Tyler Clippard gets the first chance to close in the new Toronto bullpen

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

Milwaukee Brewers — Corey Knebel’s first appearance after his injury started with a long home run, but quieted down with three consecutive groundouts. Knebel was used in a low-leverage spot with the team down four, and Craig Counsell says he’s not going to rush his closer back into the ninth. For his part, Knebel is willing to sacrifice his role for the team, saying he doesn’t expect to return to closing right away and that it “doesn’t matter” where he’s used, given the talent in the bullpen. We’ll see whether the Brewers stay in the committee mindset going forward.

Hierarchy remains: Knebel | Hader | Jeffress.

Atlanta Braves — It’s been all Arodys Vizcaino ever since Brian Snitker talked about sometimes playing matchups with AJ Minter. We’re no longer buying the committee tag here.

Updated hierarchy: Vizcaino | Minter | Carle.

Boston Red Sox — Seeking to protect a narrow lead over the rival Yankees in the game and the division, Alex Cora called on Craig Kimbrel to do something he’d never done before: collect a five-out save. He failed. With a triple and a home run, the Yankees captured both leads, picking up their 17th win in 18 games.

Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Kelly | Barnes.

Baltimore Orioles — With Darren O’Day on the DL with a hyperextended elbow, Brad Brach returned to the role of closer/trade bait. A desire to showcase the perennial trade chip to possible suitors is a major reason Brach might have the job to himself in O’Day’s absence.

Updated hierarchy: *Brach | Givens | Bleier.
* = closer-by-committee

Chicago White Sox — The White Sox haven’t been earning many save opportunities, and when one arises, their putrid 5.68 ninth-inning ERA hasn’t led to many conversions. Wednesday they called on Nate Jones with a three-run lead in the ninth, and he gave up four runs on four hits to take the loss and run his own ninth-inning ERA to 8.44. Joakim Soria (6.14 ninth-inning ERA) should get the next save chance, in a week or so.

Hierarchy remains: *Soria | Jones | Rondon.
* = closer-by-committee

Houston Astros — Two straight days, two straight uneventful saves for Ken Giles, but AJ Hinch’s love of matchups compels us to keep the committee tag, for now at least.

Hierarchy remains: *Giles | Devenski | Peacock.
* = closer-by-committee

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. AJ Minter — Even if the Atlanta situation isn’t a committee anymore, Vizcaino has gone in three of four.
2. David Robertson — Aroldis Chapman has gone in two straight games and Robertson got Wednesday off.

Friday:
1. Jared Hughes — Raisel Iglesias pitched two innings on Wednesday. He needed only 19 pitches, so he might be good for Thursday — but if so, don’t expect him to go in three straight.
2. Joe Kelly — Another tough outing for Kimbrel and he’ll need a day off.

Corey Knebel to be activated from DL today

May 9, 2018

Milwaukee Brewers — Corey Knebel will be activated from the disabled list today and will return to one of the best bullpens in baseball. Josh Hader – who picked up his fifth multi-inning save of the season on Tuesday – was outstanding during Knebel’s absence and will continue to be a huge part of the Brewers’ late-inning dominance.

Updated hierarchy: Knebel | Hader | Jeffress.

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

Detroit Tigers – Alex Wilson is on the disabled list with a a left plantar fascia strain, an injury that has been described as “week-to-week.” Buck Farmer, who tossed a perfect 1.1 innings on Tuesday to earn his second hold in as many outings, has struck out seven and not allowed a run over his last five appearances.

Updated hierarchy: Greene | Jimenez | Farmer. 

Los Angeles Angels — Keynan Middleton pitched a scoreless inning Tuesday during a rehab outing in Triple-A. He is expected back later this week.

Hierarchy remains: *Bedrosian | Anderson | Parker.
* = closer-by-committee

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
None.

Thursday:
1. Archie Bradley/Yoshihisa Hirano – All three of Arizona’s main bullpen arms have pitched in three of four, so Wednesday’s usage will dictate availability on Thursday.
2. AJ Minter – If Arodys Vizcaino pitches today it will be two straight and three of four for him.
3. Josh Fields – Kenley Jansen threw 19 pitches over two innings on Tuesday. If he has a taxing outing on Wednesday, he may get a rest on Thursday.
4. Luis Garcia – Hector Neris will have pitched in two straight and four of five if he gets the ball on Wednesday.

