Bullpen roles are gaining more clarity, with many relievers struggling right now. That's why it's important to stay on top of the latest closer developments.
Arizona Diamondbacks
Despite the perception of Mark Melancon pitching on fumes, he knocked down three saves over the past week while allowing two runs, two baserunners, and one home run over three innings. On the positive side, he picked up four strikeouts after recording only six strikeouts over his first 12.1 innings. However, his ERA (7.04) and WHIP (1.83) scream job loss risk. Ian Kennedy struggled over his last six appearances (6.23 ERA and 1.85 WHIP over 4.1 innings). Joe Mantiply improved his scoreless streak to 7.1 innings with no walks and 11 strikeouts.
Atlanta Braves
Kenley Jansen turned from a fantasy asset to a liability in ERA (fell from 2.30 to 3.86) over his last three appearances (four runs, seven baserunners, and one home run over three innings with three strikeouts). Over this span, he blew two of his three save chances. Jansen is now 10-for-12 in closing games. In May, Will Smith has a 5.40 ERA and 1.80 WHIP over 6.2 innings, leading to a loss, a save, two blown saves, and two holds. A.J. Minter hasn’t allowed a run over his previous 13 innings with three walks and 17 saves.
Baltimore Orioles
Save opportunities have been challenging for Jorge Lopez over the past month. From April 24th to May 23rd, he gave up one run over 12 innings with two wins, a loss, one save, and two blown saves while issuing nine walks. He remains tough to hit (11 over 21 innings), but Lopez can’t survive long-term closing games with his poor command. He has five saves in his seven chances. Felix Bautista has a 1.74 ERA over his last 10.1 innings with 12 strikeouts and two saves.
