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  "description": "Navigating the closer carousel is not easy. But guess what, we do it anyway. We are not in the business of taking the easy way out, so Ray Kuhn takes a look at the recent bullpen news.",
  "path": "/bullpen-banter-take-a-closer-leave-a-closer/",
  "publishedAt": "2026-06-20T11:00:14.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.prospectslive.com",
  "tags": [
    "Ryan Helsley",
    "Daniel Palencia",
    "Bullpen Banter - Prospects LiveProspects LiveRay Kuhn",
    "Andres Muñoz",
    "Jose Ferrer",
    "Eduard Bazardo",
    "Jacob Webb",
    "Caleb Thielbar",
    "Subscribe now"
  ],
  "textContent": "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.\n\nBullpen Banter - Prospects LiveProspects LiveRay Kuhn\n\n### Seattle Mariners\n\nPhoto Credit: MLB.com\n\nThis 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.\n\n### Chicago Cubs\n\nPhoto Credit: MLB.com\n\nHere 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.\n\nThis 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%.\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 - Take a Closer, Leave a Closer",
  "updatedAt": "2026-06-20T11:00:14.453Z"
}