PT TOMORROW: AL East—Who is Toronto’s 2015 closer?

Toronto Blue Jays

Following up on Playing Time Today columnist Matt Dodge’s August 26 note about the struggles of closer Casey Janssen (RHP, TOR), it is interesting to note that the Jays left Aaron Sanchez (RHP, TOR) in for a two-inning save August 30, as the rookie and Drew Hutchinson (RHP, TOR) combined to one-hit the Yankees.

After a strong first half (129 BPV, 3.29 xERA), Janssen has been in a tailspin in the second half (30 BPV, 5.16 xERA) at the worst possible time for him personally, as he enters free agency. As Dodge noted, Janssen’s drop-off coincided with a bout of food poisoning that caused him to lose eight pounds over the All-Star Break. But the problems may go deeper than just needing to rebuild his strength: Janssen’s...

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 Tomorrow

This week, we discuss the "what if" scenario for teams who will likely be sellers as we approach the trade deadline. We also check in on impending lineup changes in LA and Arizona, as well as playing time competition against RHP in San Diego.
Jul 18 2026 3:06am
Tyler Tolbert tied an MLB record with 12 consecutive hits, but cracking the KC lineup has proved to be a tougher challenge. Plus, a newly-acquired reliever for CHW, a look at the CLE bullpen, Jobe working his way back to DET, and Roden's outlook in MIN.
Jul 16 2026 3:05am
The Angels have had a murky closing situation this season, but Kirby Yates appears to be taking over of late.
Jul 15 2026 3:05am
As MLB heads into the All-Star Break, a look at some forgotten players from the AL East who will try to regain relevance in the second half, featuring Heston Kjerstad, Paul Blackburn, and more.
Jul 14 2026 3:06am

Tools