[closing_time_2019 list_id=”35149″ include_stats=”1″]
- Emilio Pagan and Brandon Workman continue to pitch well enough for their respective teams that, with 6 weeks to go in the season, I’d expect them to finish the year in a non-committee role. Jose Leclerc is finally back as the Rangers closer full-time and should be a steady contributor the rest of the season. All three carry tier 2 upside for the rest of the season and could continue to move up the board assuming their roles continue to stay consistent.
- Craig Kimbrel may not return from the IL when eligible, but he is getting closer to a return. Although he was struggling prior to the IL stint, the time off to heal his knee hopefully helps him get on track for the stretch run.
- Although there hasn’t been any formal announcement, it appears that the Cardinals are planning on using Carlos Martinez and Andrew Miller in a platoon closer role, at least for the time being. Miller worked the 9th in a save situation Sunday with the Pirates sending one lefty and a switch hitter to the plate. It also looks like the situations in Toronto, with Ken Giles nursing elbow inflammation, and with the Mets, given Edwin Diaz struggles, could all be platoon spots the rest of the way. Given the chances that Giles could be shutdown and that Diaz could lose his job, Derek Law and Seth Lugo are worth an add for those desperate for saves in 12 teamers.
- After being the most aggressive team in the reliever market at the trade deadline, the Braves appear to be back to square one in their search for a closer, and Luke Jackson appears to be back in the driver’s seat for saves. Between Jackson, Shane Greene and Mark Melancon, this group seems likely to be a headache for owners, as well as the Braves, heading into the stretch run.
