Paul’s Call to the ‘Pen: June 10

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  • By Paul Williamson

    Last Updated on June 10, 2025 9:34 pm by Paul Williamson | Published: June 10, 2025

    We got some committees, performance concerns and a potential injury that is changing the landscape for saves over the last week.

    So much for a settled committee in Detroit. Did Tanner Scott right the ship? What to make of the mess in Atlanta. Is Bednar back  to being the dude in Pittsburgh, again? How has Devin Williams done back as the closer in the Bronx? Is Randy Rordriguez a threat to Doval in San Francisco?

    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 closer’s 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 June 9. .

    Cubs

    Closer – Daniel Palencia – Strong

    There were no saves in the last seven days for the Cubs.

    It’ll be really interesting to see what the Cubs do when Porter Hodge returns as he is facing live hitters and should be just a couple of rehab outings away from being off the IL.

    Palencia has been solid as the closer since Hodge went on the IL on May 19. He has a 3.38 ERA with five saves with his lone blown save coming this last week. He has struck out nine in 8.0 innings.

    Hodge had a problem with walks before he got hurt (5.12 BB/9) and was struggling to get Ks (8.84 K/9) leading to a 5.12 ERA. The good news is the contact against him was 2-ply and the SwStr% was a solid 11.9%.

    My money is on Hodge in the long-term but Palencia should be held on to when Hodge returns, at least for now.

    Also, Ryan Pressly has 10.0 scoreless innings with nine Ks, and two BBs.

    Just sayin’

    Holds

    Caleb Thielbar got the only save for the Cubs this week.

    Brad Keller, like Pressly, has a heck of scoreless streak going one 13.0 scoreless innings.

    Theilbar has 9.2 scoreless going for him.

    Drew Pomeranz has 8.2 scoreless going.

    Too bad they all pitch in the same bullpen and really prevent any of them from being ‘must-roster’ dudes as they all step on each other’s toes for holds.

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    June 10, 2025, 9:34 pm