PLAYING TIME: More closer changes in Seattle, Chicago

AMERICAN LEAGUE

In a move somewhat predicted by BaseballHQ.com bullpen analyst Doug Dennis on May 16, Brandon League (RHP, SEA) was demoted "temporarily" from the role of Mariners' closer after blowing his fourth save of the season May 25. To use Dennis' phrase, the "results caught up to the skills" (or lack thereof). League had succeeded in 2011 despite less-than-ideal Dom for a closer, due largely to a high GB% and superior Ctl, two skills that have declined sharply for him this year. As we will see below, given the alternatives available to manager Eric Wedge, League's demotion may be a lot less temporary than others presume, unless he can turn things around quickly.

PLAYER      xERA   Ctl   Dom   Cmd  HR/9   GB/LD/FB    LI ...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From PT Today

Both Spencer Schellenbach (pictured) and Hurston Waldrep are going under the knife and will miss significant time to begin 2026. Plus Pablo López out of the season, and Nick Martinez inks a deal with TAM.
Feb 19 2026 8:38am
San Diego signed Griffin Canning (pictured), Nick Castellanos and Germán Márquez to one-year contracts; LA, TOR and TEX also make moves.
Feb 16 2026 3:00am
Familiar faces in AZ: DBacks brings back former ace Zac Gallen and reliever Paul Sewald; Luis Rengifo finds a new home in Milwaukee; and Joey Loperfido returns to Houston.
Feb 14 2026 9:04am
Chris Bassitt caps the O's offseason, while hamate bones take down Corbin Carroll, Francisco Lindor and Jackson Holliday. Our team breaks down the playing time effects.
Feb 12 2026 9:03am
Important injury updates across camps as players report: Santander, Schwellenbach, Olson, Beiber to miss significant time. Who's next in line?
Feb 11 2026 9:20am

Tools