Paul’s Call to the ‘Pen: July 8

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  • By Paul Williamson

    Last Updated on July 9, 2025 10:04 am by Paul Williamson | Published: July 9, 2025

    We got some committees, performance concerns and a arms coming off the injured list that are/could be changing the saves landscape.

    Is there now another change at closer in Miami (and they’re actually winning so we have to pay attention?!), Is Devin Williams aboslutely the dude now in the Bronx? And injuries in the Bronx ‘pen has pushed up the value for some of their arms for holds leagues. Who got the saves for the Rangers and Phils? And there is yet ANOTHER injured closer in the desert. Sheesh.

    And then you have the ever-changing holds landscape.

    I’ve got your answers in my latest installment of Paul’s Call to the ‘Pen!

    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; All stats are for games played through July 1 with Tuesday updates noted.

    This article typically comes out on Tuesday but with it being a tad late, I included Tuesday’s action. 

    Guardians

    Closer – Emmanuel Clase – Strong

    Clase got the only save.

    He is the closer. No doubt despite the blown save. We move on.

    Holds

    Paul Sewald and Hunter Gaddis got the only holds with one apiece.

    Sewald came off the IL and promptly got a hold. Consider him a deep league play with upside.

    Yes, Cade Smith blew up hard this week but he has  1.97 SIERA and 38.1% K% and 7.1% BB% over the last 30 days and needs to be held.

    I need to see better things from Hunter Gaddis as I can see Sewald over taking him. His K% is down to 14.8% over the last 30 days with a 1.59 WHIP and 7.94 ERA (5.20 FIP).

    Tuesday Update – Smith did well on Tuesday allowing just two walks in 1.1 ininngs but Gaddis continued to struggle. Sewald is on his heels.

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    July 9, 2025, 10:04 am