Trade Deadline Buy/Sell: American League

July 12, 2017

Special Update (Part 1 of 2 — check back tomorrow for the National League)

—–
Glossary:
BUY+: This player has a strong chance (at least 50%) of becoming a closer by the trade deadline.
BUY: This player has a small chance (at least 20%) of becoming a closer by the trade deadline.
SELL: This player has a small chance (at least 20%) of losing his closer job by the trade deadline.
SELL+: This player has a large chance (at least 50%) of losing his closer job by the trade deadline.

TL;DR – AL relievers
BUY+: Tommy Kahnle.
BUY: Bruce Rondon, Mike Minor, Joakim Soria, Cam Bedrosian, David Hernandez, Blake Parker, Keone Kela, Matt Bush.
SELL: David Robertson, Justin Wilson, Bud Norris, Jose Leclerc, Alex Claudio.
SELL+: None.
—–

AL East

Baltimore Orioles — The Orioles are four games back in a wide-open Wild Card race and 3.5 games in front of the last-place team in the American League, which means the team is still unsure how it will proceed at the trade deadline. How does this affect the bullpen? Zach Britton is not likely to be moved, which means that Brad Brach and Darren O’Day aren’t going to assume the closer’s role in Baltimore. Either one of those setup men, however, is an intriguing trade target for a team in need of some bullpen depth. Brach was the team’s closer during Britton’s extended DL stint, but it’s unlikely he closes for a new team if he does get moved. BUY/SELL: None.

Boston Red Sox — The Red Sox own one of the best bullpens in the American League thanks in large part to All-Star closer Craig Kimbrel. Joe Kelly (1.49 ERA, 1.10 WHIP) has been the team’s next-best pitcher, but his hold on the 8th inning in Boston is not all that certain. The Sox are in the market for another reliever, with David Phelps and Pat Neshek being mentioned as potential targets. But Boston also has an in-house option in Carson Smith, who is set to throw from a mound this week. If he progresses well, the Sox may stand pat in the ‘pen. BUY/SELL: None.

New York Yankees — The Yankees will be buyers at the deadline, with Brad Hand highlighted as one of the potential targets. They have also scouted Pat Neshek. Despite recent struggles, Dellin Betances (15.00 ERA in July) should remain the handcuff to Aroldis Chapman, though the addition of a reliever like Hand will put some more pressure on Betances. BUY/SELL: None.

Tampa Bay Rays — Like the Yankees, the Rays could use another bullpen arm as they make a push for a playoff spot. Closer Alex Colome (3.76 ERA, 1.35 WHIP) has not been lights-out this year, but Kevin Cash doesn’t seem interested in making a switch to either Brad Boxberger or Tommy Hunter, and it’s unlikely the Rays will trade for someone with the intention of having him slot immediately into the closer’s role. BUY/SELL: None.

Toronto Blue Jays — The Blue Jays are in a similar predicament as the Orioles at the All-Star break. Toronto is five games back in the Wild Card race, but only 2.5 games from being last in the American League. It’s more than likely that the Jays will be sellers, but it’s less than likely that they trade 22-year-old closer Roberto Osuna. BUY/SELL: None.

AL Central

Chicago White Sox — The White Sox will almost certainly be sellers at the deadline and they have a number of bullpen arms who could be interesting to contending teams. Closer David Robertson tops the list and will likely be dealt before the trade deadline. He is an attractive option due to his postseason experience and ability to go more than one inning. The Nationals have been linked to Robertson since before the season, and that would likely be the best situation for fantasy owners since he would take over as the Nationals’ closer immediately. The Red Sox and Yankees have also been rumored to be interested in Robertson, but he would likely serve in a setup role to either Kimbrel or Chapman. We will list Robertson as a soft sell based on the possibility of ending up somewhere as a setup man. Tommy Kahnle should get a chance to close if Robertson is dealt, unless he also gets traded. BUY+: Tommy Kahnle; SELL: David Robertson.

Cleveland Indians — Cleveland’s bullpen got them to the World Series last year, and they won’t be making any moves that affect Andrew Miller or Cody Allen at the back end. BUY/SELL: None.

Detroit Tigers — The Tigers already cut their Opening Day closer in Francisco Rodriguez and it would not be surprising if their current closer is not around for much longer, although for much different reasons. Justin Wilson is having a great year, and teams are usually willing to overpay for bullpen help at the deadline. The Astros have been linked to Wilson for a while and the Dodgers also seem interested. Unfortunately for fantasy owners, Wilson probably will not remain as a closer if he is dealt. Bruce Rondon could get another shot to close if Wilson is shipped somewhere else. BUY: Bruce Rondon; SELL: Justin Wilson.

