Toronto Blue Jays

Toronto Blue Jays Fantasy Baseball Daily Bullpen Updates and Closer Depth Chart

Previous updates:

November 22, 2024

Toronto Blue Jays – Jordan Romano was non-tendered, making him an unrestricted free agent. He was slated to receive $7.75 million dollars, but it’s apparent the team did not trust his previous elbow issues at this price for the 2025 season. 

Updated Hierarchy: Chad Green | Erik Swanson | Ryan Burr

Toronto Blue Jays – Jordan Romano underwent elbow surgery, cutting his 2024 short. He remains the team’s closer, but like others on this list, health will be an issue. He could be a terrific “buy low” or a “bust,” with health being the deciding factor. Chad Green remains under contract and will be the fill-in if injury issues resurface. 

September 19, 2024

Toronto Blue Jays – Completing a combined shutout, Chad Green navigated around Jonah Heim’s one-out single with a fielder’s choice groundout and a game-ending strikeout in a non-save outing. Green threw 16 pitches (75 Strike%) and induced two whiffs. After a rough patch earlier this month, he’s been scoreless in three of his last four appearances.

• Erik Swanson retired the side while securing his ninth hold in the eighth inning.
• Génesis Cabrera notched his 13th hold, giving up a hit and striking out one in a scoreless seventh.
• Dillon Tate fired a clean sixth and struck out two for his third hold.

Hierarchy remains: Chad Green | Génesis Cabrera | Erik Swanson

September 15, 2024

Toronto Blue Jays – Navigating around a lead-off single and a two-out infield hit, Chad Green recorded his 17th save with a game-ending pop-out by Jordan Walker. Green threw 22 pitches (15 strikes – 68.2 Strike%) without a whiff but recorded one strikeout. He snapped a streak of three straight blown saves with a much-needed scoreless outing.

• Zach Pop was awarded his second win after retiring his only batter at the top of the eighth.
• Génesis Cabrera worked a scoreless combined inning while issuing a walk.
• Erik Swanson tossed two-thirds scoreless, walking and striking out one.

Hierarchy remains: Chad Green | Génesis Cabrera | Erik Swanson

September 13, 2024

Toronto Blue Jays – After tossing a clean top of the 11th, Erik Swanson collected his second win courtesy of a walk-off rally in the bottom of the inning. He threw 12 pitches (7 strikes – 58.3 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (16.7 SwStr%). This extended his modest scoreless streak to four games, and he’s been scoreless in seven of his last eight.

• Brendon Little retired the side at the top of the tenth and recorded one strikeout.
• Tommy Nance allowed a hit during a scoreless ninth.
• Génesis Cabrera suffered his second blown save, giving up two hits, including Thomas Saggese’s game-tying solo home run, and struck out one in the eighth.

Hierarchy remains: Chad Green | Génesis Cabrera | Erik Swanson

September 10, 2024

Toronto Blue Jays – Recording a much-needed clean appearance, Chad Green finished a four-run win over the Mets. He threw 15 pitches (11 strikes – 73.3 Strike%) and induced one whiff while striking out one. This snapped his three-game streak of allowing at least a run, but he last secured a save on August 29.

• Génesis Cabrera tossed a clean eighth and recorded one strikeout.
• Zach Pop stranded one of two runners despite retiring both batters faced, one via strikeout for his 12th hold.

Hierarchy remains: Chad Green | Génesis Cabrera | Erik Swanson

September 3, 2024

Toronto Blue Jays – After converting his first 16 save chances, Chad Green suffered his second blown save in his last two games. He took over with a one-run lead at the top of the ninth and gave up three consecutive hits, including Kyle Schwarber’s go-ahead three-run home run. Green bounced back with back-to-back strikeouts before being removed but was tagged with his fifth loss.

• Ryan Burr allowed a hit and retired one in the ninth.
• Génesis Cabrera navigated around two hits and two walks over 1.1 scoreless innings for his 11th hold.
• Erik Swanson was credited with his seventh hold despite giving up an earned run and two walks in one-third of the seventh.

Hierarchy remains: Chad Green | Génesis Cabrera | Erik Swanson

August 26, 2024

Toronto Blue Jays – Securing his 15th save in the suspended contest against Boston, Chad Green worked a scoreless ninth. He allowed a two-out Masataka Yoshida double and recorded all three outs via strikeout. He threw 19 pitches (13 strikes – 68.4 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (15.8 SwStr%). This will be reported as his third save of the season, but we all know better, right?

• Erik Swanson allowed Jarren Duran’s solo home run in the eighth.
• Génesis Cabrera notched his fourth hold with a clean seventh and striking out one.
• Zach Pop was awarded his first win; he stranded two runners while retiring his only batter in the sixth.
• Ryan Yarbrough logged 3.1 scoreless frames, yielding two hits and a walk while striking out four.

Brendon Little recorded 1.1 scoreless innings for his first career save in Game 2. He allowed a hit and recorded a strikeout on 13 pitches (9 strikes – 69.2 Strike%) with two whiffs (15.4 SwStr%).

Hierarchy remains: Chad Green | Génesis Cabrera | Erik Swanson

August 24, 2024

Toronto Blue Jays – Taking over in the ninth with a two-run lead, Chad Green retired all three batters, one via strikeout, while recording his 14th save. He threw 14 pitches (9 strikes – 64.2 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (14.3 SwStr%). He’s been scoreless in his last four appearances and has recorded one win and seven saves through 11 games in August with eight strikeouts against two walks across 10.1 innings.

Hierarchy remains: Chad Green | Génesis Cabrera | Erik Swanson

August 23, 2024

Toronto Blue Jays – After posting a scoreless top of the ninth, Chad Green collected his fourth win courtesy of a walk-off rally in the bottom of the ninth. He gave up a hit and recorded a strikeout on 15 pitches (11 strikes – 73.3 Strike%) with three whiffs (20 SwStr%). He’s been scoreless over his last three appearances and converted all six save opportunities in August.

• Génesis Cabrera worked a scoreless eighth, yielding a hit and striking out two.
• Erik Swanson tossed a clean seventh and recorded two strikeouts. 

Updated Hierarchy: Chad Green | Génesis Cabrera | Erik Swanson

August 18, 2024

Toronto Blue Jays – Securing his 13th save and a combined shutout, Chad Green navigated around Cody Bellinger’s one-out single and a stolen base by inducing a lineout, followed by a game-ending groundout. He threw nine pitches (77.8 Strike%) without a whiff. Despite allowing a run in three of his previous four appearances, he’s converted all six save chances in August.

• Génesis Cabrera stranded a runner and retired his only batter faced via strikeout in the bottom of the eighth.
• Ryan Burr allowed a walk and recorded two outs in the eighth for his second hold.

Hierarchy remains: Chad Green | Génesis Cabrera | Zach Pop

August 16, 2024

Toronto Blue Jays – Taking over a tied game in the bottom of the tenth, Chad Green suffered his third loss. He issued Michael Busch a lead-off walk and gave up Seiya Suzuki’s walk-off RBI single. Green threw 12 pitches (50 Strike%) and induced two whiffs. He’s converted all six save chances in the second half but has allowed at least a run in three of his last four outings.

• Génesis Cabrera retired the side and recorded a strikeout in the ninth.
• Erik Swanson worked a clean eighth.
• Brendon Little allowed Ian Happ’s solo home run in the seventh.

Updated Hierarchy: Chad Green | Génesis Cabrera | Zach Pop

August 12, 2024

Toronto Blue Jays – Although he allowed a lead-off home run by Jo Adell in the bottom of the ninth, Chad Green settled in and retired the next three batters for his 12th save. He’s converted all six save opportunities in the second half but has allowed a run in two of his last three games.

• Génesis Cabrera stranded a runner and retired his only batter in the eighth, securing his seventh hold.
• Zach Pop allowed a walk and recorded two outs in the eighth, getting credit for his tenth hold.

Updated Hierarchy: Chad Green | Génesis Cabrera | Erik Swanson

August 9, 2024

Toronto Blue Jays – Finishing a two-run win over Oakland, Chad Green secured his 11th save with a clean top of the ninth. He threw 11 pitches (54.5 Strike%) and induced one whiff. He’s been scoreless in 10 of his last 11 while converting all six save opportunities with 10 strikeouts against one walk.

• Erik Swanson notched his sixth hold, issuing a walk during a scoreless eighth. He owns a modest four-game scoreless streak. 

Updated Hierarchy: Chad Green | Erik Swanson | Génesis Cabrera

August 8, 2024

Toronto Blue Jays – Inheriting a bases-loaded situation in the top of the ninth, Chad Green let all three score. His outing began with a fielder’s choice groundout, scoring one runner, followed by Cedric Mullins’ RBI double, a strikeout, and a two-RBI single by Colton Cowser. With two outs, Green bore down and recorded a game-ending flyout by Anthony Santander for his tenth save. He allowed two hits and an earned run while striking out one. This snapped his nine-game scoreless streak, but he’s converted all ten save chances this season.

• Zach Pop took over in the ninth, giving up three consecutive hits, prompting his removal.

Hierarchy remains: Chad Green | Zach Pop | Génesis Cabrera

August 6, 2024

Toronto Blue Jays – Shutting the door on his ninth save, Chad Green retired the side and recorded a strikeout, closing out a three-run win over Baltimore. He threw 12 pitches (75 Strike%) and induced one whiff. This extended his scoreless streak to nine games, spanning 11 innings, with nine strikeouts against one walk while converting four saves.

• Génesis Cabrera took over with the bases loaded and no outs in the eighth. He walked his first batter, forcing in a run, then retired the next three batters on two strikeouts and an inning-ending groundout for his fifth hold.

Hierarchy remains: Chad Green | Zach Pop | Génesis Cabrera

August 2, 2024

Toronto Blue Jays – Shutting the door on his eighth save, Chad Green fired a clean bottom of the ninth while striking out the side against the Yankees’ 1-2-3 hitters. He threw 16 pitches (9 strikes – 56.3 Strike%) and induced two whiffs. He extended his scoreless streak to seven games, recording a win, three saves, and a hole while striking out eight without issuing a walk.

• Zach Pop tossed a scoreless eighth and struck out one for his eighth hold.
• Brendon Little collected his first win. He logged 1.2 scoreless frames, allowing a hit and striking out two.
• Génesis Cabrera stranded two runners in the fifth. He gave up a hit and a walk while striking out one over two-thirds of an inning.

Hierarchy remains: Chad Green | Zach Pop | Génesis Cabrera

July 29, 2024

Toronto Blue Jays – Finishing a split in Baltimore, Génesis Cabrera worked a scoreless bottom of the ninth in a non-save situation in Game 2, but he warmed for one as his team extended its lead. He worked around a lead-off single and recorded two strikeouts on 22 pitches (14 strikes – 63.6 Strike%) with four whiffs (18.2 SwStr%).

• Chad Green took over in the seventh with two runners on and two outs, quelling the rally with an inning-ending flyout. He retired all four hitters and recorded a strikeout for his seventh hold.
• Brendon Little gave up two hits, an earned run, and a walk while striking out two during his combined inning, getting credit for his fifth hold.

Updated Hierarchy: Chad Green | Zach Pop | Génesis Cabrera

July 28, 2024

Toronto Blue Jays – With two runners on and two outs, Zach Pop was summoned with a four-run lead and the game-tying run in the on-deck circle. He induced an inning-ending groundout by Jonah Heim and then returned for a clean ninth, recording his first career save. He threw 16 pitches (62.5 Strike%) and induced one whiff versus the Rangers’ 8-9-1-2 hitters.

• Génesis Cabrera allowed four hits and two earned runs during his two-thirds of the eighth, snapping his 13-game scoreless streak.

Updated Hierarchy: Chad Green | Zach Pop | Génesis Cabrera

July 26, 2024

Toronto Blue Jays – Chad Green not only stranded a runner in the eighth, but he retired all four Rangers’ batters faced and collected his third win courtesy of a walk-off rally in the bottom of the ninth. He threw 17 pitches (11 strikes – 64.7 Strike%) and induced two whiffs. He’s been scoreless over his last five while securing two saves and this win.

• Brendon Little walked one during a scoreless, combined inning.
• Zack Pop retired three batters, one via strikeout.
• Génesis Cabrera allowed two hits during a scoreless combined inning.

Updated Hierarchy: Chad Green | Erik Swanson | Génesis Cabrera

July 24, 2024

Toronto Blue Jays – Finishing a win over the Rays in a non-save outing, Yimi García issued a lead-off walk to Randy Arozarena and a two-out RBI double by Ben Rortvedt before inducing a game-ending groundout. García’s final line was one hit, an earned run, and a walk while striking out two on 22 pitches (14 strikes – 63.6 Strike%) with three whiffs.

• Génesis Cabrera collected his third win, tossing a scoreless top of the eighth. He allowed a walk and struck out two ahead of his team’s four-run rally in the bottom of the frame.
• Chad Green retired the side and recorded a strikeout in the seventh.
• Brendon Little suffered his second blown save, letting his only inherited runner score in the sixth, giving up a hit and a walk over one-third of the inning.

Updated Hierarchy: Chad Green | Yimi García | Génesis Cabrera

July 21, 2024

Toronto Blue Jays – Summoned with a one-run lead and one out in the top of the eighth, Chad Green retired all five batters he faced while nailing down his seventh save. He preserved the one-run win, throwing 14 pitches (9 strikes – 64.3 Strike%) without inducing a whiff. He’s been scoreless over his last three outings and has converted all seven save chances.

• Génesis Cabrera secured his fourth hold, allowing a hit and a walk while striking out one across two-thirds of a combined inning outing.

Hierarchy remains: Chad Green | Yimi García | Trevor Richards

July 17, 2024

Toronto Blue Jays – Projected as a seller, the Blue Jays will move pending free agents Yimi García and Trevor Richards. How they handle Chad Green will determine how save chances are recorded in the last two months of the season, but if he’s traded too, this bullpen may be worth avoiding from a fantasy perspective. 

Hierarchy remains: Chad Green | Yimi García | Trevor Richards

July 14, 2024

Toronto Blue Jays –  Securing his sixth save, Chad Green logged 1.1 scoreless frames and stranded a runner in the bottom of the eighth while retiring Ketel Marte via strikeout. In the ninth, Green navigated around a two-out single by Christian Walker with a game-ending Corbin Carroll flyout. He threw 15 pitches (60 Strike%) without a whiff. He’s converted all four save chances in July but has allowed at least a run in three of his seven appearances.

• Brendon Little recorded his fourth hold, tossing a scoreless combined inning, yielding a hit, and striking out one.
• Ryan Burr was awarded his first hold, issuing a walk and striking out one in two-thirds scoreless.
• Trevor Richards collected his second win, retiring the side in the sixth, ahead of his team’s rally in the seventh.
• Following the game, the Blue Jays announced they are demoting Brandon Eisert so they can activate Yimi García on Friday. 

Updated Hierarchy: Chad Green | Yimi García | Trevor Richards

July 12, 2024

Toronto Blue Jays –  Entering a tied game in the bottom of the ninth, Chad Green struggled with his command and suffered his second loss. His outing began with Corbin Carroll drawing a lead-off walk, a leverage mortal sin. Green issued Ketel Marte a one-out walk and, after a double steal, intentionally walked Christian Walker, then gave up the walk-off run on a sacrifice fly. He threw 18 pitches (7 strikes – 38.9 Strike%) without inducing a whiff.

• Trevor Richards was tagged with his third blown save, giving up a hit, two earned runs, and two walks while striking out one in the eighth.
• Brendon Little retired the side in the seventh for his third hold. 

Hierarchy remains: Chad Green | Trevor Richards | Nate Pearson

July 11, 2024

Toronto Blue Jays –  With two outs and a three-run lead, Chad Green allowed a solo home run by Mike Yastrzemski before a game-ending strikeout for his fifth save. He threw 21 pitches (60 Strike%) and induced one whiff. He’s recorded a win and three saves through five appearances in July but has given up a home run in two contests.

• Zach Pop worked a clean eighth and secured his seventh hold.

Hierarchy remains: Chad Green | Trevor Richards | Nate Pearson

July 9, 2024

Toronto Blue Jays –  Managing Chad Green’s workload (49 pitches between July 6 and 7) resulted in Trevor Richards’ save chance with a one-run lead. However, he could not secure his second career save. He allowed a one-out single and issued a two-out walk. Against Brett Wisely, Richards gave up a seeing-eye single up the middle, scoring the game-tying run, and uncorked a wild pitch, scoring Tyler Fitzgerald, resulting in his first loss and a second blown save.

• Nate Pearson navigated around a hit and a walk while striking out one for his seventh hold with two-thirds scoreless in the eighth inning.
• Yimi García had his rehab outing on Tuesday scratched because of a stiff neck; he’s slated to throw on Wednesday for Buffalo instead. 

Hierarchy remains: Chad Green | Trevor Richards | Nate Pearson

July 7, 2024

Toronto Blue Jays – With a one-run lead in the bottom of the tenth, Géness Cabrera held on for his second save. He navigated around a hit and a walk while striking out one, inducing the game-ending flyout with the bases loaded.

• Chad Green collected his second win, working around his bases-loaded situation for a scoreless ninth. He gave up two hits and a walk while striking out two, throwing 22 pitches (16 strikes—72.7 Strike%) with four whiffs (18.2 SwStr%).
• Brendon Little stranded the bases loaded in the eighth, inducing an inning-ending J.P. Crawford groundout.
• Zach Pop allowed a hit batter and two walks (one intentional) during his two-thirds of the eighth.
• Nate Pearson retired the side in the seventh and recorded one strikeout.

Hierarchy remains: Chad Green | Trevor Richards | Nate Pearson

July 6, 2024

Toronto Blue Jays – Hanging on for his fourth save, Chad Green allowed Luke Raley’s solo home run and recorded two strikeouts during his 1.1 inning-outing in Seattle. He threw 27 pitches (20 strikes – 74.1 Strike%) and induced three whiffs. This snapped his nine-game scoreless streak but he’s converted two saves in his last three appearances.

• Brendon Little gave up a hit and struck out one during two-thirds of the eighth for his second hold.
• Trevor Richards was credited with his seventh hold despite allowing three hits and three earned runs in a combined inning. He faced three batters in the eighth, giving up two singles and a three-run home run by Mitch Haniger.

Hierarchy remains: Chad Green | Trevor Richards | Nate Pearson

July 3, 2024

Toronto Blue Jays – After stranding a runner in the sixth, Zach Pop returned for the seventh, and things did not go well. He allowed the lead-off hitter to reach on a throwing error, a double, and a single before being lifted. He finished with two hits against and three runs (two earned) over two-thirds combined innings.

• Jose Cuas replaced Pop and let both inherited runners score, issuing an intentional walk, giving up a two-RBI single, hitting two batters with a pitch, and being removed without recording an out.
• Brendon Little stranded the bases-loaded during his two-thirds of the seventh. 
• Those hanging on for a potential return by Jordan Romano received concerning news this afternoon. Per Keegan Matheson of MLB.com, Toronto’s closer underwent arthroscopic surgery on his elbow and will not throw for six weeks. It’s undetermined if he will return this season, but even if he can, it would be September at the earliest. He can be cut in redraft formats. 
• In a separate update, Yimi García will throw a side session today and could head out on a rehab assignment if he comes through it with no issues. 

Hierarchy remains: Chad Green | Trevor Richards | Nate Pearson

July 2, 2024

Toronto Blue Jays – Navigating around a lead-off double, Chad Green bore down and retired the next three Astros hitters on two strikeouts, followed by Jose Altuve’s game-ending flyout. This marked his third save of the season and first since April 9. He threw 16 pitches (75 Strike%) and generated four whiffs (25 SwStr%). He also extended his scoreless streak to eight games.

• Trevor Richards garnered his sixth hold, giving up a hit and an unearned run in the eighth.
• Nate Pearson logged two scoreless frames, yielding a hit and striking out three.

Updated Hierarchy: Chad Green | Trevor Richards | Nate Pearson

June 24, 2024

(RP | TOR): Inheriting a bases-loaded situation at the bottom of the eighth, Zach Pop allowed a game-tying two-RBI single, followed by an inning-ending strikeout. Returning for the ninth, Cedanne Rafaela reached on an error, was moved to second on a balk (controversial call), and scored on a walk-off Jarren Duran single, suffering his second loss and second blown save.

Updated Hierarchy: Chad Green | Nate Pearson | Trevor Richards

June 22, 2024

(RP | TOR): Per Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet, Jordan Romano experienced soreness in his right elbow and has shut down his throwing progression. This does not sound encouraging. 

June 17, 2024

(RP | TOR): Yimi García displayed no structural damage in his elbow, but has an ulnar nerve issue. After initial reports he may avoid the injured list, the team’s official “X” handle announced he’s been placed on the 15-day injured list. 

Updated Hierarchy: Chad Green | Nate Pearson | Brendon Little

June 16, 2024

(RP | TOR): Pressed into action with two runners on and two outs, Nate Pearson recorded his second save, inducing a game-ending lineout while preserving a one-run win in Cleveland. 

Analysis

Toronto Blue Jays – Following an injury delay, Nate Pearson was summoned with runners on the corners, two outs, and his team clinging to a one-run lead. He recorded his second save, inducing a game-ending lineout by Andrés Giménez. Yimi García entered with a three-run lead and allowed four hits, including a two-run home run by Brayan Rocchio. He left with “elbow soreness.” He received credit for his tenth hold, but the fantasy community awaits word on the severity of his injury. Brendan Little notched his first hold, retiring the side and striking out one in the eighth. Chad Green gave up a one-out single and recorded a strikeout in a scoreless sixth for his sixth hold.

If García requires an injured-list stint: 

Projected Hierarchy: Chad Green | Nate Pearson | Brendon Little

June 15, 2024

(RP | TOR): Working as the “bulk follower,” Bowden Francis took over in the fourth and logged four scoreless innings, scattering four hits and striking out two for his third win.

Hierarchy remains: Yimi García | Chad Green | Nate Pearson

June 12, 2024

(RP | TOR): Taking over in the sixth, Zach Pop suffered his first loss and first blown save, giving up two hits, three earned runs, and a walk over two-thirds innings.

Hierarchy remains: Yimi García | Chad Green | Nate Pearson

June 11, 2024

(RP | TOR): Preserving a combined shutout, Yimi García retired all four batters faced, three via strikeout en route to his fifth save. 

Analysis

Toronto Blue Jays – Forced into action with two runners on and two outs in the eighth, Yimi García stranded both and retired all four batters faced, three via strikeout for his fifth save. He also preserved a combined shutout while throwing 20 pitches (65 Strike%) and induced two whiffs. He’s alternated a save and a win over his last five outings with 11 strikeouts against zero walks through 5.1 innings. Trevor Richards notched his fifth hold, giving up a hit and a walk over two-thirds scoreless in the eighth. Chad Green secured his fifth hold with a clean combined inning. Nate Pearson allowed a hit and struck out three in a scoreless sixth, recording his fourth hold.

Hierarchy remains: Yimi García | Chad Green | Nate Pearson

June 9, 2024

(RP | TOR): Despite letting the “place” runner score, Génesis Cabrera recorded his first save while retiring all three batters faced in the bottom of the tenth. 

Analysis

Toronto Blue Jays – Summoned in the bottom of the tenth with a three-run lead, Génesis Cabrera recorded his first save, letting the “place” runner score while producing three groundouts. Yimi García collected his first win, firing a clean bottom of the ninth and striking out one. He threw 25 pitches (60 Strike%) and inducing two whiffs. He’s recorded two wins and two saves through four appearances in June. Chad Green logged 1.1 clean frames, striking out two. Trevor Richards was tagged with his first blown save, allowing two hits, two earned runs, and a walk over two-thirds of the seventh. Nate Pearson was credited with his third hold despite serving up a solo home run (Brent Rooker) among his two hits and striking out one in the sixth.

