The Philadelphia Phillies and Atlanta Braves are navigating shifting roles in their bullpens as Orion Kerkering shows promise as a closer candidate while Dylan Lee makes strides with the Braves. The context for bullpen uncertainty began with Kenley Jansen, who was removed from a save opportunity after just four pitches due to cramping in his neck and pectoral area. Though Jansen expected to be available shortly afterward, the 37-year-old veteran’s ongoing injury history has opened the door for speculation about his successor, particularly highlighting emerging talents such as Kerkering.
Philly’s Closer Situation: Kerkering Emerges Amid Struggles
Jordan Romano’s repeated failures as a closer have left the Phillies searching for a reliable ninth-inning option. Matt Strahm earned a save chance on June 14 but has been inconsistent since then. Shortly after, right-hander Orion Kerkering secured his first career save and has since been running neck-and-neck with Strahm for the closer job. Matchups seem to dictate who pitches the eighth and who closes out the ninth inning, but Kerkering’s recent performance suggests he may pull ahead.
Kerkering has posted a remarkable 0.47 ERA over his last 21 appearances, and his reputation as a potential closer has been building since his MLB debut in 2023. Managers typically prefer left-handed pitchers like Strahm to face lefty hitters in key moments, which can limit Strahm’s role in the ninth inning. Given these factors, Kerkering is increasingly viewed as the Phillies’ front-runner for saves moving forward, embodying strong Orion Kerkering closer potential.
Braves’ Bullpen Dynamics: Dylan Lee Seizes Key Opportunities
The Atlanta Braves have been struggling to find a dependable closer, experiencing a franchise-worst 31-game drought without a save since mid-May. With Raisel Iglesias under scrutiny after a shaky inning against the Mets, Dylan Lee, a left-hander, was entrusted to finish the game, securing four outs. Manager Brian Snitker appears to value Lee’s ability to match up against dangerous lefthanded hitters like Juan Soto, which sometimes results in Lee pitching before the ninth inning.
Lee has shown solid numbers this season — a 1.77 ERA, 0.81 WHIP, and 9.3 strikeouts per nine innings — making him a viable candidate for the closer role. However, Iglesias remains in consideration if he provides a strong performance. Aaron Bummer, another lefty in the Braves’ pen, is underutilized in critical situations, leaving Lee and Iglesias as the key options for late-inning leverage.
New York Yankees and the Duel Between Devin Williams and Luke Weaver
The New York Yankees face their own bullpen decisions after Luke Weaver’s hamstring injury sidelined him for less than three weeks. Despite Weaver’s return, manager Aaron Boone indicated the closer role might switch between Weaver and Devin Williams based on matchups and availability. Williams, acquired explicitly to handle high-pressure closing duties, has been performing strongly, posting a 1.62 ERA and 13.0 strikeouts per nine innings over his last 18 outings.
While Boone acknowledged the presence of two elite pitchers, the general expectation is that Williams will retain the closer position, given his dominant numbers and history in the role, barring unforeseen injuries or performance declines.
Toronto Blue Jays Trust Jeff Hoffman Despite Struggles
Jeff Hoffman’s recurring blown saves for the Toronto Blue Jays have renewed uncertainty around the team’s closer situation. Despite a 2.57 ERA in June, his season-long struggles maintain concern, especially with a 5.29 ERA overall. Manager John Schneider remains publicly supportive:
“We trust the [expletive] out of Jeff Hoffman,”
—John Schneider, Blue Jays Manager
“I do. It’s easy to point blame at him, but he’s been on the other side of us winning a whole lot of games.”
—John Schneider, Blue Jays Manager
Yet the Blue Jays may soon have alternatives. Yimi Garcia, sidelined with a shoulder impingement, is starting a rehab assignment and could become a closer candidate. If Hoffman’s difficulties persist beyond Garcia’s return, the team may consider giving Hoffman a break to regroup.
Texas Rangers’ Closer Role Remains Unsettled Amid Managerial Silence
The Rangers’ bullpen situation is unclear, complicated by manager Bruce Bochy’s reluctance to provide definitive guidance. Chris Martin, the team’s best reliever, was given a recent save opportunity, while Luke Jackson, the saves leader with nine, remained rested and available. Martin’s usage over Jackson suggests a possible shift in the closer hierarchy. Left-hander Robert Garcia is another key figure but may have been unavailable following consecutive appearances. The Rangers’ closer role could shift again soon, with Martin positioned as the probable leader.
Boston Red Sox Employ a Dual Approach With Chapman and Weissert
Aroldis Chapman has excelled as the Boston Red Sox’ closer, boasting a 1.41 ERA and 12.7 strikeouts per nine innings. His dominance has prompted manager Alex Cora to share save opportunities with right-hander Greg Weissert, who has logged three saves recently, often when Chapman rested. Weissert is now recognized as Chapman’s primary backup, with flexibility to pitch in the eighth inning when matchups favor it.
Los Angeles Dodgers’ Expanding Closer Options
The Dodgers generate plenty of save chances, enabling several pitchers to get closing opportunities. Though Tanner Scott is the primary closer, having handled most save chances in June, manager Dave Roberts has occasionally deployed him early, leading to saves by others such as Alex Vesia and Kirby Yates. Yates, a right-hander and former All-Star closer, offers valuable bullpen depth, making the Dodgers’ closer situation more complex than a single pitcher carrying the role.
Chicago White Sox’s Emerging Prospect Grant Taylor Steps Into Save Role
The White Sox remain a struggling team but may have identified a potential future closer in Grant Taylor. Acquired in early June, Taylor quickly earned a save chance after only five appearances. His strong fastball and adaptability between starting and relief have garnered optimism, although the team has yet to commit fully to him as a consistent closer. Taylor’s recent outing was a crucial step toward establishing himself in that role.
Marlins’ Closer Strategy Confounds Observers Amid Inconsistent Usage
The Miami Marlins have experimented with several bullpen options, making their closing role unpredictable. Manager Clayton McCullough has rotated save opportunities primarily between Calvin Faucher, Freddy Tarnok, and Ronny Henriquez, despite Faucher often being available. Marcelin’s closer spotlight is most likely on Faucher for now, though McCullough’s inconsistency has left Fantasy Baseballers frustrated as save chances are unpredictably assigned.
Rockies’ Seth Halvorsen Becoming a Reliable Save Option Despite Team Struggles
Seth Halvorsen has surprised many as the Colorado Rockies’ closer, accumulating four saves in June alone amid a season of team difficulties. Although the Rockies remain in contention for one of the worst records in baseball, Halvorsen’s ability to convert save chances has solidified his role. Meanwhile, Jacob Bird shows promising statistics as a reliever but is more often used in middle relief than closing situations.
Overall Bullpen Trends Highlight Shifting Closer Roles Across MLB
Across Major League Baseball, the closer position is in flux for many teams, either because of performance concerns, injuries, or strategic adjustments. The Phillies’ Orion Kerkering and Braves’ Dylan Lee are examples of younger arms stepping forward with notable effectiveness. At the same time, veterans like Kenley Jansen and Jeff Hoffman face scrutiny despite managerial support.
This dynamic reflects broader trends where managers assess matchups closely, often splitting high-leverage innings between left-handed and right-handed pitchers to optimize outcomes. Teams like the Dodgers and Red Sox employ multiple pitchers in closing situations, while others, such as the Marlins, continue to struggle with consistency.
For fans and Fantasy Baseball participants, these evolving closer battles provide both intrigue and uncertainty. How teams ultimately settle on reliable closers will influence late-game success and playoff pushes as the season progresses.