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2023 Closer Situations: Team Analysis
ARI
ATL
BAL
BOS
CHC
CIN
CLE
COL
CWS
DET
HOU
KC
LAA
LAD
MIA
MIL
MIN
NYM
NYY
OAK
PHI
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WAS
Arizona DiamondbacksTeam: Arizona Diamondbacks
Total Saves: 16
Closer: Committee
(6/2) Arizona recorded 8 saves in May, with Andrew Chafin and Miguel Castro each tallying 4 saves apiece. Overall, Chafin has 8 saves on the season to Castro's 5, while no other D'Back reliever has more than 1. What was once an uncertain leverage picture heading into the season has now stabilized with Chafin and Castro splitting closing duties. Both relievers have been tough on right-handed hitters this season, but Chafin actually has reverse splits while maintaining the much better strikeout rate. Scott McGough (69 saves in Japan across 2021-22) was brought in to fill a late-inning role, and currently leads Arizona with 10 holds. He opened May with a couple of rough outings, but has only permitted 1 ER over his last 10 appearances (14.1 IP). Meanwhile, Kyle Nelson has ascended the D'Backs' leverage ladder in 2023 due to injuries within the bullpen, but he closed out last month on a sour note despite tallying 6 holds during May.
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Atlanta BravesTeam: Atlanta Braves
Total Saves: 15
Closer: Raisel Iglesias
Next in Line: Nick Anderson , A.J. Minter
(5/30) Raisel Iglesias rejoined Atlanta's bullpen in early May after recovering from a shoulder injury. He had a few rough outings at the outset, but has since stabilized, recording a win and 3 saves over his last five appearances (all scoreless). A.J. Minter recorded seven saves in Iglesias' absence, but has reverted back to setup duties as he attempts to overcome his month-long struggles (5.56 ERA, 1.41 WHIP in May). Nick Anderson has climbed the Braves' leverage ladder with his performance thus far in 2023, sporting excellent ratios and a 32.1% strikeout rate.
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Team Notes
- 6/29:A.J. Minter, who logged his first save of the season Tuesday at Philadelphia, has appeared in 3 games in 4 days. This makes Will Smith the likeliest candidate for a save chance if one were to arise Wednesday.
Baltimore OriolesTeam: Baltimore Orioles
Total Saves: 19
Closer: Felix Bautista
Next in Line: Yennier Cano , Bryan Baker
(5/24) After dealing with knee and shoulder soreness earlier this spring, Felix Bautista is off to a phenomenal start in 2023. He's among the league save leaders and has struck out 40-plus percent of the batters he's faced thus far. Bautista also has one of the highest swinging strike rates among relief pitchers. With Dillon Tate (elbow) and Mychal Givens (knee) beginning the season on the IL, Yennier Cano has emerged as Baltimore's primary setup man. He has a win and 3 saves through late-May while having the best ERA, WHIP and WAR among qualified relievers. Bryan Baker and Danny Coulombe have also emerged as reliable setup men for Baltimore's 2nd-ranked bullpen by ERA.
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Boston Red SoxTeam: Boston Red Sox
Total Saves: 15
Closer: Kenley Jansen
Next in Line: Josh Winckowski , Chris Martin
(5/24) Despite recently securing his 400th career save, Kenley Jansen has struggled during the month of May, putting his stability as the Red Sox closer in question. Jansen has had some trouble adjusting to the pitch clock, and it's showing up in his elevated walk rate (7 BB vs. 5 K in 5 IP this month). It's possible his balky back is to blame for his recent struggles, but with John Schreiber (lat) and Richard Bleier (shoulder) on the IL, the Red Sox can't afford another injury to a key bullpen member. Manager Alex Cora is no stranger to using closer committees, though Boston has yet to consider that option as of now. Among the possible alternatives, multi-inning man Josh Winckowski has emerged in high-leverage relief with two saves this month, while Chris Martin has pitched well in setup duties.