Hierarchy remains: Yimi García | Chad Green | Nate Pearson

June 7, 2024

(RP | TOR): Taking over a tied game in the bottom of the ninth, Chad Green suffered his first loss. He served up a walk-off home run by JJ Bleday, his first batter faced.

Hierarchy remains: Yimi García | Chad Green | Nate Pearson

June 6, 2024

(RP | TOR): With a three-run lead in the ninth, Yimi García held on for his fourth save. After recording two outs, he hit Austin Hays with a pitch and gave up a pinch-hit, two-run home run by Ryan O’Hearn before a game-ending strikeout. 

Analysis

Toronto Blue Jays – With two outs, Yimi García hit Austin Hays with a pitch, then allowed a two-run, pinch-hit home run by Ryan O’Hearn before producing a game-ending strikeout of Kyle Stowers. He preserved a one-run win and recorded his fourth save. However, he allowed a hit and two earned with two strikeouts on 18 pitches (11 strikes – 61.1 Strike%) with four whiffs (22.2 SwStr%). Following a career-best 16-game scoreless streak from April 10 to May 26, he’s allowed a run in three of his last six, including multiple runs in two. Zach Pop gave up a walk and a two-run home run by Adley Rutschman in the eighth. Nate Pearson fired a clean seventh, striking out one.

Hierarchy remains: Yimi García | Chad Green | Nate Pearson

June 5, 2024

(RP | TOR): After firing a clean top of the ninth and striking out two, Yimi García collected his second win courtesy of a walk-off rally in the bottom of the inning. 

Analysis

Toronto Blue Jays – Summoned during a tied contest in the top of the ninth, Yimi García retired the side on ten pitches (80 Strike%) and induced one whiff. He collected his second win courtesy of a walk-off rally in the bottom of the frame. He’s only given up three earned runs over his last 19 appearances with 27 strikeouts versus six walks through 20.1 innings. Chad Green fired 1.1 clean innings and stranded a runner in the seventh. Tim Mayza allowed a walk and recorded a strikeout over two-thirds scoreless in the seventh.

Updated Hierarchy: *Yimi García (HLR/PSS) | Chad Green | Nate Pearson

*= García as the (HLR|PSS) will take on the toughest lineup pocket, not be saved for the ninth inning

June 2, 2024

(RP | TOR): The good news is that Yimi García held on for his third save. He allowed two hits, including a two-out RBI single by Rowdy Tellez, and recorded all three outs via strikeout.  

Analysis

Toronto Blue Jays – Although the Pirates rallied for a run in the top of the ninth, Yimi García recorded his third save. He allowed a lead-off double by Oneil Cruz but rebounded with consecutive strikeouts. However, Rowdy Tellez produced an RBI single before a game-ending strikeout of Ji Hwan Bae. García threw 26 pitches (16 strikes – 61.5 Strike%) and produced five whiffs (19.2 SwStr%). Nate Pearson secured his second hold, giving up a hit and striking out one in a scoreless eighth. Trevor Richards retired the side in the seventh for his fourth hold. Chad Green tossed a scoreless sixth, walking two and striking out two for his fourth hold.

Updated Hierarchy: *Yimi García (HLR/PSS) | Nate Pearson| Chad Green

*= García as the (HLR|PSS) will take on the toughest lineup pocket, not be saved for the ninth inning

June 1, 2024

(RP | TOR): Toronto placed Jordan Romano (elbow) on the 15-day injured list, retroactive to May 30. He will be shut down from throwing for a few days, then the team will proceed with his progression to return. Per John Schneider, Yimi García will be in line for save chances, but deployed as the team’s HLR like the opening of the season. Our adjusted hierarchy: 

Updated Hierarchy: *Yimi García (HLR/PSS) | *Chad Green | Nate Pearson

*= García as the (HLR|PSS) will take on the toughest lineup pocket, not be saved for the ninth inning

May 31, 2024

(RP | TOR): After tossing 1.2 clean frames with three strikeouts, Génesis Cabrera collected his second win courtesy of a walk-off home run in the bottom of the 14th inning. 

Analysis

Toronto Blue Jays – Benefiting from a walk-off home run in the bottom of the 14th, Génesis Cabrera collected his second win, logging 1.2 clean frames and striking out three. Tim Mayza gave up an unearned run and struck out one over 1.1 innings. Nate Pearson worked two innings, allowing an unearned run on an RBI sacrifice fly by Bryan Reynolds. He threw 16 pitches (87.5 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (18.8 SwStr%). Yimi García took over a tied game in the top of the ninth and tossed a scoreless inning, giving up a walk versus the 4-5-6 lineup pocket. Chad Green retired the side in the eighth on 11 pitches.

Blue Jay relievers did not allow a hit, though fantasy managers wonder why Jordan Romano did not pitch in this contest. After the game, Ben Nicholson-Smith reported the team’s closer did not pitch because of “elbow soreness” and listed as day-to-day. 

For those speculating, the team used García as the HLR at the start of the season with Green sharing saves with him. This may receive a second act if Romano required an injured list stint, with Pearson entering the hierarchy, stay tuned. For now: 

Updated Hierarchy: Jordan Romano | Yimi García (HLR) | Chad Green

May 29, 2024

(RP | TOR): Despite serving up a solo home run in the bottom of the ninth, Jordan Romano secured his eighth save, preserving a 3-1 win over the White Sox. 

Analysis
Toronto Blue Jays – Hanging on for his eighth save, Jordan Romano could not preserve the shutout, allowing a solo home run by Korey Lee in the bottom of the ninth before inducing a game-ending lineout by Paul DeJong. Romano threw 16 pitches (9 strikes – 56.3 Strike%) and induced one whiff. This save moved him into third all-time in Toronto team history, marking the 105th of his career. However, he’s allowed at least a run in two straight and three of his last five. Yimi García notched his ninth hold, retiring the side in the eighth, striking out one. Zach Pop worked a scoreless seventh, yielding a hit and striking out one for his fourth hold. Tim Mayza secured his eighth hold, issuing a walk during a scoreless sixth. Trevor Richards collected his first win, logging 3.1 scoreless innings, giving up a hit and a walk.

Updated Hierarchy (mostly linear): Jordan Romano | Yimi García (HLR) | Zach Pop

May 27, 2024

(RP | TOR): Logging two scoreless frames, Nate Pearson recorded his first hold, giving up a hit and striking out two. 

Analysis

Toronto Blue Jays – In a non-save outing against the White Sox, Génesis Cabrera tossed a scoreless bottom of the ninth, navigating around a hit and a walk. Zach Pop secured his third hold, stranding an inherited runner despite giving up a single during two-thirds scoreless. Erik Swanson allowed a home run (Gavin Sheets) and a single while only recording one out in the eighth. He was credited with his fifth hold. This snapped his modest five-game scoreless streak, and he’s now given up three home runs through 11 outings in May. Nate Pearson notched his first hold, logging two scoreless frames, yielding a hit, and striking out two.

Hierarchy remains (mostly linear): Jordan Romano | Yimi García (HLR) | Erik Swanson

May 26, 2024

(RP | TOR): Entering a tied contest in the bottom of the ninth, Jordan Romano allowed a hit and issued an intentional walk before serving up a walk-off, three-run home run, resulting in his second loss. 

Analysis

Toronto Blue Jays – Tasked with the bottom of the ninth with the game tied, Jordan Romano gave up a lead-off single, recorded an out on a sacrifice bunt, and a second out on a ground out. However, after intentionally walking Kerry Carpenter, Matt Vierling launched a walk-off three-run home run, handing Romano his second loss. Yimi García struggled in the eighth, giving up three hits and two earned runs while striking out one, resulting in his first blown save. This snapped a 14-game scoreless streak and represented his first appearance this year, allowing multiple runs. Erik Swanson tossed a clean seventh, striking out one. He’s quietly strung together five straight scoreless games.

Hierarchy remains (mostly linear): Jordan Romano | Yimi García (HLR) | Erik Swanson

May 25, 2024

(RP | TOR): Making his first outing since May 19, Jordan Romano tossed a scoreless bottom of the eighth, giving up a one-out single by Jake Rogers and recording two strikeouts. He threw 13 pitches (10 strikes – 76.9 Strike%) and produced two whiffs (15.4 SwStr%). Through seven appearances in May, he owns a 1-1 record while converting three of four save chances with a 7:2 K:BB over 6.1 innings.

Hierarchy remains (mostly linear): Jordan Romano | Yimi García (HLR) | Erik Swanson

May 20, 2024

(RP | TOR): Securing his eighth hold, Yimi García retired the side in the eighth, recording two strikeouts. He threw 13 pitches (9 strikes – 69.2 Strike%) with two whiffs. This extended his scoreless streak to 14 games, during which he has posted 20 strikeouts versus five walks over 15.1 innings.

Hierarchy remains: Jordan Romano | Yimi García (HLR) | Erik Swanson

May 19, 2024

(RP | TOR): Recording a fantasy favorite one-out save, Jordan Romano retired his only batter via strikeout, preserving a three-run win and securing his seventh save. 

Analysis

Toronto Blue Jays – Pressed into action with a runner on and a three-run lead, Jordan Romano was credited with his seventh save after producing a game-ending strikeout of Jonny DeLuca. He only threw four pitches (75 Strike%) and generated two whiffs (50 SwStr%). Zach Pop allowed three hits, including a two-run home run by Isaac Paredes, and struck out one over two-thirds of the ninth before his removal. Trevor Richards retired the side in the eighth, striking out one. 

Hierarchy remains: Jordan Romano | Yimi García (HLR) | Erik Swanson

May 18, 2024

(RP | TOR): Suffering his first loss, and his first blown save, Nate Pearson gave up three hits, including a go-ahead two-run home run, and issued a walk without recording an out in the top of the eighth. 

Analysis

Toronto Blue Jays –Matched up with the 9-1-2 lineup pocket in the seventh, Yimi García secured his seventh hold, issuing a walk and striking out one during a scoreless outing. Nate Pearson earned a larger leverage moment, but suffered his first loss, and first blown save, giving up three hits, including a two-run home run by Jonny DeLuca, and a walk without recording an out in the eighth. Trevor Richards stranded two runners for him, working a scoreless eighth, allowing a walk and striking out two. Tim Mayza turned in a scoreless ninth, yielding a hit and striking out one.

Hierarchy remains (for now): Jordan Romano | Yimi García (HLR) | Erik Swanson

May 15, 2024

(RP | TOR): Handed a one-run lead in the bottom of the ninth, Jordan Romano suffered his first loss, and first blown save, allowing a lead-off single and a walk-off two-run home run home run. 

Analysis

Toronto Blue Jays – A bad bounce and a bomb resulted in a first loss and the first blown save for Jordan Romano. He took over the bottom of the ninth with a one-run lead but allowed a lead-off single by Jordan Westburg on a groundball that bounced off a divot near first base followed by a walk-off, two-run home run by Adley Rutschman. Romano threw eight pitches (62.5 Strike%) and induced one whiff without retiring a batter. He’s allowed at least a hit and an earned run in three of his last five outings. Tim Mayza struck out Ramón Urías, his only batter faced, for his seventh hold while stranding two runners. Yimi García tossed 1.2 scoreless frames, giving up a hit and two walks while striking out one for his sixth hold. Génesis Cabrera gave up two hits over one-third scoreless.

Hierarchy remains (for now): Jordan Romano | Yimi García (HLR) | Erik Swanson

May 13, 2024

(RP | TOR): Turning in his first multiple-inning outing this year, Jordan Romano collected his first win, tossing two scoreless frames, including stranding the “place” runner in the bottom of the tenth. 

Analysis 

Toronto Blue Jays – Leaning on its closer in a tight game with the Orioles, Jordan Romano tossed two scoreless frames, walking one and striking out one while collecting his first win. He threw 21 pitches (12 strikes – 57.1 Strike%) and induced two whiffs. After 10 outings this season, he owns a 1.22 WHIP with nine strikeouts versus three walks over 10.2 innings. Yimi García fired a clean eighth, striking out the side while facing the 8-9-1 lineup pocket, throwing 14 pitches (71.4 Strike%) with four whiffs (28.6 SwStr%).

Hierarchy remains (for now): Jordan Romano | Yimi García (HLR) | Erik Swanson

May 12, 2024

(RP | TOR): Appearing on consecutive days did not go well for Erik Swanson, he allowed two hits, two earned runs, and a walk while striking out one in the top of the eighth. In his last seven outings, he’s allowed at least a run in five resulting in nine earned runs through these five innings.

Hierarchy remains (for now): Jordan Romano | Yimi García (HLR) | Erik Swanson

May 11, 2024

(RP | TOR): Putting the bow on a comeback win, Jordan Romano recorded his sixth save, allowing a hit and striking out two during a scoreless top of the ninth against the Twins. 

Analysis

Toronto Blue Jays – Capping a comeback, Jordan Romano secured his sixth save, working around a two-out double by Max Kepler with a game-ending pop-out. He threw 16 pitches (62.5 Strike%) and induced three whiffs (18.8 SwStr%) while striking out two. He owns a 1.38 WHIP with eight strikeouts through 8.2 innings. Yimi García made his first appearance since April 28, firing a clean eighth and striking out one for his fifth hold. Erik Swanson retired the side in the seventh, striking out one resulting in his first win. This represents his first clean outing inning of the season. Trevor Richards logged two clean frames, striking out two, keeping his team in the contest.

Hierarchy remains: Jordan Romano | Yimi García (HLR) | Erik Swanson

May 8, 2024

(RP | TOR): Hanging on for his fifth save, Jordan Romano allowed three hits and an earned run while closing out a win in Philadelphia. 

Analysis

Toronto Blue Jays – Working around traffic on the bases, Jordan Romano held on for his fifth save, allowing three hits and an earned run during a 5-3 win over the Phillies. His outing began with a lead-off single by Alec Bohm, followed by a ground out, then a one-out single, and an RBI double by Bryson Stott before inducing consecutive pop-outs, ending the game. He threw 15 pitches (80 Strike%) and induced one whiff. He’s given up multiple hits and an earned run in both outings this month. Tim Mayza notched his sixth hold, yielding a hit during two-thirds scoreless in the eighth. Zach Pop worked a scoreless combined inning, striking out one. 

Hierarchy remains (for now): Jordan Romano | Yimi García (HLR) | Erik Swanson

May 5, 2024

(RP | TOR): Entering a tied game in the bottom of the sixth, Génesis Cabrera suffered his first blown save, letting an inherited runner score. He returned for the seventh, giving up a hit and was removed, but the runner scored, putting an earned run on his line, along with his first loss. 

Hierarchy remains (for now): Jordan Romano | Yimi García (HLR) | Erik Swanson

May 4, 2024

(RP | TOR): Called upon for a non-save outing, Jordan Romano allowed two hits, an earned run, and a walk while striking out one, finishing a three-run win over Washington. 

Analysis

Toronto Blue Jays – Making a non-save appearance, Jordan Romano issued a one-out walk and gave up a single, putting two runners on. With two outs, he allowed an RBI single by Luis García Jr. before inducing a game-ending lineout by Joey Meneses, closing out a three-run win. In his outing, Romano yielded two hits and an earned run, walking one with one strikeout on 25 pitches (60 Strike%) with three whiffs (12 SwStr%). He owns a 1.20 WHIP with six strikeouts through his first 6.2 innings. Trevor Richards worked a clean eighth, striking out one. Tim Mayza notched his fifth hold, stranding two runners and striking out his only batter in the seventh. Nate Pearson struggled, giving up a hit, an earned run, a hit batter, and a walk over one-third of the seventh.

Yimi García was unavailable with a tight back. 

Hierarchy remains (for now): Jordan Romano | Yimi García (HLR) | Erik Swanson

May 3, 2024

(RP | TOR): Another sideways outing for Erik Swanson. He suffered his second loss, and first blown save, allowing two hits, including a three-run, pinch-hit home run by Luis García Jr., and a walk without recording an out in the bottom of the seventh. He’s allowed at least a run in five of seven games this year, multiple runs in three, and owns a 2.80 WHIP through five innings.

Hierarchy remains (for now): Jordan Romano | Yimi García (HLR) | Erik Swanson

April 29, 2024

(RP | TOR): Closing out a one-run win, and securing his first save of the season, Nate Pearson navigated around two hits with a game-ending strikeout. 

Analysis

Toronto Blue Jays – Recording his first save of the season, and second of his career, Nate Pearson tossed a scoreless ninth, preserving a one-run win. He worked around a lead-off single by Maikel Garcia, and a two-out pinch-hit single by Salvador Perez with a game-ending strikeout of Michael Massey. He threw 16 pitches (11 strikes – 68.8 Strike%) and induced one whiff. Erik Swanson held on for his fourth hold, allowing a solo home run (Freddy Fermin), and striking out one in the eighth. Tim Mayza fired a clean seventh, striking out one for his fourth hold. Trevor Richards was credited with his third hold, giving up a solo home run and striking out one in the sixth. Génesis Cabrera collected his first win, stranding the bases-loaded in the fourth and logged 1.1 scoreless innings, yielding a hit while striking out two.

Although there will be no hierarchy change right now, keeping tabs on Swanson versus Pearson going forward. Since returning from the injured list, Swanson’s allowed at least a run in three of his five appearances. 

Hierarchy remains: Jordan Romano | Yimi García (HLR) | Erik Swanson

April 28, 2024

(RP | TOR): Save number four for Jordan Romano, firing a clean top of the ninth and striking out two against the Dodgers. 

Analysis

Toronto Blue Jays – Locking down his fourth save, Jordan Romano fired a clean top of the ninth, recording two strikeouts, and preserving a two-run win over the Dodgers. He threw 11 pitches (81.8 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (18.2 SwStr%) versus the 6-7-8 lineup pocket. He owns a 0.88 WHIP with five strikeouts against one walk through his first 5.2 innings. Tim Mayza stranded the bases-loaded, getting a long flyout by Max Muncy for his third hold. Yimi García was credited with his fourth hold but gave up a hit and two walks while striking out one over two-thirds of the eighth.

Hierarchy remains: Jordan Romano | Yimi García (HLR) | Erik Swanson

April 27, 2024

Toronto Blue Jays – Appearing with his team down by three against the Dodgers 9-1-2 pocket, Jordan Romano allowed a one-out single and issued Freddie Freeman a walk with two outs before his removal. Romano threw 19 pitches (8 strikes – 42.1 Strike%), displaying some rust since his last outing on April 22. Nate Pearson induced an inning-ending groundout by Will Smith, stranding both runners. Yimi García retired all four batters faced on 15 pitches (66.7 Strike%) and produced one whiff. He’s retired 27 of 28 batters faced with 11 strikeouts over his last eight games, spanning nine innings.

Hierarchy remains: Jordan Romano | Yimi García (HLR) | Erik Swanson

April 22, 2024

Toronto Blue Jays – Securing his third save, Jordan Romano served up a solo home run (Kyle Isbel) and recorded a strikeout while closing out a 5-3 win in Kansas City. He threw 15 pitches (11 strikes – 73.3 Strike%) and produced two whiffs (13.3 SwStr%). He’s converted all three save chances this season but allowed a run in two of four outings. Yimi García has his clean innings streak snapped, giving up a one-out single by Bobby Witt Jr., but extended his scoreless streak to 7.2 innings, recording 11 strikeouts against zero walks in them (0.13 WHIP). Erik Swanson notched his third hold, allowing a hit and striking out one during a scoreless seventh.

Hierarchy remains: Jordan Romano | Yimi García (HLR) | Erik Swanson

April 20, 2024

Toronto Blue Jays – Save number two for Jordan Romano. He closed out a three-run win in San Diego, firing a clean ninth and striking out one. He threw 11 pitches (63.6 Strike%) Through his first three games, he owns a 0.67 WHIP with two strikeouts and no walks over three innings. Erik Swanson had another outing filled with traffic. He allowed three hits, and an earned run while recording a strikeout in the eighth for his second hold. Yimi García stranded a runner and retired both batters he faced, notching his second hold. He’s retired 21 consecutive hitters since April 10 with 11 strikeouts over his last six appearances. Génesis Cabrera allowed a hit, an earned run, and a walk before being removed the contest.

Hierarchy remains: Jordan Romano | Yimi García (HLR) | Erik Swanson

April 19, 2024

Toronto Blue Jays – Operating as the “bulk follower”, Bowden Francis collected his second win, tossing two scoreless frames, allowing a hit and a walk while striking out two in San Diego. Tim Mayza turned in a clean seventh, striking out one. Yimi García fired a clean eighth, striking out the side on 19 pitches (68.4 Strike%) and generating three whiffs (15.8 SwStr%) facing the top of the Padres lineup. Jordan Romano closed out the four-run win with a scoreless ninth, giving up a two-out single by Ha-Seong Kim before a game-ending strikeout. He threw 17 pitches (11 strikes – 64.7 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (17.6 SwStr%).

Updated Hierarchy: Jordan Romano | Yimi García | Erik Swanson

April 17, 2024

Toronto Blue Jays – Incapable of stemming the tide, Tim Mayza suffered his first blown save, letting both inherited runners score, and an earned run on his ledger, allowing two hits, including a two-RBI single by Aaron Judge during his two-thirds of the ninth. Erik Swanson showed signs of rust, giving up three hits and three earned runs in one-third of the ninth, resulting in his first loss and first blown save during his season debut. Génesis Cabrera logged two innings for his second hold, yielding two hits and an earned run while striking out three. Trevor Richards tossed a clean sixth, striking out one for his second hold.

Hierarchy remains (for now): Jordan Romano | Erik Swanson | Yimi García

April 16, 2024

Toronto Blue Jays – Remaining true to his word, John Schneider placed Jordan Romano into a save situation in his first game back from the injured list. Romano did allow a run, hitting Gleyber Torres with a pitch after recording an out and giving up an RBI double by Alex Verdugo. After a mound visit, he retired the next two batters on groundouts, preserving a one-run win. He threw 11 pitches (81.8 Strike%) and induced one whiff. Yimi García worked a clean eighth for his first hold. Trevor Richards gave up a hit, two earned runs, and a walk while striking out one in the seventh.

Updated hierarchy: Jordan Romano | Erik Swanson | Yimi García

April 15, 2024

Toronto Blue Jays – Recording his second save, Yimi García fired a clean top of the ninth while facing the Yankees’ 2-3-4 lineup pocket. He threw nine pitches (66.7 Strike%) without a whiff. He owns a minuscule 0.39 WHIP with 11 strikeouts versus one walk through his first 7.2 innings. Chad Green notched his second hold, tossing a clean eighth and striking out one. Tim Mayza retired both batters faced in the seventh, securing his second hold.

Adjusted hierarchy: *Chad Green | *Yimi García (HLR) | Tim Mayza

*= closer-by-committee

April 13, 2024

Toronto Blue Jays – Nailing down his first save of the season, Yimi García fired a clean ninth, striking out the side while preserving a two-run win over Colorado. He threw 12 pitches (83.3 Strike%) and generated six whiffs (50 SwStr%). He owns a 0.47 WHIP with 10 strikeouts versus one walk over 6.1 innings. Chad Green secured his first hold, retiring the side in order during the eighth, striking out two. Tim Mayza worked a clean seventh, striking out one for his first hold. Bowden Francis collected his first win, allowing three hits, two earned runs, and two walks while striking out three over 2.1 innings as the “follower”.

