Closer Report

After finishing 2019 with a 1.80 ERA, 124 strikeouts and 25 saves in 85 innings, Liam Hendriks will remain the A's closer heading into the '20 season.

The Brewers haven't unleashed Hader yet, as the left-hander has thrown just 5 1/3 innings so far this season. (Aug. 14)

Archie Bradley should get a chance to be the D-backs' unquestioned closer entering 2020. The right-hander went 18-for-19 in save chances and had a 2.10 ERA over his final 25 appearances in 2019.

Kenley Jansen struggled in the second half of 2019, posting a 4.74 ERA with five blown saves in his final 25 games, but he will get a chance to remain the Dodgers' closer entering '20.

Alex Colome recorded his third career 30-save season in 2019 and finished with a 2.80 ERA.

Aroldis Chapman made his season debut Monday, allowing one run on two hits while fanning two during a non-save situation. Chapman missed the first few weeks after testing positive for COVID-19 in July. He's expected to reassume closing duties. (Aug. 17)

The Braves signed Will Smith in the offseason, but Mark Melancon is expected to open the season as Atlanta's closer.

Brad Hand allowed a hit, a walk and a run (unearned) Saturday against the Tigers, but he still recorded his fifth save of the season. (Aug. 15)

Brandon Kintzler, the presumptive favorite to close for the Marlins, has finished each of Miami's first two wins, earning a save in one of them. (July 26)

Daniel Hudson earned the Nationals' first save of the season Thursday. (July 30)

Cole Sulser threw two perfect innings to earn his third save of the season Sunday. (Aug. 2) 

Rafael Montero has recorded five saves and allowed just one hit over five innings since returning from the injured list. (Aug. 15)

Raisel Iglesias had an inconsistent 2019 season and lost some save chances to Michael Lorenzen, but he still finished with a career-high 34 saves. 

Trevor Rosenthal has settled in as the Royals' closer, recording five saves in five chances so far.

Joe Jimenez, who took over as the Tigers' closer after Shane Greene was traded to the Braves on July 31, posted a 3.06 ERA with nine saves over his final 19 games in 2019.

Taylor Rogers made his first appearance and recorded his first save of the season Wednesday. (July 29)

Hansel Robles has been removed from the closer role and will be used in lower-leverage situations for the time being. The club is expected to use a committee approach in the ninth inning. Ty Buttrey picked up a save Tuesday night. (Aug. 4)

Andrew Miller on Saturday earned the Cardinals' first save since July 24. The team had not played since July 29 due to a COVID-19 outbreak.

Craig Kimbrel's struggles have forced the Cubs to seek alternative closing options, and Rowan Wick has recorded two saves in the past three days. (Aug. 3)

Trevor Gott has notched four of the Giants' five saves this season, but the team may change closers given the righty's recent struggles. In his past three appearances, Gott has recorded two blown saves and two losses while allowing 11 runs on seven hits (five homers) in 1 1/3 innings. (Aug. 17)

Taylor Williams and Dan Altavilla have recorded one save apiece this season. (July 29)

Seth Lugo has earned three of the Mets' four saves this season. (Aug. 9)

New acquisition Brandon Workman will split closing chances with Hector Neris, manager Joe Girardi said.

After exiting the Pirates' 7-2 win over the Brewers on Friday night, Pirates closer Keone Kela is considered day to day due to right forearm tightness.

Eight different pitchers have recorded a save for the Rays this season, and the two pitchers with multiple saves (Nick Anderson and Oliver Drake) are on the IL.

Matt Barnes could take over as the Red Sox's closer after Brandon Workman and Heath Hembree were traded to the Phillies on Friday.

The Astros placed closer Roberto Osuna on the 10-day injured list prior to Sunday's game against the Angels with right elbow soreness. Houston's bullpen has been crushed by injuries, and Ryan Pressly is the team's only healthy reliever who isn't a rookie. (Aug. 2)

Jordan Romano owns a 0.64 ERA this season and has recorded the Blue Jays' last two save chances.

Kirby Yates is likely to undergo season-ending surgery to address bone chips in his right elbow, manager Jayce Tingler said Monday. The announcement came after Yates got a second opinion on the ailing elbow. (Aug. 17)

Jairo Diaz (2) and Yency Almonte (1) have combined for three saves since Wade Davis was placed on the injured list. (Aug. 5)