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Team Notes
- 6/27:Tanner Houck was placed on the restricted list Monday prior to Boston's three-game series at Toronto. Matt Strahm and John Schreiber are the likeliest candidates for save opportunities should any arise during the series.
- 10/11:Hansel Robles exited Game 3 of the ALDS on Sunday due to a stomach illness after allowing two runs in two-thirds of an inning. He should be considered day-to-day due to his illness. Assuming he tests negative for COVID-19, it wouldn't be surprising to see the right-hander available for Game 4 on Monday. It was the first earned run he's allowed since August 29.
- 10/5:Entering tonight's AL Wild Card game against the Yankees, Hansel Robles has not allowed an earned run in 15 consecutive outings. Both he and Adam Ottavino enter tonight's contest with two-days rest, while Garrett Richards and Garrett Whitlock have had one day of rest after both pitched on Sunday.
Chicago CubsTeam: Chicago Cubs
Total Saves: 8
Closer: Committee
(6/2) The Cubs have had 4 different relievers combine for 7 saves through early June, which ranks near the bottom of the league overall. Mark Leiter, Adbert Alzolay and Brad Boxberger (forearm) lead the team with 2 saves apiece. Boxberger appeared to be pulling away in the battle for closing duties until a stretch of rough outings and subsequent IL stint. Cubs manager David Ross has since turned to Alzolay and Leiter for save chances, but there haven't been many in recent weeks, as Chicago limped to a 10-18 record last month. Leiter's excellent ratios and near-40 percent strikeout rate is appealing, while Alzolay has the ability to work multiple innings at a time. Don't forget about Codi Heuer (elbow) and Jeremiah Estrada as potential second-half save sources. Heuer is nearing a return, but has struggled during his minor league rehab stint and may need some time to get his legs under him. Meanwhile, Estrada has a walk rate over 12% and has yet to pitch during a close game that the Cubs have been leading. However, Boxberger and Michael Fulmer could be on the move later this summer if the Cubs aren't in playoff contention near the trade deadline. Both are signed to 1-year deals and Chicago has established a trend in recent years of trading their veteran bullpen arms on expiring contracts.
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Cincinnati RedsTeam: Cincinnati Reds
Total Saves: 17
Closer: Alexis Diaz
Next in Line: Lucas Sims , Ian Gibaut
(5/24) Alexis Diaz was the only Reds reliever to record double-digit saves (10) last season, but he's already reached that mark through late-May. Reds manager David Bell has frustrated fantasy managers in the past with his ninth-inning usage, but Diaz has recorded 10 of the team's 13 saves thus far, backed by a near 50-percent strikeout rate. His walks are still an issue, but his swinging strike percentage is up about nearly three percentage points from last season. Despite his stellar performance thus far, keep in mind he's an extreme fly baller pitching in Great American Ball Park. A poor outing or two could inflate his ratios, but ride and enjoy this current wave of domination. Aside from Diaz, Lucas Sims is locked into a setup role, but has struggled with is control since returning from a back injury. Buck Farmer, Ian Gibaut and Alex Young comprise the bridge to Diaz in the late-innings based on their solid performance thus far.
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Cleveland GuardiansTeam: Cleveland Guardians
Total Saves: 21
Closer: Emmanuel Clase
Next in Line: Trevor Stephan , James Karinchak
(5/22) After leading the majors with 42 saves last year, Emmanuel Clase is still on top of the mountain through late May, but it hasn't been pretty of late. Clase already has more blown saves (5) than he did all of last season and has allowed seven runs (five earned) over his last four appearances. His stability as Cleveland's closer is still high, but his current form and career-low 15.3% strikeout rate is certainly worrisome. Trevor Stephan has been the Guardians' most reliable late-inning reliever thus far and represents the next man up for saves. James Karinchak is struggling with left-handed batters and home runs (2.8 HR/9), while Sam Hentges recently returned from a shoulder injury.