Adjusted hierarchy: *Chad Green | *Yimi García | Génesis Cabrera

*= closer-by-committee

April 10, 2024

Toronto Blue Jays – Taking over in the tenth, Tim Mayza suffered his first loss, allowing a hit, four runs (three earned), and two walks while recording one out. Mitch White gave up two hits, and an earned run while recording two strikeouts over his two-thirds of the tenth. Yimi Garcia fired two clean frames, striking out four, but did not factor in the decision. He threw 21 pitches (71.4 Strike%) and generated six whiffs (28.6 SwStr%). Nate Pearson worked a scoreless seventh, walking one.

Current hierarchy: Chad Green | Yimi García | Génesis Cabrera

April 9, 2024

Toronto Blue Jays – Hanging on for his second save, Chad Green worked around a one-out walk with a game-ending double play, capping a two-run win over Seattle. He logged 1.1 scoreless innings, walking one and striking out one on 25 pitches (64 Strike%) while inducing two whiffs. His window as the preferred save share may lapse soon, but he will be a valued leverage option moving forward. Trevor Richards allowed a two-run home run (Mitch Haniger), and a walk, with one strikeout during a combined inning of relief.

Current hierarchy: Chad Green | Yimi García | Génesis Cabrera

Toronto Blue Jays – In a follow-up on rehabbing relievers, Scott Mitchell of TSN Sports reported on “X” both Erik Swanson and Jordan Romano will pitch on Thursday for Buffalo and each should be active soon after if all goes well. This would reset the leverage ladder. 

Projected hierarchy (*once they return): Jordan Romano | Erik Swanson | Yimi García (HLR)

April 8, 2024

Toronto Blue Jays – Taking over with a four-run lead in a non-save appearance, Chad Green allowed two hits, including a solo home run by Cal Raleigh, and recorded two strikeouts in the ninth during an eventual three-run win. He threw 23 pitches (15 strikes – 65.2 Strike%) and induced three whiffs (13 SwStr%). Yimi García worked 1.1 innings, stranding a runner in the seventh, served up a solo home run (J.P. Crawford) in the eighth, walked one, and registered two strikeouts. 

Hierarchy remains: Chad Green | Yimi García (HLR) | Génesis Cabrera

April 5, 2025

Toronto Blue Jays – Recording his first save since May 2, 2022, Chad Green closed out his former team while navigating around two hits for a scoreless ninth, preserving a shutout win. He threw 12 pitches (75 Strike%) and induced one whiff. He’s logged three outings this year, posting a 1.50 WHIP with one strikeout over 3.1 innings. Trevor Richards fired 1.1 clean frames and recorded three strikeouts for his first hold. Génesis Cabrera secured his first hold, walking one during two-thirds scoreless in the seventh. Yimi García collected his first win, retiring both batters faced in the sixth, one via strikeout.

Updated Hierarchy: Chad Green | Yimi García (HLR) | Génesis Cabrera

April 2, 2024

Toronto Blue Jays – Collecting his first win in a very strange contest, Chad Green took over in the eighth with two runners on, but the inning ended when Jose Altuve was picked off at third. Following a go-ahead two-run home run, Green returned for the ninth, with a runner reaching on an error, the pinch-runner was thrown out during a steal attempt after falling, then he recorded the last two outs. All told, he logged 1.1 scoreless innings while striking out one throwing 23 pitches (12 strikes – 52.1 Strike%) with three whiffs. Tim Mayza walked one during two-thirds scoreless in the eighth. Yimi García tossed a scoreless seventh, allowing a hit and striking out one.

March 27, 2024

Toronto Blue Jays – After dancing around the subject, the Blue Jays will place the top two relievers in their leverage ladder on the injured list, making them unavailable for Opening Day, reported on “X” by Shi Davidi. Jordan Romano (elbow inflammation) and Erik Swanson (forearm tightness) will continue their throwing regimens and hope they can throw off a mound next week. However, a timetable for their returns has not been shared by the team. 

March 25, 2024

Toronto Blue Jays – Although there’s no confirmation in this tweet by Shi Davidi on “X”, manager John Scheider acknowledges “it’s reasonable to say Jordan Romano and Erik Swanson will begin the season on the IL”. Hopefully more news emerges, but if the do not throw bullpens until next week, it’s time the hierarchy shifts ahead of Opening Day. 

March 24, 2024

Toronto Blue Jays – During a shutout loss, Yimi García tossed a scoreless eighth, giving up a hit and striking out two. He threw 13 pitches (9 strikes – 69.2 Strike%) producing three whiffs (23.1 SwStr%). Following eight outings this spring, he owns a 0.67 WHIP with nine strikeouts versus two walks. Génesis Cabrera navigated around a hit and a walk while striking out one in the eighth. Chad Green turned in his best spring outing, striking out the side in the seventh on 14 pitches (71.4 Strike%) and inducing seven whiffs (50 SwStr%). He’s made eight appearances this spring, posting a 1.57 WHIP with 11 strikeouts and one walk over 7.2 innings.

March 24, 2024

Toronto Blue Jays – Two different posts provided a bit more insight on the runways for a return by Opening Day for Jordan Romano and Erik Swanson. First, in this post, it confirms Swanson threw on Thursday and Friday, but Romano will throw today (Sunday, March 24) not yesterday as previously reported. Later on Saturday, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet, wrote “there likely isn’t enough runway” for the two relievers being ready for Opening Day in his final roster calls column. While awaiting official word from the team, who may not make any moves before camp breaks, the anticipated hierarchy shift would be a committee approach: 

*Yimi García | *Chad Green | *Tim Mayza

March 23, 2024

Toronto Blue Jays – It’s behind a paywall, so the quotes will be brief, however, Kaitlyn McGrath provided updates in her Five questions for the Blue Jays on two key relievers. Erik Swanson played catch on Thursday and Friday while Jordan Romano will throw today (March 23). Because of the timeline, both relievers status for Opening Day remain in question. She also mentioned five relievers who could receive save chances, but it’s purely speculation. 

March 21, 2024

Toronto Blue Jays – Courtesy of this tweet by Arden Zwelling on “X”, Erik Swanson played catch on Thursday, reporting he felt good after. Jordan Romano will rest for one or two more days before throwing again. Biggest part of the report, the team will decide by Monday on each reliever’s status for Opening Day. 

March 19, 2024

Toronto Blue Jays – In a less than ideal tweet regarding two separate injuries affecting the Blue Jays high-leverage ladder, Keegan Matheson shared Jordan Romano has right elbow inflammation and Erik Swanso n has right forearm tightness. Per Matheson, both relievers had clean MRIs. Hazel Mae reported Romano will not throw for three days then “ramp back up“. She also shared Swanson will rest for a day or two, then resume throwing. For now it’s not time for panic, but any setbacks would cloud their respective availability for Opening Day. If anything happens, the adjusted hierarchy would be Yimi García, then Chad Green, and Tim Mayza in a potentially match-up based approach. 

In a follow-up injuries update column by Matheson for MLB.com, he mentioned García and Green as candidates for save chances if Romano misses time at the onset of the season. It’s too soon for a hierarchy reset, though the news about Swanson appears more concerning. 

During game action on Tuesday, recent news makes the outings by these two relievers potentially more interesting. Yimi García fired a clean top of the fifth, recording two strikeouts. He threw 11 pitches (63.6 Strike%) and induced three whiffs (27.3 SwStr%). Through his seven spring outings, he owns a 0.63 WHIP with seven strikeouts against two walks. Chad Green worked the sixth, allowing a solo home run. He’s had a rough March (7 ER in 4.2 IP) but would be a high-leverage option if his teammates miss time this season. 

August 29, 2023
Toronto Blue Jays – As predicted by the Vulture Save Watch, Jordan Romano did not appear Monday after throwing 36 pitches Sunday, leaving Jordan Hicks there to earn his fourth save since being traded to Toronto.

Hierarchy remains: Romano | Hicks | Garcia.

August 28, 2023
Toronto Blue Jays – Erik Swanson was placed on the injured list with thoracic spine inflammation. Expect Yimi Garcia and maybe Tim Mayza to vie for saves when the Jordans (Romano and Hicks) aren’t available. 

Updated hierarchy: Romano | Hicks | Garcia.

August 21, 2023
Toronto Blue Jays – With a 7 run lead the Blue Jays gave the ball to Bowen Francis in the 7th inning. He stuck around for 8 and 9 as well to earn his first career save. Francis has put together a solid season for Toronto, but has mostly been used in long relief. 

Hierarchy remains: Romano | Hicks | Swanson.

August 16, 2023
Toronto Blue Jays – Jordan Romano was activated from the IL on Tuesday and immediately returned to the closer’s role, striking out two in a perfect ninth inning to seal a 2-1 victory.

Updated hierarchy: Romano | Hicks | Swanson.

August 6, 2023
Toronto Blue Jays – A day after Jordan Hicks picked up his first save as a Blue Jay, Toronto went back to Erik Swanson.  Swanson gave up a run but benefited from the Red Sox getting doubled up off second base on a flyout to end the game.   It appears to be a true committee while Jordan Romano is out but we will see if Hicks or Swanson can get a leg up.

Hierarchy remains: *Hicks | Swanson | Garcia.
*=closer-by-committee

August 3, 2023
Toronto Blue Jays – Erik Swanson earned the first save for the Blue Jays in the Jordan Hicks era, but it comes with the caveat that Hicks faced the heart of Baltimore’s order in the eighth. No swap to this hierarchy yet, but we’ll keep an eye on it.

Hierarchy remains: *Hicks | Swanson | Garcia.
*=closer-by-committee

July 31, 2023
Toronto Blue Jays – The Blue Jays bolstered their bullpen on Sunday picking up Jordan Hicks from the St. Louis Cardinals. Hicks will take his 100+ MPH fastball north of the border and is likely to be the first choice for Toronto as long as Jordan Romano is out. We do think Romano will return to the closers spot when he is off the IL, so this move is probably a hit to Hicks’ long term value, but he may work his way into a committee if he can string together some solid performances early. 

Updated hierarchy: *Hicks | Swanson | Garcia.
*=closer-by-committee

July 30, 2023
Toronto Blue Jays – The Blue Jays acquired Jordan Hicks from the Cardinals.  Hicks was one of the best relief arms on the market and we will slide him to the top of this committee while Romano is out.

Updated hierarchy: Hicks | Swanson | Garcia.
*=closer-by-committee

July 30, 2023
Toronto Blue Jays – The Blue Jays placed All-star closer Jordan Romano on the IL with back inflammation.   The Blue Jays will mix and match while Romano is out but Erik Swanson and Yimi Garcia will likely be primary sources for saves while Romano is out.

Updated hierarchy: Swanson | Garcia | Mayza.
*=closer-by-committee

July 29, 2023
Toronto Blue Jays – Jordan Romano will need an IL stint after his back locked up during Friday’s game. Look for Erik Swanson and Yimi Garcia to be the best options for saves in his absence.

Updated hierarchy: Swanson | Garcia | Mayza.

July 29, 2023
Toronto Blue Jays – Jordan Romano had faced five hitters in the 9th on Friday — retiring two and allowing three of them to reach — when his back “locked up,” per John Schneider. Yimi Garcia recorded the game’s final out and earned his third save, though Romano’s removal is obviously the real news here. If he needs an IL stint, expect an alert.

Updated hierarchy: Romano | Swanson | Garcia.

July 22, 2023
Toronto Blue Jays — The Blue Jays acquired recently DFA’d Cardinal Genesis Cabrera in a trade yesterday. Just like the Cardinals, Cabrera has been struggling throughout the year. He has kept his K-rate high, but has been getting hit hard when batters do make contact so maybe a change of scenery will do wonders for him. He is nowhere near ready to crack the hierarchy in Toronto, but could be a holds option if he can turn his season around. 

Hierarchy remains: Romano | Swanson | Garcia.

July 21, 2023
Toronto Blue Jays — Jordan Romano returned to the mound Thursday for his first outing since exiting the All-Star Game with back tightness. He pitched a scoreless ninth in a non-save situation, allowing a hit but recording the final three outs on just nine pitches. So apparently all is well in Toronto’s bullpen?

Hierarchy remains: Romano | Swanson | Garcia.

July 17, 2023
Toronto Blue Jays — Jordan Romano was still out, resting his ailing back, which left Sunday’s save for Erik Swanson. Romano and the Blue Jays expect the closer to be available for Tuesday.

Hierarchy remains: Romano | Swanson | Garcia.

July 16, 2023
Toronto Blue Jays — Jordan Romano was unavailable yesterday and is considered day-to-day.  With the top of the order due up in the 8th inning and the Blue Jays clinging to a 3-2 lead, Erik Swanson got the call and pitched a scoreless inning.  After the Blue Jays added a couple insurance runs, Yimi Garcia got the 9th inning and also pitched a scoreless inning to pick up his second save of the season.  Swanson and Garcia are both options to close if Romano misses more time.

Updated hierarchy: Romano | Swanson | Garcia.

July 15, 2023
Toronto Blue Jays — Jordan Romano was removed from the all star game after only 5 pitches, but he threw a side session yesterday, and is reportedly doing much better than expected. Romano may still get a couple days off here, but it seems that he dodged a possible IL stint, which is great news for the Blue Jays who are in the middle of the playoff hunt. 

Hierarchy remains: Romano | Swanson | Mayza.

July 7, 2023
Toronto Blue Jays — The Blue Jays recorded two saves on Thursday, but none came from a member of their hierarchy. After Jordan Romano blew a save in game one of the doubleheader, Yimi Garcia got the final two outs of the 11th inning to preserve a 6-2 win. In the nightcap, Nate Pearson was the last reliever standing to earn his first MLB save.

Hierarchy remains: Romano | Swanson | Mayza.

June 22, 2023
Toronto Blue Jays — Trevor Richards was called on with a three-run lead in the eighth on Wednesday, but he’s the Jays’ fifth starter when they need one. Tim Mayza and Erik Swanson should see the bulk of the late-inning holds ahead of Jordan Romano

Updated hierarchy: Romano | Swanson | Mayza.

June 4, 2023
Toronto Blue Jays – Jordan Romano got the day off asfter pitching in two straight, and that left Erik Swanson for the save chance yesterday.  Swanson pitched a scoreless inning for his first save of the season and should continue to be the back up for Romano when he is unavailable. 

Hierarchy remains: Romano | Swanson | Garcia.

April 25, 2023
Toronto Blue Jays – Adam Cimber was placed on the IL with a right rhomboid strain; look for Yimi Garcia’s hold chances to increase over the next couple weeks.

Updated hierarchy: Romano | Swanson | Garcia.

April 10, 2023
Toronto Blue Jays – Tim Mayza picked up a 10th inning save, closing out a wild 12-11 victory over the Angels. The rest of the Toronto hierarchy had already appeared.

Hierarchy remains: Romano | Swanson | Cimber.

April 7, 2023
Toronto Blue Jays — The Vulture Save Watch correctly projected an off day Thursday for Jordan Romano, but it was Adam Cimber, not Yimi Garcia, who scored the save. Garcia had the last two outs of the eighth, leaving Cimber to pitch a 1-2-3 ninth. We’ll move Cimber into our hierarchy given this usage.

Updated hierarchy: Romano | Swanson | Cimber

March 13, 2023
Toronto Blue Jays — In a division full of bullpen changes, Toronto is a model of consistency, with Jordan Romano likely to hold the closer’s job again after leading the Jays in saves in 2021 and 2022. But the Blue Jays didn’t just stand pat in the ‘pen, dealing slugger Teoscar Hernandez to land reliever Erik Swanson, who had a 1.68 ERA and a 0.91 WHIP with Seattle in 2022. Swanson should be the primary setup man in a bullpen full of late-inning options.

Starting 2023 hierarchy: Romano | Swanson | Garcia.
Holds candidates: Swanson, Yimi Garcia, Adam Cimber, Tim Mayza, Anthony Bass.

October 4, 2022
Toronto Blue Jays – Tim Mayza pitched the 7th inning with the Blue Jays up by three runs, and then ended up being credited with the save when the game was rained out in the 8th.

Hierarchy remains: Romano | Garcia | Bass.

October 1, 2022
Toronto Blue Jays — With the Blue Jays holding an 8 run lead, they gave the ball to Yusei Kikuchi for the 7th inning, and he stuck around for the 8th and 9th to earn a 3 inning save. his first career save. Kikuchi has been used primarily in long relief for the past couple months and doesn’t normally figure into the late inning plans. Although they cannot catch the Yankees for the division lead, the Blue Jays do have a lot to play for over the last few games, as the higher seeded team in the wild card round will host all 3 games of the wild card series, so we expect the Jays to continue to use their best bullpen arms. 

Hierarchy remains: Romano | Garcia | Bass.

September 11, 2022
Toronto Blue Jays — Tim Mayza come on in the 8th inning yesterday with the Blue Jays up four runs,  but since the tying run was on deck, it was a save situation.  Mayza got Corey Seager to ground out to end the 8th and then came back out and fired a scoreless 9th inning to record the save.  Mayza has been solid this year, but he’s still behind Yimi Garcia and Anthony Bass.

Hierarchy remains: Romano | Garcia | Bass.

August 21, 2022
Toronto Blue Jays — Jordan Romano got the day off after pitching two in a row.  Yimi Garcia, who has been great the past couple months, pitched a scoreless 9th inning for his first save of the season.  Anthony Bass pitched a scoreless 7th inning.  We will swap these two behind closer Jordan Romano as it appears Garcia is the preferred handcuff at this time. 

Updated hierarchy: Romano | Garcia | Bass.

August 3, 2022
Toronto Blue Jays — The Blue Jays added a familiar face to their roster when they traded for Anthony Bass, who pitched for the club in 2020 when they were based in Buffalo. We expect Bass to be one of the main setup men for closer Jordan Romano.

Updated hierarchy: Romano | Bass | Garcia.

July 1, 2022
Toronto Blue Jays — If you read the Vulture Save Watch you were prepared for Adam Cimber to earn his fourth save of the season in a 4-1 win over Tampa Bay.

Hierarchy remains: Romano | Cimber | Mayza.

June 16, 2022
Toronto Blue Jays — Tim Mayza is back from the IL and getting high-leverage outs again for the Blue Jays; last night, he got out of the eighth after Yimi Garcia had coughed up a three-run lead.

Updated hierarchy: Romano | Cimber | Mayza.

May 30, 2022
Toronto Blue Jays – The Jays didn’t have Jordan Romano available on Sunday — he had gone in three straight games — so veteran David Phelps got the call, closing out a wild 11-10 ballgame with a scoreless 9th inning. We’ll see if the 35-year-old gets more high leverage spots as a result before we put on the hierarchy, but he’s had a solid season thus far (2.41 ERA across 18.2 IP).

Hierarchy remains: Romano | Cimber | Garcia.

May 29, 2022
Toronto Blue Jays – The Blue Jays used Jordan Romano for the third straight day for the first time all season and it did not go well.  Romano loaded the bases with two outs after already allowing a run to score to cut the Blue Jays lead to 1.  Ross Stripling replaced Romano and he was able to get Andrew Velazquez to ground out to end the game and pick up his first save of the season.

Hierarchy remains: Romano | Cimber | Garcia.

May 18, 2022
Toronto Blue Jays – Adam Cimber pitched a perfect ninth inning for his second save in as many days. Jordan Romano remains day-to-day as he tries to recover from a non-COVID illness.

Hierarchy remains: Romano | Cimber | Garcia.

May 17, 2022
Toronto Blue Jays – Adam Cimber picked up a 2-out save, getting the Jays out of a jam after Ross Stripling ran into a bit of trouble to start the inning. With Tim Mayza headed to the IL, Cimber becomes even more important to the Toronto bullpen.

Updated hierarchy: Romano | Cimber | Garcia.

May 15, 2022
Toronto Blue Jays – Tim Mayza picked up the win yesterday with a scoreless 7th inning while Adam Cimber pitched a scoreless 8th and Jordan Romano pitched a scoreless 9th in a four-run victory.  Yimi Garcia was used before all three and that is the third game in the row where that has happened.  Mayza and Cimber have been swapping who gets the 8th inning and based on recent usage, it appears both are ahead of Garcia at this point.

Updated hierarchy: Romano | Mayza | Cimber.

May 2, 2022
Toronto Blue Jays – Tim Mayza earned his 5th hold of the season on Sunday, pitching a clean 8th ahead of Jordan Romano. Mayza and Adam Cimber continue to share a bridge role ahead of Romano and Yimi Garcia in this strong bullpen.

Updated hierarchy: Romano | Garcia | Mayza.

May 2, 2022
Toronto Blue Jays – Tim Mayza earned his 5th hold of the season on Sunday, pitching a clean 8th ahead of Jordan Romano. Mayza and Adam Cimber continue to share a bridge role ahead of Romano and Yimi Garcia in this strong bullpen.

Updated hierarchy: Romano | Garcia | Mayza.

April 24, 2022
Toronto Blue Jays – The Vulture Save Watch correctly predicted that Jordan Romano would get yesterday off but unfortunately it couldn’t predict that Yimi Garcia would be needed in the 8th inning to face the 3-4-5 hitters.  Garcia pitched a perfect inning with two strikeouts, and that left Adam Cimber for the 9th inning.  Cimber pitched a scoreless inning to pick up his first save of the season.  We still think Garcia is the better handcuff but Cimber will be in the mix for saves when Romano is unavailable.

Hierarchy remains: Romano | Garcia | Cimber

April 10, 2022
Toronto Blue Jays – Yimi Garcia has picked up an 8th inning hold and a 7th inning hold ahead of two Jordan Romano saves to start the season and it looks like he will be an important piece setting up Romano this year.

Updated hierarchy: Romano | Garcia | Cimber

April 4, 2022
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

March 23, 2022
Toronto Blue Jays — The Blue Jays will have some familiar faces back in the bullpen for 2022. We expect Jordan Romano to start the year as the team’s closer, with Trevor Richards and Adam Cimber as the primary setup men. The Jays also added Yimi Garcia and he’ll likely get some looks in the late innings as well.

Starting 2022 hierarchy: Romano | Richards | Cimber.
Holds candidates: Richards, Cimber, Yimi Garcia.

September 22, 2021
Toronto Blue Jays – The Blue Jays’ top relievers have been a big part of the team’s September surge, and that includes Trevor Richards, who earned his third hold in four days with a scoreless eighth inning in Tuesday’s win. Richards and the three hierarchy members have combined to allow just five runs this month

Hierarchy remains: Romano | Cimber | Mayza.

August 30, 2021
Toronto Blue Jays – Tim Mayza picked up his first career save on Sunday, recording four outs in Toronto’s one-run victory; Jordan Romano pitched 2 innings Saturday and was given the day off. Mayza is on quite a run, having allowed just 5 earned runs in his last 31 appearances.

Updated hierarchy: Romano | Cimber | Mayza.

August 26, 2021
Toronto Blue Jays — Joakim Soria was activated from the IL, but didn’t pitch on Wednesday. We’ll keep an eye on his usage going forward to see if he can crack the hierarchy again.

Hierarchy remains: *Romano | Cimber | Hand.
*=closer-by-committee

August 19, 2021
Toronto Blue Jays — Toronto has a Brad Hand problem. The lefty surrendered a walk-off walk last Friday, and yesterday he gave up a seventh-inning lead with three runs allowed to his old crew from Washington. Opponents are hitting over 100 points better against Hand since the trade, and he’s given up three home runs in only six innings. We won’t take Hand out of the hierarchy until it’s clear that the Jays have, but we can’t see him getting a shot at a save opportunity anytime soon either.

