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It seems like every other day there is another piece of news that impacts closing situations in fantasy baseball. Because of this, owners are often scrambling all over the internet, looking for results on who is the guy to own in each bullpen around the league. This week, of course, is no exception, as there may be a few changes on the horizon.
The Tigers recalled closing pitcher Bruce Rondon on Wednesday, indicating that he’d be taking over the relieving job, right? Umm, not so fast. Remember a while back when Detroit also agreed to a minor league contract with familiar face Jose Valverde. I figured that general manager Jim Leyland wouldn’t have brought the veteran back if he wasn’t planning on inserting him into the closing job. Despite 2012′s late season collapse, Valverde has looked like a different pitcher during his extended Spring games this year. He may be getting up there in age, but the velocity and command are still there. On Wednesday night, Valverde notched his first save of the season. It’s his job to lose from here on out and is most certainly worth an add if you are in need of saves.
With John Axford’s atrocious start to the 2013 campaign, many believed it would take a similar collapse from newly appointed closer Jim Henderson. Well, Henderson has been playing well and Brewers’ general manager Ron Roenicke is still leaning towards Axford. When asked what it would take to insert Axford back into the closing role, he replied, “Probably not much.” Roenicke likes the way Axford is throwing during practices and believes he will eventually put it all together and regain the closing job. Many owners probably dropped him during his rough stretch earlier in the year, so check your waiver wire and perhaps stash him.
This closing situation requires a close eye from fantasy owners. After going down with injury, initial closer Joel Hanrahan appeared to be in line to return to his job once he returns. However, fill-in Andrew Bailey has been playing nothing like such. Instead, he’s playing like a top notch number one closer. On Wednesday night, Bailey notched his fifth save in six chances, upping his strikeout total to 20, which is tops among closers in the American League. Now, with Hanrahan beginning rehab games on Friday, will the Sox give him his job back or keep Bailey? That remains to be seen, but it’s hard to imagine sitting Bailey down after his recent production.
Adam Pfeifer is a featured fantasy sports columnist for Rant Sports.
You can follow him on Twitter @aPfeiferRS.
