The closer-by-committee is no more. Via MLB.com’s Brian McTaggart, Astros manager Bo Porter says that Chad Qualls will be the team’s closer going forward.
“We have a lead in the ninth, Chad Qualls will get the ball,” Porter said. “He’s really been good of late and it actually looks like his [velocity] is back, his heavy sinker has been working — it’s ground ball after ground ball. If we have a lead and he’s available, he’ll get the ball.”
Qualls, Anthony Bass, Josh Fields, and Raul Valdes have all recorded at least one save for the Astros since the season started. The 35-year-old Qualls, however, has had the most success among them, posting a 3.55 ERA with a 15/3 K/BB ratio in 12 2/3 innings.
The Astros’ relief problems extend beyond just their closing situation, however. The bullpen’s aggregate 5.73 ERA is by far the worst in baseball, well ahead of the Blue Jays at 5.29.
