Welcome back to the latest edition of the “Closer Report.” As we enter July, we also get closer to the trade deadline on August 1 when a handful of closers on rebuilding teams figure to be moved to contenders.
Like we see every year, certain closer situations are shuffling around on a near-weekly basis. On the other hand, some situations remain steady throughout the season.
Fantasy Baseball Closer Report
Here is a look at the chart for this week.
| Rank | Team | Closer | Change | Notes |
| 1 | Guardians | Emmanuel Clase | 0 | Tied for MLB lead with 24 saves |
| 2 | Blue Jays | Jordan Romano | 0 | Tied for MLB lead with 24 saves |
| 3 | Giants | Camilo Doval | 1 | |
| 4 | Orioles | Felix Bautista | -1 | |
| 5 | Reds | Alexis Diaz | 0 | |
| 6 | Angels | Carlos Estevez | 1 | |
| 7 | Rangers | Will Smith | 1 | |
| 8 | Brewers | Devin Williams | 1 | |
| 9 | Padres | Josh Hader | -3 | Last save on June 18 |
| 10 | Astros | Ryan Pressly | 0 | |
| 11 | Red Sox | Kenley Jansen | 2 | |
| 12 | Braves | Raisel Iglesias | 0 | |
| 13 | Twins | Jhoan Duran | 2 | |
| 14 | Marlins | A.J. Puk | 5 | Five saves second half of June |
| 15 | Mariners | Committee | -4 | |
| 16 | Pirates | David Bednar | -2 | |
| 17 | White Sox | Kendall Graveman | -1 | |
| 18 | Rays | Committee | -1 | |
| 19 | Mets | Committee | -1 | |
| 20 | Yankees | Clay Holmes | 0 | |
| 21 | Dodgers | Committee | 2 | |
| 22 | Phillies | Committee | -1 | |
| 23 | Cardinals | Jordan Hicks | -1 | |
| 24 | Diamondbacks | Committee | 0 | Scott McGough appears to be 1A |
| 25 | Cubs | Committee | 0 | |
| 26 | Nationals | Committee | 0 | |
| 27 | Rockies | Committee | 0 | |
| 28 | Tigers | Alex Lange | 0 | |
| 29 | Royals | Scott Barlow | 0 | |
| 30 | Athletics | Committee | 0 |
News and Notes
Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley (forearm) was cleared to begin a throwing program. He currently figures to be activated at some point after the All-Star break. In the meantime, Hicks has seemed to take over the Cardinals closer role for the most part. Giovanny Gallegos allowed five runs in his last appearance on Wednesday against the Astros.
Paul Sewald blew a 4-3 lead in the eighth inning against the Nationals on Tuesday with Andres Munoz warming up for the ninth inning. Munoz missed some time this year to a shoulder injury, but he is back fully healthy which appears to have led to a committee forming back in the Mariners bullpen between the two of them.
Hunter Harvey has recorded three saves since June 21 in the Nationals bullpen. He is still six of 11 on save chances on the season, so it is too soon to name him the clear closer for Washington. It is inching toward that way, however, if he maintains his recent success.
Over the last 30 days, Romano leads the MLB with 12 saves followed by Diaz, Doval and Iglesias who have all recorded nine saves.
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