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Team Notes
- 7/1:Emmanuel Clase has appeared in each of the last 3 games. It's likely that Eli Morgan or Trevor Stephan would receive a save chance if one were to arise tonight against the Yankees.
Colorado RockiesTeam: Colorado Rockies
Total Saves: 13
Closer: Pierce Johnson
Next in Line: Justin Lawrence , Brent Suter
(5/18) The Rockies recently went 2.5 weeks without recording a save, but Pierce Johnson - not Daniel Bard - ended that drought for Colorado in early May. Despite poor ratios and inconsistent performance, Johnson actually has all 8 saves for Colorado - including five this month - while Bard pitches in low-leverage situations. Bard has only allowed one earned run through 9.1 innings, but has struggled with walks (7:7 K:BB) thus far. We know Bud Black likes to stick by one closer, but one has to wonder how long he will roll with Johnson, who has a 1.82 WHIP and career-worst 14.8% walk rate through mid-May. There's always a possibility Bard reclaims closing duties at some point in 2023, but he will have to showcase better control to climb this leverage ladder. Justin Lawrence has been outstanding thus far, emerging as the team's primary setup man, while Brent Suter (0.98 ERA, 0.98 WHIP over 27.2 innings) and Brad Hand (37.3% strikeout rate) have also been excellent.
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Chicago White SoxTeam: Chicago White Sox
Total Saves: 11
Closer: Committee
(6/2) White Sox closer Liam Hendriks made an inspirational return to the big league mound May 29th, just 5 months after being diagnosed with cancer. He struggled in his season debut and his average fastball velocity was down about 2 miles per hour, so it's clear he will need some time to regain his form. Pedro Grifol talked about Hendriks "throwing innings prior to the ninth", so don't be surprised if he doesn't reclaim full-time closing duties right away. There is no doubt Chicago envisions Hendriks returning to that role, but for now, Kendall Graveman and Joe Kelly could remain in the mix for saves, while Keynan Middleton, Aaron Bummer and Reynaldo Lopez fill setup roles.
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Detroit TigersTeam: Detroit Tigers
Total Saves: 14
Closer: Alex Lange
Next in Line: Jason Foley , Chasen Shreve
(5/24) The departures of Gregory Soto (trade to Phillies) and Joe Jimenez (traded to Atlanta) left a significant void in the late innings for Detroit, but Alex Lange has stepped up for the Tigers during the first two months of 2023. walks are still an issue (12.7%), but Lange continues to generate whiffs (16.8% SwStr%) and strike batters out (34.2%) at an elite clip. Expect his WHIP to rise with some blow ups along as the season progresses, but Lange is very clearly A.J. Hinch's preferred option for saves. Jason Foley has stepped up and performed well in a setup role, while Jose Cisnero, Chase Shreve and Will Vest round out the bridge to Lange and Foley in the late-innings.
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Houston AstrosTeam: Houston Astros
Total Saves: 16
Closer: Ryan Pressly
Next in Line: Bryan Abreu , Rafael Montero
(5/4) Ryan Pressly didn't pick up his first save until April 21, but has quickly recorded three over his last five appearances. The veteran right-hander also hasn't been scored upon in 11 of his last 12 outings, quelling any concerns that fantasy managers may have had about Pressly early in the season. While Rafael Montero was Houston's second in line for saves last year, that role is seemingly Bryan Abreu's this season. Abreu has a 40-plus percent strikeout rate and has performed much better than Montero, who currently sports one of the worst WHIPs in Houston's bullpen. Hector Neris and Phil Maton have been excellent for the Astros, while Ronel Blanco has flashed some upside in a multi-inning capacity, but has struggled of late.
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Team Notes
- 7/1:Ryan Pressly has recorded a Save in each of the past 2 days. He has yet to work 3 games in a row this season, so it's likely a save chance would go to Rafael Montero on Friday.
