The question mark of who was going to close the Chicago White Sox was answered last week with Addison Reed collecting two saves in three scoreless innings of work. Hector Santiago has not seen a save chance since his blown save on April 25th and can be dropped in mixed-league formats.
Aroldis Chapman moved into the closer for the Cincinnati Reds in place of Sean Marshall. Chapman picked up his first save Sunday, which was his fourth outing in five days. Unscored upon in 22 1/3 innings with 39 strikeouts, Chapman becomes a top 10 closer if he can handle the pressure of the ninth inning role. I would still hold Marshal for two weeks or so if you have space on reserve to see if Chapman can close the door on a consistent basis.
In Washington, Henry Rodriguez is starting to look a little shaky after getting pulled from a save opportunity again Monday night. Rodriguez allowed a hit and a walk after recording an out and then was pulled in favor of Sean Burnett who picked up his second save of the season. Rodriguez has converted 9 of 12 saves this reason, but has seen his ERA rise from 1.50 to 4.50 over his last eight outings. NL-only owners should look to stash Burnett for the time being until Drew Storen comes back, just in case a change is made.
Closer Watch List:
While Brian Fuentes is currently the closer in Oakland, keep an eye on Ryan Cook. Cook has allowed just four hits in 20 2/3 innings without allowing a run all season. Cook was acquired from Arizona in the Trevor Cahill trade last December had collected 19 saves last season between Double-A and Triple-A. A starter early in his career, Cook was switched to the bullpen last season and has blossomed.
American League Saves last week:
Jim Johnson – 3
Fernando Rodney – 2
Addison Reed – 2
Alfredo Aceves – 2
Matt Capps – 2
National League Saves last week:
Joel Hanrahan – 3
Santiago Casilla – 2
J.J. Putz – 3
Kenley Jansen – 2
