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  "description": "Navigating the closer carousel is not easy. But guess what, we do it anyway. We aren't in the business of taking the easy way out, so Ray Kuhn takes a look at the recent bullpen news.",
  "path": "/bullpen-banter-a-key-closers-return/",
  "publishedAt": "2026-05-09T10:00:50.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.prospectslive.com",
  "tags": [
    "Bullpen Banter - Prospects LiveProspects LiveRay Kuhn",
    "Ryan Helsley",
    "Rico Garcia",
    "Emilio Pagan",
    "Tony Santillan",
    "Graham Ashcraft’s",
    "Pierce Johnson",
    "Ryan Zeferjahn",
    "Sam Bachman",
    "Kirby Yates,",
    "Ben Joyce,",
    "Subscribe now"
  ],
  "textContent": "We can’t go a week without a closer heading to the Injured List, but the good news is that we’ve also had a few returning pitchers. Let’s not waste any more time as we jump into the latest news.\n\nBullpen Banter - Prospects LiveProspects LiveRay Kuhn\n\n### Baltimore Orioles\n\nPhoto Credit: pressboxonline.com\n\nThings looked great in Baltimore. After Ryan Helsley struggled last season, especially after his trade to the New York Mets, the right-hander was back to his All-Star ways. No longer tipping his pitches, Helsley was cruising right along. With his 2.53 ERA, 15 strikeouts, and seven saves, he was on his way towards returning to the All-Star game. He’s been able to pitch around his 15.2% walk rate, but going forward, it’s something we’d like to see improve. Now, though, Helsley is on the Injured List, but it doesn’t appear that his elbow injury is anything major. After the imaging on his elbow came back clean, Helsley should be getting back on his throwing program shortly. In the interim, it’s a crowded bullpen, but Rico Garcia appears to have the edge. That’s also the case after he picked up his second save of the season on Wednesday. Prior to that, Garcia picked up three victories while compiling seven holds and posting a 0.53 ERA and 0.41 WHIP to go along with 17 strikeouts in 19 innings.\n\n### Cincinnati Reds\n\nPhoto Credit: mlb.com\n\nDespite having six saves, Emilio Pagan hasn’t had the best of seasons. His 6.43 ERA and 1.43 WHIP haven’t helped your fantasy rosters, and now he’s out for the next one to two months with a hamstring injury. And when he does come back, it’s very likely it’s not to the ninth inning. On Tuesday, Tony Santillan blew the save opportunity, and on Wednesday, it was Graham Ashcraft’s turn to do the same. Given that Santillan has been the eighth-inning option for the majority of the year, I’d give him the edge to replace Pagan. Ashcraft also has a save this season, and both have had success. Pierce Johnson is also in the midst as a high-leverage option, as this is a situation to closely watch.\n\n### Los Angeles Angels\n\nPhoto Credit: mlbtraderumors.com\n\nIt was ugly, but Ryan Zeferjahn picked up his first save of the season on Tuesday. His ERA sits at 4.58, though his xERA is 2.14, and no one is going to confuse him with a legitimate threat for saves. Walks have historically been an issue for Zeferjahn, and that’s likely going to be an issue for him holding the job. *Sam Bachman is also in the mix, but he hasn’t recorded a save since 2023. Of course, the Angels need to pick up more victories for this to matter, but neither is likely to be the favorite for saves. Instead, I’d point to Kirby Yates, who just returned from the Injured List, and Ben Joyce, who’s in the midst of a rehab stint. Stay close on this one.\n\n## Sign up for Prospects Live\n\nYour one stop shop for Dynasty Fantasy Baseball, MLB Draft, Baseball Card & MiLB Baseball content. Blending Data & Scouting into our Player Evaluation\n\nSubscribe\n\nEmail sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup.\n\nNo spam. Unsubscribe anytime.\n\n### This post is for subscribers only\n\nBecome a member to get access to all content\n\nSubscribe now",
  "title": "Bullpen Banter - A Key Closers Return",
  "updatedAt": "2026-05-09T10:00:53.035Z"
}