- 9/29:Ryan Pressly is currently managing a knee issue and hasn't pitched since Saturday. Kendall Graveman was placed on the paternity list Tuesday. Look for Ryne Stanek or Yimi Garcia as the favorites to pitch in potential save opportunities for the next couple days if Pressley remains unavailable.
Kansas City RoyalsTeam: Kansas City Royals
Total Saves: 8
Closer: Scott Barlow
(5/24) Scott Barlow (6 saves through late-May) continues to be the Royals' most trusted late-inning reliever despite a career-worst walk rate (12.7%). Unfortunately, Matt Quatraro doesn't have many alternatives for saves aside from Aroldis Chapman (2 saves in support of Barlow). Chapman's control is still atrocious (15.4% walk rate), but he has a near-40% strikeout rate and his average fastball velocity (99.8 mph) is up over 2 mph compared to last season. Taylor Clarke and Carlos Hernandez round out Quatraro's leverage options, while Amir Garrett and Josh Staumont continue to stick around despite both having a tendency to create a lot of traffic.
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Los Angeles AngelsTeam: Los Angeles Angels
Total Saves: 18
Closer: Carlos Estevez
Next in Line: Chris Devenski , Ben Joyce
(5/31) Phil Nevin, who deployed a closer committee in the second half of 2022 after Raisel Iglesias was traded, opened 2023 with a similar approach. Jose Quijada (elbow) was one of his go-to relievers in the 9th inning, but he underwent Tommy John surgery, essentially forcing Nevin to deploy Carlos Estevez as the Angels' primary closer. After a disastrous spring, Estevez has been lights out in his first season away from Coors Fields as his home park. He's currently tied for 4th in the league with 13 saves through late-May, while posting excellent ratios. Meanwhile, Chris Devenski and newly recalled Ben Joyce have quickly ascended the Angels' leverage ladder with Matt Moore (oblique) recently hitting the IL. After four straight seasons being a bottom-10 bullpen by ERA, the Angels are currently in the top 10 (3.56 ERA).
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Los Angeles DodgersTeam: Los Angeles Dodgers
Total Saves: 14
Closer: Evan Phillips
Next in Line: Brusdar Graterol , Caleb Ferguson
(5/18) A league high 12 Dodgers combined for 43 saves last year, while 5 Los Angeles relievers have combined for 12 saves through mid-May. However, despite the apparent closer committee early in the season, Evan Phillips (7 saves) has recently emerged as Dave Roberts' go-to reliever in the ninth-inning. Phillips has tallied five of the Dodgers' last six saves and continues to be ultra-reliable. Despite recently blowing his first save of 2023, 16 of his 18 outings have been scoreless and he maintains an excellent 0.82 WHIP and the best strikeout rate (35.9%) in this bullpen. Brusdar Graterol (2 saves) is next in line for saves, while Caleb Ferguson (1 save, 6 holds) seems to have passed Shelby Miller in this leverage ladder.
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Team Notes
- 10/14:Corey Knebel will serve as the opener for Thursday's NLDS Game 5 matchup against the Giants. Knebel filled the opener role four times during the regular season, allowing one run in a combined 5.2 innings of work. Julio Urias is expected to follow him in bulk relief.
- 10/6:The Dodgers' highest-leverage relievers are well rested, as Jansen, Treinen and Vesia enter Wednesday's NL Wild Card game against the Cardinals on 4 days rest.
Miami MarlinsTeam: Miami Marlins
Total Saves: 16
Closer: A.J. Puk 15-Day IL
Next in Line: Dylan Floro , Tanner Scott
(5/24) Manager Skip Schumaker said early in spring training that he didn't plan on using a traditional closer, yet A.J. Puk (elbow) secured 6 of Miami's first 10 saves before hitting the IL. 13 of Puk's 15 appearances have come during the ninth inning and it's clear he's Schumaker's most trusted reliever when healthy. Dylan Floro has been excellent in Puk's absence, recording all four of the Marlins saves since Puk went down. With Floro pitching well, as he has for the past several years, it's possible he remains part of Schumaker's ninth-inning equation, even when Puk returns. What was once an uncertain leverage ladder during draft season has been solidified through the first few months of the season.