Updated hierarchy: *Romano | Cimber | Hand.
*=closer-by-committee

August 6, 2021
Toronto Blue Jays — Jordan Romano did get Thursday off, as called by the Vulture Save Watch, but the save opportunity did not go to Brad Hand (he was also off). It instead was given to Adam Cimber, who converted for his first Blue Jays save. Rafael Dolis has pitched better as of late after a rough stretch, but Cimber’s save shows he might have some staying power in this hierarchy. 

Updated hierarchy: *Romano | Hand | Cimber.
*=closer-by-committee

August 5, 2021
Toronto Blue Jays — Newly arrived Joakim Soria is headed to the injured list with inflammation in a finger. Rafael Dolis, recovered from his own June bout with a finger strain, returns to the hierarchy.

Updated hierarchy: *Romano | Hand | Dolis.
*=closer-by-committee

July 31, 2021
Toronto Blue Jays — The Blue Jays acquired Joakim Soria, to go along with Brad Hand, giving them a formidable battery of arms for the 7th, 8th and 9th innings. Hand came in to protect a four run lead last night and gave up an unearned run making it a save chance for Jordan Romano. He also gave up a run but got the job done for his 9th save of the year. Romano has had a pretty awful run as of late, giving up runs in four of his last seven appearances, but last night was enough to earn him top of the committee status for now. 

Updated hierarchy: *Romano | Hand | Soria.
*=closer-by-committee

July 30, 2021
Toronto Blue Jays — Joakim Soria is coming to Toronto to further bolster the bullpen; he should slot in behind Brad Hand and Jordan Romano and handle the seventh inning.

Updated hierarchy: Hand | Romano | Soria.

July 30, 2021
Toronto Blue Jays — The Blue Jays have been seeking bullpen upgrades all season, and Thursday they landed Brad Hand. Jordan Romano has been very good in the closer role this season, but he might fill more of the relief ace role moving forward, with Hand taking over the ninth inning, for now. 

Updated hierarchy: Hand | Romano | Mayza.

July 29, 2021
Toronto Blue Jays – The Blue Jays have acquired Nationals closer Brad Hand, who should take over the ninth inning for his new club.

Updated hierarchy: Hand | Romano | Mayza.

July 7, 2021
Toronto Blue Jays – The Blue Jays have acquired reliever Trevor Richards from the Milwaukee Brewers. They gave up an intriguing bat (Rowdy Tellez) to get him, so they clearly like the pitcher. He’ll join a bullpen corps that has been ravaged by injuries. Speaking of, Rafael Dolis recently returned from the IL, but he allowed three runs in one-third of an inning on Sunday to send his ERA north of 6.00. Eek.

Hierarchy remains: Romano | Mayza | Cimber.

July 4, 2021
Toronto Blue Jays — Adam Cimber got the win yesterday as he got the last out of the 6th inning with the game tied.  Cimber ended up with a scoreless inning of work in the Blue Jays win ahead of Tim Mayza and closer Jordan Romano and the recently acquired reliever should continue to see time in the later innings.

Updated hierarchy: Romano | Mayza | Cimber.

July 3, 2021
Toronto Blue Jays — The Blue Jays bullpen suffered yet another injury when Tyler Chatwood hit the IL. Chatwood’s neck strain may have contributed to the five runs he allowed in his last two appearances. Behind Jordan Romano, the Jays are looking pretty thin, so recently recalled Anthony Castro joins the hierarchy, at least until Rafael Dolis returns from his rehab assignment.

Updated hierarchy: Romano | Mayza | Castro.

July 2, 2021
Toronto Blue Jays – The Blue Jays could soon get more bullpen reinforcements. Rafael Dolis will join Triple-A Buffalo on a rehab assignment on Friday. 

Hierarchy remains: Romano | Chatwood | Mayza.

June 30, 2021
Toronto Blue Jays – Toronto traded for Adam Cimber on Tuesday and might join the team as early as Wednesday. Charlie Montoyo said that Cimber will get a chance to pitch in high-leverage spots. We’ll see what exactly that entails before adding Cimber to this hierarchy.

Hierarchy remains: Romano | Chatwood | Mayza.

June 28, 2021
Toronto Blue Jays – Jordan Romano got the clear save opportunity yesterday and converted to run his scoreless appearance streak to 15 games. He has consistently been getting the save chances for the Blue Jays, with the only one recently that he didn’t get was when he was being rested after a 28 pitch outing. He has clearly taken the reins in Toronto, and it’s time to kick the asterisk. 

Hierarchy remains: Romano | Chatwood | Mayza.

June 22, 2021
Toronto Blue Jays – With more than half of their projected opening day bullpen on the IL, the Blue Jays have made a couple moves in recent days in the hopes of holding things together. The more relevant, but less interesting, acquisition was Jacob Barnes, who struggled early in the season for the Mets but had a decent run of competence for the Brewers earlier in his career and could potentially crack the hierarchy if he starts off well in Toronto. But the move that made the Monkeys happy was the minor league contract they just gave to John Axford — now 38 and with a greying (whiting, even) beard — who popped up earlier this year when he pitched for the Canadian team in Olympic qualifiers. Suffice it to say we’re cheering for him to make it back to the bigs.

Hierarchy remains: *Romano | Chatwood | Mayza.
* = closer-by-committee

June 21, 2021
Toronto Blue Jays – Tyler Chatwood collected his first save of the season on Sunday with a scoreless 9th inning. Jordan Romano had pitched 2 innings on Saturday so got the day off, but this bullpen remains relatively unsettled.

Hierarchy remains: *Romano | Chatwood | Mayza.
* = closer-by-committee

June 18, 2021
Toronto Blue Jays — Rafael Dolis was placed on the injured list Thursday with a finger strain. He left Wednesday’s game after just four pitches with “no sensation in his hand.” That doesn’t sound good. 

Updated hierarchy: *Romano | Chatwood | Mayza.
* = closer-by-committee

May 22, 2021
Toronto Blue Jays — The committee in Toronto continues to be murky, with Jordan Romano pitching the seventh inning of a tie game last night and Tyler Chatwood taking the ninth at home, where typically you would see a closer. Rafael Dolis was held out of the game after his long outing on Thursday. It’s safe to say that the closer spot is wide open for the Blue Jays, and whoever converts the next save might just run away with the job. We will be monitoring the situation closely, and Dolis being rested will likely give him an inside track if a save chance comes today. 

Hierarchy remains: *Romano | Dolis | Chatwood.
* = closer-by-committee

May 21, 2021
Toronto Blue Jays — The way things were shaping up for Toronto on Thursday night, it looked as if there would be a committee leader change for the Blue Jays. Jordan Romano pitched a scoreless eighth inning ahead of Rafael Dolis, but Dolis ran into trouble in the ninth. He allowed two singles, threw a wild pitch, gave up an RBI groundout and then blew the save when he allowed a two-run homer to J.D. Martinez. Dolis’s ERA is now at 5.52, so we’re going to speculate the next save chance goes to Romano. 

Hierarchy remains: *Romano | Dolis | Chatwood.
* = closer-by-committee

May 19, 2021
Toronto Blue Jays — Rafael Dolis returned from the IL on Tuesday and got the final three outs in an 8-0 win over the Red Sox. Charlie Montoyo said that he’ll use Dolis anywhere from the sixth inning to the ninth inning. We’ll keep Jordan Romano at the top of this committee for now, but don’t be surprised to see Dolis get the next save chance.

Updated hierarchy: *Romano | Dolis | Chatwood.
* = closer-by-committee

May 13, 2021
Toronto Blue Jays — Jordan Romano indeed got Wednesday off, but Tyler Chatwood was kept in the eighth inning, allowing A.J. Cole, fresh off the bus from AAA, to pick up his first save of the year. Since Cole was the choice over the rest of Toronto’s bullpen, we’ll slot him in at second in line for now.

Updated hierarchy: *Romano | Chatwood | Cole.
* = closer-by-committee

May 10, 2021
Toronto Blue Jays – As mentioned yesterday, Rafael Dolis will indeed need an IL stint. Jordan Romano remains the favorite for saves in this beleaguered bullpen.

Updated hierarchy: *Romano | Chatwood | Mayza.
* = closer-by-committee

May 9, 2021
Toronto Blue Jays — The Blue Jays received the results of Rafael Dolis’ MRI and it showed a grade 1 calf strain.  Dolis has not been placed on the IL yet, but there is speculation that he could be added to the IL today when the Blue Jays have to make a roster move.  Romano should continue to be the favorite for saves while Dolis is out. 

Hierarchy remains: *Romano | Dolis | Chatwood.
* = closer-by-committee

May 8, 2021
Toronto Blue Jays — Rafael Dolis left Friday’s game with tightness in his right calf, and will have an MRI Saturday morning to determine whether he’ll need a stint on the IL. Dolis had been pushing Jordan Romano at the top of Toronto’s closer committee, and hopefully this will be only a minor setback.

Hierarchy remains: *Romano | Dolis | Chatwood.
* = closer-by-committee

May 6, 2021
Toronto Blue Jays — As the ancient Chinese parable foretold, those of you lucky enough to grab Julian Merryweather a month ago soon saw a turnabout when he hit the injured list. On Wednesday, he was transferred to the 60-day IL, meaning he can’t return until mid-June at the earliest. Hopefully you can turn his roster spot into a wild horse, or something equally useful.

Hierarchy remains: *Romano | Dolis | Chatwood.
* = closer-by-committee

May 3, 2021
Toronto Blue Jays – Rafael Dolis got the final out of a 5-run game, but since the bases were loaded when he entered, that was good enough for his third save of the season. This continues to look like a committee.

Hierarchy remains: *Romano | Dolis | Chatwood.
* = closer-by-committee

May 2, 2021
Toronto Blue Jays — Jordan Romano pitched a scoreless 10th inning to pick up the win yesterday.  Romano has strung together three straight scoreless appearances after struggling in his first appearance off the IL.  However, it was Rafael Dolis who pitched a scoreless top of the 9th inning of a tie game, which is usually where a team will use its closer.  We will hold off on making a switch at this point, but if Dolis gets the next save. he could move to the top of this committee.  One switch we will make is to move Tyler Chatwood onto the hierarchy.  Chatwood pitched a scoreless 8th inning with a pair of strikeouts yesterday and has yet to allow an earned run this season.

Updated hierarchy: *Romano | Dolis | Chatwood.
* = closer-by-committee

April 26, 2021
Toronto Blue Jays — Jordan Romano’s first appearance after his IL activation on Saturday was a rather forgettable one, and either due to his wildness or not wanting to use him twice in a row right out of the gate, the Jays went with Rafael Dolis for the 9th inning on Sunday. Dolis converted for his second save; this remains a committee.

Hierarchy remains: *Romano | Dolis | Mayza.
* = closer-by-committee

April 25, 2021
Toronto Blue Jays — The Blue Jays activated Jordan Romano from the IL and immediately threw him into a high-leverage situation.  Romano came on for the bottom of the 8th of a tie game, but ended up with the loss after allowing a couple of walks and only getting one out.  Even with the rough first outing back, we will move Romano back to the head of the committee and he and Rafael Dolis should see the majority of save chances for the Blue Jays.

Updated hierarchy: *Romano | Dolis | Mayza.
* = closer-by-committee

April 23, 2021
Toronto Blue Jays — Jordan Romano could be activated from the injured list as soon as Saturday, according to general manager Ross Adkins. The news isn’t as good for Julian Merryweather, who has been shut down for “a couple of weeks.”

Hierarchy remains: *Dolis | Mayza | Thornton.
* = closer-by-committee

April 22, 2021
Toronto Blue Jays — The Jays used Rafael Dolis to protect a two-run lead against the heart of the Boston order in the eighth inning on Wednesday, leaving Tim Mayza to pitch the ninth. To make things weird, though, Charlie Montoyo pulled Mayza for the last out and gave Anthony Castro his first save since April 2019 against the Bowie Baysox. The committee is going strong in Toronto.

Hierarchy remains: *Dolis | Mayza | Thornton.
* = closer-by-committee

April 16, 2021
Toronto Blue Jays – Jordan Romano has joined Julian Merryweather on the injured list. Look for Rafael Dolis to lead a beleaguered bullpen in the meantime. 

Updated hierarchy: *Dolis | Mayza | Thornton.
* = closer-by-committee

April 15, 2021
Toronto Blue Jays – The Jays again lost their committee leader to the IL, as Jordan Romano will miss time with right ulnar neuritis. Rafael Dolis is likely the first choice for saves now as Toronto will try to patchwork its way through the late innings. Tim Mayza and Trent Thornton could also figure in.

Updated hierarchy: *Dolis | Mayza | Thornton.
* = closer-by-committee

April 15, 2021
Toronto Blue Jays — As Toronto waits to see how serious Julian Merryweather’s left oblique strain will be, Rafael Dolis picked up a win after pitching the ninth in a tie game. Jordan Romano is likely to see any Thursday save chance.

Hierarchy remains: *Romano | Dolis | Mayza.
* = closer-by-committee

April 14, 2021
Toronto Blue Jays — Julian Merryweather has been placed on the IL with an oblique strain. Jordan Romano and Rafael Dolis should see the majority of save chances while Merryweather is out.

Updated hierarchy: *Romano | Dolis | Mayza.
* = closer-by-committee

April 14, 2021
Toronto Blue Jays — Julian Merryweather was forced to leave Tuesday’s game with left hip irritation after throwing just two pitches to close out the eighth. It’s unclear how much time Merryweather will miss, if any. Jordan Romano, whose eighth-inning struggles led to Merryweather’s entry into the game, and Rafael Dolis will be the next men up, especially with David Phelps also getting hurt yesterday.

Hierarchy remains: *Merryweather | Romano | Dolis.
* = closer-by-committee

April 11, 2021
Toronto Blue Jays — The Blue Jays crushed the Angels yesterday 15-1 and that allowed Tommy Milone to pitch the last three innings and pick up a save.  Milone was impressive, striking out six while only allowing one hit over those three innings, but he does not factor into the Blue Jays’ normal late-inning plans.  

Hierarchy remains: *Merryweather | Romano | Dolis.
* = closer-by-committee

April 9, 2021
Toronto Blue Jays — It wasn’t a save situation, but Julian Merryweather was used in a traditional situation for a team’s closer on Thursday, pitching scoreless ninth and 10th innings in a tie game Toronto eventually lost. Jordan Romano, meanwhile, entered the seventh inning to get his team out of a jam. He was charged with a blown save after allowing an inherited runner to score. We’ll need a little more evidence that Merryweather’s the guy before removing the asterisk. 

Hierarchy remains: *Merryweather | Romano | Dolis.
* = closer-by-committee

April 5, 2021
Toronto Blue Jays — Julian Merryweather dominated the Yankees, again, to earn his second save of the season on Sunday afternoon. Merryweather’s impressive outing came after Jordan Romano handled the top of the New York order in the eighth, suggesting that Romano might get the highest-leverage looks regardless of the inning. There are plenty of caveats — GM Ross Atkins spoke over the weekend of the team’s “open-minded approach” to closing games, and (due to injuries) Merryweather has thrown only 21 innings at all levels over the past four seasons. But as long as Merryweather is pitching like this, we think he has to be considered the favorite for saves.

Updated hierarchy: *Merryweather | Romano | Dolis.
* = closer-by-committee

April 2, 2021
Toronto Blue Jays — In a tie game on the road, the Blue Jays went with Tyler Chatwood, David Phelps, Rafael Dolis and Jordan Romano through nine innings. When the Jays took the lead in the 10th, Julian Merryweather did the honors, striking out the side for his first save. Romano was used in a traditional spot for a closer, but we’ll monitor Merryweather as his outing was terrific and he touches 99 mph with his fastball.

Hierarchy remains: *Romano | Dolis | Phelps.
* = closer-by-committee

March 24, 2021
Toronto Blue Jays – Kirby Yates is likely headed for Tommy John surgery, meaning the recent signing will miss the 2021 season. When asked today if he’d be ready to step into the closer role, Jordan Romano said, “I don’t need a set inning. I kind of like it when they spring it on me. Seventh, eighth, ninth — whatever they ask me to do, I’ll be ready.” For what it’s worth, manager Charlie Montoyo won’t name a closer, saying, “It could be anybody, any day.” Great. Well, we think Romano leads a group that also includes Rafael Dolis and offseason acquisitions David Phelps (5 IP, 10 Ks, 0 ER in the spring) and Tyler Chatwood (7 IP , 5 Ks, 0 ER in the spring).

Updated hierarchy: *Romano | Dolis | Phelps.
* = closer-by-committee

March 3, 2021
Toronto Blue Jays — Toronto is looking to contend in 2021, and they made a splash by signing Kirby Yates to be the team’s closer. Yates is coming off a rough, brief 2020 (6 games, 2 saves, 12.46 ERA, 2.54 WHIP) and is looking to re-establish himself as a top closer. Rafael Dolis and Jordan Romano return to give the team some late-inning depth.

Starting 2021 hierarchy: Yates | Dolis | Romano.
Holds candidates: Dolis, Romano, Tyler Chatwood, Ryan Borucki.

September 27, 2020
Toronto Blue Jays — Anthony Bass recorded the last four outs of the Blue Jays victory to pick up his 7th save of the season.

Hierarchy remains: *Bass | Dolis | Cole.
* = closer-by-committee

September 25, 2020
Toronto Blue Jays — Rafael Dolis returned from injury Thursday to record four outs and collect his fifth save. Anthony Bass faced the 2-3-4 hitters in the eighth inning, so we’re likely looking at a committee involving those two this weekend. Bass and Dolis could be competing to see not only who handles the closer’s role in the playoffs but next season as well, with impending free agent Ken Giles likely missing all of 2021 after Tommy John surgery. 

Hierarchy remains: *Bass | Dolis | Cole.
* = closer-by-committee

September 24, 2020
Toronto Blue Jays — When Toronto blew the game open in the 6th inning, they left Ross Stripling in to finish the game. Stripling was excellent over 4 innings, only surrendering one hit and striking out 4. Stripling isn’t likely to impact the bullpen the rest of the way. 

Hierarchy remains: Bass | Dolis | Cole.

September 20, 2020
Toronto Blue Jays —  Rafael Dolis avoided a major injury and could be available out of the Blue Jays bullpen soon.

Updated hierarchy: Bass | Dolis | Cole.

September 19, 2020
Toronto Blue Jays —  Rafael Dolis was pulled from Friday night’s game after stepping awkwardly on first base and injuring his knee. Whether or not Dolis misses an extended amount of time — which wasn’t yet clear postgame — this likely gives Anthony Bass the inside track at saves for now. This Sportsnet article takes a deep dive into Toronto’s other late-innings options, including Ryan Borucki.

Updated hierarchy: Bass | Cole | Borucki.

September 17, 2020
Toronto Blue Jays —  Ken Giles is almost certainly done for the year as Toronto placed him back on the IL with a flexor strain. Giles has had a forgettable season marred by injuries and will likely be focusing on 2021. We will slot A.J. Cole into his spot on the hierarchy. 

Updated hierarchy: *Dolis | Bass | Cole.
* = closer-by-committee

September 13, 2020
Toronto Blue Jays — Rafael Dolis picked up his fourth save of the season yesterday and has recorded the last three saves for the Blue Jays.  Dolis has also made 12 straight scoreless appearances.  Dolis moves to the head of this committee for now but we will keep an eye on how the Blue Jays use Giles over the next couple weeks.  

Updated hierarchy: *Dolis | Bass | Giles.
* = closer-by-committee

September 12, 2020
Toronto Blue Jays — Ken Giles returned from the IL Friday night and had his first pitch sent into orbit by Wilson Ramos. He’ll get a few more low-leverage outings before he returns to the closer role, so we’ll slot him in at second in line for now.

Updated hierarchy: *Bass | Dolis | Giles.

September 9, 2020
Toronto Blue Jays – Rafael Dolis notched his second straight save on Tuesday, striking out two in a perfect ninth inning. Dolis hasn’t allowed an earned run since Aug. 12. Meanwhile, Anthony Bass struggled a little on Monday protecting a six-run lead, which was some odd usage for someone who had been pitching a lot. Bass entered Tuesday’s game having gone in three of four and four of six. We’ll keep Bass at the top of the hierarchy for now, but Dolis may not be too far away from taking over that spot.

Hierarchy remains: *Bass | Dolis | Cole.

September 7, 2020
Toronto Blue Jays – Rafael Dolis got the save last night, as Anthony Bass was off, having pitched two of three. But you’re an avid Vulture Save Watch reader, so you already knew that. Right?

Hierarchy remains: *Bass | Dolis | Cole.
* = closer-by-committee

August 30, 2020
Toronto Blue Jays – Jordan Romano has been a great story for the Blue Jays’ bullpen so far this year but unfortunately, he was placed on the IL yesterday with a finger injury.  Romano is expected to miss 2-4 weeks and Anthony Bass should head the committee while he is out.  

Updated hierarchy: * Bass | Dolis | Cole.
* = closer-by-committee

August 25, 2020
Buffalo Blue Jays – That’s two saves in three days for Jordan Romano, who now has a 0.64 ERA. Anthony Bass pitched on Friday and Saturday but likely could have gone Monday, so we suspect this usage means that Romano has taken the lead for saves here. (Bass was supportive nonetheless.) The asterisk stays on for now, but Romano could take this job and run with it.

Updated hierarchy: *Romano | Bass | Dolis.
* = closer-by-committee

August 22, 2020
Buffalo Blue Jays — Jordan Romano picked up the tenth-inning save, Anthony Bass and Rafael Dolis having pitched earlier in a tied game. 

Hierarchy remains: *Bass | Dolis | Romano.
* = closer-by-committee

August 20, 2020
Buffalo Blue Jays – A.J. Cole allowed an RBI single but recorded a strikeout in the seventh inning of the second game of a Thursday’s doubleheader to earn his first save. The Blue Jays were trailing by five entering the sixth before tacking on seven runs to take the lead. Anthony Kay, who had already entered the game, stayed in to finish it but ran into some trouble after allowing a pair of two-out hits before Cole saved things. Anthony Bass did not pitch. He was suffering from some back tightness earlier this week and tossed 2.0 innings Tuesday (29 pitches), so perhaps he was getting an extra day of rest. Meanwhile, Blue Jays GM Ross Adkins said he was “extremely encouraged” with the progress injured closer Ken Giles has been making.

Hierarchy remains: *Bass | Dolis | Romano.
* = closer-by-committee

August 20, 2020
Buffalo Blue Jays – As predicted in the vulture save watch, Rafael Dolis got the call to close out a 3 run game. He struck out the side (to go with a walk and a bunt single) to earn his first save of the year. Dolis has been solid in his recent outings, but we think that Anthony Bass is still the top choice in this committee. 

Hierarchy remains: *Bass | Dolis | Romano.
* = closer-by-committee

July 28, 2020
Buffalo Blue Jays – Yesterday, we lined up the Blue Jays committee with Anthony Bass at the top, followed by Rafael Dolis and then Jordan Romano, and last night, that’s exactly how Toronto played it. Romano got the last two outs of the 7th, then gave way to Dolis, who pitched a scoreless 8th. On came Bass for the save chance, and he converted the chance; we figure the Jays will keep doing it this way until Bass gives them a reason not to. 

Hierarchy remains: *Bass | Dolis | Romano.
* = closer-by-committee

July 26, 2020
Buffalo Blue Jays – Ken Giles left Sunday’s game in evident pain, and will undergo an MRI on his right elbow, putting his season in doubt. Per the Toronto Star, Jordan Romano, Anthony Bass, and Rafael Dolis seem like the top options to get save chances in his absence.

