Welcome back to another edition of the closer report. We are nearing the All-Star break as we enter July. Here is a look at the chart for this week.
Rank | Team | Closer | Change from last week | Notes |
1 | Brewers | Josh Hader | 0 | |
2 | Padres | Taylor Rogers | 0 | |
3 | Blue Jays | Jordan Romano | 2 | |
4 | Guardians | Emmanuel Clase | 4 | |
5 | Astros | Ryan Pressly | 4 | |
6 | Yankees | Clay Holmes | -2 | Aroldis Chapman is returning soon |
7 | Mets | Edwin Diaz | -1 | |
8 | Dodgers | Craig Kimbrel | -1 | |
9 | Angels | Raisel Iglesias | 2 | |
10 | Tigers | Gregory Soto | 3 | |
11 | Rockies | Daniel Bard | 1 | |
12 | White Sox | Committee | -2 | |
13 | Giants | Camilo Doval | 1 | |
14 | Rangers | Joe Barlow | 2 | |
15 | Orioles | Jorge Lopez | 6 | |
16 | Pirates | David Bednar | -1 | |
17 | Braves | Committee | -14 | Kenley Jansen is on the injured list |
18 | Red Sox | Tanner Houck | 1 | |
19 | Diamondbacks | Mark Melancon | -2 | Last recorded save June 3 |
20 | Mariners | Paul Sewald | 3 | Received last three save chances |
21 | Cubs | David Robertson | 1 | |
22 | Cardinals | Committee | -2 | |
23 | Twins | Emilio Pagan | -5 | Allowed 2+ runs in 4 of last five appearances |
24 | Rays | Committee | 2 | |
25 | Phillies | Committee | 0 | |
26 | Royals | Scott Barlow | 1 | Josh Staumont is on the injured list |
27 | Marlins | Tanner Scott | -3 | |
28 | Nationals | Tanner Rainey | 0 | |
29 | Athletics | Committee | 0 | |
30 | Reds | Committee | 0 |
Latest news and notes:
When I write this, Holmes remains the closer in the Yankees bullpen, but Aaron Boone said the team is “leaning” towards Aroldis Chapman returning this weekend. Chapman is expected to regain his closer role, with Holmes maintaining a late-inning role.
Jansen was placed on the injured list on June 27 with an irregular heartbeat. Will Smith and A.J. Minter will share the late-inning work out of the Braves bullpen.
Sewald has received the last three save chances out of the Mariners bullpen with Diego Castillo (RP – SEA) working a set-up role. This situation can change at any given time, but Sewald appears to have the ninth-inning role locked up as of now.
Pagan has allowed multiple runs in four of his last five appearances out of the Twins bullpen. Minnesota may start giving save chances to someone like Jhoan Duran, who has allowed a run in his previous seven appearances.
Josh Staumont was placed on the injured list for the Royals, so Barlow should be the clear primary closer in Kansas City moving forward. He could be a potential trade piece for Kansas City at the deadline.
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