The limit on roster additions post-Sept. 1 has mitigated some of the disaster that can be bullpens in the final month of the season. Still, the closer role has seen some changes over the past two weeks.
Locked In
Matt Barnes – Boston Red Sox
Liam Hendriks – Chicago White Sox
Emmanuel Clase – Cleveland Indians
Gregory Soto – Detroit Tigers
Ryan Pressly – Houston Astros
Scott Barlow – Kansas City Royals
It took until the end of August, but it appears there is stability in the Royals bullpen!
Raisel Iglesias – Anaheim Angels
Alex Colomé – Minnesota Twins
Aroldis Chapman – New York Yankees
Joe Barlow – Texas Rangers
Spencer Patton logged a save Aug.t 31, but Barlow has a 3-1 saves edge in the Rangers’ last five save opportunities.
Jordan Romano – Toronto Blue Jays
Tyler Clippard – Arizona Diamondbacks
Will Smith – Atlanta Braves
Rowan Wick – Chicago Cubs
Wick was my choice to close if the Cubs traded their entire bullpen. The previous high-leverage relievers are gone and Wick is healthy. The Cubs are also on a winning streak so his ROI is at its highest.
Carlos Estévez �� Colorado Rockies
Daniel Bard had the longest leash despite the team’s lost season. Estévez is as shaky as Bard but has a longer track record as a closer.
Kenley Jansen – Los Angeles Dodgers
Dylan Floro – Miami Marlins
Josh Hader – Milwaukee Brewers
Hader has allowed three of five inherited runners to score in 2021. He has only had them in three appearances.
Edwin Diaz – New York Mets
Ian Kennedy – Philadelphia Phillies
David Bednar – Pittsburgh Pirates
Mark Melancon – San Diego Padres
Jake McGee – San Francisco Giants
Giovanny Gallegos – St. Louis Cardinals
Alex Reyes has lost his touch that carried him to the MLB record for consecutive saves as a first-time closer. Gallegos should have the role for the foreseeable future.
Kyle Finnegan – Washington Nationals
Closer Committees
Cole Sulser and Tyler Wells – Baltimore Orioles
The Orioles have two saves since we last convened, and both relievers logged one apiece.
Andrew Chafin, Lou Trivino, and Sergio Romo – Oakland Athletics
Trivino has gone through his worst stretch as the team’s closer, allowing 13 earned runs over his past five appearances. Chafin offers a left-handed option and Romo has had a second-half revival.
Paul Sewald, Drew Steckenrider, and Diego Castillo – Seattle Mariners
Pete Fairbanks, David Robertson, and Andrew Kittredge – Tampa Bay Rays
I will not miss following this bullpen.
Mychal Givens and Michael Lorenzen – Cincinnati Reds
Injury Opportunities
None to report.
Next Man Up Adds
Craig Kimbrel (CHW)
Bryan Shaw (CLE)
James Karinchak was optioned to the minors, making the veteran the next option if Clase needs a day off. Shaw has been used a lot, which presents concerns. His 66 appearances are the third-most among relievers.
Kendall Graveman (HOU)
Caleb Thielbar (MIN)
Tim Mayza (TOR)
Blake Treinen (LAD)
Anthony Bass (MIA)
Luke Jackson (ATL)
Jake Brentz (KC)
Spencer Patton (TEX)
