News and Notes From Around the Bullpen
- Brandon Lyon was placed back on the disabled list, and looks like he could miss the rest of the season. Looks to me like Mark Melancon will be a solid option at least for the remainder of the season, and the Astros may have found their closer of the future.
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Scott Elbert, of all people, got the most recent save for the Dodgers. He was called on to get lefty Seth Smith for the final out against the Rockies last Sunday. Jonathan Broxton could be headed out for a rehab assignment this week, which could potentially end this nightmare of a closer situation.
- After being unavailable for the better part of a week, Matt Capps recorded 3 saves in 3 straight nights. I still think he gets traded before the end of the season, but he looks like he is back on track.
- Jason Isringhausen has emerged as a candidate to be traded to a contender, and I'm wondering if a team might take a chance on putting him in their closer's role if they were to acquire him.
- Andrew Bailey has officially reclaimed the closer's role, recording 3 saves in 4 days last week. There's still a chance of reinjury, but he looks a lot safer than he did even just a week ago.
- Jose Veras got a save for the Pirates after Joel Hanrahan had pitched 3 straight days, and looks like he would be the handcuff you want for Hanrahan.
- Leo Nunez was used in the 6th inning of the Marlins' game against the Diamondbacks on June 14th, but I can't seem to find any particular reason that they did this. He has since pitched in a save situation, but it seems odd.
- Jonny Venters recorded the only save by the Braves in the past week, and it is looking more like it could be an even split as time progresses. Both pitchers have been very good for the majority of the season, but I think Kimbrel is still likely to get most save chances.
My Rankings After the Jump...
Closer Rankings from Today Forward [Change from Last Week]
- Brian Wilson (Giants)
- Heath Bell (Padres)
- Mariano Rivera (Yankees)
- Carlos Marmol (Cubs)
- Huston Street (Rockies)
- Leo Nunez (Marlins)
- Jonathan Papelbon (Red Sox)
- Ryan Madson (Phillies)
- Neftali Feliz (Rangers)
- Francisco Rodriguez (Mets)
- J.J. Putz (Diamondbacks)
- Drew Storen (Nationals)
- Jose Valverde (Tigers)
- Francisco Cordero (Reds)
- John Axford (Brewers)
- Andrew Bailey (Athletics) [+4]
- Joakim Soria (Royals) [+7]
- Craig Kimbrel (Braves) [-2]
- Joel Hanrahan (Pirates) [-2]
- Chris Perez (Indians) [-2]
- Brandon League (Mariners) [-1]
- Kyle Farnsworth (Rays) [-1]
- Jordan Walden (Angels)
- Fernando Salas (Cardinals)
- Kevin Gregg (Orioles)
- Sergio Santos (White Sox)
- Mark Melancon (Astros)
- Matt Capps (Twins)
- Frank Francisco/Jon Rauch (Blue Jays)
- Somebody? (Dodgers)
Top Non-Closing Relievers Most Likely to Get the Chance
- Jonny Venters (Braves)
- Mike Adams (Padres)
- David Hernandez (Diamondbacks)
- Jason Isringhausen (Mets)
- Jose Veras (Pirates)
Trade Candidates Before July 31st
- Heath Bell
- Francisco Rodriguez
- Joakim Soria
- Joel Hanrahan
- Jason Isringhausen