Paul’s Call to the ‘Pen: May 13

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  • By Paul Williamson

    Last Updated on May 13, 2025 8:10 pm by Paul Williamson | Published: May 13, 2025

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

    Who is getting the ninth in Arizona now? How about Detroit? is David Bednar the closer with a new manager in Pitttsburgh? How is Devin Williams doing? Is he close to getting his job back? And is Ryan Walker losing his grip?

    And then you have the ever changing holds landscape.

    I 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):

    Strong – they are definitely the closer.
    Probably – they look to be the closer, for now.
    Weak – I’m not betting on them to be the closer in the long-term
    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 May 12.

    Blue Jays

    Closer – Jeff Hoffman – Strong

    Hoffman got two saves with Chad Green getting one.

    Hoffman worked two days in a row so Green got the call. Hoffman did allow six total earned runs in two straight appearances but settled down with two straight saves with two perfect innings while striking everyone out.

    This is Hoffman’s job.

    Holds

    Brandon Little and Yariel Rodriguez each got two holds with Yimi Garcia getting one.

    I’ve mentioned Rodriguez a few times this year as someone to watch. He has good stuff to get a ton of punchouts and in 4.2 innings this last week, he got nine K’s and, most importantly, didn’t walk anyone.

    If Green can’t get the barrels and homers under control (5.56 xERA) and Rodriguez continues to throw this well, then he could take over Green’s spot in the pecking order.

    It is just one week for Rodriguez but we saw what he is capable of and this should be a situation to keep an eye and pounce on if the trend continues.

    Garcia had a very rough week but his spot as the top dude for holds isn’t in jeopardy after just two poor outings.

    Little leads the team in holds and should be added now. I can no longer just call him a deeper league play. He pitched admirably and is worthy of a roster spot.

    So to recap, its Little and Garcia in all holds leagues with a eye on the Green vs. Rodriguez battle.

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    May 13, 2025, 8:10 pm