[closing_time_2019 list_id=”31822″ include_stats=”1″]
- While it was a shaky week for a lot of closers, Cubs closer Steve Cishek may have had it the worst. In his one save attempt this past Friday, he proceeded to walk the leadoff hitter before giving up a go-ahead 2-run HR to Eugenio Suarez before promptly being pulled from the game. He hasn’t pitched since and with Pedro Strop due back this week, a door might have opened for Strop to get his job back upon returning. My best guess is they will form some sort of committee until one of them proves to be the superior option.
- The Red Sox seem dead set on going with a full-blown “whoever’s available for the 9th can pitch” approach with the closer position with Marcus Walden seeing two chances the past week. Matt Barnes is almost exclusively working the 7th and 8th innings now, and Ryan Brasier hasn’t seen a save chance in over a month so, for now, I’ll say Walden is the favorite for the bulk of saves now, but next week it could be Brandon Workman, or who knows, maybe it will be Heath Hembree.
- Scott Oberg is filling in for injured closer Wade Davis for the next week or so and might be worth a look for those desperate for saves. The K/BB rate is gross and his FIP (4.20) is much more indicative of his true talent than his 1.88 ERA, but he’s still first in line for saves on a team that isn’t completely terrible.
- Mychal Givens has been removed from the closer role after a tumultuous week, leading to Shawn Armstrong earning a save yesterday. He’s not a recommended add, nor is anyone else worth owning in this bullpen at the moment.
