Best of the Rest
If none of those options seem appealing to you, what else is left to choose from?
Tazawa could return as early as Friday from the shoulder injury that has sidelined him for most of this month, but he’s hardly an ideal choice to be the closer. He has collected four career saves, including three last year, but he’s never looked comfortable in that role and owns a career 4.18 ERA in save situations.
Robbie Ross, Jr. collected 6 saves in as many chances down the stretch last September, posting a modest 3.86 ERA for the month after taking over for the injured Uehara. Farrell could turn to him again, but he’s been less productive this year, posting a 4.36 ERA. However, that number if heavily influenced by the infamous 21-2 shellacking at the hands of the Los Angeles Angels earlier this month. Take away that disaster and he has a much more appealing 2.75 ERA. On the other hand, don’t most pitchers look better when you ignore their worst outing?
Heath Hembree has been arguably the team’s best reliever, producing a 2.19 ERA through 37 innings, but he has no experience as a closer. His 3.20 FIP also suggests he hasn’t been quite as effective as his sparkling ERA suggests and he allows quite a few base runners.
Tommy Layne is best served as a lefty specialist, Matt Barnes is valuable for his multi-inning efforts and everyone else in the bullpen has spent the bulk of the season shuttling between Boston and Pawtucket.
Next: Breaking down Drew Pomeranz
The Red Sox are in a tight spot, but Ziegler still seems to be the best option based on experience, even if it wasn’t the role he was acquired for. If Farrell won’t commit to him as the new closer, perhaps he’ll play the match up game, while bidding his time for one of his more trusted relievers to make their way back from the disabled list.