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ANALYSIS: With the removal of Adbert Alzolay from the closer role for the Cubs after a fourth blown save already, an opportunity has been created for another reliever to take over the job. Or perhaps relievers, as in a closer-by-committee approach. Hector Neris recorded the save in the second game of the Cubs' doubleheader this past Saturday and has experience in the role, but has allowed six hits and seven walks in seven innings of work, leading to a swollen 1.86 WHIP and one blown save of his own.
The other option could be Mark Leiter Jr. who has pitched admirably so far this season. The 33-year-old has yet to allow an earned run in 10 2/3 IP and has a sterling 0.84 WHIP with a K-BB% of 28.6%. The righty doesn't have nearly as much experience in the role as Neris, but he has saved seven games over the past two seasons for Chicago, so there is at least some experience in the role.
Hector Neris this season
3.86 ERA, 7.09 xERA, 4.79 xFIP, 0% K-BB
Mark Leiter Jr this season
0.00 ERA, 1.90 xERA, 3.10 xFIP, 19% K-BB
If Alzolay loses the closer role, my money’s on MLJ taking over https://t.co/3d4Lmrp6ms
— kev mahserejian (@RotoSurgeon) April 22, 2024
As mentioned, Neris got the most recent save so could be the preferred option, but Leiter's numbers show he's able to put less traffic on the bases and strike more batters out so he may emerge as the closer of choice. Keep an eye on who gets the next opportunity as that may tell us more, but in the meantime, if managers wanted to make Leiter a speculative-add, he's available in nearly 90% of Yahoo leagues.
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