Closing Time 4/19: Ranking the Top 30 Closers Each Week

Another week, and again we have a few changes in the closer community. Zach Britton was placed on the 10-day DL, which seemed inevitable as he really hasn’t looked right....

Another week, and again we have a few changes in the closer community. Zach Britton was placed on the 10-day DL, which seemed inevitable as he really hasn't looked right. Still, he shouldn't be out much longer than those 10 days and will be back in that top tier discussion upon returning. The Rangers also finally decided to do something about Sam Dyson, placing him on the 10-day with a "right hand contusion". It definitely possibly Matt Bush struggles as Dyson's replacement and Dyson gets a second chance at the role, but I'm not feeling optimistic about that. Dyson can be dropped in most leagues as Bush is more than capable of running with the job. Jeurys Familia makes his debut this week also and should prove to be a steal for most owners at that 120 ADP. The Nationals also seem likely to announce a closer change today, most likely turning from Blake Treinen to Shawn Kelley. But it is Dusty Baker, so who knows, maybe Sammy Solis will get the next 2 save opps.

TIER 1: Nothing Compares 2 U

1. Kenley Jansen (Los Angeles Dodgers)—Pedro Baez, Sergio Romo

2. Aroldis Chapman (New York Yankees)—Dellin Betances, Tyler Clippard

3. Edwin Diaz (Seattle Mariners)—Dan Altavilla, Nick Vincent

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Rick Graham

Rick resides in the Boston area and has experience as a player and coach at the collegiate level. He has been covering relievers for Pitcher List since 2017.

5 responses to “Closing Time 4/19: Ranking the Top 30 Closers Each Week”

  1. DEAN WHITE says:

    Hope you’re right on Giles, but I’m wondering what you think of the fact that he was brought in in the 8th the other day, with what’s-his-name coming in for the ninth. Houston ended up scoring so it wasn’t a save any more, but nonetheless that game, which preceded his last save, indicated a potential change. Any thoughts?

    • Rick Graham says:

      I would have been more worried had he not received that last save chance. He probably doesn’t have as much wiggle room anymore and needs to be nails for the next few weeks or so.

  2. Quick says:

    Worth holding onto Joe Jimenez? Not sure how long it’ll take to be called back up

    • Rick Graham says:

      Depends on how deep your league is. I’d still prefer Neris, N Jones, Glover, Rosenthal, Capps and maybe Jeffress as stashes over him. It’s no guarantee Jimenez gets a shot to close this year, and if he does, it probably won’t happen till the second half of the season.

  3. Fallakin says:

    The story with the Reds isn’t about having a set closer, it’s about using your best available option in the highest leverage situation. There is a pretty good article on it over at FanGraphs (http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/the-real-home-of-the-bullpen-revolution-is-cincinnati/)…

    That said, it’s an interesting and non-conventional approach that has been working out pretty well for them thus far.

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