Kansas City Royals — The Royals started the year out slow, but after a record of 17-9 in June, they put themselves back into contention. That might not matter in a couple weeks for Kelvin Herrera. Herrera hasn’t been as good this year (4.50 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 8.74 K/9) as the past couple years, but he is still a very good reliever and has a team-friendly contract. The Nationals are rumored to be interested in Herrera. Joakim Soria is a veteran arm who is having a good season (11.68 K/9, 11 holds) but his contract is a little richer, so he may stick around and close if Herrera is dealt. Mike Minor (1.87 ERA, 0.97 WHIP) is having a stellar season in the bullpen and could close if both Herrera and Soria are gone at the deadline. BUY: Joakim Soria, Mike Minor; SELL: Kelvin Herrera.

Minnesota Twins — Closer Brandon Kintzler was recently named an injury replacement for the All-Star team, and the Twins are surprisingly in second place in the AL Central. While Kintzler thought his manager was calling to tell him he was being traded, we don’t think he will be going anywhere. The Twins opted not to trade Kintzler last year when they were much further out of contention, and they will likely keep the All-Star around this season as well. BUY/SELL: None.

AL West

Houston Astros — The Astros, who sport a ridiculous 16.5-game lead in the AL West, are virtual locks for the postseason. They will definitely be buyers ahead of the deadline, but will they add another piece to their strong back-end? Some rumors have the Astros targeting starting pitching, but if that proves unsuccessful, they could aim to boost the bullpen depth. The Detroit Free Press says the Astros may be interested in Tigers closer Justin Wilson. For now, the Tigers have been asking for Houston’s top outfield prospect Derek Fisher, which could prove to be too steep a price. BUY/SELL: None.

Los Angeles Angels — The Angels are two games under .500 and way, way behind the Astros in the division, but they’re only three games behind New York and Tampa for a Wild Card berth. Mike Trout’s return could turn the Angels into buyers, or the team can falter and find themselves sellers. Either scenario puts the Angels in the conversation to trade for or deal away some relievers, and they have some intriguing options. Health has been the big issue with the back end of the ‘pen, as Huston Street is back on the DL again. Bud Norris (2.23 ERA, 1.05 WHIP) and Cam Bedrosian (1.69 ERA, 0.88 WHIP) have pitched well, but each pitcher has had their injury woes this season. Both players are healthy now and could probably be had at the deadline for a reasonable price, especially Norris. If either player is traded to a contender, it’s hard to imagine they’d be a closer with their new club. BUY: Cam Bedrosian, David Hernandez, Blake Parker; SELL: Bud Norris.

Oakland Athletics — The A’s are always active at the deadline, and as one of the worst teams in the American League, they will certainly be sellers. Oakland features a handful of relievers, like Ryan Madson, Sean Doolittle and Santiago Casilla, who all could be intriguing to some contenders. One report suggests Doolittle (0.69 WHIP, 12.84 K/9) and Madson (2.17 ERA, 0.80 WHIP) are likely to be traded to contenders. Neither player would close for their new team, so keep that in mind when managing your own roster. Casilla, meanwhile, may stick around as he hasn’t been as impressive (3.82 ERA, 1.33 WHIP) as his bullpen mates, though a contender could look to acquire a veteran reliever like Casilla for cheap. If everyone is dealt, watch out for Liam Hendriks (5.40 ERA, though a 12.03 K/9), or… GULP… John Axford (6.30 ERA) to get a promotion. BUY/SELL: None.

Seattle Mariners — The M’s are four games under .500, but just four games back in the Wild Card race and figure to be buyers at the deadline, primarily because the team is sporting the highest payroll in team history (more than $150 million) and may want to deal for a player or two to put them over the hump. Edwin Diaz seems firmly entrenched in the closer’s role again, but Seattle could look outside the organization to boost the depth behind him. It’s not clear if the team has been connected to any specific reliever, so stay tuned to see if anyone will join Nick Vincent and old closer Steve Cishek behind Diaz in the bullpen. BUY/SELL: None.

Texas Rangers — The Rangers’ bullpen is in shambles and has blown a league-worst 17 save chances. Still, though, Texas is within striking distance of the Wild Card (three games back), and GM Jon Daniels said over the weekend he doesn’t envision his team selling. In fact, the team is likely to pursue relievers and/or controllable players via trade, according to a report. So, what should the Rangers do? Currently sporting a three-headed committee, Texas could be in the market for a marquee reliever, like Brad Hand. Meanwhile, if there’s no deal to be made, keep an eye on the currently injured Keone Kela, Matt Bush or the recently-returned Jeremy Jeffress staking their claim as the team’s primary stopper. BUY: Keone Kela, Matt Bush; SELL: Jose Leclerc, Alex Claudio.

