Paul’s Call to the ‘Pen: August 28

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  • By Paul Williamson

    Last Updated on August 28, 2025 4:45 pm by Paul Williamson | Published: August 28, 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!

    This article has information on arms through Wednesday’s action. 

    Nationals

    Closer – Jose A. Ferrer – Strong

    Ferrer got the only two saves for Washington.

    That’s now four saves for him as he has solidified himself as the closer in D.C.

    However, the team context will limit his upside so I wouldn’t consider him a ‘must-roster’ dude for saves.

    He is a fringe 12-team play for mangers who are starved for saves.

    Holds

    Clayton Beeter got two holds along with Cole Henry as PJ Poulin and Shinnosuke Ogasawara.

    Anytime a former Red Raider gets to be talked about, I’m so game.

    And in a bullpen without any true high-leverage arms, Beeter has a chance to prove himself. He had immense K-upside in the minors with a 14.96 K/9 in the minors this year, but a 7.48 BB/9 is about as ugly as it gets.

    So far in the majors, he has yet to fully display the K’s but the BBs have been there with a 7.26 BB/9.

    Until those walks resolve themselves, he had three more in 4.0 innings this week with just two Ks, I can’t fully trust him. But he at least has the opportunity and should be watched.

    Henry has been struggling since being thrust into high-leverage spots and is not someone I’m currently interested in any more.

    Poulin, however, has a 1.64 ERA and 26.1% K% but a 10.9% BB%. He should be watched as well.

    Jackson Rutledge and Konnor Pilkington each had scoreless weeks so that’s something, especially for a ‘pen with no set setup man.

    TDLR – keep your eye on Poulin and Beeter (the BBs specifically) while keeping an eye on how Henry bounces back. Don’t roster anyone.

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    August 28, 2025, 4:45 pm