[closing_time list_id=”19777″ season=”2018″ include_stats=”1″]
Keynan Middleton is back on the DL, this time an MRI showed UCL damage, meaning this likely marks the end of his season. It’s really a shame as he had been pitching well and definitely, has a bright future as a reliever in this league. Where the Angels go from here now, only Mike Scioscia knows, but I think its safe to say it won’t just be one guy handling the closer duties the rest of the season. I still like Blake Parker the most, as he has rebounded nicely from his early season struggles and is the better upside option over Jim Johnson. Cam Bedrosian will likely factor in as well, but I’d imagine he’s still likely 3rd on the depth chart as he’s had a bit of a shaky May. Justin Anderson could still be fourth in line, despite earning the save last night (the other three were unavailable). For now, if I only have one roster spot to burn, Parker is the guy I am adding. He’s the guy I liked heading into the season and the guy who’s been the best as of late for them.
- Also happening this weekend, we had two new names possibly thrown into the closer committee ring in Edubray Ramos and Bruce Rondon. If it weren’t for the White Sox being terrible, I’d much prefer taking a chance on Rondon before Ramos, but a committee for the Phillies is much more tolerable than one with a White Sox team that could potentially go weeks without a save opportunity. Neither one is a must add at this point, but if either gets their respective teams next save chance, that could change.
- On the injury front, the Orioles should be getting back Darren O’Day in the next few days however his role upon returning remains unclear. This is still a situation to preferably avoid until Zach Britton returns, hopefully within a month. For now, Brad Brach, Mychal Givens, and O’Day each have minimal value. Mark Melancon had another bullpen session yesterday and is expected to throw to live hitters on Thursday. He has a non-zero chance to return by the end of the month and would likely push Hunter Strickland from closing duties in due time.
- Raisel Iglesias, Sean Doolittle and Arodys Vizcaino all led the week in saves with 3. It’s nice to see Iglesias have a big week after what has been a slow start for him. In general it was a good week for closers around the league, hence the lack of movement on the list.