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Milwaukee BrewersTeam: Milwaukee Brewers
Total Saves: 15
Closer: Devin Williams
(5/4) Devin Williams is off to a great start in 2023 and has the upside to record100 strikeouts while finishing among the league's save leaders. With Matt Bush (shoulder) currently on the IL, Peter Strzelecki has emerged as Milwaukee's primary setup man. Strzelecki closed out 2022 with a 9-game scoreless streak and has only permitted runs in 2 of his 15 outings thus far. Bryse Wilson has recorded a few multi-inning saves already and provides length out of a pen that isn't as deep as it has been in recent years. Despite this, the Brewers bullpen is performing well overall, ranking within the top-10 of the league by ERA.
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Minnesota TwinsTeam: Minnesota Twins
Total Saves: 13
Closer: Jhoan Duran
Next in Line: Jorge Lopez , Griffin Jax
(5/24) With 11 team saves through late May, Minnesota has already recorded nearly one-third of their save total from last season (28). Jhoan Duran leads the Twins with 7 saves and appears to be getting close to full-time run as the Twins' 9th-inning stopper, though his walk rate is a little high (13.6%). Jorge Lopez, who wasn't sharp after Minnesota acquired him last year, has been much better to kick off 2023 with a trio of ancillary saves. Griffin Jax and Jovani Moran emerged as high-upside relief arms in 2022 and could garner the occasional ancillary save chance whenever Duran and Lopez are unavailable.
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New York MetsTeam: New York Mets
Total Saves: 18
Closer: David Robertson
Next in Line: Adam Ottavino , Brooks Raley
(5/24) Shortly after the World Series, the Mets made it a priority to re-sign closer Edwin Diaz to the largest contract for a relief pitcher in history at five years and $102 million. No 2022 reliever came close to Diaz's 50.2% strikeout rate, 25.2% SwStr%, 17.1 K/9 or 42.6% K-BB%, while his 1.31 ERA was a career best and ranked 4th among qualified relievers. He was poised to be the top closer off the board in all fantasy drafts for 2023, but he suffered a brutal right knee injury on March 15 as Diaz was celebrating Puerto Rico's win over the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic. In Diaz's absence, veterans David Robertson and Adam Ottavino have split closing duties, with Robertson assuming a 57% save share to Ottavino's 28% share. Robertson has performed best out of that duo, however, while Ottavino has struggled during the month of May. Brooks Raley and Drew Smith have also contributed one save apiece in their setup roles.
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New York YankeesTeam: New York Yankees
Total Saves: 16
Closer: Committee
(5/22) Yankees manager Aaron Boone indicated this spring that he intended to used Clay Holmes in high-leverage spots outside the ninth inning this season and that's exactly how he's been deployed through mid-May. Holmes recently recorded his first save since April 12 and is still New York's highest leveraged reliever per many leverage index (LI) metrics. Wandy Peralta has recorded three recent saves for the Yankees, while Michael King and Ian Hamilton have also tallied saves since Holmes last recorded one. Hamilton (groin) is bound for the IL, so it will be interesting to see if Ron Marinaccio gets an opportunity or two. Consider this a full blown committee with King, Peralta and Holmes as the main beneficiaries. Marinaccio has also quickly ascended this leverage ladder due to injuries to Jonathan Loaisiga (elbow), Lou Trivino (elbow) and Tommy Kahnle (biceps).
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Team Notes
- 7/1:Aroldis Chapman was activated from the 15-day IL. Clay Holmes has worked 3 games in the last 5 days, but did not pitch yesterday. Don't be surprised if the Yankees elect to give Holmes another day of rest with Chapman back. It's possible Chapman gets the call tonight if a save opportunity were to arise.
- 6/29:Aroldis Chapman is likely to return Friday.
