Paul’s Call to the ‘Pen: August 20

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  • By Paul Williamson

    Last Updated on August 20, 2025 6:50 pm by Paul Williamson | Published: August 20, 2025

    There was some movement on the closer front this week.

    David Bednar is taking over in the Bronx? Are we back to a time share in the motor city? Is there any clarity with the Dodgers? The Rockies got four saves as a team?!?! Who is going to get the saves in Texas? I also discuss some aging closers who might lose out on saves toward the end of the season as teams start looking forward to 2026.

    Then the holds landscape is always changing.

    I dive into all of these teams and tell you how to evaluate them.

    The closers I will label in the following tiers (I’ve added a fourth tier from last year and modified my definition of ‘weak’*)

    Strong – they are definitely the closer.
    Probably – they look to be the closer, for now.
    Weak – there is a good chance they don’t get the next save chance*
    Committee – We just don’t know who will get the ball in the ninth. Shrug.

    Alright, let’s get into it!

    NOTE: this includes all of Wednesday’s afternoon games.

    Yankees

    Closer – Devin Williams – Weak

    David Bednar got the only two saves in the Bronx.

    I’ve downgraded WIlliams to ‘weak’ now that Bednar has been rock solid lately and Williams being demoted to low-leverage work to try and get right (again).

    It worked once before as Williams had a nice run after getting his job back. But he got his job back due to an injury to Luke Weaver.

    Managers should hold on to Williams, for now. But if we get another week or two and Bednar keeps delivering and Williams isn’t getting any chances, we can’t hold on for too long with the end of the season coming up.

    In 8-team leagues, I’m dropping him. 10-teamers could consider it now as well.

    Holds

    Williams, Mark Leiter Jr., Weaver and Camilo Doval each got a hold.

    I’m growing more concerned about Doval though he, along with Weaver and Leiter Jr. make up the must-roster dudes in the Bronx.

    Tim Hill is a deep league play.

    Watch out Fernando Cruz’s return.

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    August 20, 2025, 6:50 pm