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In my last Closer Report back on May 15th, I discussed how the top two closers, Craig Kimbrel and Aroldis Chapman, are starting to show some cracks in their dominance and have blown a save or two. Since then, they have each blown a save, with Kimbrel having three blown saves and Chapman have two blown saves this season. As a result, I have made a change at the top of my Closer Rankings., as you can see below.
I have moved Jason Grilli into the #2 spot in the rankings, with Chapman moving down to the #4 spot. Grilli lead the majors in saves right now (Saturday) with 19 saves, and is striking out 14 batters per nine innings, while walking just two batters per nine, and has yet to blow a save this season.
I have moved Rays closer Fernando Rodney down from #16 to #24 in my rankings, as he has blown several saves since my last Closer Report. Rodney now leads the majors in blown saves with four right now. He is also walking a bit more than eight batters per nine and giving up more than a home run every nine innings. There is a chance that he loses the closer role in Tampa with another blown save, so go out and grab Joel Peralta if he is available in your fantasy league.
Week 8 Closer Rankings
|
Rank |
Closer/Middle Reliever |
Team |
|
1 |
Craig Kimbrel |
ATL |
|
2 |
Jason Grilli |
PIT |
|
3 |
Mariano Rivera |
NYY |
|
4 |
Aroldis Chapman |
CIN |
|
5 |
Sergio Romo |
SFG |
|
6 |
Jim Johnson |
BAL |
|
7 |
Casey Janssen |
TOR |
|
8 |
Rafael Soriano |
WAS |
|
9 |
Joe Nathan |
TEX |
|
10 |
Edward Mujica |
STL |
|
11 |
Tom Wilhelmsen |
SEA |
|
12 |
Glen Perkins |
MIN |
|
13 |
Jonathan Papelbon |
PHI |
|
14 |
Addison Reed |
CHW |
|
15 |
Andrew Bailey |
BOS |
|
16 |
Greg Holland |
KC |
|
17 |
Chris Perez |
CLE |
|
18 |
Rafael Betancourt |
COL |
|
18 |
Kevin Gregg |
CHC |
|
20 |
Grant Balfour |
OAK |
|
21 |
Heath Bell |
ARI |
|
22 |
Jim Henderson |
MIL |
|
23 |
Jose Valverde |
DET |
|
24 |
Fernando Rodney |
TB |
|
25 |
Kenley Jansen |
LAD |
|
26 |
Huston Street |
SD |
|
27 |
Steve Cishek |
MIA |
|
28 |
Ernesto Frieri |
LAA |
|
29 |
Bobby Parnell |
NYM |
|
30 |
Jose Veras |
HOU |
|
31 |
Mark Melancon |
PIT |
|
32 |
Luke Gregerson |
SD |
|
33 |
Trevor Rosenthal |
STL |
|
34 |
David Robertson |
NYY |
|
35 |
Rex Brothers |
COL |
|
36 |
Jesse Crain |
CHW |
|
37 |
David Hernandez |
ARI |
|
38 |
Brandon League |
LAD |
|
39 |
Joel Peralta |
TB |
|
40 |
Francisco Rodriguez |
MIL |
Closer Changes
There were no closer changes made in the last two weeks, but Andrew Bailey is back closing for the Red Sox after returning from the disabled list. On the flip side, Rafael Betancourt injured his groin while pitching and has yet to make an appearance since. Rex Brothers has taken his place in the closer role while he is out.
Brewers closer Jim Henderson injured his hamstring on Friday night throwing a pitch and may need a trip to the DL. Manager Ron Roenicke indicated he would go with a closer by committee with Henderson out, so grab Francisco Rodriguez and John Axford if they are available in your leagues.
Closer Situations to Watch
Brandon League, LAD
We have gone through this one before. League has yet to officially lose the closer job, but Jansen is being put in the higher leverage situations of late.
Fernando Rodney, TB
Rodney has blown four saves to date, and could lose his job if he blows another save or two. Like I addressed above, Peralta is the guy to grab off your league waiver wire, if available.
Chris Perez, CLE
Perez left Sunday's game with pain in his shoulder, all after giving up 4 runs on 2 hits and 3 walks. Convenient, huh? Well, with Vinnie Pestano struggling in his rehab appearance, it appears Joe Smith would be next in line for save opportunities in Cleveland.
Jim Johnson, BAL
Johnson blew his fourth save of the season on Sunday after giving up 4 runs on 4 hits and a walk. I think Johnson will have to blow a few more save opportunities to lose the job in Baltimore, but if manager Buck Showalter has seen enough, Darren O'Day is probably next in line.