Updated hierarchy: *Bass | Dolis | Romero.
* = closer-by-committee

July 25, 2020
Buffalo Blue Jays — Up three in the eighth on Opening Day, the Jays turned to Rafael Dolis, who served three rocky weeks as the Cubs closer in May 2012, but got the job done for the last four years for the Hanshin Tigers. His return to MLB was reminiscent of his term in Wrigley, giving up a run and loading the bases before escaping with the lead. Shun Yamaguchi is likely to get some low-leverage outings to start his Blue Jay career, so we’ll add Dolis to the hierarchy, for now.

Updated hierarchy: Giles | Bass | Dolis.

February 24, 2020
Toronto Blue Jays — The Blue Jays have a young and fun corps of hitters, but the pitching staff is a work in progress. Ken Giles (1.87 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 14.1 K/9, 23 saves) is probably the most stable arm among them and should be the primary option for saves again in 2020. If the Blue Jays fall out of contention as expected, they could deal Giles to a contender, limiting his value if he becomes a setup man. Behind Giles in the Jays’ bullpen are Anthony Bass, who picked up a handful of saves last year with the Mariners, and 32-year-old righty Shun Yamaguchi, joining the big leagues after a lengthy stint in Japan, where he worked as a closer and starter, racking up 112 saves, a 3.33 ERA, and a 1.243 WHIP.

Starting 2020 hierarchy: Giles | Bass | Yamaguchi.
Holds candidates: Bass, Yamaguchi, Sam Gaviglio.

September 19, 2019
Toronto Blue Jays — The Jays rested Ken Giles a day earlier than we predicted, going to Derek Law in the ninth after an epic Orioles collapse. Law didn’t make it easy, loading the bases and giving up a run, but he ultimately escaped with the save.

Hierarchy remains: Giles | Law | Adam.

August 26, 2019
Toronto Blue Jays – Ken Giles returned from the paternity list and should resume closing immediately. Look for Derek Law to join Jason Adam and others in bridging the gap to Giles.

Updated hierarchy: Giles | Law | Adam.

August 25, 2019
Toronto Blue Jays – Derek Law picked up a five out save last night.  Ken Giles is expected to rejoin the team on Sunday after the birth of his son but his time away has confirmed that Law is certainly the handcuff at this point.

Hierarchy remains: Giles | Law | Shafer.

August 14, 2019
Toronto Blue Jays – Ken Giles looks like he will avoid another IL stint after he walked one and struck out another to record a save yesterday. The Jays should continue to be careful with Giles’ workload, but it’s a good sign that he was able to pitch without any issue last night.

Hierarchy remains: Giles | Law | Shafer.

August 11, 2019
Toronto Blue Jays – With Ken Giles unavaialable yesterday, Derek Law got the last four outs for his third save of the season.  Law has been great recently, as he has not allowed a run in his last eleven appearances and he has picked up three saves during that time.  Giles may need to go on the IL if his arm doesn’t start responding and it looks like Law would make a good speculative add at this point.

Updated hierarchy: Giles | Law | Shafer.

August 6, 2019
Toronto Blue Jays – A bout of elbow inflammation kept Ken Giles out of action for a week, and after he made his return on Sunday, the Jays apparently didn’t want to use him in back to back games. So Derek Law got his second save of the year, pitching the last 1.1 innings to wrap up the victory.

Updated hierarchy: Giles | Shafer | Law.

August 3, 2019
Toronto Blue Jays — With Ken Giles still recovering from a cortisone shot and Justin Shafer unavailable because he got sick in the middle of Friday’s game, Toronto turned to Derek Law for the eighth inning of a two-run game. When they extended the lead by one, Law continued in the ninth to secure his first save of the year. Law’s overall numbers are not great and he normally doesn’t factor into the Blue Jays’ late-inning plans, but he has been solid in the past couple weeks.

Hierarchy remains: Giles | Shafer | Mayza.

August 2, 2019
Toronto Blue Jays — If things go right for Ken Giles (elbow), he could be back for the Jays on Sunday or Monday. Expect Justin Shafer and Tim Mayza to fill in for Giles in the meantime.

Hierarchy remains: Giles | Shafer | Mayza.

August 1, 2019
Toronto Blue Jays — Daniel Hudson was sent to Washington and Joe Biagini followed him out the door to Houston, creating some opportunities behind Ken Giles and his ailing elbow. Wednesday’s save went to 26-year-old Justin Shafer, an All-Star closer at AAA and Giles’s new understudy. Behind Shafer lurks lefty Tim Mayza, former Giant Derek Law, and . . . not much else.

Updated hierarchy: Giles | Shafer | Mayza.

July 31, 2019
Toronto Blue Jays — Ken Giles received a cortisone shot in his elbow on Tuesday and will be cleared to play catch in two days, after which he will be day-to-day. It’s probably a good sign that the Jays didn’t just send him right to the IL, but that could also be a show for any interested suitors, if they still exist. It’s more likely that teams try and secure the services of either Daniel Hudson or Joe Biagini instead of Giles at this point. If both Hudson and Biagini join David Phelps as traded Jays, and Giles requires another IL stint, a guy like Tim Mayza could be closing games for Toronto.

Updated hierarchy: Giles | Hudson | Biagini.

July 18, 2019
Toronto Blue Jays — Ken Giles pitched the eighth inning on Wednesday with his team trailing by a run. Giles had decent velocity but allowed one run on two hits and a walk; he also had one strikeout. The Jays will hope that the recently ailing Giles puts together two or three strong outings in a row to drive up his trade value ahead of the July 31 deadline.

Hierarchy remains: Giles | Hudson | Phelps.

July 17, 2019
Toronto Blue Jays — Ken Giles threw 20 pitches off a mound with no problem on Tuesday and is expected to be available on Wednesday, good news for Toronto’s trade hopes. Daniel Hudson has been confirmed as the backup closer, with David Phelps and Tim Mayza beginning to eclipse the waning Joe Biagini in the middle innings.

Updated hierarchy: Giles | Hudson | Phelps.

July 14, 2019
Toronto Blue Jays — Ken Giles was unavailable yesterday after experiencing nerve inflammation in his elbow from a massage.  Giles is considered day-to-day and no MRI is expected.  With Giles out, it was Daniel Hudson who recorded the save.  Joe Biagini recorded the win but he came on in the 5th inning and only recorded one out.  We will move Hudson to first in line and continue to monitor this situation.  Giles is likely to be traded at the deadline so one of these guys could be a source of saves for the last couple months of the season.

Updated hierarchy: Giles | Hudson | Biagini.

June 21, 2019
Toronto Blue Jays — Ken Giles was activated from the injured list and will immediately resume his role as closer. He pitched a clean inning in a tie game Thursday in his return.

Updated hierarchy: Giles | Biagini | Hudson.

June 13, 2019
Toronto Blue Jays — Interim closer Joe Biagini didn’t cover himself in glory in his first appearance in the role. Summoned with two men on and a six-run lead in the eighth, Biagini walked two and gave up a double. By the time Daniel Hudson shut the door, the lead had shrunk to two — and Hudson put the first two guys on in the ninth before escaping with the save. The best news for the Jays is that if Ken Giles is indeed out for only the minimum 10 days, he could return as early as Sunday. 

Updated hierarchy: Biagini | Hudson | Gaviglio.

June 12, 2019
Toronto Blue Jays – The Blue Jays have placed Ken Giles on the 10-day IL with elbow inflammation. Look for Joe Biagini to benefit in his absence.

Updated hierarchy: Biagini | Hudson | Gaviglio.

May 27, 2019
Toronto Blue Jays – Tim Mayza was placed on the IL on Sunday with left ulnar neuritis, which the team believes will be a short-term issue. Look for Daniel Hudson to get a few more chances for holds while he’s out.

Updated hierarchy: Giles | Biagini | Hudson.

May 18, 2019
Toronto Blue Jays – The Blue Jays jumped out to an early lead, which allowed Javy Guerra to pitch the last three innings to earn his first save of the year. Guerra spent some time as the Dodgers’ closer in 2011 and was the subject of one of the first posts in Closer Monkey history, giving up a vulture save to young fireballer Kenley Jansen. He lost the job permanently to Jansen in 2012 and has only recorded a handful of saves since. He isn’t a normal part of the Jays’ late-inning plans.

Hierarchy remains: Giles | Biagini | Mayza.

April 19, 2019
Toronto Blue Jays – Ryan Tepera was activated from the injured list Thursday and was immediately thrust into game action, throwing a scoreless sixth inning on just nine pitches. Tepera will probably factor into the team’s late-inning plans right away, but he might still be behind Tim Mayza, who pitched the seventh, and Joe Biagini, who pitched the eighth ahead of closer Ken Giles.

Hierarchy remains: Giles | Biagini | Mayza.

April 16, 2019
Toronto Blue Jays – Ken Giles wasn’t feeling well, so it was Joe Biagini on for the 9th inning to protect a 2-run lead for the Blue Jays. Biagini converted and remains the handcuff in Toronto.

Hierarchy remains: Giles | Biagini | Mayza.

March 31, 2019
Toronto Blue Jays — Joe Biagini pitched a scoreless eighth inning ahead of a Ken Giles’ save yesterday and should continue to act as the primary set-up man until Ryan Tepera returns from injury.

Updated hierarchy: Giles | Biagini| Mayza.

March 21, 2019
Toronto Blue Jays — Ryan Tepera and John Axford are experiencing the dreaded elbow pain, leaving Bud Norris (whose deadline to opt-out of his minor league deal is today), Joe Biagini, and Tim Mayza to set up Ken Giles.

Updated hierarchy: Giles | Norris| Biagini.

February 18, 2019
Toronto Blue Jays — Ken Giles, who somehow had zero blown saves last year, will be the Jays’ closer in 2019. Ryan Tepera seems to be the only other Blue Jay to have his bullpen role locked down, as David Phelps is still recovering from Tommy John surgery. The Jays also signed old friend John Axford to a minor-league deal, which means he could eventually work his way into the late-inning plans, at least until Phelps gets healthy.

Starting 2019 hierarchy: Giles | Tepera | Mayza.
Holds candidates: Tepera, Mayza, Phelps, Axford.

August 16, 2018
Toronto Blue Jays — Ken Giles gave up a one-out home run in the ninth on Wednesday, but he still converted his third save in four days — enough to pull the committee asterisk from the Blue Jays.

Hierarchy remains: Giles | Tepera | Clippard.

August 13, 2018
Toronto Blue Jays – Ken Giles had allowed 7 ERs in his first 3.2 IP with Toronto, but yesterday’s outing was a step in the right direction, as Giles threw a perfect inning and recorded his first save. If he can string a few saves together, he might win the job outright.

Hierarchy remains: *Giles | Tepera | Clippard.
* = closer-by-committee

August 5, 2018
Toronto Blue Jays – Ken Giles pitched a scoreless ninth inning, and although it was not a save opportunity with the Blue Jays up 4, we will move Giles to the head of the committee.  Ryan Tepera was used in the eighth inning ahead of Giles.  We will leave it as a committee right now since John Gibbons could choose to ease Giles in by still using Tepera occasionally, but we expect Giles to get the bulk of the save chances for the Blue Jays for the rest of the season.

Updated hierarchy: *Giles | Tepera | Clippard.
* = closer-by-committee

August 4, 2018
Toronto Blue Jays – Ken Giles made his debut with the Blue Jays on Friday, allowing two hits, one earned run and striking out three in the 9th inning of a 7-2 victory. John Gibbons said that Giles will eventually close for the Jays, but not before getting his feet wet in a low-leverage situation first. Giles is worth grabbing if he’s still available, as Ryan Tepera’s days leading the Jays’ committee seem to be numbered.

Hierarchy remains: *Tepera | Giles | Clippard.
* = closer-by-committee

August 1, 2018
Toronto Blue Jays – The Blue Jays were busy on Tuesday, dealing Aaron Loup to the Phillies and John Axford to the Dodgers. Expect Ryan Tepera, Ken Giles and Tyler Clippard to be the three main relievers for Toronto during the rest of the season, with Giles to join the squad on Thursday.

Hierarchy remains: *Tepera | Giles | Clippard.
* = closer-by-committee

July 31, 2018
Toronto Blue Jays – John Gibbons said that Ken Giles will get the chance to close at some point for the Blue Jays. We’re guessing there will be a feeling out process first and that he won’t move into the role immediately, but we’re still starting him out just behind Ryan Tepera, and he could climb to the top quickly.

Updated hierarchy: *Tepera | Giles | Clippard.
* = closer-by-committee

July 29, 2018
Toronto Blue Jays — The Blue Jays’ bullpen had a day to forget yesterday.   Tyler Clippard gave up two runs in the 7th and Ryan Tepera followed up allowing four runs in the 8th without recording an out.  The Blue Jays don’t really have many other options after trading Seung-Hwan Oh so they will likely continue to send those two out there until Roberto Osuna is eligible to return in a week.

Hierarchy remains: *Tepera | Clippard | Loup.
* = closer-by-committee

July 26, 2018
Toronto Blue Jays — The Blue Jays have traded Seung-Hwan Oh to Colorado. Replacing him in the middle innings should be a combination of Aaron Loup, John Axford, and maybe even Jaime Garcia.

Updated hierarchy: *Tepera | Clippard | Loup.
* = closer-by-committee

July 23, 2018
Toronto Blue Jays – Tyler Clippard picked up his 7th save of the season on Sunday afternoon, bouncing back from an atrocious outing on Friday. Ryan Tepera and Seung-Hwan Oh had pitched in the previous two games, and Tepera remains atop this committee for now, but the Blue Jays — perhaps with an eye on increasing trade value — seem content on giving multiple players opportunities in the 9th until Roberto Osuna’s return.

Updated hierarchy: *Tepera | Clippard | Oh.
* = closer-by-committee

July 22, 2018
Toronto Blue Jays – Ryan Tepera pitched a perfect ninth inning with two strikeouts for his seventh save of the season.  Seung Hwan Oh pitched a perfect eighth inning ahead of Tepera, and the Blue Jays seem content to use Oh in a set-up role.  We will move Tepera back to the head of the hierarchy, and he should see the bulk of the save opportunities until Roberta Osuna is eligible to return on August 5th.

Updated hierarchy: *Tepera | Oh | Clippard.
* = closer-by-committee

July 21, 2018
Toronto Blue Jays – Tyler Clippard blew another save last night, giving up three runs thanks to two homers in the 9th. Ryan Tepera struck out the only batter he faced to get out of the inning with the score tied, and the Blue Jays won in extra innings. This is Clippard’s second straight blown save and and sixth of the year. With Seung Hwan Oh and Tepera both pitching well, it is hard to see how Clippard gets another save opportunity. However, we’ve said that in the past and he was still out there last night.

Hierarchy remains: *Oh | Tepera | Clippard.
* = closer-by-committee

July 16, 2018
Toronto Blue Jays – Ryan Tepera returned from the disabled list yesterday, and pitched a scoreless 7th inning with the Jays trailing by three. There’s not much to read into here, usage-wise, since it was the day before the All Star Break and Tepera was just getting some work in, but he was getting the lion’s share of save chances before he got hurt, so we’ll place him in the middle of the committee right now, and potentially move him up as usage dictates. This bullpen is highly unsettled, though, and any of the top three guys could be used for saves after the break.

Updated hierarchy: *Oh | Tepera | Clippard.
* = closer-by-committee

July 15, 2018
Toronto Blue Jays – The Blue Jays went with Tyler Clippard yesterday to protect a one-run lead in the ninth inning, but he couldn’t get the job done.  Clippard gave up doubles to the first two batters he faced but was able to get the next three batters out to keep the game tied.  Clippard now has two blown saves in the ninth inning, which is as many as the rest of the Blue Jays’ relievers combined.  Seung Hwan Oh will likely see the next save chance and could establish himself as the primary closer until Roberto Osuna is eligible to return in three weeks.

Hierarchy remains: *Oh | Clippard | Axford.
* = closer-by-committee

July 4, 2018
Toronto Blue Jays – John Axford nearly got the final six outs on Tuesday, as he pitched the eighth inning of a tie game and started the ninth after Toronto took a two-run lead. Axford retired the first two batters he faced in the ninth, but a single and a walk moved manager John Gibbons to call on Tyler Clippard to record the final out. Axford’s performance earns him a spot in our hierarchy. We’ll also keep Seung Hwan Oh at the top of the committee, as it’s likely Gibbons wanted to rest Oh after three appearances in four days.

Updated hierarchy: *Oh | Clippard | Axford.
* = closer-by-committee

July 1, 2018
Toronto Blue Jays – The Blue Jays have placed Ryan Tepera on the 10-day DL.  Seung Hwan Oh got the top ninth in a tie game yesterday, which is usually a spot for the team’s closer, so we will move Oh to the top of the committee.  Manager John Gibbons said that he likes that Oh is going to come in and throw strikes.  However, that could work against him since Gibbons could choose to bring him in prior to the 9th.  Tyler Clippard got the most recent save and will certainly be in the mix.  For now, we expect those two to split closing duties but we shall see if either one can seize the job until Osuna comes back.

Updated hierarchy: *Oh | Clippard | Biagini.
* = closer-by-committee

June 30, 2018
Toronto Blue Jays – The Blue Jays used Seung Hwan Oh in the 8th inning of a one-run game before they turned to Tyler Clippard instead of Ryan Tepera to close out the game in the 9th. Clippard converted for his fifth save of the year. Tepera started out with six straight save conversions, but has since blown two in a row. John Gibbons said after the game that Tepera was unavailable, but this has all the looks of a committee, with Tepera, Oh and Clippard all getting saves in the past week. Whoever closes for Toronto in July, it seems that it is only a temporary role, as Toronto GM Ross Atkins announced that Roberto Osuna is the team’s closer when he returns from his suspension on August 5. Osuna is serving a 75-game suspension for a violation of MLB’s domestic violence policy, and has a court date on July 9th. Now may be the time to stash Osuna in case he was dropped when the suspension was announced.

Hierarchy remains: *Tepera | Oh | Clippard.
* = closer-by-committee

June 26, 2018
Toronto Blue Jays – Seung Hwan Oh was the only reliever on yesterday’s Vulture Save Watch and he came through with his second save of the season, though Randal Grichuk deserves most of the credit. Ryan Tepera had thrown 33 pitches over 2.1 IP on Saturday and Sunday.

Hierarchy remains: Tepera | Oh | Clippard.

June 25, 2018
Toronto Blue Jays – The Blue Jays used closer Ryan Tepera to try and get out of an 8th inning jam, but while the righty wasn’t charged with any earned runs himself, he did allow all of his inherited runners to score, resulting in a blown save. He stayed on for the 9th, and then gave way to Tyler Clippard for the 10th after the Blue Jays rallied. Clippard allowed a leadoff single, but hung on for his 4th save of the year.

Hierarchy remains: Tepera | Oh | Clippard.

June 23, 2018
Toronto Blue Jays – Roberto Osuna has agreed to a 75-game suspension under the MLB domestic violence policy, which will keep him out until August 5th. It’s too soon to speculate how Toronto will handle Osuna when he finishes his suspension, but Ryan Tepera has seized control of the closer’s role for now and may keep that spot upon Osuna’s return.

Hierarchy remains: Tepera | Oh | Clippard.

June 17, 2018
Toronto Blue Jays – Tyler Clippard helped finish off a three-hit shutout for the Blue Jays on Saturday by pitching a perfect ninth inning for his third save of the season.  Closer Ryan Tepera got the day off after pitching in two of the past three games, including a 32 pitch outing on Wednesday.  Seung-Hawn Oh had also been busy recently, pitching in two of three and three of five so Clippard was the most rested.  Tepera is still clearly the closer at this point, but both Oh and Clippard should be in the mix when he is unavailable.

Hierarchy remains: Tepera | Oh | Clippard.

June 16, 2018
Toronto Blue Jays – Ryan Tepera pitched a clean 9th inning on Friday and now has the last four saves for the Blue Jays. Tepera has been solid during the last few weeks and should continue to get any save chances when he is available.

Hierarchy remains: Tepera | Oh | Clippard.

June 4, 2018
Toronto Blue Jays – Ryan Tepera got the final five outs (3 Ks) of a 4-run game on Sunday. While it wasn’t a save chance, it was another strong outing by the righty, who bolstered his case to stay atop this committee as his competition has faltered.

Hierarchy remains: *Tepera | Oh | Clippard.
* = closer-by-committee

June 3, 2018
Toronto Blue Jays – In a tie game in the eighth inning yesterday the Blue Jays went to Seung-Hwan Oh, and the game didn’t stay tied for long.  Oh gave up three runs on four hits and a walk while only recording two outs.  Ryan Tepera has received the last two saves for the Blue Jays and will likely see the next save chance as well after Oh’s rough outing.

Hierarchy remains: *Tepera | Oh | Clippard.
* = closer-by-committee

May 28, 2018
Toronto Blue Jays – Ryan Tepera got his second save in three days on Sunday and remains atop this committee. Seung-Hwan Oh was going to be the guy who got the opportunity on Saturday, though, if his teammates hadn’t relinquished the lead, so we can’t declare Tepera the full-time guy just yet.

Updated hierarchy: *Tepera | Oh | Clippard.
* = closer-by-committee

May 26, 2018
Toronto Blue Jays — Ryan Tepera got the call in the 9th inning to protect a two-run lead. He gave up a run but managed to escape with his first save of the season. Tyler Clippard pitched the 8th inning ahead of Tepera and gave up a run for the third time in his last four outings. Based on tonight’s usage and Clippard’s recent struggles it seems that Tepera has moved to the front of the Jays committee for the time being.

Updated hierarchy: *Tepera | Clippard | Oh.
* = closer-by-committee

May 25, 2018
Toronto Blue Jays — The domestic assault allegations against Roberto Osuna are serious and of a physical nature, which may result in a significant ban, according to Jon Heyman. Osuna has reportedly denied causing any physical harm to the alleged victim. He continues to remain on paid administrative leave, which should be the case for the foreseeable future as the investigation continues. 

Hierarchy remains: *Clippard | Tepera | Oh.
* = closer-by-committee

May 24, 2018
Toronto Blue Jays — Just when we thought it might be safe to pull Tyler Clippard’s asterisk, he gave up a grand slam to blow a save a few days back. Then tonight he laid a three-walk, two-hit, four-run egg against the Angels. Maybe the Jays should try this committee thing they’ve talked about.

Hierarchy remains: *Clippard | Tepera | Oh.
* = closer-by-committee

May 10, 2018
Toronto Blue Jays — Tyler Clippard got the first shot at a Toronto save in the absence of Roberto Osuna. Clippard doesn’t have the job locked down, though; all indications are that it’s a true committee. Seung Hwan Oh, the favorite of many to lead the committee, pitched the sixth in Wednesday’s game, followed by John Axford and Ryan Tepera — all with the team behind. All four of those guys are pitching well this season, and all but Tepera have at least two seasons of full-time closer experience. Clippard believes any of them can handle the ninth, and we’ll all have to wait and see who gets the next opportunity.

Updated hierarchy: *Clippard | Tepera | Oh.
* = closer-by-committee

May 9, 2018
Toronto Blue Jays – Major League Baseball placed Roberto Osuna on administrative leave following an arrest Tuesday morning for domestic violence. Manager John Gibbons did not commit to one guy as his closer, mentioning such names as Ryan Tepera, Tyler Clippard and John Axford as possibilities for the ninth inning. Not specifically mentioned was Seung Hwan Oh, but that does not mean he is out of the running. James Paxton’s no-hitter prevented us from getting a look at how the late innings might unfold with Toronto in the lead, so we’ll have to wait until at least tonight to see who gets the first save chance for the Blue Jays.

Updated hierarchy: *Tepera | Oh | Clippard.
* = closer-by-committee

May 8, 2018
Toronto Blue Jays – Major League Baseball has placed Roberto Osuna on administrative leave following an arrest this morning for domestic violence. Ryan Tepera, Seung-Hwan Oh, and Tyler Clippard are all possibilities for the closer role, and we like them roughly in that order. We will update with more information if the team makes any announcements.

