Closer Report: Add Rafael Montero

Let’s jump right onto the closer carousel...

The Hurt Ones

• Aroldis Chapman
• Ken Giles
• Keone Kela

Ken Giles is due for an MRI on Wednesday. Anthony Bass has been flawless as his replacement (except for last night). Giles has yet to resume throwing since suffering a forearm strain in late July.

Kela could be back for the Pirates on Thursday. He figures to claim the ninth inning role once healthy.

The Safe Ones

• Josh Hader
• Kirby Yates
• Kenley Jansen
• Liam Hendricks
• Archie Bradley
• Alex Colome
• Joe Jimenez
• Raisel Iglesias
• Zach Britton

Josh Hader is really good and we were all wrong to doubt him.

Britton has been great filling in for Chapman. He's a must-own until Chapman is back.

The Mostly Safe

• Brandon Workman
• Hector Neris
• Mark Melancon
• Brandon Kintzler
• Trevor Gott
• Daniel Hudson
• Anthony Bass
• Rafael Montero
• Giovanny Gallegos

Melancon is still the Braves closer but with Will Smith now back from the IL, the leash is shortened.

Well, that was quick. After speculating last week on who would close for the Rangers, the team gave it right to Montero on his first game coming back from injury. He immediately becomes a must-add in roto leagues. The 29-year-old posted 34 strikeouts to just five walks in 29 innings of relief last season. He should have a firm grip on the closing gig in Texas.

Daniel Hudson blew a save for the Nationals on Saturday. His only saving grace is Sean Doolittle pitched poorly right before him. Hudson is still the ninth inning guy in D.C.

With Kwang-hyun Kim moving to the rotation for the Cardinals, the Redbirds seem likely to use Gallegos in a save situation. When they resume playing games, of course.

The Committee Members

• Nick Anderson
• Oliver Drake
• Rowan Wick
• Jeremy Jeffress
• Edwin Diaz
• Seth Lugo
• Ty Buttrey
• Hansel Robles

Since last week and the fall of Craig Kimbrel, the Cubs have only played three times. None of those games resulted in a save. Rowan Wick is still my favorite for saves.

Lugo is who you want to own right now. Diaz has pitched well of late but has yet to appear with a lead to protect.

With Robles out as the Angels closer, Ty Buttrey has notched two saves. He's the arm to own for the Halos right now.

The Risky Business

• Brad Hand
• Taylor Rogers
• Trevor Rosenthal
• Cole Sulser
• Jairo Diaz
• Taylor Williams
• Ryan Pressly

Taylor Rogers blew a save on Thursday, got a save on Monday, but then last night happened. Rogers was used in the eighth inning to preserve a 4-4 tie against the Brewers, but instead gave up two runs. Rogers has been a roller coaster this year. This is concerning for fantasy owners who spent up to get him on draft day. The Twins have ample arms in the bullpen if he continues to falter.

Taylor Williams picked up the save on Saturday. It seemed like Carl Edwards Jr. might challenge for saves, but he has landed on the IL. Williams remains the Mariners arm to grab for saves.

I guess Trevor Rosenthal is the Royals closer until he’s not.

Cole Sulser blew the save on Tuesday. Mychal Givens might get the next save opportunity.

When you pitch in Coors you're always gonna carry a 'risky' tag. Diaz came in to put the lid on the Diamondbacks come back attempt. He turned the five-run lead into a one-run lead before Daniel Bard bailed him out for the save.

Ryan Pressly has blown two saves since Roberto Osuna went on the IL. I'm afraid the Astros are going to look elsewhere next time.

The Next In Line

• Seth Lugo
• James Karinchak
• Will Smith
• Mychal Givens
• Drew Pomeranz
• Sergio Romo

Brad Hand was shaky on Sunday and was pulled after a rain delay. Veteran reliever Oliver Perez finished out the game. Karinchak was used earlier that game. Karinchak has huge upside if Hand blows a couple more saves.