This week’s Closer Report highlights noteworthy performances from several MLB closers. Daniel Palencia is solidifying his role as the Cubs' ninth-inning man, showcasing a 1.67 ERA over 27 innings. Meanwhile, Will Vest has avoided serious injury in Detroit despite a recent rough patch. Matt Strahm and Garrett Whitlock have emerged as potential closers for the Red Sox if they decide to trade Aroldis Chapman. Among the elite, Josh Hader continues to dominate with 18 saves and a 1.45 ERA, while Emmanuel Clase has become less reliable lately. The report also identifies closers to stash, including Whitlock, as potential trade scenarios unfold.

On June 17, the Boston Red Sox (38-36) face off against the Seattle Mariners (36-35) at T-Mobile Park, with Walker Buehler starting for the Sox against Seattle's Bryan Woo. The Red Sox began their post-Rafael Devers era on a positive note, achieving a 2-0 victory over the Mariners. Notably, Lucas Giolito struck out 10 batters over six scoreless innings.

As the matchup unfolds, fans can expect comprehensive analysis including game details, viewing options, and the latest betting odds. Currently, the odds favor the Mariners at -182, while the Red Sox sit at +150 on the moneyline. The total is set at 7 runs. Buehler's recent performance shows a mixed bag with a 5.01 ERA, while Woo boasts a more impressive 3.39 ERA. The recent trends suggest the Mariners have a strong home advantage against the Red Sox.

In a turbulent time for the Boston Red Sox following the shocking trade of All-Star Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants, there was a bright spot as top prospect Roman Anthony hit his first career home run, leading the Red Sox to a 2-0 victory against the Seattle Mariners.

This win showcased the resilience of the Red Sox, as starting pitcher Lucas Giolito delivered six shutout innings. Anthony’s home run came during his seventh game since being called up, helping the Sox extend their winning streak to six games, including a sweep over the New York Yankees prior to the Devers trade.

The trade of Devers has raised eyebrows among fans and executives alike, as he was the last member of the 2018 World Series-winning team. With Anthony's promising performance, however, fans now have a new player to watch as the franchise navigates this challenging transition.

Aaron Civale's recent trade to the Chicago White Sox has set the stage for a fresh chapter in his career. Having played against the team during his tenure in Cleveland, Civale expressed excitement about joining the White Sox and contributing to their efforts. The team has had a rocky start recently, suffering a heart-wrenching 5-4 loss to the Texas Rangers, despite an early lead. Civale is expected to take the mound on Sunday, looking to help the Sox break their losing streak.

The game against the Rangers highlighted some key performances, including Adolis García's walk-off single in the 11th inning and strong contributions from players like Luis Robert Jr. and Kyle Teel. As Civale prepares to join the roster, his track record as a starting pitcher may provide the stability the Sox need as they navigate a challenging season.

In a rain-soaked opener in Detroit, the Cincinnati Reds faced a tough defeat at the hands of the Detroit Tigers, who are currently the best team in baseball. Despite battling the challenging conditions, pitcher Nick Martinez struggled against a potent Tigers lineup, allowing eight hits including three home runs. The Reds’ offense, which had shown signs of life during a five-game winning streak, fell silent for the majority of the game, managing only five runs.

Riley Greene's three-run double highlighted the Tigers' offensive onslaught, allowing them to pull away decisively. The Reds' bullpen had little success in halting the Tigers' rally, with Martinez recording his first loss of the wet season. The Reds now sit at 3-7 against teams in first place, which raises concerns about their competitiveness against top-tier opponents.