Updated hierarchy: *Tepera | Oh | Clippard.
* = closer-by-committee

May 7, 2018
Toronto Blue Jays – It was quite a week for Tyler Clippard, who picked up a win and three holds over five clean appearances. After a couple of down years for the veteran, Clippard has been part of a strong Toronto bullpen, as the Jays have been able to use any of three relievers — Ryan Tepera (2.70 ERA), Seung-Hwan Oh (1.76 ERA), and Clippard (1.47 ERA) — to comfortably bridge the gap to Roberto Osuna.

Hierarchy remains: Osuna | Tepera | Oh. 

April 2, 2018
Toronto Blue Jays – Seung Hwan Oh picked up his first save of the season on Sunday, pitching a clean 9th inning after Tyler Clippard handled the 8th. Roberto Osuna pitched on Friday and Saturday, so he was given the night off, as was Ryan Tepera, who we currently have at the 1st in line spot. Given his past experience, though — as well as his good start to the season so far — Oh might be the guy to get save chances even when Tepera is available. We’ll monitor those two going forward.

Updated hierarchy: Osuna | Tepera | Oh.

February 26, 2018
Toronto Blue Jays — Roberto Osuna is still only 23 years old, but he’s emerged as one of the top five or ten closers in the game. He had a down year in 2017, though. His velocity dropped for his top three pitches, sending his ERA north of 3.00 (3.38) for the first time. To correct things, Osuna added more upper-body muscle and has been working on staying more upright in his delivery. Ryan Tepera, 30, will back Osuna up after he went 7-1 with a 3.59 ERA in 73 games last year. Other holds candidates include Aaron Loup and Danny Barnes, as well as Seung Hwan Oh, whom the Jays acquired just this morning.

Starting 2018 hierarchy: Osuna | Tepera | Loup.
Holds candidates: Tepera, Loup, Barnes.

September 12, 2017
Toronto Blue Jays – Roberto Osuna has left the team for a few days, returning to Mexico to be on hand for the birth of his child. Dominic Leone got the save in his place last night; look for Leone and Ryan Tepera to share opportunities for the next couple days in Osuna’s absence.

Hierarchy remains: Osuna | Tepera | Leone.

September 11, 2017
Toronto Blue Jays – Luis Santos got his first career save on Sunday afternoon, pitching the final three innings of a Blue Jays blowout win. Through three big league outings, Santos has been rock solid (8.1 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 7 Ks, 1 BB), and given that the Blue Jays bullpen isn’t exactly a model of consistency, they might be willing to give him a look in some higher leverage spots down the stretch.

Hierarchy remains: Osuna | Tepera | Leone.

September 10, 2017
Toronto Blue Jays – Ryan Tepera got the call in the ninth inning yesterday, and despite giving up a couple runs, he was able to record his second save of the season.  Regular closer Roberto Osuna was unavailable due to a bad neck.  The Blue Jays hope Osuna will only miss a day or two, but we will continue to monitor the situation to see if the injury becomes more serious.  Ryan Tepera should close while Osuna is out.

Hierarchy remains: Osuna | Tepera | Leone.

August 15, 2017
Toronto Blue Jays – Aaron Loup recorded 5 outs — 3 by strikeout — in bridging the gap to Roberto Osuna last night. Seven of his last eight appearances have been scoreless, and if he can keep the walks in check, look for the Jays to pair him with Dominic Leone for 7th inning holds down the stretch.

Hierarchy remains: Osuna | Tepera | Leone.

August 13, 2017
Toronto Blue Jays — Dominic Leone struck out three in 1.2 scoreless innings for his sixth hold of the season.  It was Leone’s fourth hold in the month of August, and he seems to have settled into a role at the back-end of the Blue Jays’ bullpen

Updated hierarchy: Osuna | Tepera | Leone.

August 5, 2017
Toronto Blue Jays — The Blue Jays see Joe Biagini as a potential future starter, so they sent him down to Triple-A to get stretched out. Replacing Biagini in the bullpen will be Danny Barnes, back from a brief DL stint for a shoulder impingement.

Updated hierarchy: Osuna | Tepera | Barnes.

August 1, 2017
Toronto Blue Jays – With Joe Smith gone, Roberto Osuna’s new handcuff is Ryan Tepera. Look for Joe Biagini to get a few more chances in the late innings as well.

Updated hierarchy: Osuna | Tepera | Biagini.

July 23, 2017
Toronto Blue Jays – Blue Jays’ set-up man Joe Smith has been activated from the disabled list.  The veteran should jump right back in to a late inning role.

Updated hierarchy: Osuna | Smith | Tepera.

June 26, 2017
Toronto Blue Jays – Unavailable for the previous three days due to anxiety issues, Roberto Osuna returned to the mound on Sunday and threw a scoreless inning, striking out three. Good to see you back, Roberto, and hope you’re getting the treatment you need.

Hierarchy remains: Osuna | Tepera | Barnes.

June 25, 2017
Toronto Blue Jays – Closer Roberto Osuna was unavailable on Friday night because he is dealing with anxiety issues.  Ryan Tepera was given the chance to start the ninth inning on Friday night in a save situation, but ran into trouble and was pulled.  It is unknown how long Osuna could be out, but the Blue Jays will likely mix and match in the ninth inning until he is available to pitch again.

Hierarchy remains: Osuna | Tepera | Barnes. 

June 20, 2017
Toronto Blue Jays – Joe Smith was placed on the disabled list yesterday. Set-up roles in the Blue Jays bullpen have been a bit nebulous all season, but with Smith on the shelf, our best guess for 8th inning duties is Ryan Tepera, with Danny Barnes spelling him when necessary.

Updated hierarchy: Osuna | Tepera | Barnes. 

May 27, 2017
Toronto Blue Jays — Jason Grilli has been a major disappointment in Toronto this year. His ERA is an ugly 7.20, he hasn’t been locating his slider, and he’s been relegated to low-leverage situations. Filling in at the back of Toronto’s bullpen has been Ryan Tepera, who has yet to give up a run in May (15 IP, 17 K). Tepera struggled in April, but seems to have found his footing, pitching with a late lead in his last two outings. Look for him to be the long-shot option for saves going forward.

Updated hierarchy: Osuna | Smith | Tepera.

May 7, 2017
Toronto Blue Jays — Joe Biagini will make his first Major League start today.  Joe Smith struck out the side in a perfect eighth inning on Friday night and should slide into the set-up role.  Jason Grilli might get a chance to reclaim a late inning role with Biagini in the rotation.

Updated hierarchy: Osuna | Smith | Grilli.

May 5, 2017
Toronto Blue Jays — Toronto’s bullpen has been shameful to start the year, so the team claimed righty Neil Ramirez off waivers from the Giants. Ramirez, too, has had a rough start (13.06 ERA, 1.94 WHIP), but the peripheral numbers suggest he may have been a victim of some bad luck — 18 Ks and 4 BBs in 10.1 IP. His FIP is solid, too, at 3.53. Keep an eye on him – he could start picking up holds by the end of the month.

Hierarchy remains: Osuna | Biagini | Smith.

April 30, 2017
Toronto Blue Jays — Roberto Osuna got back on track with a perfect inning for the save yesterday.  Jason Grilli was nowhere to be found as Joe Smith got his second consecutive eighth inning hold.  However, it was Joe Biagini who had the most important role in the win. He threw a perfect sixth and seventh inning, including stranding two inherited runners in the sixth while protecting a one run lead.

Updated hierarchy: Osuna | Biagini | Smith.

April 29, 2017
Toronto Blue Jays — The Blue Jays’ bullpen continues to be a disaster. Presumptive setup man Jason Grilli was brought in with one out in the eighth inning to protect a one-run lead, and immediately gave up the tying homer and a walk. After a strikeout, Grilli was pulled, but took the loss when his runner came around to score, lifting his ERA to an ugly 7.27. With Roberto Osuna also struggling, some think John Gibbons should turn to Joe Biagini. Biagini doesn’t have swing-and-miss stuff, but has a reliable cut fastball, and certainly wouldn’t be the first reliever to lean heavily on a cutter. Don’t be surprised if Biagini starts getting the eighth inning, or even a shot at the ninth.

Hierarchy remains: Osuna | Grilli | Biagini.

April 28, 2017
Toronto Blue Jays — The Blue Jays stink. Nothing has gone right, and that’s especially true for closer Roberto Osuna, who had another rough outing and blown save Thursday. Osuna gave up a game-tying, two-out, two-run HR in the 9th to Randal Grichuk as the Jays lost again. After the game, manager John Gibbons said Osuna “just has to figure it out.” No kidding.

Hierarchy remains: Osuna | Grilli | Biagini.

April 25, 2017
Toronto Blue Jays — Roberto Osuna’s struggles continued on Tuesday as he blew a save chance against the Cardinals. He has now allowed an earned run in three of his first five appearances since returning from the DL. When the Jays regained the lead in the 11th, they called upon Ryan Tepera to earn his second career save and first since 2015. Also, this happened.

Hierarchy remains: Osuna | Grilli | Biagini.

April 22, 2017
Toronto Blue Jays — John Gibbons intended to rest his top three relievers on Friday, but a wild thirteenth inning changed the plan. Up three, Joe Biagini was summoned with the bases loaded and no outs. He didn’t make it easy — giving up a run-scoring single, then hitting Mike Trout rather than letting Mike Trout hit — but in the end, he escaped with the save.

Hierarchy remains: Osuna | Grilli | Biagini.

April 12, 2017
Toronto Blue Jays – Roberto Osuna made his season debut on Tuesday, pitching the ninth in a 4-3 loss. He’ll resume his closing duties immediately, and John Gibbons said that he won’t hesitate to use Osuna on back-to-back days.

Updated hierarchy: Osuna | Grilli | Biagini.

April 8, 2017
Toronto Blue Jays – Roberto Osuna is on pace to return for the Blue Jays home opener on Tuesday. Jason Grilli will likely slot into the setup role after Osuna’s return, but could get a couple more chances this weekend.

Hierarchy remains: Grilli | Smith | Biagini.

April 4, 2017
Toronto Blue Jays — With Roberto Osuna on the DL, the Blue Jays have slotted 40-year-old Jason Grilli at closer in the meantime. Seizing the opportunity, Grilli gave up a walk-off home run on Opening Day. Blue Jays fans can console themselves with the knowledge that Osuna will be back in five days, and the performance of Joe Biagini, who kept the game tied in the seventh and eighth. Manager John Gibbons has spoken highly of Biagini, even suggesting that he may get some save chances with Osuna out.

Updated hierarchy: Grilli | Smith | Biagini.

April 2, 2017
Toronto Blue Jays — Roberto Osuna will start the season on the new 10-day DL (cervical spasm), leaving Jason Grilli to open the season as Toronto’s closer. Osuna can return on April 9.

Updated hierarchy: Grilli | Smith | Howell.

February 27, 2017
Toronto Blue Jays — Roberto Osuna is back for another season as the Jays’ closer, and he should be even stronger this season. Behind him on the depth chart will be 40-year-old Jason Grilli, who will likely have his innings monitored even though he’s not really that tired. Toronto also acquired Joe Smith, who closed a bit last year with the Angels, as well as reliable lefty JP Howell. Those two should fight for holds depending on matchups ahead of Grilli and Osuna.

Starting 2017 hierarchy: Osuna | Grilli | Smith.
Holds candidates: Grilli, Smith, Howell.

September 28, 2016
Toronto Blue Jays – Joaquin Benoit’s season is over after he injured his calf in Monday’s “brawl” with the Yankees. Expect Joe Biagini to see an expanded role in Benoit’s absence as the Jays fight for a playoff berth.

Updated hierarchy: Osuna | Grilli | Biagini.

September 27, 2016
Toronto Blue Jays – Thirty-nine year old Jason Grilli was tapped to finish off the Yankees in the ninth innings with the Jays up one run. He was only able to record one out before being replaced, but in the meantime he had surrendered 2 home runs and the lead. His outing last night was Grilli’s 65th appearance of the season, a career high, and John Gibbons may be hesitant to use ol’ Grilled Cheese in big spots down the stretch. But if he wants to look elsewhere, he may not have the services of Joaquin Benoit, who didn’t even pitch yesterday but still managed to get injured in one of the bench-clearing incidents during the game. If Benoit can’t serve as Roberto Osuna’s handcuff as a result, perhaps Grilli will get another chance, or Gibbons could look to platoon Joe Biagini and (gulp) Brett Cecil in the 8th.

Updated hierarchy: Osuna | Benoit | Grilli.

August 30, 2016
Toronto Blue Jays — Joe Biagini picked up a clean eighth-inning hold last night, his fifth of the season to go with a 2.28 ERA. Biagini still seems to be fourth in the Toronto bullpen, but we’ll be keeping an eye on the big righty down the stretch.

Hierarchy remains: Osuna | Grilli | Benoit.

August 6, 2016
Toronto Blue Jays — Roberto Osuna was unavailable last night, so when the Jays took the lead in the ninth, they turned to the already-warm Joaquin Benoit to protect it. Benoit worked around an error and a single to pick up his first save of the year. Osuna should be back in action tonight.

Hierarchy remains: Osuna | Grilli | Benoit.

August 3, 2016
Toronto Blue Jays — As expected, Roberto Osuna got the night off and Jason Grilli picked up the vulture save. The Jays bullpen was so fatigued that rookie Danny Barnes made his MLB debut to pick up a “phenomenal” eighth-inning hold. AL ERA leader Aaron Sanchez will be joining the bullpen soon, although his precise role remains unclear.

Hierarchy remains: Osuna | Grilli | Benoit.

July 27, 2016
Toronto Blue Jays — After designating Drew Storen for assignment on Sunday, the Jays traded him to Seattle for Joaquin Benoit, who sports a 5.18 ERA and troubling walks-per-nine rate of 5.5. Benoit actually faced Toronto in his last outing on July 24 and he retired all three batters he faced. Manager John Gibbons thinks Benoit can help Toronto in the late innings, much like Jason Grilli, another veteran the Jays acquired this year. Gibbons said Benoit may be available Wednesday, but no matter when he officially joins the club, he should see high-leverage spots ahead of Grilli and Roberto Osuna.

Updated hierarchy: Osuna | Grilli | Benoit. 

July 25, 2016
Toronto Blue Jays — Drew Storen was designated for assignment by Toronto on Sunday; it seems he will be relevant at this year’s trade deadline only as a cautionary tale. Brett Cecil continues to struggle, so we’ll give the nod to Joe Biagini for now.

Updated hierarchy: Osuna | Grilli | Biagini. 

June 23, 2016
Toronto Blue Jays — Drew Storen has made some adjustments and is seeing high-leverage work again. On Wednesday, he picked up a hold in the seventh, his seventh straight scoreless appearance. Whether the Jays want to increase Storen’s trade value or keep him around, he’s likely to stick around in the late innings as long as he can stay effective.

Updated hierarchy: Osuna | Grilli | Storen. 

June 13, 2016
Toronto Blue Jays – A stretch of 10 appearances in a 17-day span prompted John Gibbons to give Roberto Osuna a second consecutive day off on Sunday, and Jason Grilli got the save in his place. Osuna’s job is perfectly safe, and Grilli has quickly established himself as the youngster’s handcuff.

Hierarchy remains: Osuna | Grilli | Floyd. 

June 12, 2016
Toronto Blue Jays — Before yesterday’s game, manager John Gibbons said that closer Roberto Osuna would be unavailable and Jason Grilli would serve as closer.  There didn’t end up being a save opportunity on Saturday, but Grilli still pitched the ninth and struck out the side.  Grilli slides into the set-up role and should see any vulture save chances moving forward.

Updated hierarchy: Osuna | Grilli | Floyd.

June 2, 2016
Toronto Blue Jays — Jason Grilli made his Toronto debut on Wednesday and it was in the highest-leverage situation of the game. With two outs and two runners on in the seventh and the Blue Jays ahead, 2-0, Grilli overcame a poor pick-off attempt to retire Carlos Beltran. That usage moves him into the hierarchy behind Gavin Floyd, who was warming for the eighth before Toronto scored five in the home half of the seventh.

Updated hierarchy: Osuna | Floyd | Grilli.

June 1, 2016
Toronto Blue Jays — Unhappy with the performance of their middle relievers, the Blue Jays traded for veteran Jason Grilli on Tuesday. We’ll leave the Toronto hierarchy intact for now, but it sounds like Grilli will get a chance to pitch some high-leverage innings.

Hierarchy remains: Osuna | Floyd | Biagini.

May 31, 2016
Toronto Blue Jays – With Roberto Osuna on the shelf, John Gibbons used a combination of Aaron Loup and Drew Storen to finish off the Yankees in the ninth inning, with Storen picking up the Vulture Save. We have not been too bullish on Storen lately given his struggles and the rumors that he is on the trading block, but his usage last night may force us to reconsider.

Hierarchy remains: Osuna | Floyd | Biagini.

May 28, 2016
Toronto Blue Jays — Joe Biagini was the bridge to closer Roberto Osuna yesterday, finishing the seventh inning and starting the eighth before giving up the tying run and eventually vulturing a win. Drew Storen (7.80 ERA) hasn’t pitched since May 20th and is reportedly on the trading block. A change of scenery may do Storen wonders, but it seems unlikely that he could wind up closing.

Updated hierarchy: Osuna | Floyd | Biagini.

May 27, 2016
Toronto Blue Jays — Journeyman Gavin Floyd appears to be gaining more of John Gibbons’ trust. The righty tossed a scoreless eighth inning ahead of closer Roberto Osuna on Thursday, retiring the side on 12 pitches (with one hit mixed in). Drew Storen, meanwhile, has a long history of closing (including two saves this year), but is 0-2 with a 7.80 ERA, 1.73 WHIP and has allowed four runs in his last four innings.

Updated hierarchy: Osuna | Floyd | Storen.

May 20, 2016
Toronto Blue Jays — Rule 5 pick (and aspiring comedian) Joe Biagini picked up his first career save with a clean eleventh inning against the Twins. Closer Roberto Osuna had pitched two scoreless frames earlier in a tie game. Nowhere to be found was Drew Storen, who has an 8.36 ERA and has pitched in four straight losses, including 13-2 and 12-2 blowouts this week. Biagini, meanwhile, has allowed just 1 earned run in 15.1 innings this season. Six walks mean that his control is a bit of a concern, but Biagini clearly has earned John Gibbons’s trust in the early going.

Updated hierarchy: Osuna | Biagini | Storen.

May 12, 2016
Toronto Blue Jays — The Blue Jays emptied their bullpen in a 13-inning game last night, and among the pitchers used was Gavin Floyd. Floyd is a converted starter who has been seeing some high-leverage use for the Blue Jays this past week. His ERA sits at a tidy 1.65, and we think his recent performance has moved him slightly ahead of Jesse Chavez. We’re also watching Joe Biagini, a 25-year-old with only one run allowed in eight appearances so far.

Updated hierarchy: Osuna | Storen | Floyd.

May 7, 2016
Toronto Blue Jays — After the Jays called on a shaky Drew Storen to finish off a 5-2 win over the Dodgers, John Gibbons explained that Roberto Osuna was unavailable with a mild groin strain. Osuna, speaking through a translator (to the bafflement of Blue Jay Twitter), said he’d be fine for Saturday, but Gibbons wasn’t ready to commit. Meanwhile, Brett Cecil continues to be used primarily as a lefty specialist, while Jesse Chavez has impressed (16 K in 10.2 IP).  As long as Chavez stays in the bullpen, he has a chance at high-leverage work.

Updated hierarchy: Osuna | Storen | Chavez.

May 1, 2016
Toronto Blue Jays – Brett Cecil started the 9th inning last night in a tie game and gave up 3 hits and a run without recording any outs.  Cecil finished April with an 0-5 record,  Jesse Chavez pitched 1.1 scoreless innings yesterday to lower his ERA under 2.00 and could see some time in the later innings if Cecil continues to struggle.

Hierarchy remains: Osuna | Storen | Cecil.

April 19, 2016
Toronto Blue Jays – While a broken nail may not seem like a devastating injury, it was severe enough to keep Roberto Osuna on the bench in yesterday’s Patriots Day game at Fenway. Information is scarce on Osuna’s timetable to return — he’s day-to-day at the moment — but in the meantime, Drew Storen is likely to be tapped in save situations, as he was yesterday.

Hierarchy remains: Osuna | Storen | Cecil.

March 30, 2016
Toronto Blue Jays – In a bit of a surprise, John Gibbons announced this morning that Roberto Osuna would be the closer to start the year. Drew Storen will assume set-up duties, and will get save chances when Osuna needs a night off.

Updated hierarchy: Osuna | Storen | Cecil. 

March 29, 2016
Toronto Blue Jays – John Gibbons said that he’d officially name a closer after today’s game. We still expect it to be Drew Storen, in which case we won’t send an update later tonight. But if it’s Roberto Osuna, expect to hear from us.

Hierarchy remains: Storen | Osuna | Cecil.

March 18, 2016
Toronto Blue Jays – Drew Storen and Roberto Osuna are both looking pretty good so far this spring, which hasn’t helped the Blue Jays make any decisions about their closer role. Storen remains the early favorite, though.

Hierarchy remains: Storen | Osuna | Cecil.

February 29, 2016
Toronto Blue Jays — It’ll be a spring training battle for the closer role between incumbent Roberto Osuna and newcomer Drew Storen. Storen, who was displaced from the ninth a few times in Washington, is expressing a team-first attitude about his role, and we think he has the edge over Osuna, whose usage will be somewhat limited. Brett Cecil should be in line for the seventh, but if you want a deep sleeper with Storen-edging experience, Rafael Soriano just joined the team as well.

Starting 2016 hierarchy: Storen | Osuna | Cecil.
Holds candidates: Osuna, Cecil, Aaron Sanchez.

September 24, 2015
Toronto Blue Jays — With the AL East race getting tighter, and Aaron Sanchez struggling in the past week, John Gibbons has said he will use other arms in the 8th inning ahead of Roberto Osuna. This could be Brett Cecil, who has assumed the job the past two times out, Mark Lowe or even the ageless LaTroy Hawkins. Cecil has been outstanding and will probably get the first look, but as a prominent lefty, he may be held out for situational matchups more than a traditional closer. It’s important to note that Sanchez hasn’t been removed, only placed in a competition at this point; but with a deep bullpen, and very little margin for error, the race for the roles leading up to the 9th is wide open.

Hierarchy remains: Osuna | Sanchez | Cecil.

September 13, 2015
Toronto Blue Jays — The Blue Jays swept a doubleheader with the Yankees yesterday.  The first game went into extra innings and Ryan Tepera got the last three outs in the eleventh inning to protect a four run lead and pick up his first save of the season.  Brett Cecil, Aaron Sanchez,and Roberto Osuna pitched earlier in the game.  In the second game, Mark Lowe pitched a perfect ninth to record the save.

Hierarchy remains: Osuna | Sanchez | Cecil.

September 12, 2015
Toronto Blue Jays — Brett Cecil set a Blue Jays record with his 26th consecutive scoreless appearance on Friday night.

Hierarchy remains: Osuna | Sanchez | Cecil.

September 6, 2015
Toronto Blue Jays — Brett Cecil pitched a scoreless ninth inning with the Blue Jays up four runs yesterday.  Quietly, Cecil has not allowed an earned run in over two months, and he should pair with Aaron Sanchez to give the Blue Jays a great righty-lefty combo to set up closer Roberto Osuna.

Updated hierarchy: Osuna | Sanchez | Cecil.

