Welcome back to another edition of the closer report. We are seeing some pretty significant risers and fallers this week. Here is a look at the updated chart.
Rank | Team | Closer | Change from last week | Notes |
1 | Padres | Taylor Rogers | +1 | Leads MLB in saves |
2 | Brewers | Josh Hader | -1 | Second in MLB in saves |
3 | White Sox | Liam Hendriks | +3 | Three saves in the past week |
4 | Rockies | Daniel Bard | +1 | 5th in MLB in saves |
5 | Yankees | Aroldis Chapman | -1 | Allowed run in four straight appearances |
6 | Blue Jays | Jordan Romano | -3 | Dealing with injury |
7 | Mets | Edwin Diaz | +1 | Second blown save of the season Thursday |
8 | Braves | Kenley Jansen | -1 | First blown save of the season Wednesday |
9 | Dodgers | Craig Kimbrel | +2 | 7-for-7 in save opportunities |
10 | Angels | Raisel Iglesias | -1 | Allowed four runs last two outings |
11 | Giants | Camilo Doval | +2 | Has not allowed a run in the last four appearances |
12 | Cardinals | Giovanny Gallegos | 0 | Blown save Thursday in extra innings |
13 | Phillies | Corey Knebel | -3 | First blown save of the season, shaky ERA |
14 | Diamondbacks | Mark Melancon | +1 | 8-for-9 in save opportunities |
15 | Guardians | Emmanuel Clase | +1 | Allowed run in three straight appearances |
16 | Rangers | Joe Barlow | +2 | Day-to-day with blister |
17 | Pirates | David Bednar | +7 | Three saves past week |
18 | Rays | Andrew Kittredge | +1 | Took the loss in a non-save opportunity Monday |
19 | Astros | Ryan Pressly | -5 | Two appearances last two weeks |
20 | Athletics | Dany Jimenez | +1 | Seven saves, 0.59 ERA on the season |
21 | Tigers | Gregory Soto | +5 | Two saves last week, Michael Fulmer remains in the mix |
22 | Mariners | Committee | -2 | Diego Castillo earned a save Sunday after Drew Steckenrider almost blew it. |
23 | Twins | Emilio Pagan | 0 | Pagan leads the way but not a super save situation |
24 | Cubs | David Robertson | -2 | Scoreless inning Wednesday in return from COVID IL |
25 | Royals | Committee | +3 | Scott Barlow and Josh Staumont each notched save the past week |
26 | Red Sox | Committee | -1 | Hansel Robles is the first Red Sox reliever with multiple saves |
27 | Marlins | Committee | -10 | Cole Sulser pitched the 9th inning in a non-save opportunity; the situation remains unclear |
28 | Orioles | Jorge Lopez | +1 | Blew save Thursday |
29 | Nationals | Tanner Rainey | -2 | Blew save Thursday |
30 | Reds | Committee | 0 | Tony Santillan and Art Warren blew saves, and Alexis Diaz recorded save |
Biggest risers and fallers:
This week, David Bednar (RP – PIT) is the biggest riser, moving up seven spots from last week in the rankings. After splitting the closer role with Chris Stratton earlier in the season, Bednar has taken complete control of that role converting all eight of his save chances so far this year, including three in the past week to go along with his 0.90 ERA on the year. He has not allowed a run in eight straight appearances as of May 19 and has recorded 27 strikeouts to three walks across 20 innings pitched. While the Pirates are not a great baseball team, it is still valuable to have a reliever like Bednar with a lock on the closer role in his respective bullpen.
The Marlins’ situation was the biggest faller of 10 spots. After Anthony Bender was the clear closer to begin the season, it has been a bit more of a committee situation ever since Dylan Floro returned from injury. The last save they had converted was by Bender all the way back on April 30.
Another pretty big faller was Ryan Pressly, dropping five spots from last week. This all comes down to opportunity as of late. After returning from the injured list on May 5, he blew a save that same day before recording a save on May 7. Ever since then, he has only appeared in two games out of the Astros bullpen, with Houston going on a hot streak as a team, winning many games by more than three runs. Pressly remains the clear closer in Houston nonetheless.
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | SoundCloud | iHeartRadio
Beyond our fantasy baseball content, be sure to check out our award-winning slate of Fantasy Baseball Tools as you prepare for your draft this season. From our free mock Draft Simulator – which allows you to mock draft against realistic opponents – to our Draft Assistant – that optimizes your picks with expert advice – we’ve got you covered this fantasy baseball draft season.