Closing Time 4/9: Ranking the Top 30 Closers Every Tuesday

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• Shane Greene is off to a fast start and leads the leagues with 7 saves so far this season. We shouldn’t expect it to last, but ride it while it lasts and don’t be afraid to sell high. That goes for all of tier 4.
• With the Red Sox, Ryan Brasier has now earned the last 2 saves after Matt Barnes got the first save of the season. It’s still a timeshare, but I like this duo the most out of the entire timeshare tier right now.
• A.J. Minter’s return and Arodys Vizcaino’s shoulder troubles have seemed to create a full platoon situation for the closer role in Atlanta. I still like Minter more here given his overall upside, but it may be a while (or ever) before he has the job to himself.
• Blake Parker has the last two saves for the Twins, and while it may seem like he is working his way towards full-time closer status, it’s still a little bit too early to determine that. I think Taylor Rogers will still work into the 9th against lefties, and Trevor May could see some chances too. I’ll still take Parker for now over the other two in this committee.
• Philadelphia’ closer situation is predictably a mess. Hector Neris and Pat Neshek, just last night, have picked up the first two Phillies saves of the year. Notably missing are both David Robertson and Seranthony Dominguez, who have each had their own troubles in the early going. Robertson has pitched better as of late, but seems locked into an 8th inning role, at least for the time being. Dominguez’s recent struggles may have pushed him behind Robertson in the pecking order, but I’m not too concerned about his long-term outlook. Ranking these four for save-only leagues right now, I think I might still prefer Seranthony, followed by Neris and Robertson.
• I think the Marlins are well aware that Adam Conley is their best reliever and are now using him as such. So far, however, he hasn’t pitched as such, allowing 6 hits and 2 ER with a 3/3 K/BB ratio through 3.1 innings. Sergio Romo and Drew Steckenrider are still going to be in the mix as well, as some others in that bullpen who have pitched well and deserve a look in the late innings.
• The Orioles use of Mychal Givens so far this season leaves a lot to be desired for fantasy owners, and it doesn’t look he’ll be the teams designated closer anytime soon. In the meantime, Paul Fry, Miguel Castro, Richard Bleier and Mike Wright have all earned one save a piece. I don’t see any fantasy relevance coming from this bullpen anytime soon.
• Speaking of no fantasy relevance, the Royals bullpen continues to be a disaster and has cost the team numerous games this season already. I’m not chasing Ian Kennedy outside of the deepest of leagues, while everyone else in the bullpen should be avoided at all costs.

Graphic by Michael Haas (@digitalHaas on Twitter)