There's stability across many closer jobs, but it just takes one bad outing to throw a wrench in that situation. Let's stay on top of and discuss the latest closer developments.
Arizona Diamondbacks
Despite going 11-for-13 in save conversions, Mark Melancon can’t shake his poor ERA (6.87) and WHIP (1.80) over his first 18.1 innings. He allowed 13 runs and 23 baserunners over his previous 10.1 innings with one win, four losses, seven saves, and two blown saves. Ian Kennedy regained his command over his past seven outings (no walks over five innings), leading to a 3.60 ERA. Unfortunately, batters still drilled him for seven hits. He has three saves in five chances on the year. Joe Mantiply continued his impressive shutout run (10.2 innings with no walks and 14 saves), pushing him closer to the ninth inning.
Atlanta Braves
The messiness of the right arm of Kenley Jansen led to an embarrassing last nine innings (6.00 ERA and 1.67 WHIP) while failing to hold the lead in three of his six save tries. However, he still has strength in his WHIP (0.97) with 15 successful closing chances in 18 opportunities. Will Smith has been knocked around in three of his previous six matchups (four runs, 12 baserunners, and one home run over 4.2 innings) while walking five batters. Unfortunately, his command (12 walks over 20.2 innings) and home runs allowed (5) have been his downfall in 2022. Over the last six weeks, A.J. Minter delivered closer-worthy stats (no runs over 17.1 innings with three walks and 22 strikeouts).
Baltimore Orioles
Jorge Lopez hasn’t allowed a run over his previous eight innings with three hits, five strikeouts, and three saves. He remains challenging to hit (.141) while needing to fix his walk rate (4.3). Lopez converted seven saves in his nine closing tries. Felix Bautista extended his shutout streak to nine innings with six strikeouts, two wins, and three holds.
