[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.
Would you drop Osuna in a redraft league yet? Not much room on the bench.
I woudn’t hold on to him if you need the room. I still think this situation lasts months not weeks.
Would you prefer to pick up Melancon, Johnson, Ramos or Minter? Out of these, who do you think may have the best probability of becoming best solid closer ROS?
Probably Melancon of the group. Johnson may have the better short term value, but long term I’d have to go with Melancon.
Thanks
What’s the plan with Neris? Hold and wait and/or possibly pick up Ramos?
I’d hold if you can afford to as I think he likely gets the next save chance still. I don’t see Ramos as the long term option for saves here, Luis Garcia or Seranthony Dominguez make more sense, but if you have the roster room it wouldn’t hurt to play it safe and grab Ramos for now.
Do you believe Knebel will end up as the full-time closer or is it looking like he will be sharing opportunities with the emergence of Hader with Counsel utilizing his bullpen more like a committee approach?
Knebel will be the guy more often than not, with Hader maybe getting the occasional 2-3 inning save and Jeffress spelling them if both are unavailable. Knebel worked the 9th with a 4 run lead the other day and I’m reading that as a sign that he will get the next save opportunity that arises.