- 10/5:Entering tonight's AL Wild Card game, Aroldis Chapman has a career 6.43 ERA and 2.07 WHIP in 14 innings at Fenway Park. However, he logged a 2.70 ERA against Boston this season with a 8:4 K:BB in 6.2 innings, albeit with two home runs allowed.
- 9/29:Jonathan Loaisiga (shoulder) will likely be activated Wednesday.
Oakland AthleticsTeam: Oakland Athletics
Total Saves: 4
Closer: Committee
(5/22) Oakland has only won 10 of their first 45 games through mid-May and there haven't been many save chances to go around. A's relievers have combined for a league-low 4 saves thus far and the team leader (Jeurys Familia, 2) was designated for assignment earlier this month. The Oakland pen has a league-worst 6.49 ERA as the team's back-end relievers struggle to find consistency. Reinforcement may be on the way soon with pre-season favorite for saves, Trevor May (anxiety), currently on a minor-league rehab assignment, but he struggled with his control (9 BB in 6 IP) through his first 8 appearances and already has 3 losses. Dany Jimenez (shoulder) has logged one of the A's saves, but is on the 60-day IL with - you guessed it - a shoulder injury. Those still holding out hope for Jimenez can probably move on, as he's no guarantee to be successful in the late innings even if he does return later this season. Zack Jackson (elbow) posted an AL-leading 27 holds last year along with three saves, but he also posted one of the worst walk rates (16.3%) in the league and just hit the IL with a flexor strain. Of the remaining healthy relievers, Richard Lovelady, Garrett Acton and Sam Moll appear to be the favorites to close for the A's. No matter who is available to close for the A's, don't expect many save chances over the rest of the 2023 season. They'll be lucky to finish with 20 saves as a team.
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Philadelphia PhilliesTeam: Philadelphia Phillies
Total Saves: 15
Closer: Jose Alvarado 15-Day IL
Next in Line: Craig Kimbrel , Gregory Soto
(5/10) Phillies manager Rob Thomson has deployed a closer committee ever since he took over for Joe Girardi during the 2022 season. Even with the offseason additions of established closers, Craig Kimbrel and Gregory Soto, saves have been split up based on performance and matchups. Jose Alvarado (elbow) has been Philadelphia's best performer through early May with 5 saves and a near-50 percent strikeout rate, but recently hit the IL. Alvarado underwent an MRI and the team is still awaiting the results. Meanwhile, Kimbrel has added three saves while improving his strikeout rate, but has been inconsistent overall. He figures to continue sharing closing duties - this time with Gregory Soto (.091 BAA vs. left-handed batters) - in a matchups-based approach, while Seranthony Dominguez works in high-leverage after his rough start to the season.
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Pittsburgh PiratesTeam: Pittsburgh Pirates
Total Saves: 16
Closer: David Bednar
Next in Line: Colin Holderman , Robert Stephenson
(5/4) When healthy, David Bednar is one of the most secure closers in the league due to the lack of competition within his own bullpen. He's very clearly the best relief pitcher in Pittsburgh and is currently among the league's save leaders for the surprisingly competitive Pirates. Aside from Bednar, Pittsburgh's 2023 relief corps has been solid, with Colin Holderman among the league leaders in the holds category. Duane Underwood, Robert Stephenson and Dauri Moreta are next in line candidates, but don't expect any of them to receive an abundance of save chances as long as Bednar is healthy.
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San Diego PadresTeam: San Diego Padres
Total Saves: 15
Closer: Josh Hader
(5/4) Fantasy managers who were concerned about Josh Hader's struggles last season have likely already forgotten about them thanks to his hot start in 2023. Through early May, he's tied for the league lead with 10 saves and has permitted just one run through 14 innings. Hader's strikeout rate is down, but he's still blowing away hitters at an elite 35% clip. Robert Suarez (elbow) would typically be the next man up for saves, and possibly San Diego's closer of the future, after he signed a 5-year deal this offseason, but he opened 2023 on the IL and was recently shut down from throwing. In his absence, Steven Wilson and Luis Garcia have handled setup duties, while Nick Martinez and Brent Honeywell have impressed as long men out of the pen.