August 6, 2015
Toronto Blue Jays – In a two-run game — and with John Gibbons trying to give Roberto Osuna some extra rest — it was LaTroy Hawkins who got the call to close out the game against the team that drafted him way back in 1991. Hawkins converted, creating a couple fun stats: Hawkins became the 13th player in major league history to record a save against all 30 teams, and the save also meant the Blue Jays have had both the youngest and oldest pitcher in the league record saves for their team, which is the first time that has ever happened. Normally, this would’ve been Aaron Sanchez’s spot, but he had just begun a three-game suspension. Since the suspension is so short, we won’t mess around with the hierarchy, but you can leave Sanchez on your bench for a couple days.

Hierarchy remains: Osuna | Sanchez | Hawkins.

August 5, 2015
Toronto Blue Jays – Roberto Osuna picked up another save yesterday. We’re removing his asterisk, and continue to be puzzled as to why John Gibbons said that Osuna and Aaron Sanchez would be sharing the late innings.

Updated hierarchy: Osuna | Sanchez | Hawkins.

August 3, 2015
Toronto Blue Jays – Since declaring that Roberto Osuna and Aaron Sanchez would share the 8th and 9th innings, John Gibbons hasn’t made any effort to actually turn this into a committee. Osuna has pitched the 9th inning in each of his last three appearances, including yesterday afternoon, when he also got the last out of the 8th inning. We won’t remove the asterisk yet, but we’re growing curious as to why Gibbons ever called this a committee.

Hierarchy remains: *Osuna | Sanchez | Hawkins.
* = closer-by-committee
August 1, 2015
Toronto Blue Jays — Seventh innings will be crowded at the Rogers Centre, with word that the Blue Jays acquired strikeout machine Mark Lowe from Seattle on Friday. We’ll wait and see where Lowe fits into the pecking order of second-tier relievers that includes LaTroy Hawkins, Bo Schultz, and Brett Cecil.

Hierarchy remains: *Osuna | Sanchez | Hawkins.
* = closer-by-committee

July 29, 2015
Toronto Blue Jays – Prior to Tuesday’s tilt, manager John Gibbons stated that Roberto Osuna and Aaron Sanchez will share the 8th and 9th innings, while newcomer LaTroy Hawkins and Bo Schultz will split the 6th and 7th innings. Hawkins made his Toronto debut on Tuesday with the Jays trailing, and since Toronto lost, it remains a mystery as to who will get the first crack at a save between Osuna and Sanchez.

Updated hierarchy: *Osuna | Sanchez | Hawkins.
* = closer-by-committee

July 28, 2015
Toronto Blue Jays – The Rockies completed a mega-trade in the wee hours this morning that sent All-Star shortstop Troy Tulowitzki and veteran set-up man LaTroy Hawkins to the Toronto Blue Jays for shortstop Jose Reyes, reliever Miguel Castro, minor leaguers, and cash. While the shortstops will get the headlines this morning, we know you care only about how this trade affects the bullpens! LaTroy Hawkins will provide the Jays with a much needed arm in one of the league’s sketchiest pens. It is unclear right now exactly how John Gibbons plans to use him, but our best guess is that he’ll be a 7th inning guy who picks up a few holds now and again.

Updated hierarchy: Osuna | Sanchez | Hawkins.

July 27, 2015
Toronto Blue Jays – Aaron Sanchez’s mere presence in the major league bullpen looked like it was probably going to be enough to supplant Bo Schultz as the primary set-up man in Toronto, and that was before Schultz gave up two runs in the 7th inning last night to blow the lead. Sanchez now has two scoreless 8th innings to his name and is the most likely candidate for a save when Roberto Osuna is unavailable.

Updated hierarchy: Osuna | Sanchez | Schultz.

July 26, 2015
Toronto Blue Jays — Aaron Sanchez was activated from the DL on Saturday and immediately inserted into an important spot for the Blue Jays’ bullpen.  He pitched a scoreless 8th in a tie game and ended up getting the win after the Blue Jays took the lead in the top of the 9th.  Roberto Osuna pitched a scoreless 9th for his 5th save of the season.  With Steve Delabar getting sent down, Sanchez will replace him on the Blue Jays’ hierarchy and could be an option to close games if Osuna struggles at all.

Updated hierarchy: Osuna | Schultz | Sanchez.

July 24, 2015
Toronto Blue Jays — As predicted in our Vulture Save Watch, Roberto Osuna didn’t get the save opportunity on Thursday. Instead, that honor went to Bo Schultz, who got the final two outs for his first career save after R.A. Dickey tossed the first 8 1/3 innings for the win. Schultz has pitched well of late (1.75 ERA in 25.2 IP), and belongs ahead of Steve Delabar (7 ER in last 4.1 IP) in the hierarchy. After a second rehab outing Thursday at Syracuse, Aaron Sanchez will slide into second in line when he rejoins the team this weekend.

Updated hierarchy: Osuna | Schultz | Delabar.

July 22, 2015
Toronto Blue Jays — Toronto signed Joba Chamberlain to a minor league deal, but Chamberlain is not the pitcher the Jays are excited to eventually have in their beleaguered bullpen. Aaron Sanchez made his final rehab appearance in Triple-A Buffalo on Tuesday, and the former starter will join a bullpen that is desperate for help. Manager John Gibbons said Sanchez could return as early as Thursday.

Hierarchy remains: Osuna | Delabar | Schultz.

July 12, 2015
Toronto Blue Jays — Bo Schultz, former right fielder for Brooklyn beer league softball powerhouse Turkey’s Nest (“Motto: gobble, gobble, gobble”), has risen from walk-on outfielder at Northwestern and Men’s Journal summer intern to late-inning stalwart for the Blue Jays. On Saturday, Schultz protected a one-run lead in the eighth against Kansas City.

Updated hierarchy: Osuna | Delabar | Schultz.

July 8, 2015
Toronto Blue Jays – Roberto Osuna grabbed another save on Tuesday and with Brett Cecil and Steve Delabar nowhere to be found last night in a 2-1 game, it’s safe to say the asterisk can be removed.

Hierarchy remains: Osuna | Delabar | Cecil.

July 6, 2015
Toronto Blue Jays – On a day when no other Toronto reliever pitched particularly well, Roberto Osuna picked up his third save of the year. The four-out save came a day after Steve Delabar — his prime competition for the closer role — got roughed up. One more save and we might be ready to get rid of Osuna’s asterisk.

Hierarchy remains: *Osuna | Delabar | Cecil.
* = closer-by-committee

July 5, 2015
Toronto Blue Jays — Steve Delabar had another rough outing on Saturday, giving up 2 runs while only recording 1 out.  Brett Cecil, on the other hand, now has five scoreless appearances since being demoted from the closer’s role.  The Blue Jays bullpen is still unsettled at this point but with Delabar struggling, Roberto Osuna could have a chance to solidify himself as the closer.

Updated hierarchy: *Osuna | Delabar | Cecil.

July 3, 2015
Toronto Blue Jays — Setup man Steve Delabar has been dynamite for the Jays all season, but he came unglued Thursday night against the Red Sox, uncorking three wild pitches in just two-thirds of an inning (he only had two all year entering the game). Delabar also allowed three runs on three hits and a walk. Perhaps this disastrous outing was an aberration, but his command was all over the place, so his performance moving forward bears watching. In other news, the Jays had to use every member of the bullpen in Thursday’s 12-6 loss after starter Matt Boyd failed to record an out, allowing seven runs in the first inning.

Hierarchy remains: *Osuna | Delabar | Schultz.

June 25, 2015
Toronto Blue Jays – Steve Delabar picked up his first save of the season yesterday in the 12th inning after Roberto Osuna got the final out of the 9th in a then-scoreless game. Osuna is still the leading candidate for saves going forward, but Delabar stands to play an important role in the Jays’ committee as well.

Hierarchy remains: *Osuna | Delabar | Schultz.

June 24, 2015
Toronto Blue Jays – Brett Cecil was removed from the closer role, said John Gibbons on Tuesday afternoon. Roberto Osuna was unavailable last night but, along with Steve Delabar, will also get opportunities going forward. Gibbons did not want to define roles, but he did mention that he plans to move hard-throwing righty Bo Schultz to the late innings, giving the 29-year-old more responsibility.

Updated hierarchy: *Osuna | Delabar | Schultz.

June 23, 2015
Toronto Blue Jays – Brett Cecil has been removed from the closer role, said John Gibbons on Tuesday afternoon. Steve Delabar will get tonight’s save chance, and Roberto Osuna will also get opportunities going forward. Cecil may re-enter the conversation if he can sort himself out.

Updated hierarchy: *Osuna | Delabar | Loup.

June 23, 2015
Toronto Blue Jays – While the Blue Jays’ bullpen remains unsettled, 20 year-old Roberto Osuna is making a name for himself with his 100 mph fastball. Last night Osuna was called on to get the Jays out of a jam in the 8th, which he did by striking out three Tampa hitters around a walk. He then returned and struck out two more in the 9th for his first save. John Gibbons said after the game that “you can’t say enough about Osuna,” but did not name him the new closer, which leads us to believe that tonight’s game is vital. Osuna is likely unavailable after his 33-pitch outing, so if the Jays get a save opp, and Cecil converts it, he probably hangs on to his job for at least a little while longer. But if he pitches badly, or doesn’t pitch at all, then that opens up the chance for Osuna to seize control of the gig going forward. Steve Delabar, two years removed from an All Star game appearance, also lurks as a candidate, while the Jays continue to be mentioned in talks for Jonathan Papelbon and Francisco Rodriguez.

Hierarchy remains: *Cecil | Osuna | Delabar.
* = closer-by-committee

June 22, 2015
Toronto Blue Jays – Brett Cecil owners have had it rough. After going more than a month without so much as a save opportunity, Cecil has gotten a few more high-leverage chances in the past two weeks, and has responded by melting down. He began June with a 2.81 ERA, but after allowing 10 runs in his last six appearances (including a brutal outing yesterday), his ERA has shot to 5.96, and beat writers are speculating about whether he’s already lost his job. Cecil, for his part, thinks the issue might be that he’s tipping pitches, and his middle infielders fell on the sword for yesterday’s disaster, saying they should’ve turned a double play. But regardless of the reason, Roberto Osuna seems like a great add for speculators, while the Jays are also reportedly looking at Francisco Rodriguez.

Hierarchy remains: Cecil | Osuna | Delabar. 

June 20, 2015
Toronto Blue Jays — Steve Delabar threw only three strikes on Friday, but they were enough to get the Blue Jays out of the eighth inning on their way to victory. Hitters have a paltry .100 average against Delabar, who has allowed only two earned runs in 15 appearances.

Hierarchy remains: Cecil | Osuna | Delabar.

June 6, 2015
Toronto Blue Jays — We haven’t repeated much of the endless Rafael Soriano speculation this season, but with Toronto general manager Alex Anthopolous admitting the team is interested, there’s a very real chance Soriano could be relevant again soon.

Hierarchy remains: Cecil | Osuna | Loup.

May 4, 2015
Toronto Blue Jays – Miguel Castro, Toronto’s de facto closer just a week ago, has been sent to AAA. It’s probably safe to cut bait on him at this point.

Hierarchy remains: Cecil | Osuna | Loup.

April 29, 2015
Toronto Blue Jays –After being named the Blue Jays’ closer early Tuesday, Brett Cecil picked up his first save of the season.

Hierarchy remains: Cecil | Osuna | Loup.

April 28, 2015
Toronto Blue Jays – In comments prior to Tuesday’s game, John Gibbons announced that he would return to using Brett Cecil in the closer’s role, with Roberto Osuna and Aaron Loup backing him up. Miguel Castro will get some less strenuous work for a time.

Updated hierarchy: Cecil | Osuna | Loup.

April 28, 2015
Toronto Blue Jays – The Jays’ bullpen fell apart late against the Red Sox last night; Roberto Osuna gave up the tying run in the eighth, and Miguel Castro surrendered a walk-off single in the ninth. After the game, John Gibbons said that Brett Cecil would have gotten the save opportunity, had one arisen, although he still has full confidence in Castro. It’s anybody’s guess who will have the edge going forward, but we’ll edge Cecil to the front of what clearly remains a committee.

Updated hierarchy: *Cecil | Castro | Osuna.
*closer-by-committee

April 26, 2015
Toronto Blue Jays – All three members of the Blue Jays’ hierarchy contributed to a blown save on Saturday.  Roberto Osuna struck out the first two batters of the 8th inning protecting a one-run lead, but was pulled after he gave up a single to Evan Longoria.  Brett Cecil came on and gave up a single to the only batter he faced.  Finally, the Blue Jays brought in Miguel Castro.  Castro gave up back-to-back doubles, allowing both inherited runners to score, along with one of his own.  Cecil took the loss while Castro got the blown save, his second of the season.  Manager John Gibbons continues to say he will use his relievers situationally, instead of a traditional closer.

Hierarchy remains: *Castro | Osuna | Cecil.
*closer-by-committee

April 24, 2015
Toronto Blue Jays – Liam Hendricks was ineffective in a 7-2 game, creating a save situation for Blue Jays committee head Miguel Castro. Castro made things even more interesting by giving up a three-run homer, but escaped with a fly out and a strikeout to end it. This poor outing notwithstanding, Castro remains the most likely closer on any given day.

Hierarchy remains: *Castro | Osuna | Cecil.
*closer-by-committee

April 23, 2015
Toronto Blue Jays – Miguel Castro got a four-out save, but his committee colleagues Roberto Osuna and Brett Cecil also put in scoreless appearances. If all three continue to pitch well, manager John Gibbons may have more difficult decisions to make with the late innings. For now though, Castro is the favorite.

Hierarchy remains: *Castro | Osuna | Cecil.
*closer-by-committee

April 19, 2015
Toronto Blue Jays – Miguel Castro blew his first save of the season yesterday.  This was the first earned run given up by Castro, who has gotten off to a good start to the season much to the delight of the scout who signed him.   Brett Cecil pitched a scoreless 10th and picked up the win after Josh Donaldson hit a walk-off homer in the bottom of the inning.  This all comes just one night after Cecil had a terrible outing, and it looked like Castro had the chance to solidify himself as the closer.  With Castro and Cecil pitching on back-to-back days, Osuna could get the call on Sunday if there is a save opportunity and further complicate things in the Blue Jays bullpen.

Hierarchy remains: *Castro | Osuna | Cecil.
*closer-by-committee

April 18, 2015
Toronto Blue Jays – Things continue to be unsettled in the Jays’ pen; last night, Roberto Osuna pitched the fifth and sixth and Brett Cecil gave up three runs on two homers in the eighth. Miguel Castro continues to look like the best Toronto reliever to own — he pitched a scoreless ninth in the losing effort.

Hierarchy remains: *Castro | Osuna | Cecil.
*closer-by-committee

April 15, 2015
Toronto Blue Jays – Miguel Castro appeared to be at the front of John Gibbons’ committee after his save against the Yankees, but on Tuesday he entered a tie game in the seventh and stayed on to pitch the eighth, giving up a run in the process. It looks as if the committee is more wide open than originally thought, with Roberto Osuna and Brett Cecil still very much in the mix.

Hierarchy remains: *Castro | Osuna | Cecil.
*closer-by-committee

April 10, 2015
Toronto Blue Jays – On the day Brett Cecil was demoted from the closer job, new committee head Miguel Castro mowed down the Yankees in the ninth to earn his first career save. A righty, the 6-5 Castro retired three Yankee lefthanded batters in Stephen Drew, Didi Gregorius and Jacoby Ellsbury. Roberto Osuna, Toronto’s other 20-year-old phenom, handled his business in the sixth and seventh, and Cecil responded to his new role encouragingly, with an effective eighth.

Hierarchy remains: *Castro | Osuna | Cecil.
*closer-by-committee

April 9, 2015
Toronto Blue Jays – A night after an 8th-inning shellacking at the hands of the Yankees, Brett Cecil was informed that he’d be given a little time off from closing, and would instead be used in the 7th and 8th innings. John Gibbons hasn’t explicitly named a replacement, though Miguel Castro appears to be the leading candidate. Roberto Osuna could potentially factor in as well.

Updated hierarchy: *Castro | Osuna | Cecil.
*closer-by-committee

March 27, 2015
Toronto Blue Jays — The Blue Jays optioned Steve Delabar to the minors on Thursday.  It was a very surprising move, and left Delabar searching for a word starting with “Q” to answer the question “How are you?” when asked by reporters.  Rookies Miguel Castro and Roberto Osuna  should help fill the void left by Delabar at the back end of the Blue Jays bullpen.

Updated hierarchy: Cecil | Loup | Castro.

March 26, 2015
Toronto Blue Jays — As expected, Brett Cecil was officially named Toronto’s closer; Aaron Loup will set him up, with Steve Delabar and Miguel Castro behind them.

Hierarchy remains: Cecil | Loup | Delabar.

March 18, 2015
Toronto Blue Jays – Thanks to an injury to Marcus Stroman, signs are pointing to a spot in the rotation for promising youngster Aaron Sanchez. That basically clears Brett Cecil’s path to the Opening Day closer gig.

Updated hierarchy: Cecil | Loup | Delabar.

March 6, 2015
Toronto Blue Jays — With Casey Janssen no longer the Jays’ closer, Brett Cecil and Aaron Sanchez are the top candidates for the job, but John Gibbons isn’t committing to either man yet. For now, we think Cecil has the edge because Sanchez could still snag a spot in the rotation, but it’s worth noting that Cecil was scratched from Friday’s spring training game with soreness in his shoulder. Aaron Loup and Todd Redmond are likely to pitch middle relief in front of the eventual closer, with Steve Delabar also in play.

Starting 2015 hierarchy: Cecil | Sanchez | Loup.
Holds candidates: Loup, Redmond.

September 27, 2014
Toronto Blue Jays – Marcus Stroman recorded a four inning save last night.  Stroman, making his first appearance since being suspended for throwing at Caleb Joseph, gave up only one hit while striking out four.  Stroman is a promising young starter for the Blue Jays and will not factor into their bullpen plans.

Hierarchy remains: Janssen | Sanchez | Cecil.

September 25, 2014
Toronto Blue Jays – Aaron Sanchez locked down a 1-0 victory for the Jays to earn his third save of the season. It was his first save since Sept. 3, and he was warming as the Jays were in the midst of a scoreless game in the eighth inning. While speculation remains as to whether Sanchez will remain in the bullpen or start next season, Casey Janssen hinted that he will explore free agency next year.

Hierarchy remains: Janssen | Sanchez | Cecil.

September 8, 2014
Toronto Blue Jays – The last two days have brought some good news for Casey Janssen owners: On Saturday, Aaron Sanchez was summoned in the 7th inning, and on Sunday, he was nowhere to be seen, allowing Janssen to pick up his 22nd save. Sanchez will probably vulture a few more chances down the stretch, but Janssen should still be able to get his share of saves.

Hierarchy remains: Janssen | Sanchez | Cecil.

September 6, 2014
Toronto Blue Jays — Casey Janssen blew another save last night.  He gave up three runs on five hits, while only recording one out.  After Aaron Sanchez got the save on Wednesday, it sounds like manager John Gibbons told Janssen that Sanchez would get the save opportunities when he is available.  Janssen then recorded the save on Thursday but wasn’t able to get it done yesterday.  He could still be in the mix for saves, and we will leave him there for now, but if Sanchez gets the next save chance and converts it, that should confirm a change.

Casey Janssen to Hot Seat
Hierarchy remains: Janssen | Sanchez | Cecil.

September 4, 2014
Toronto Blue Jays — Aaron Sanchez’s future is as a front-line starter, but like Adam Wainwright in 2006, he’s building confidence in the bullpen down the stretch. The Jays have made it clear that Casey Janssen is still the team’s official closer, but Janssen, a free agent next season, hasn’t taken kindly to the competition. John Gibbons explained that he went with Sanchez for Wednesday’s save because he was already warm. Janssen owners approaching the playoffs should avail themselves of a less volatile option if possible.

Hierarchy remains: Janssen | Sanchez | Cecil.

August 31, 2014
Toronto Blue Jays — Aaron Sanchez picked up his first career save yesterday afternoon.  Sanchez pitched a perfect 8th inning with the Blue Jays up 2 and then came back out for the 9th.  With closer Casey Janssen warming in the bullpen, Sanchez threw a 1-2-3 inning to finish the game.  The Blue Jays plan to get as much out of Sanchez as possible, which could mean that he sees more save chances down the stretch.  Still, Janssen should see the majority of saves, especially since Sanchez likely won’t pitch in back-to-back games.

Updated hierarchy: Janssen | Sanchez | Cecil.

August 28, 2014
Toronto Blue Jays — Chalk another one up for the Vulture Save Watch. We thought it would be Brett Cecil if the Jays needed a save on Wednesday night, and sure enough, he got the last out of the eighth, then came back out and struck out the side in an impressive ninth.

Hierarchy remains: Janssen | Loup | Cecil.

August 20, 2014
Toronto Blue Jays — John Gibbons just keeps going to Dustin McGowan early these days, summoning him in the fourth last night. Brett Cecil has a narrow edge over top prospect Aaron Sanchez right now.

Updated hierarchy: Janssen | Loup | Cecil.

August 16, 2014
Toronto Blue Jays – Dustin McGowan was summoned in the 5th inning yesterday with the Blue Jays getting blown out.  McGowan’s usage has been a little all over the place recently and it appears that Aaron Loup, and potentially even Brett Cecil, have surpassed him on the Blue Jays bullpen hiearchy.

Updated hierarchy: Janssen | Loup | McGowan.

August 11, 2014
Toronto Blue Jays – He won’t make his way on to the hierarchy any time soon, but former first round pick Chad Jenkins has earned a coveted mention in the Closer Monkey daily by pitching the 14th through 19th innings on Sunday. The six innings of scoreless relief allowed the Blue Jays to get the win in the longest game in the franchise’s history. Good work, Chad.

Hierarchy remains: Janssen | McGowan | Loup.

July 24, 2014
Toronto Blue Jays — First, Sergio Santos’s stuff went south; now he will, to AAA Buffalo, after clearing waivers.

Hierarchy remains: Janssen | McGowan | Loup.

July 23, 2014
Toronto Blue Jays — For the second straight appearance, Casey Janssen entered in a non-save ninth and allowed enough runs to allow a wingman to earn a vulture save. Tonight it was Brett Cecil’s turn, since Aaron Loup and Dustin McGowan had already appeared. If Janssen’s ineffectiveness can be traced to his recent illness, he’d be better off resting than hooking up pals at the expense of his ERA.

Hierarchy remains: Janssen | McGowan | Loup.

July 21, 2014
Toronto Blue Jays – Casey Janssen got the ball in the 9th inning on Sunday, but wasn’t himself, allowing several baserunners before giving way to Aaron Loup, who picked up another vulture save. Janssen, weakened by a stretch of food poisoning, wasn’t even certain that he would be available Sunday, so we’ll give him the benefit of the doubt and say that the quick hook wasn’t representative of any lost faith from John Gibbons. Hopefully he’ll find his strength in short order.

Hierarchy remains: Janssen | McGowan | Loup.

July 20, 2014
Toronto Blue Jays – Casey Janssen was unavailable due to a bout of food poisoning, so Aaron Loup got the call in the 9th inning, picking up his third save of the year. With Brett Cecil pitching erratically as of late (Cecil has allowed a run in four of his last nine outings), Loup is now the primary lefty in the Toronto pen.

Updated hierarchy: Janssen | McGowan | Loup.

