RADIO
After a much needed 2 week vacation, I’m back to help you with any bullpen questions you may have.
We keep a close look on all the closers, saves and bullpen news and analysis twice a week so you can focus on the rest of your fantasy baseball teams. Find all the information you need on the back end of MLB bullpens right here at RotoBaller.com, and be sure to check out our up-to-date MLB fantasy baseball closer and saves depth charts.
Chicago Cubs
Closer Hector Rondon gave up 5 earned runs last night while trying to preserve a 1-1 tie in the ninth. The big blast came from hot hitting Devin Mesoraco’s grand slam. This was actually the first HR that Rondon has given up all year. Rondon’s ERA jumped from 2.28 to 3.56, which is still under 4, so not too bad. I believe that Rondon’s job is safe even though rookie Neil Ramirez has pitched well since making it to the big leagues. Ramirez is great for the 8th inning but should Rondon falter a couple more times, Cubs manager Ricky Renteria might give Ramirez a chance.
Washington Nationals
Tyler Clippard picked up the save last night, his first since 2012. Closer Rafael Soriano just needed rest and should be fine to go tonight if needed. The Nationals have the best back end of the bullpen in baseball with Drew Storen pitching the 7th, Clippard the 8th and Soriano the 9th. They all have closing experience, so it must be nice to be in Matt Williams shoes.
Chicago Sox
Ronald Belisario blew another save last night, his 4th on the year and his ERA has jumped all the way to 5.50 - not a good number for a closer, or any pitcher for that matter. Somehow, someway, manager Robin Ventura has stuck with him, probably because there are limited choices in Zack Putnam and Javy Guerra. Look for Putnam to get the first crack even though Guerra has the closer’s history. Putnam has 9 holds to go along with a 2.22 ERA and 1.06 WHIP. At this point, what does Ventura have to lose?
Identity Thieves
These are a few relievers who have a chance to steal the closer’s identity, or at least vulture a few saves in the short term:
Neil Ramirez - Even if Renteria sticks with Rondon as closer, he threw 32 pitches last night, and might need a night off.
Wade Davis - KC closer Greg Holland has given up HRs in back to back games and could be in a little slump as we approach the half-way point. It wouldn’t surprise me if Davis gets a crack this week at a save.
Be sure to also take a look at our MLB closers depth charts here.
