Closing Time 5/22: Ranking the Top 30 Closers Every Tuesday

[closing_time list_id=”20320″ season=”2018″ include_stats=”1″]

 

It’s deja vu as once again this week, we have the Angels, Phillies and White Sox changing things up at closer, however, I get the feeling this week is different. This week set’s the course for the future at the position for each of these three teams. It should be Blake Parker’s job to lose in Los Angeles after he cruised through his save chance Sunday afternoon. He is certainly the best pitcher in that bullpen right now (Justin Anderson and Cam Bedrosian may be really good, but they aren’t there yet) and seems ready to reclaim his job after dominating the past month (last 30 days-13.1 IP, 9 hits, 18/2 K/BB, 1.35 ERA).

• While I am certainly optimistic regarding Parker’s season-long prospects, I don’t share the same feelings for Nate Jones or Seranthony Dominguez. I think both of their respective teams will ride a strict committee approach for at least the immediate future and while both guys are quite possibly their team’s most talented relievers (yes, Seranthony is that good), their usage will likely give owners headaches. I’d take a chance on one or both if you have the roster space to burn, with Jones more likely to see save chances over the likes of Joakim Soria and Bruce Rondon while Seranthony has slightly more upside if Kapler were to actually use him consistently in the role.
• On the injury front, Zach Britton is hoping to head out on a rehab assignment May 30th at the AAA level. If everything goes well, I think we should expect to see him with the Orioles around June 11th. Mark Melancon started his rehab assignment last night, pitching an inning and allowing no hits, runs or walks at AAA Sacramento. It sounds like when he does eventually return, he will be eased into the closer role, where Hunter Strickland has been excellent, so Strickland should still have a few weeks left of value in save only leagues.
• Blake Treinen and Alex Colome led the week in saves with 4 since last Monday. Colome has been rolling since a terrible start, and at the very least is helping his trade value right now. Treinen has been awesome for most of the year, finally turning his electric stuff into valuable production.