cleveland Guardians – It’s now clear that James Karinchak will miss the start of the season. He was placed on the IL this weekend as he recovers from a muscle strain in his right shoulder. We’ll slide Anthony Gose into the hierarchy, but righty Nick Sandin could snag some late-inning looks, too.
Updated hierarchy: Clase | Shaw | Gose
Colorado Rockies – When the Rockies signed Alex Colome, it seemed on that bringing in an established closer on a guaranteed contract would establish that there’s one closing candidate in Colorado. That’s not necessarily true, according to manager Bud Black. Colome, Daniel Bard and Carlos Estevez are seen as strong late-inning options. He says he the team will have a “guy in mind” for the ninth once the season begins, but until it does, let’s go ahead and apply the committee tag.
Updated hierarchy: Colome* | Bard | Estevez
*= closer-by-committee
Toronto Blue Jays – Closer Jordan Romano recently stepped in a hole while walking his dog and sprained his ankle. He’s considered day to day and is targeting a return to a big league mound on Tuesday. For now, assume he’s ready for Opening Day. And assume he might hire a dog walker, too. Meanwhile, keep an eye on Julian Merryweather. If he stays healthy he could emerge as a top late-innings weapon for the Blue Jays.
Hierarchy remains: Romano | Richards | Cimber
Pittsburgh Pirates — As noted in our NL Central Preview, the Pirates have a 2 handed committee approach to this season, with David Bedner and Chris Stratton sharing the closing duties. Manager Derek Shelton confirmed that in an interview last week, noting that they plan to cycle them in and out of the 9th inning as matchups dictate. The Pirates still will struggle to win games, but if you’re looking for a saves option that may have flown under the radar in your draft, picking up either half of this committee might earn some cheap saves.
Hierarchy Remains: Bednar* | Stratton | Hembree
*= closer-by-committee
