For the first time all season, we have no new names on Closing Time, which is crazy considering we are almost 2 months into the season. With injuries up roughly 50% this year, it's been rough finding consistency, especially in the pitching department. These should be the same names week in and week out for a while, outside of the absence of Edwin Diaz, who I'd expect to be back in the closers role by the end of the week or early next week at the latest.
TIER 1: Nothing Compares 2 U
1. Kenley Jansen (Los Angeles Dodgers)—Pedro Baez, Josh Fields
2. Craig Kimbrel (Boston Red Sox)—Matt Barnes, Heath Hembree
3. Greg Holland (Colorado Rockies)—Adam Ottavino, Jake McGee
4. Wade Davis (Chicago Cubs)—Hector Rondon, Carl Edwards Jr.
How is S.H. Oh panning out? Do you foresee him to climb back into the top 10-15 closers here? Also, what do you think the chances are that D. Robertson gets traded this season, and how could that impact his value as closer? Thanks!
Oh is starting to concern me, especially with how well Rosenthal has pitched. Durability concerns with Rosenthal give Oh hope to keep the job but it’s a tricky situation.
Robertson will get a boost if he gets moved to a team like the Nationals, which is certainly possible, but I wouldn’t consider it probable. There should be plenty of good relievers available at the deadline this year, so a team like Washington should have some options to choose from.