As we’ve mentioned before in this column, the life of an MLB closer is full of volatility, and the pursuit of saves and holds can lead to very frustrating situations. Sometimes, those frustrations play out on the pitcher's mound for all to see. We’ll touch upon two such incidents in this article.

Fantasy Baseball Closer Report: MLB Closers 2024

The New York Mets’ bullpen continues to be in disarray and Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch was forced to discipline his closer from last season while the cameras were on. We’ll cover that and take a closer look at some bullpen situations that you should be aware of in this tenth week of the 2024 baseball season. 

Unless otherwise noted, statistics quoted in this article are accurate as of the morning of May 29th, 2024.

 

 

 

Edwin Diaz’s Break From Closing Out Games Could Be Longer Than Expected

Diaz was placed on the 15-day IL due to a right shoulder impingement on Wednesday. Diaz’s recent struggles have been well documented (three blown saves, eight earned runs in his last 4.1 IP) and might be explained away in part due to his underlying injury. Unfortunately, the rest of the Mets’ bullpen has been pitching poorly lately as well. 

Adam Ottavino, who was expected to pick up much of the slack with Diaz removed from the closer’s role, has given up seven earned runs in his last 3 IP. Reed Garrett’s overall stats are very good but he’s allowed six earned runs in his last 2.1 IP. Jorge Lopez, who gave up five earned runs in his last 2.1 IP was set to be DFA’ed by the Mets after he launched his glove into the stands following his final brutal appearance for the formerly “Amazins”. 

We list Jake Diekman (16 career saves) as a sleeper saves option on our closer grid, but the way the rest of the Mets’ bullpen is pitching, he might be the team’s safest option in the late innings right now. It’s best to avoid this bullpen for now, but if you’re looking for Mets relievers who might eventually have a path to saves and holds, familiarize yourself with Josh Walker. 

He has a 2.08 ERA in 8.2 IP for the Mets this season and was recalled from Triple-A on Wednesday. He’s a seasoned prospect who picked up four saves for the team’s Triple-A affiliate earlier this season. Grant Hartwig has gotten roughed up in 6.2 IP for the Mets this season but he has 20 minor league saves. 

Dedniel Nunez is another older rookie who is currently on the roster and has some minor league closer experience (8 minor league saves). Eric Orze currently pitches for the Syracuse Mets and also has 8 minor league saves on his resume.

The Detroit Tigers Bullpen Needed Some Taming Last Thursday

Alex Lange had a meltdown as he was losing it on the mound last Wednesday. Lange asked the home plate umpire for a new ball after he gave up 2 ER in a relief appearance against the Royals (he eventually would give up 4 ER in the outing). Apparently, Lange thought it was taking too long to get the new ball and in frustration he flung the old ball towards the Tigers dugout. 

Lange’s temper tantrum prompted Tigers manager A.J. Hinch to pay a not-so-friendly visit to the mound where he chewed Lange out. Hinch left Lange in the game but sent him down to the minor leagues following the Tigers’ loss. It’s been a tough week for the Tigers’ bullpen. Collectively, their relievers pitched to a 10.59 ERA last week, worst in the major leagues. 

Their closer Jason Foley has struggled during the month of May. In 6.2 IP so far this month, he has recorded a loss, two saves, two blown saves, two holds, an 8.10 ERA and opposing hitters have a .367 BAA him. Andrew Chafin (18.00 ERA in his last 3 IP) and Alex Faedo (8.10 ERA in his last 6.2 IP) have struggled as well. Tyler Holton, hasn’t had a clearly defined role in the Tigers’ bullpen this season, but he picked up their most recent save on Saturday. 

Hinch has used Holton in both long and short relief and he has pitched early in games and late in games. Holton does crush lefty batters (.122 BAA). Will Vest has been one of the Tigers’ most consistent relievers over the past month. In his last 10.2 IP Vest has two holds and a 1.69 ERA. Vest has three career saves.

 

 

 

Evan Phillips Should Be Back From The IL On Friday

Fantasy managers have had a hard time figuring out who’d get the next save for the Los Angeles Dodgers with Phillips on the IL, but he’s looked good while completing his minor league rehab assignment. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, he should reclaim his role as the Dodgers closer by the weekend.  

For the record, Daniel Hudson has two saves, Alex Vesia has two saves, and J.P. Feyereisen and Blake Treinen each recorded an extra inning save while Phillips has been on the IL.

Fernando Cruz: Late Bloomer But Elite Reliever

Cruz has had his ups and downs for the Cincinnati Reds this season but he’s been on fire lately. In his last five appearances spanning 5.1 IP, Cruz has recorded three holds and he’s struck out 13 batters while walking just one. 

Alexis Diaz is pitching much better lately, but for a time, it looked like his status as the Reds closer was on shaky ground. Should the Reds look to shake things up in their bullpen hierarchy, Cruz and his 30 minor league career saves could be the pitcher they eventually turn to in the ninth inning. 

Jeremiah Estrada Continues To Mow Down The Competition

In last week’s column we talked up Estrada, and he’s making us look good. At the time this article is being written, the San Diego Padres’ reliever is in the middle of a record-setting streak in which he’s struck out 13 consecutive batters. 

For the season, Estrada has thrown 16.1 innings in 12 appearances, and he has struck out 28 batters while walking just four. Estrada has two wins, a save and two holds on the season.

 

 

 

Two Other MLB Relievers Who Should Be On Your Radar:

Randy Rodriguez, San Francisco Giants

Rodriguez hasn’t given up a run in his last five appearances spanning 7.2 IP. He has a hold and he’s struck out eight batters and walked just two during that time frame. Rodriguez has eight saves in his minor league career.

Porter Hodge, Chicago Cubs

Since his recent call up from the minor leagues, Hodge has made three relief appearances in the past week. He’s pitched 2.1 innings, all coming in either the eighth or ninth innings. During that time frame, he hasn’t given up a run and he has struck out six batters while walking none.