Closing Time 4/23: Ranking the Top 30 Closers Every Tuesday

[closing_time_2019 list_id=”30310″ include_stats=”1″]

• Josh Hader’s bump down the list is less to do with the walks or HR’s he allowed this weekend, and mostly because of Jeremy Jeffress’s presence. While Hader is still going to get his saves, Jeffress will likely cut into his chances and we’ll probably see close to a 50/50, 60/40 split assuming both are healthy.
• I’m still holding out hope for Jose Leclerc to turn things around here, and it’s great to see the vote of confidence from Chris Woodward. He thinks Leclerc is tipping his pitches, which I’m not really sure how that explains the 4 walks Sunday, but at least we know they are going to do everything to get him right. There’s certainly a chance that 2018 was the anomaly in Leclerc’s career and the command woes from his past will continue to plague him. But I still have faith that we’ll see last year’s version of Leclerc soon, so hang in there for now, as there’s potentially a huge payoff for those who hold or buy low.
• A.J. Minter does have the role and has little to no competition, but he just doesn’t seem right. His stuff is flat, he’s not locating anything and certainly doesn’t look like the pitcher we saw over his first 76+ innings. I know this is beating a dead horse, but the Braves have to be the frontrunner for Craig Kimbrel, right?
• I’m still in on Ryan Brasier in most leagues despite the fact that he’s only seeing about 70+% of the save opportunities. This week proved that fraction can still work with Brasier picking up 3 saves to Matt Barnes‘ 1.
• Brandon Morrow is out indefinitely after having a setback in his rehab, and honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if we don’t see him till after the All-Star break if not later (or ever, with his history). Pedro Strop hasn’t been great, but he’s held it together more or less to start the season and now has an opportunity to keep the job over the long haul.
• Cody Allen’s job security has to be on thin ice after his previous 4 outings, and with him only signed to a one-year deal, it’s easy enough for the Angels to move on from him. Despite Ty Buttrey’s use, he should be the next in line after he finished 2018 as the teams closer. Kenyan Middleton is another name to monitor this summer as he works his way back from Tommy John.
• Hector Neris was actually able to secure 2 saves this week, a rare feat for a Phillies reliever. He’s worth an add if you are searching for extra saves, but I wouldn’t get my hopes up with Gabe Kapler calling the shots.
• Despite Tyler Rogers earning two saves, I still think the Twins closer situation is in the same position as it has been for weeks now. Blake Parker should still see most of the chances but Rogers will mix in when the opposing team has a left-handed majority due up.
• Anthony Swarzak and Roenis Elias may be in more of a timeshare than previously expected. I’d still prefer Swarzak, but Elias is definitely on the radar in deeper, 15+ team leagues.