PT TODAY: A Colorado closer switch

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Rockies

NEWS: Colorado manager Bud Black announced RHP Pierce Johnson has been officially removed from the closer role.

IMPACT: Medium

BHQ SPIN: Johnson blew two saves recently after converting his first 11 saves. He found himself in the role while RHP Daniel Bard has been dealing with anxiety and lessened velocity thus far in 2023, but Johnson has pitched himself out of the role. He’s had a 10.97 ERA (6.84 xERA) and 2.25 WHIP over the last month. Black mentioned RHP Justin Lawrence and RHP Jake Bird as options that could take over the closer role. Lawrence has been solid this year with a 3.41/1.08 ERA/WHIP with a 17 K-BB%, 53% GB%, and seven holds. Bird has been equally solid with a 3.05/1.19 ERA/WHIP...

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