Closing Time 7/16: Ranking the Top 30 Closers Every Tuesday

[closing_time_2019 list_id=”33997″ include_stats=”1″]

• The Rays continue to go the unconventional route at closer, with Emilio Pagan being used in the role roughly over 50% of the time currently. After picking up a save Sunday, Pagan was brought in to get the last out in the 7th inning Monday night (his 3rd day working in a row), where he proceeded to cough up a run on two hits before getting the final out. Oliver Drake went on to get the save later on in the game, but that’s not something I’d expect a lot of moving forward. I still like Pagan a lot, with his K rate and ratios helping out owners, so even if he’s only getting one or two save chances a week, I’d be holding on t0 him in most leagues.
• We are about two weeks away from the trade deadline, so I’ve adjusted the bottom of the rankings to account for the likelihood that Shane Greene and Alex Colome will likely be dealt soon and possibly into non-closer situations. I haven’t moved Will Smith yet, because his upside is huge if he can land in a spot where he will continue to close. I know it’s not looking very probable at this point, but I’m holding out hope.
• Nathan Eovaldi is set to begin his rehab assignment in the coming days, which will likely end the continuous closing carousel in Boston. If all goes well in his rehab, expect Eovaldi back at some point next week. As far as where he ranks on this list, right now I’m thinking he’ll probably slot in near the top of tier 3 to start.