Jake McGee continues impressive run; John Axford does exact opposite

June 2, 2017

Colorado Rockies — Former closer Jake McGee has been really impressive lately, having not allowed a run since May 12 or a walk since May 4 (1.66 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, 30 Ks). He picked up his fourth hold Thursday, pitching the eighth inning in Adam Ottavino’s absence. He’ll likely get any save opportunity when closer Greg Holland is unavailable.

Updated hierarchy: Holland | McGee | Rusin.

Oakland A’s — Since coming off the disabled list, John Axford has pitched in five games (all Oakland losses) and allowed seven runs (6 ER) on three walks and four strikeouts (11.57 ERA, 2.57 WHIP), including Thursday’s disastrous outing in which he allowed three runs (2 ER) in just one-third of an inning to put a 5-1 deficit out of reach. He’s probably a long way from closing, even in a pinch. This brings us to Sean Doolittle, who will start a rehab assignment Friday. For now, we like Aussie Liam Hendriks (3.38 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, four holds) to take Axford’s spot in the hierarchy.

Updated hierarchy: Casilla | Madson | Hendriks.

Arizona Diamondbacks — It’s time for a status check on the game’s oldest closer, 40-year-old Fernando Rodney. Don’t look now, but Rodney did not allow an earned run in May and continued that streak on the first day of June, picking up his 14th save. It wasn’t all good – the one unearned run he allowed in that stretch came in Wednesday’s ninth inning, giving him his third blown save. Either way, his overall numbers are ugly (6.10 ERA, 1.45 WHIP), but he’s hot and worth a look if he’s still available in your league.

Hierarchy remains: Rodney | Bradley | Hoover.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Trevor Rosenthal — Seung Hwan Oh has pitched in two straight, throwing 40 pitches. He has not pitched in three straight games yet this season. Rosenthal, however, is pretty well-rested.

Saturday:
1. Archie Bradley/JJ Hoover — Fernando Rodney has appeared in two straight days (38 pitches), and might pitch Friday if needed (he has gone in three straight once this season). This is assuming Archie Bradley gets a break Friday, as he has been busy himself (three of four heading into Friday with 50 pitches). A rest Friday would make Bradley available Saturday. However, if both need a rest, JJ Hoover is next up.

Edwin Diaz could be close to regaining his closer’s role

May 21, 2017

Seattle Mariners — Edwin Diaz had a positive outing on Friday night and could return to the closer’s role soon.  The Mariners will likely use Diaz in a non-save situation for his next appearance, but if he responds well, he could be back as closer after that.  We will leave Nick Vincent and James Pazos at the top of the committee for now, but we don’t expect that to last.

Updated hierarchy: *Vincent | Pazos | Diaz.
* = closer-by-committee

Oakland A’s — Ryan Dull has been placed on the DL with an injury to his right knee.  John Axford has returned, and the veteran should take over Dull’s role in the later innings.  In other injury news for the A’s bullpen, Sean Doolittle may be back sooner than originally expected.

Updated hierarchy: Casilla | Madson | Axford.

San Diego Padres — Brandon Maurer got some work last night with the Padres getting blown out, and his struggles continued.  He gave up an earned run on a hit and two walks.  Maurer has now given up at least one run in four of his past five appearances.  The Padres haven’t indicated that they are ready to make any changes, but if Maurer continues to pitch like this, they might not have a choice.

Hierarchy remains: Maurer | Hand | Buchter.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today:
1. Hansel Robles – Addison Reed has gone in two straight and three of four, throwing a total of 72 pitches over that span.
2. Derek Law – Mark Melancon has pitched in two in a row, including 22 pitches yesterday, and the Giants could be cautious with Melancon since he just returned from injury.
3. Michael Lorenzen – Raisel Iglesias has pitched in two straight and three of four.

Monday:
1. Arodys Vizcaino/Jose Ramirez – Jim Johnson has pitched in two straight and four of the past five.  Arodys Vizcaino and Jose Ramirez have also pitched two in a row so whoever is rested between those two would likely get the call on Monday if Johnson goes again today.
2. Darren O’Day – It will be three in a row for Brad Brach if he pitches on Sunday.
3. Andrew Miller/Bryan Shaw – Cody Allen has pitched in two straight and will get the day off Monday if he pitches again today.  Andrew Miller has also pitched in two straight so if he used on Sunday, that would leave Shaw for Monday.