July 15, 2014
Toronto Blue Jays – Casey Janssen has 14 saves in 16 chances since returning from an early-season DL stint, but the Blue Jays have been linked to both Huston Street and Joakim Soria. Janssen hasn’t been an issue for the contending Jays, but if Soria or Street land north of the border, then Janssen may be the odd man out. TRADE DEADLINE SELL: Casey Janssen

July 7, 2014
Toronto Blue Jays – Brett Cecil returned from the DL over the weekend, logging two scoreless appearances in the Blue Jays’ series with Oakland. He should supplant Aaron Loup as the go-to lefty in the late innings for Toronto; on Sunday, Loup came on in the 6th inning of a losing effort.

Updated hierarchy: Janssen | McGowan | Cecil.

July 2, 2014
Toronto Blue Jays — While Sergio Santos has been overlooked in high-leverage spots, Aaron Loup has resurfaced as a top option, albeit one who hit the only batter he faced in the eighth on Tuesday. This is probably all academic, as Brett Cecil has only one more rehab outing planned for Buffalo before he joins the Jays on Thursday in Oakland. In his first Bisons appearance on Monday, Cecil gave up the tying home run to Syracuse in the eighth, and came off as a little insensitive to his temporary teammates. Hope he bought dinner at Dinosaur.

Updated hierarchy: Janssen | McGowan | Loup.

June 20, 2014
Toronto Blue Jays – We might now have an explanation for why Brett Cecil went from one of the best relievers in baseball over the first month into a kinda-crappy situational lefty in recent weeks: he’s been trying to pitch through a groin injury. That effort is now over, as Cecil was placed on the DL on Thursday. Look for Sergio Santos — just back from his own DL stint — and Dustin McGowan to get save chances on nights when Casey Janssen is unavailable.

Updated hierarchy: Janssen | McGowan | Santos.

June 14, 2014
Toronto Blue Jays – Dustin McGowan recorded a five out save on Friday night.  Since moving to the bullpen in mid-May, McGowan has only given up 1 run in 11 appearances.  During that time he has picked up a win, a save, and five holds.  He should continue to see time in the later innings for the Blue Jays bullpen.

Updated hierarchy: Janssen | Cecil | McGowan.

June 2, 2014
Toronto Blue Jays – Up by four runs in the 9th inning, the Blue Jays went to Aaron Loup, who pitched a clean inning to close the game out.  Loup’s role has been difficult to define for much of the past season and a half — at various times, he’s been everything from the long man to the backup closer.  But over the past few weeks, the Jays have been using him more often as a 1-inning guy, and have been going to him in some key late inning spots.  Expect him to split the 8th inning with fellow lefty Brett Cecil going forward.

Updated hierarchy: Janssen | Cecil | Loup.

June 1, 2014
Toronto Blue Jays – Todd Redmond recorded a three inning save yesterday as the Blue Jays won by 10 runs.

Hierarchy Remains: Janssen | Cecil | Delabar.

May 25, 2014
Toronto Blue Jays – Brett Cecil picked up his third save of the season yesterday as closer Casey Janssen was given the day off.

Hierarchy Remains: Janssen | Cecil | Delabar

May 13, 2014
Toronto Blue Jays – A day after being activated from the disabled list, Casey Janssen returned to his familiar ninth-inning role. It wasn’t a save situation, as the Jays had a four-run lead, but Janssen preserved the win. After a leadoff walk, Janssen retired the next three hitters, throwing 10 of his 19 pitches for strikes. No hierarchy change.

May 12, 2014
Toronto Blue Jays – Casey Janssen was activated from the disabled list on the same day that former fill-in closer Sergio Santos hit the DL. Janssen should resume closing immediately. Hierarchy change: Casey Janssen to Closer, Brett Cecil to Set-up, Steve Delabar to 2nd in line.

May 7, 2014
Toronto Blue Jays — With Brett Cecil resting, John Gibbons used lefty Aaron Loup for a two-out save against lefties Chase Utley and Ryan Howard. Matchups are likely to continue to dictate Toronto save situations until the return of Casey Janssen, possibly early next week. No hierarchy change.

May 6, 2014
Toronto Blue Jays – Brett Cecil got the first crack at the closer’s role in manager John Gibbons’ committee, and he came through with a strong ninth inning to pick up his second save of the season. Both Aaron Loup and Steve Delabar pitched in front of Cecil, but it was Delabar who got the eighth ahead of Loup. All three have a chance at a save opportunity at this point, but it appears as if Delabar has the inside track to the ninth inning if Cecil isn’t given the nod.  Hierarchy change: Steve Delabar to Set-up, Aaron Loup to 2nd in line.

May 4, 2014
Toronto Blue Jays – Manager John Gibbons has officially removed Sergio Santos from the closer’s role and has announced that they will go with a committee until Janssen is back.  Gibbons mentioned Brett Cecil and Aaron Loup as the main guys in the committee.  We like Cecil better because of his strikeout potential.  On another note, Casey Janssen could begin a rehab assignment on Monday.  Hierarchy change: Aaron Loup to Set-up, Steve Delabar to 2nd in line. 

May 3, 2014
Toronto Blue Jays — Sergio Santos blew his second straight save tonight and after the game Manager John Gibbons said that they might have to re-arrange some things in the bullpen. Brett Cecil pitched a scoreless 7th and 8th inning tonight and has 18 ks in 10.1 innings this year. He should get the first chance at closing but might not be available tomorrow after throwing 31 pitches tonight. Steve Delabar could also be an option to close games until Casey Janssen returns from the DL. Hierarchy change: Brett Cecil to Closer, Steve Delabar to Set-up, Sergio Santos to 2nd in line.

May 2, 2014
Toronto Blue Jays – Aaron Loup picked up a long relief save on Thursday, but he doesn’t factor in to the usual late-inning plans for Toronto.  No hierarchy change. 

April 29, 2014
Toronto Blue Jays — The Blue Jays are missing Casey Janssen, who remains at least two weeks away from a return. On Tuesday, Sergio Santos entered with two on and one out in a high-leverage eighth, and proceeded to give up two inherited runs, plus three of his own. Last year, Santos threw three times as many innings, and walked half as many men. No hierarchy change.

April 19, 2014
Toronto Blue Jays — Before yesterday’s game, manager John Gibbons said that Sergio Santos has been tremendous this season.  Santos successfully closed out the Indians on Friday but it wasn’t smooth, as he allowed a hit and 2 walks in the 9th inning.  He is 5 out of 6 in save chances this season but he has struggled with walks and will need to get that under control if he wants to keep the job.   No hierarchy change.

April 18, 2014
Toronto Blue Jays – Sergio Santos had been solid in filling in for Casey Janssen so far this season, but Thursday was a disaster for the right-hander. He entered the game with two runners on in the 8th inning and a 2-run lead, and proceeded to walk the only three hitters he would face, throwing only four total strikes.  Casey Janssen’s rehab was temporarily shut down after he aggravated an injury, but this doesn’t provide Santos a ton of job security after yesterday.  Brett Cecil still has a 0.00 ERA on the year, and should Santos continue to struggle, the lefty could potentially hold down the 9th inning job until Janssen’s return.  Sergio Santos to Hot Seat.

April 16, 2014
Toronto Blue Jays — Casey Janssen pitched a scoreless inning for class-A Dunedin on Tuesday; he’s expected to make two more minor league appearances before returning in about a week. What role he’ll have upon his arrival is still unknown. No hierarchy change.

April 9, 2014
Toronto Blue Jays — Brett Cecil pitched the eighth last night after Steve Delabar was used to finish the sixth. Keep an eye on Sergio Santos too — he struck out the side in the ninth, and could have a shot at keeping the closer job even after Casey Janssen returns. Janssen will throw a side session on Wednesday before starting a few rehab outings. Hierarchy change: Brett Cecil to Set-up, Steve Delabar to 2nd in line.

March 30, 2014
Toronto Blue Jays – Casey Janssen has been placed on the disabled list with a lower back strain.  Sergio Santos will close in his place, while Steve Delabar moves up to 8th inning duties.  Hierarchy change: Sergio Santos to Closer, Steve Delabar to Set-up, Brett Cecil to 2nd in line, Casey Janssen injured.

March 13, 2014
Toronto Blue Jays — Casey Janssen has pitched well for Toronto over the last two seasons; his reputation suffers because of his subpar team and their hitter-friendly ballpark. A shoulder injury this spring could make his position more tenuous. Ranked #19 in our preseason closer rankings.

March 11, 2014
Toronto Blue Jays – Casey Janssen finds himself entrenched as the Blue Jays’ closer, and he’ll have a familiar cast of characters behind him. Sergio Santos will begin the season in the set-up role, while righty Steve Delabar should be called upon again in the seventh. Expect the Jays to use Brett Cecil again as a left-handed option out of the pen along with Delabar. Starting 2014 hierarchy: Closer – Casey Janssen, Set-up – Sergio Santos, 2nd in line – Steve Delabar.

September 28, 2013
Toronto Blue Jays – Sergio Santos came on in the 8th inning with the bases loaded and one out and the Blue Jays up 4.  He got a double play to get out of the inning and then stayed on for the 9th to pick up his first save of the season. No hierarchy change.

September 22, 2013
Toronto Blue Jays – Sergio Santos pitched a perfect 8th inning on Saturday night with a one run lead.  Santos has not allowed a run in his last 16 appearances while Steve Delabar has given up 5 runs over his last 3 appearances.  Hierarchy change: Sergio Santos to Set-up, Steve Delabar to 2nd in line .

September 3, 2013
Toronto Blue Jays — Steve Delabar returned from the disabled list after almost a month and jumped right back into the eighth inning, earning a hold on Monday. Toronto has been leaning on Sergio Santos more than Brett Cecil over the past two weeks, so Santos keeps his slot at #3 for the Jays. Hierarchy change: Steve Delabar to Set-up, replacing Brett Cecil.

August 15, 2013
Toronto Blue Jays — As we expected, Brett Cecil got a shot at a save on Wednesday night; unfortunately for anyone who listened to us, he surrendered a two-run homer to tie the game, then loaded the bases. Never trust a man with two first names. No hierarchy change.

August 5, 2013
Toronto Blue Jays – The Blue Jays placed All Star set-up man Steve Delabar on the DL yesterday with shoulder inflammation.  The move is retroactive to August 3.  Brett Cecil will take over 8th inning duties in his absence.  Hierarchy change: Brett Cecil to Set-up, Sergio Santos to 2nd in line, Steve Delabar to DL.

August 2, 2013
Toronto Blue Jays – Sergio Santos finally returned to the big leagues on Thursday after spending most of the season on the disabled list.  He’ll pitching middle relief at first, but given his contract and experience, the Blue Jays will likely elevate him to a set up role if he pitches well.  That’s no guarantee of course, as Santos was pretty awful during his rehab stint, posting a 6.17 ERA in 12 appearances.  No hierarchy change.

August 1, 2013
Toronto Blue Jays – Brett Cecil picked up a 10th inning save on Wednesday, after Casey Janssen and Steve Delabar had already pitched.  No hierarchy change.

July 31, 2013
Toronto Blue Jays — The impressive Steve Delabar struck out the side in the eighth inning on nine pitches, a feat accomplished only 50 times before in baseball history. No hierarchy change.

July 17, 2013
Toronto Blue Jays — The Jays’ bullpen has been the team’s biggest strength this disappointing season, and although they might move a pitcher if they get the right offer, any trade is unlikely to affect the save picture. TRADE DEADLINE BUY/SELL: None.

July 11, 2013
Toronto Blue Jays – Steve Delabar picked up a one-out save last night, replacing Casey Janssen, who was struggling to get through the 9th.  Though it was a little odd to see Janssen get yanked in the middle of a save opp, he’s only got one blown save all year.  Maybe the Blue Jays are boosting Delabar’s profile for the ridiculous, all-reliever AL final All Star vote.  No hierarchy change.

June 3, 2013
Toronto Blue Jays – Aaron Loup picked up an 11th-inning save on Sunday night after the Jays had used most of the other relievers in their bullpen.  Brett Cecil pitched the 8th and 9th for Toronto and extended his scoreless innings streak to 11.  Though Neil Wagner had a strong debut earlier this week, he hasn’t pitched in a game in which the Blue Jays were winning or tied since.  Hierarchy change: Brett Cecil to 2nd in line, replacing Neil Wagner.

May 30, 2013
Toronto Blue Jays – With many of their top relievers injured, the Blue Jays on Wednesday called up their AAA closer, Neil Wagner, and immediately thrust him in to a big spot.  Wagner, 29, a hard-throwing righty, pitched the 7th and 8th innings in a 3-run game, before giving way to Casey Janssen.  He allowed only one hit and struck out two.  Wagner’s stats in AAA are very impressive (20.1 IP, 0.89 ERA, 0.89 WHIP, 13 saves, and 32 Ks/8 BBs), and the lack of (healthy) closing experience puts him immediately in the conversation if Janssen’s recent shoulder complaints turn into something real.  Hierarchy change: Neil Wagner to 2nd in line, replacing Brett Cecil.

May 29, 2013
Toronto Blue Jays – With Darren Oliver on the disabled list with a strained shoulder, Steve Delabar has ascended to the setup role in the threadbare Jays bullpen. Right behind him is an equally overworked Brett Cecil, who has struck out eight of the last fourteen batters he’s faced. As Casey Janssen was held out of Tuesday’s game with a “tender” shoulder, Delabar may see ninth-inning action very soon. Hierarchy change: Steve Delabar to Set-up, Brett Cecil to 2nd in line, Darren Oliver to DL.

May 15, 2013
Toronto Blue Jays — Adding to the Blue Jays’ injury woes, Sergio Santos will need surgery to clean out bone spurs from his elbow. Expect him back in early July. No hierarchy change.

May 8, 2013
Toronto Blue Jays — Steve Delabar has been pitching more effectively than Aaron Loup lately, and in more important spots. Sergio Santos, meanwhile, expects to be out for about two more weeks. Hierarchy change: Steve Delabar to 2nd in line, replacing Aaron Loup.

May 4, 2013
Toronto Blue Jays – Aaron Loup pitched the 5th and 6th inning last night while Darren Oliver pitched the 8th.  Although the Blue Jays were losing, it was a close game and they used Janssen for the 9th.  Oliver also pitched the 8th ahead of Janssen a few days ago.   Hierarchy change:  Darren Oliver to Set-up, Aaron Loup to 2nd in line.

April 16, 2013
Toronto Blue Jays — Sergio Santos was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained triceps, and young Aaron Loup was summoned today in a high-leverage eighth.  Hierarchy change: Aaron Loup to Set-up, Sergio Santos to DL.

April 13, 2013
Toronto Blue Jays – Aaron Loup picked up a three-inning save on Friday.  Loup has pitched well to start the season, but doesn’t factor in to the Blue Jays late inning hierarchy just yet.  No hierarchy change.

March 25, 2013
Toronto Blue Jays – Blue Jays manager John Gibbons seems to think that Casey Janssen will be ready to open the season come April 2.  Janssen himself is far less certain.  Either way, though, Gibbons told the Toronto Sun that Janssen was definitely his closer, even if he wasn’t ready for the season.  So if Sergio Santos gets a few save opportunities, they won’t last long, as Janssen will inherit the job whenever he does return.  Hierarchy change: Casey Janssen to Closer, Sergio Santos to Set-up.

March 20, 2013
Toronto Blue Jays – With Casey Janssen’s rehab going slower than expected, Sergio Santos will most likely start the season as the closer in Toronto.  Santos was signed before last season with the expectation that he would close for the Blue Jays, so if he pitches well in the early going, he could hold on to the job for good.  Hierarchy change: Sergio Santos to Closer, Casey Janssen to Set-up. 

February 24, 2013
Toronto Blue Jays – Casey Janssen enters camp as favorite to hold the Toronto closer job, but Sergio Santos was brought in last season to finish games, and could easily seize the job if Janssen falters.  Starting 2013 hierarchy: Closer- Casey Janssen, Set-up- Sergio Santos, 2nd in line- Darren Oliver.

August 5, 2012
Toronto Blue Jays – Darren Oliver picked up an 11th inning save on Saturday. Casey Janssen had already pitched earlier in the night. No hierarchy change.

July 21, 2012
Toronto Blue Jays – The Blue Jays picked up three pitchers from the Houston Astros in a 10-player trade on Thursday including Brandon Lyon, who will likely serve as a 7th inning guy ahead of Darren Oliver and Casey Janssen. Hierarchy change: Brandon Lyon to 2nd in line, replacing Jason Frasor.

July 16, 2012
Toronto Blue Jays – Darren Oliver pitched the last two innings in a three-run game for the Jays last night, earning his first save of the season. Casey Janssen remains the team’s regular closer, and will maintain that role for the foreseeable future, as the Jays also announced Sunday that Sergio Santos would undergo season-ending surgery. No hierarchy change.

July 13, 2012
Toronto Blue Jays – Whether the Blue Jays are buyers or sellers has been a topic of debate, with GM Alex Anthopolous saying earlier this month that they were buyers, while Buster Olney reported a few days later that other executives were expecting the Jays to sell. But even if they do sell, Casey Janssen has a 2-year deal and would likely be sticking around. And if they buy, they’ll probably look somewhere other than the bullpen, as they’ve got Sergio Santos returning soon. TRADE DEADLINE BUY/SELL: None.

July 5, 2012
Toronto Blue Jays – Jason Frasor pitched the 7th inning of a close game for the second night in a row. He now has 11 holds on the season and seems to have established himself as the guy that the Blue Jays will use ahead of Oliver and Janssen. Hierarchy change: Jason Frasor to 2nd in line replacing Francisco Cordero.

June 30, 2012
Toronto Blue Jays – Darren Oliver pitched the 8th inning ahead of Casey Janssen on Friday, his fourth consecutive 8th inning hold. The ageless lefty is having the best season of his career, sporting a 1.59 ERA and 0.92 WHIP. Hierarchy change: Darren Oliver to Set-up, Francisco Cordero to 2nd in line.

June 20, 2012
Toronto Blue Jays – Jason Frasor gave up 2 runs on Tuesday, pushing his ERA to 4.26. Meanwhile, veteran lefty Darren Oliver pitched yet another scoreless inning, eventually earning the win after John Axford blew the save. He’s been used against both righties and lefties this season, and now has a sparkling 1.48 ERA. Hierarchy change: Darren Oliver to 2nd in line, replacing Jason Frasor.

June 12, 2012
Toronto Blue Jays – Sergio Santos suffered another setback in his rehab this weekend and could be out until after the All Star break, or longer. Casey Janssen has performed well in his stead and with this news, his value continues to rise. No hierarchy change.

May 31, 2012
Toronto Blue Jays – His ERA is still ugly due to some awful outings earlier in the year, but Francisco Cordero has been solid since being demoted from the closer role, holding the opposition scoreless in 10 out of 11 outings. He pitched the 8th inning last night- setting up for Casey Janssen- his second such appearance in a row. Hierarchy change: Francisco Cordero to Set-up, Jason Frasor to 2nd in line.

May 18, 2012
Toronto Blue Jays – Jason Frasor picked up his second hold of the week on Thursday, and has been used regularly in high leverage spots. Francisco Cordero has been held out of close games as the Jays aim to rebuild his confidence. Hierarchy change: Jason Frasor to Set-up, Francisco Cordero to 2nd in line.

May 10, 2012
Toronto Blue Jays – The Blue Jays just announced that they have demoted Francisco Cordero, and that Casey Janssen would be the team’s closer until Sergio Santos returns, according to the Toronto Star. Janssen pitched a clean 9th in his first opportunity on Wednesday; Santos will likely be out at least another two weeks. Hierarchy change: Casey Janssen to Closer, Francisco Cordero to Set-up.

May 9, 2012
Toronto Blue Jays – Francisco Cordero blew a save in ugly fashion last night, allowing 5 earned runs including a walk-off grand slam. Injured closer Sergio Santos has begun a rehab program, but is likely still two weeks away from returning. Another bad outing or two by Cordero, and he may not hold the job until Santos’s return. Francisco Cordero to Hot Seat.

April 30, 2012
Toronto Blue Jays – Before Sunday’s game, manager John Farrell explicitly identified Casey Janssen as the team’s set-up man, and proved it by using him in a high-leverage eighth. Luis Perez didn’t make the choice difficult, with a four-run tenth on Friday. Hierarchy change: Casey Janssen to Set-Up, Luis Perez to 2nd in Line.

April 24, 2012
Toronto Blue Jays — Casey Janssen hasn’t pitched since he blew a save on April 14, and Jason Frasor has been idle since a 3-run outing on April 19. In the meantime, Luis Perez and Darren Oliver have been getting more work, including high-leverage outings by Perez on April 20 and last night. With Sergio Santos out, the bullpen situation in Toronto remains quite fluid. Hierarchy change: Luis Perez to Set-up, Jason Frasor to 2nd in Line.

April 23, 2012
Toronto Blue Jays- With Sergio Santos on the DL, new closer Francisco Cordero picked up a somewhat rocky save in his first day on the job. No hierarchy change.

April 22, 2012
Toronto Blue Jays- Sergio Santos was placedon the disabled list on Saturday with right shoulder inflammation; insurance policy Francisco Cordero will step into the role of closer until Santos can return. Hierarchy change: Santos to DL, Cordero to Closer, Casey Janssen to Set-up, Jason Frasor to 2nd in Line.

April 10, 2012
Toronto Blue Jays- Sergio Santos blew his second consecutive save on Sunday and looked ugly doing it, walking three hitters and only recording two outs. Experienced set-up man Francisco Cordero could see some opportunities if Santos continues to falter. Sergio Santos to Hot Seat.

March 20, 2012
Toronto Blue Jays- Blue Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos continued to make positive moves for the team’s bullpen, trading for White Sox closer Sergio Santos, who will take over as closer in Toronto. The team also signed former Reds closer Francisco Cordero, who will serve as the primary setup man. Starting 2012 hierarchy: Closer- Sergio Santos, Set-up- Francisco Cordero, 2nd in line- Casey Janssen.

Dec. 15, 2011
Toronto Blue Jays- The Blue Jays have traded for Sergio Santos, who will assume the closer’s role from the departing Frank Francisco. Hierarchy change: Sergio Santos to Closer, replacing Frank Francisco.

Sept. 12, 2011
Toronto Blue Jays- Jon Rauch has barely pitched since his return from the DL. Casey Janssen has been used in most of the high-leverage non-save situations as of late. Hierarchy change: Janssen to Set-up, Rauch to 2nd in line.

Sept. 2, 2011
Toronto Blue Jays- Jon Rauch, fresh off the DL, pitched the 8th inning last night. He won’t reclaim his old closer job, but he’ll likely be the guy the Jays call upon if Francisco gets hurt. Casey Janssen, who will be sidelined for a few days with a stiff back, will assume the 2nd in line role as soon as he’s healthy. Hierarchy change: Rauch to Set-up, replacing Janssen.

Aug. 25, 2011
Toronto Blue Jays- Pitching in relief, Jesse Litsch earned the win last night. Litsch has been impressive since being recalled from Triple-A, and he came in the 7th in a tie game. Hierarchy change: Litsch to 2nd in line, replacing Camp.

Aug. 22, 2011
Toronto Blue Jays- Casey Janssen picked up a 3-inning save in the Blue Jays’ 1-0 victory last night. Frank Francisco warmed up for the 9th, but felt stiffness in his shoulder, so Janssen stayed in. At the moment, Francisco’s injury doesn’t appear serious. No hierarchy change.

Aug. 16, 2011
Toronto Blue Jays- Jon Rauch has been placed on the DL after undergoing an emergency appendectomy this morning. Frank Francisco will assume the closer role indefinitely. Hierarchy change: Rauch to DL. Francisco to Closer, Janssen to Set-Up, Camp to 2nd in line.