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Seattle MarinersTeam: Seattle Mariners
Total Saves: 14
Closer: Paul Sewald
(5/22) Andres Munoz (shoulder) tallied the Mariners' first save of 2023 and could be one of the top closers in the league if he were to ever stay healthy and be afforded the primary save share. At this point, though, those are two pretty big "ifs." For one, Paul Sewald continues to perform well, tallying 9 of the Mariners' 12 saves through late-May. It's possible Sewald cedes some save chances to Munoz once he returns, but he has certainly increased his 9th inning security in the latter's absence. You'd like to see better ratios from Matt Brash, but he has a 40-plus percent strikeout rate and is good for 5 strikeouts per week on average. Justin Topa didn't make the Opening Day roster but quickly pushed himself into the late-inning mix with a team-leading eight holds.
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San Francisco GiantsTeam: San Francisco Giants
Total Saves: 19
Closer: Camilo Doval
Next in Line: Tyler Rogers , Taylor Rogers
(5/18) The Giants' 5.54 bullpen ERA is third-worst in the league through mid-May, but at least Camilo Doval (2.29 ERA) has been reliable as the team's unquestioned closer. Doval is currently tied for 2nd in the league with 11 saves and his 84.6% team save share is an improvement over last year's 69.2% mark. He's been especially lights out in May with a 0.69 WHIP and 13 strikeouts over 8.2 innings, while converting all 8 of his save chances. Taylor Rogers and John Brebbia are important leverage arms for San Francisco, but both have struggled through mid-May. Meanwhile, Tyler Rogers has been rock solid and leads the Giants with 8 holds while passing up his brother in the hierarchy for saves. He's no stranger to the ninth inning, having recorded 13 saves for the Giants in 2021. Luke Jackson (elbow) is currently on a minor-league rehab assignment and likely awaits a high-leverage role upon his return.
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Team Notes
- 5/18:Camilo Doval has recorded a save in 3 straight games for San Francisco. The Giants are off on Thursday, but Doval may get a breather on Friday after his recent heavy usage.
- 10/4:The Giants bullpen gets a much-needed break after winning the NL West. Camilo Doval, in particular, pitched 4 times in 5 days during the final week.
- 10/1:Doval, Rogers and Leone have worked 2 out of the past 3 games, with Rogers throwing 47 pitches over that span. Strong possibility Rogers gets the night off against San Diego.
- 9/30:Doval earned his 2nd big-league save on Wednesday and may be the new closer in San Francisco.
- 9/29:The plans for Jake McGee (oblique) beyond Wednesday aren't entirely clear, but so long as he gets through mound work without any setbacks, a return to the Giants' bullpen for the final regular-season series against the Padres might not be out of the question.
St. Louis CardinalsTeam: St. Louis Cardinals
Total Saves: 13
Closer: Committee
(6/2) The Cardinals have recorded 9 saves during the month of May, with Giovanny Gallegos recording 6 (including St. Louis' last 3 saves) to Ryan Helsley's three. As such, Gallegos takes the top spot on the hierarchy, especially now that he's taken the team lead with 7 saves overall. After a rough start to the season, Helsley has been good of late, recording a 2.63 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 16:7 K:BB across 13.2 innings in May. Drew VerHagen, Jordan Hicks, Chris Stratton and Genesis Cabrera round out the Cardinals' leverage relievers. Hicks, in particular, has been much better of late after a disastrous start to the season.
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Team Notes
- 10/6:The Cardinals' highest-leverage relievers are well rested, as Gallegos, Cabrera and Reyes enter Wednesday's NL Wild Card game against the Dodgers on 4 days rest, while Garcia is on 3 days rest.
