The closer carousel never stops spinning-after a wild Wednesday involving five...count 'em...five blown saves, the biggest news in relief pitcher land involved a man on the disabled list. Cincinnati Reds reliever Jonathan Broxton could be ready as soon as next week to assume the closer role as Aroldis Chapman heals from the line drive he took off his head this spring.
"Once he gets reacquainted with being back here, he'll be that guy to hold down the fort until Chapman's ready to go," Reds manager Bryan Price said. Fantasy owners may be scrambling to pick him up after their closer blew up yesterday. Five finishers in total coughed up leads, and some of the names are established commodities.
Joe Nathan, Detroit Tigers
Nathan was unable to shut the door on the Kansas City Royals, giving up an earned run on two walks and a hit. He failed to record a strikeout, and threw 22 pitches in total. He was very clean in his initial outing, so this is probably just a blip on the radar for a guy who'll probably save upward of 40 games for an elite Tigers club. Don't be worried.
Glen Perkins, Minnesota Twins
Perkins was blown up in his first appearance of the season, and his first outing since signing a four-year, $22.18 million deal. He gave up two runs on three hits and a walk while striking out two. 16 of his 22 pitches were for strikes, so he wasn't wild-the White Sox just hit him hard. Don't be worried, his job is secure after signing that deal.
Jason Grilli, Pittsburgh Pirates
Grilli's team got the win last night in extra innings, but he was knocked around for three hits and a run without getting any strikeouts vs. a relatively tame Cubs batting order. His first outing went smoothly, however, so it's possible Grilli just had a bad day at the office. Worry slightly, since Mark Melancon is waiting in the wings.
Jonathan Papelbon, Philadelphia Phillies
Hoo boy, this was a doozy. Papelbon only registered 0.1 innings of work last night, while giving up three runs on four hits and two walks. He threw 21 pitches, nearly all of them ineffective. Paps pitched a clean inning on Opening Day, and Texas is full of mashers so he should probably get a pass so early in the season. Still, no "elite" closer is supposed to have an inning like this. Worry slightly--Antonio Bastardo is capable of closing and Papelbon could be traded during the year.
Jim Johnson, Oakland A's
Oakland's $10 million man is struggling. He's blown saves in his first two opportunities this season, and in one inning of work given up five hits, five earned runs, and issued three walks while taking two losses. Johnson had good numbers last season in Baltimore, but isn't a big strikeout pitcher and did lead MLB with nine blown chances. Oakland's bullpen is deep, and while Johnson was brought in to be an anchor, Luke Gregerson and Sean Doolittle can fill the role. Be worried, another blown save and he could be removed.
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