What value will A.J. Ramos hold in Miami with the addition of Fernando Rodney?
It’s not even July and we already have a closer moving from one coast to another, causing a likely bullpen controversy in the process. With the trade deadline somewhat on the horizon (remember, it’s August 1st this year), here’s a look at the pitchers already affected by wheeling and dealing, and some other closer news as well of course.
Bookmark our Closer Report for updates on current closers and job security 
Closer News From Around The League
Miami Marlins
The Marlins made the first big bullpen move of the season this week, acquiring Fernando Rodney from the San Diego Padres for Single-A pitching prospect Chris Paddack. The Marlins already have 24-for-24 closer A.J. Ramos, who has a 1.74 ERA pitching the ninth inning. Meanwhile, Rodney comes in 17-for-17 with a 0.31 ERA. It’s a good problem to have for Marlins manager Don Mattingly, but there’s always the risk that one of the two pitchers will react negatively to a demotion. For now, rumors are swirling that the Marlins will use Rodney to close, making him the guy to own in that bullpen. Still, it’s too soon for Ramos owners to worry, as he may remain in his role. Stay tuned.
San Diego Padres
As mentioned above, the Padres dealt their closer for a prospect, so now they will need someone new to step in and pitch the ninth inning. All signs point to it being Ryan Buchter, who has 13 holds and a 2.91 ERA. He has excellent strikeout numbers (13.24 K/9), but his walk rate is a bit high (4.76 BB/9). Combine that with the fact that the Padres likely won’t have too many wins for him to save, and Buchter owners will need to temper their expectations. Lots of strikeouts, a good ERA, but an average at best WHIP and not too many saves. Still, as the closer on any team deserves a roster spot, Buchter should be picked up and rostered in all formats as soon as possible.
Colorado Rockies
Rockies closer Jake McGee’s time on the disabled list is almost over. After two rehab appearances, he should be activated from the DL on Saturday. His job, however, may not be waiting for him. Carlos Estevez has done fine in McGee’s place, and manager Walt Weiss refused to commit to a closer, calling the Rockies’ bullpen situation an “ever-evolving” one. Still, McGee seems like the guy to own in this bullpen, even if he doesn’t reclaim his job right away. Estevez owners would do well to sell now, before the muddied picture clears up.
Injury Updates
The Tampa Bay Rays have spent most of the season with closer Brad Boxberger on the disabled list. No problem, though, because Alex Colome had been excellent in his place. Now, Colome is joining Boxberger on the DL, though, and the search for a new closer begins in fantasy leagues everywhere. The favorite for saves in Colome’s place is Xavier Cedeno, but Rays manager Kevin Cash says he will mostly mix and match based on the situation. Colome is only expected to miss the required 15 days, and his job will certainly be waiting for him when he returns.
The Oakland Athletics saw a late-inning reliever hit the disabled list this week as well, as lefty Sean Doolittle was placed on the shelf. Ryan Madson has been the team’s closer, but recent struggles made Doolittle sneak a little closer to his former role. The injury derails any hope of that and also throws quite a wrench into his trade value. John Axford now becomes Madson’s handcuff, at least until Doolittle returns and perhaps for the remainder of the season, barring trades of course.
Top Performers From June 23 – June 30
Kenley Jansen (LAD): 2 IP, 4 K, 2 SV, 0.00 ERA, 0.43 WHIP
Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen saved two games this week, striking out four and allowing a walk but no hits. With no closers saving even three games this week, the top spot goes to Jansen.
Fernando Rodney (SD/MIA): 2 IP, 4 K, 2 SV, 0.00 ERA, 0.50 WHIP
In his last week as the closer for the Padres, Fernando Rodney saved two games, striking out four and allowing only a walk. With his move to Miami now official, it remains to be seen whether he will still be collecting saves.
Jeremy Jeffress (MIL): 2 IP, 2 K, 2 SV, 0.00 ERA, 1.00 WHIP
Brewers closer Jeremy Jeffress is another name who may be on the move before the trade deadline, but he had a good week for his current team. He saved two games, struck out two batters, and allowed only two hits.
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David A. Marcillo is a correspondent at FantasyPros. To read more from David, check out his archive and follow him @DavidMarcillo77.
