Bullpen situations always seem to be fluid and managers would be wise to keep tabs on fthe changing bullpen landscape, especially in those leagues that count both holds and saves.

For the closer’s roles, I have four tiers:

Strong – No reason to believe they will be losing the job.

Solid – They are still the closer, but there is a chance it can chage.

Weak – They’re a CINO  (Closer in name only) and are in clear danger of losing the job.

Committee – there is no set closer and numerous arms could get the call.

For holds, I’ll be listing the names of the dudes who have gotten holds most recently and telling you which ones to trust.

Los Angeles Angels

Closer – Committee

This should eventually be Ben Joyce’s job, but until that happens, we have to go based on what we see, and Joyce got a save along with Hunter Strickland and Roansy Contreras over the last seven days.

Joyce’s 1.1 perfect innings on August 4 was excellent as he struckout one, only needing 15 pitches to get four outs. He tops off at 104 with his heater, making him hard to hit when the game is on the line.

However, it was Strickland who got the first crack at the closer’s role after the trade of Carlos Estevez. However, he blew one of two ninth inning chances before getting a blown save on August 3, allowing two earned runs in 0.2 innings. Even if he keeps getting the crack at the ninth, he should be larglely ignored by most managers as the Angles don’t figure to win a lot and when he does get in the game to save it, he has not proven to be effective outside of a middle relief role.

Contreras has joined the ‘pen after being a starter did not work out. However, he has only allowed two earned runs in his first 10.1 innings of work out of the ‘pen, earning two saves. Based on performance, he may over take Strickland, and if this performance holds up, he should be considered in leagues that count holds. For now, just monitor the situation.

Holds

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