Kenley Jansen is coming off back to back outings of allowing a run, but I don’t believe there is any reason to panic here. In fact, Jansen has been awesome for the Braves so far, and perhaps a bit underrated by me if I’m being honest. One of the most consistent closers of his generation, his role should be safe going forward as Will Smith has pitched himself out of high leverage situations and Kirby Yates coming back from Tommy John shouldn’t pose much of a threat when he returns in August.
Notes
- With Aroldis Chapman dealing with an Achilles injury, the door is open for Clay Holmes to take over the closer role for the Yankees moving forward. At this point, it’s tough to trust Chapman as you just never know what he’s going to give you on any given night anymore. Holmes on the other hand has been a model of consistency and if he hasn’t already taken over the role, it may just be a matter of time.
- Giovanny Gallegos has been great this season outside of game against the Mets in April (where he was a Nolan Arenado throw away from converting an easy save), but with how well Ryan Helsley has been throwing the ball too, we may be looking at a timeshare scenario moving forward. I’d still consider Gallegos option 1A for now, but both certainly should be rostered in all leagues, at least until this plays out some more.
- While Lou Trivino has been (mostly) better since his first game back from the Covid IL, it’s become clear that Dany Jiménez is the closer here until further notice. Jiménez for his part hasn’t showed any signs of slowing down, as his May has been just as good as his breakout April. I still have my concerns about his fastball, but as long as the sliders working, there’s nothing to worry about.
- The Gregory Soto rollercoaster brought us some good fortune over the past week, but I still don’t know what to expect from him going forward given his command issues. While Michael Fulmer is falling out of the picture, the Tigers still do have some relievers worthy of getting a shot at the role in Alex Lange and Will Vest.
- Over his last four outings dating back to May 14th, Matt Barnes has had average fastball velocity readings of 95.6, 95, 94.3 (pitching back to back days) and 95.6. That’s the Matt Barnes of old and certainly an encouraging sign, especially considering they gave him a save chance this Saturday protecting a one run lead. The day after Barnes converted the save, Hansel Robles proceeded to blow his third save of the season. It looks like Barnes will get his job back, if he hasn’t already, and he’s really the only one to get excited about in this bullpen (assuming he is healthy and his normal self).
- The Reds closer situation remains in flux, but it feels evident that they would like to give the job to Art Warren. Now he just has to pitch well and be more consistent. Warren was a popular sleeper pick this winter and for good reason, but things just haven’t worked out for him to begin the year. Alexis Díaz has been the Reds best reliever but he seems stuck in a set up role for the time being.
- It’s been two weeks since we had any real lead as to who the Marlins closer may be now. I think Anthony Bender has pitched himself out of the conversation and Dylan Floro has not looked good since returning from the IL. That leaves it to Cole Sulser or Anthony Bass (maybe Tanner Scott?) but if I were to guess, Sulser gets the next save chance should one arise this week.
- Andrew Kittredge landed on the IL this week and while he shouldn’t miss much time, it does open things up a bit for the Rays bullpen I suppose. Jason Adam has pitched well, as has J.P. Feyereisen so those two along with Brooks Raley should be in the mix to close out games, but this is the Rays so who really knows what they will do.
| Rank | Pitcher | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Josh HaderT1 | - |
| 2 | Edwin Díaz | - |
| 3 | Liam Hendriks | +1 |
| 4 | Raisel Iglesias | -1 |
| 5 | Emmanuel ClaseT2 | - |
| 6 | Taylor Rogers | - |
| 7 | Jordan Romano | - |
| 8 | Craig Kimbrel | - |
| 9 | Ryan Pressly | - |
| 10 | Kenley Jansen | - |
| 11 | David BednarT3 | +4 |
| 12 | Camilo Doval | +2 |
| 13 | Corey Knebel | - |
| 14 | Clay Holmes | +UR |
| 15 | Giovanny Gallegos | -4 |
| 16 | Joe Barlow | +1 |
| 17 | David Robertson | -1 |
| 18 | Daniel Bard | - |
| 19 | Jhoan DuranT4 | - |
| 20 | Dany Jiménez | +6 |
| 21 | Gregory Soto | +3 |
| 22 | Paul Sewald | +1 |
| 23 | Tanner Rainey | -2 |
| 24 | Jorge López | -2 |
| 25 | Scott Barlow | -5 |
| 26 | Matt BarnesT5 | +UR |
| 27 | Mark Melancon | +1 |
| 28 | Art Warren | +UR |
| 29 | Cole Sulser | +UR |
| 30 | Jason Adam | +UR |
Watch List
| Rank | Pitcher | Team | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Ryan Helsley | STL | May never be “the” closer, but worth the add in most leagues |
| 2. | Aroldis Chapman | NYY | Injured or not, it may be Holmes time in NY |
| 3. | Emilio Pagán | MIN | could be on the short side of a committee with Duran |
| 4. | Josh Staumont | KC | still confusing in KC, both closers had issues this week |
| 5. | Hansel Robles | BOS | May be in a committee but shouldn’t be trusted |
| 6. | Anthony Bass | MIA | Likely been Marlins most consistent reliever so far |
| 7. | Ian Kennedy | ARZ | Despite Melancon’s struggles, Kennedy is not the answer |
| 8. | Diego Castillo | SEA | Full-blown committee here still? |
| 9. | Alexis Díaz | CIN | Would love to see him get a chance in the role |
| 10. | Brooks Raley | TB | TB committee continues with Kittredge out |
Photo by David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire | Adapted by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns on Twitter)
Rick, I have Romano and Rainey as closers, but need more saves. I can drop one of my Holds guys (Loup & Minter). for Raley, Sewald or Adam if it makes sense. Thoughts?
Pick up Sewald, he will get you holds and saves where Loup and Minter will only give you holds.
Looks like Giles is getting ready for a rehab assignment. If all goes well, could we see an end to the committee in SEA?
Most sites ranking closers never have Staumont in the stack. Is it a foregone conclusion that S.Barlow will eventually claim the role for his own?
Think you could argue Jimenez is showing signs of slowing down, with a 4.09 ERA in May (0.00 in April) including four ER in his last two appearances (loss and his first blown save). As for the Rays, don’t forget about Colin Poche, who has two of their last three saves (followed by Feyereisen’s first).
Oops, just realized this was the May 24 column – it was linked as May 31 in the daily newsletter.