- 10/1:Garcia earned his 2nd save of the season Thursday night as the Cardinals give Gallegos some much deserved rest before the playoffs. Gallegos has logged a new career-high 79.1 innings this season.
Tampa Bay RaysTeam: Tampa Bay Rays
Total Saves: 18
Closer: Pete Fairbanks 15-Day IL
Next in Line: Jason Adam , Kevin Kelly
(5/26) Pete Fairbanks was recently reinstated from the 15-day IL after dealing with a forearm issue. He had emerged as the Rays' primary closer earlier this season based on his strong performance thus far, but durability concerns continue to be his biggest obstacle throughout his career. In Fairbanks' absence, Jason Adam was Kevin Cash's preferred option for saves and has earned more opportunities moving forward, even with Fairbanks back. Kevin Kelly, Colin Poche and Jalen Beeks round out the next in line candidates.
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Team Notes
- 10/11:Collin McHugh will serve as the Rays' opening pitcher Monday against the Red Sox as part of a bullpen day in Game 4 of the ALDS, Manager Kevin Cash hasn't appointed a primary pitcher to work behind McHugh, as the Rays will instead likely turn to a cadre of arms to fill innings out of the bullpen. Josh Fleming, JT Chargois, Pete Fairbanks, J.P. Feyereisen, Andrew Kittredge and Matt Wisler tossed 20 pitches or fewer in Sunday's 13-inning loss, so the Tampa Bay bullpen should be relatively fresh for Monday's contest.
Texas RangersTeam: Texas Rangers
Total Saves: 11
Closer: Will Smith
Next in Line: Jonathan Hernandez , Brock Burke
(5/31) Bruce Bochy took over as the Rangers' manager in 2023. His former closer from his San Francisco days, Will Smith, joined him in Texas and has recorded 9 of the Rangers' 10 saves overall. Smith's velocity is up (93 mph) and he has one of the best strikeout rates (31.1%) in the Rangers bullpen. The draft season favorite for Texas saves - Jose Leclerc - has been relegated to low-leverage work due to his inconsistency and 17.9% walk rate. Jonathan Hernandez and Brock Burke have surpassed him in this hierarchy, while Josh Sborz and the newly promoted Grant Anderson, may not be far behind. Anderson looked dominant in his MLB debut and has plenty of closing experience in the minors should Smith regress or fall out of favor.
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Toronto Blue JaysTeam: Toronto Blue Jays
Total Saves: 17
Closer: Jordan Romano
Next in Line: Nate Pearson , Erik Swanson
(5/30) Jordan Romano has improved his strikeout, walk and swinging strike rates this season and is among the league's save leaders through late May. Nate Pearson has been excellent and recently shifted from a multi-inning relief more to a more high-leverage role as Romano's setup man. Aside from Pearson, Erik Swanson and Tim Mayza have been reliable in the late innings as key pieces of the bridge to Romano. Yimi Garcia, Adam Cimber and Anthony Bass haven't been sharp in 2023, but offer plenty of experience in middle relief.
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Washington NationalsTeam: Washington Nationals
Total Saves: 17
Closer: Committee
(5/26) Washington tied for a league low with only 28 saves last season, but are already halfway to that mark through late May, as the Nationals have been more competitive in 2023. Kyle Finnegan leads the team with 10 of their 14 saves, but has ceded save chances to Hunter Harvey of late. Harvey has recorded both of his saves this month and has performed better than Finnegan overall. In fact, Harvey leads the Nationals' bullpen with a 31.1% strikeout rate, while no one else sports a K-rate over 23%. Carl Edwards Jr. and Mason Thompson are the other leverage arms in this bullpen and could join the mix for saves if Finnegan or Harvey were to struggle or get hurt down the road.
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Team Notes
- 9/23:Tanner Rainey earned the save for the Nationals last night and has worked 3 out of the last 4 games. Expect Kyle Finnegan, who hasn't pitched since Sept. 19, to get the save chance if one presents itself against the Cardinals tonight.