Closing Time 7/17: Ranking the Top 30 Closers Every Tuesday

[closing_time list_id=”23685″ season=”2018″ include_stats=”1″]

The trade deadline is fast approaching and with it, we should see plenty of relievers changing teams, including close to a third of this list potentially. While Zach Britton is the biggest name that is guaranteed to be dealt, basically all of Tier 5 is more than likely to be pitching for a new team come August. I hope to have a reliever specific trade deadline guide out tomorrow that dives into this situation more deeply.

• Arodys Vizcaino is back on the DL with an ailing shoulder and at this point, it’s fair to question what type of value he will bring the rest of the season. His past week wasn’t anything to get excited about, but A.J. Minter has been awesome the past month of the season and is certainly talented enough to hold down the closer job going forward.
• Sean Doolittle was placed on the DL last week with toe inflammation, a minor injury that should see him miss close to the minimum DL stint for. There’s a chance he is back this weekend, but he should return early next week at the latest, barring there are no setbacks. He’s been so good this year, and with the injury so minor and not arm related, I don’t see a reason to move him down or off the list.
• Felipe Vazquez had 5 saves last week, while no other closer had 4. His recent turnaround is something to monitor closely in the second half, as he can be a difference maker for fantasy teams and could be a great trade target for owners still valuing him as his season totals would suggest.