Bullpen Banter - Take a Closer, Leave a Closer

Take a closer, leave a closer. Ryan Helsley comes back, Daniel Palencia heads to the Injured List. There is more confusion in Cincinnati and Washington, but what else is new? Once again, we try to unpack things and plan for the week ahead across the closer landscape.

Bullpen Banter - Prospects LiveProspects LiveRay Kuhn

Seattle Mariners

Photo Credit: MLB.com

This was supposed to be a simple situation. Andres Muñoz saved 38 games last season as one of the more dependable upper-tier closers. There were no doubts about his role, and Seattle was going to be a good team providing him with ample save opportunities. Muñoz does have eleven saves and 38 strikeouts on the season, so that part has been accurate. However, Muñoz’s ERA sits at 5.68 with a WHIP of 1.42. Within those totals, the right-hander has blown five saves, while also recently dealing with back tightness. Though he struggled on Sunday, we can exhale since Muñoz picked up the save on Tuesday with little drama, allowing one hit while striking a batter out. The most important thing, aside from Muñoz being healthy, is that there has not been any indication that his job is in jeopardy. For that reason, we proceed as normal, but if you want to hedge, the addition of Jose Ferrer or Eduard Bazardo would not be a terrible thought if roster space allows.

Chicago Cubs

Photo Credit: MLB.com

Here we go again with Daniel Palencia. The Cubs’ closer has pitched well this season when he has been on the field, but his problem has been availability, or the lack thereof. Palencia is now on the Injured List for the second time this season, this time due right elbow inflammation. With a 2.70 ERA, three saves, and 19 strikeouts in 16 and 2/3 innings, he’ i too talented to send to the waiver wire without knowing a true timetable for his return. This is especially true when you likely just managed your roster through the last absence.

This time, the Cubs are better positioned with depth to handle Palencia being sidelined. While some form of committee will likely be utilized, Jacob Webb appears to be the favorite, with Caleb Thielbar in the picture as well. The latter is left-handed, so that could come into play with matchups, but it looks like Webb will receive the majority of the save opportunities. On Wednesday, it was Webb who picked up his second save of the season while Thielbar got the hold. Through 31 and 2/3 innings, Webb has a 3.13 ERA while striking out hitters at a rate of 27.4%.

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