With spring training more than halfway through, evaluations of battles within bullpens of the American League have started to clear up. While most teams have established closers that are simply putting in their obligatory work in preparation of the regular season, other teams have remaining questions that are in the process of being ironed out. Injuries and effectiveness are factors that are considered in this analysis.

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Tampa Bay Rays

The Tampa Bay Rays will be without closer Brad Boxberger for about seven weeks with core muscle surgery. In his absence, two Rays relievers stand out as probable candidates to hold the fort until Boxberger proves he is ready to contribute, Alex Colome and Danny Farquhar.

The Rays hinted that Colome (2.66 ERA, 44 K in 40.2 IP) will see time as a late-inning reliever so it appears likely that he will also be the first in line for closing duties in Boxberger's absence. Newcomer Farquhar (5.12 ERA, 48 K in 51.0 IP) will look to find the glory he saw in 2014 when he posted a 2.66 ERA with over a strikeout per inning. With Colome moving into the ninth inning, Farquhar will step into the eighth inning, notching holds. Boxberger will return and when he does, it will be in the closer's role. Expect everyone to move back one inning to make room for him.

Toronto Blue Jays

The Toronto Blue Jays have a good problem in their closer battle. Both Drew Storen (95 career saves) and Roberto Osuna (2.58 ERA, 20 saves in '15) have a viable case for closing with good numbers to this point in spring training. The likely result will see Storen close, but any owner of Storen in fantasy should keep Osuna in close consideration. Storen has shown shakiness at time and Osuna did not lose his job due to being ineffective. Osuna will claim plenty of holds but if Storen falters in the ninth, Osuna will be the next in line.

Texas Rangers

The Texas Rangers look to enter the season with Shawn Tolleson as the closer again this year. A problem that continues to linger with the 28-year-old Tolleson is injuries, particularly back spasms. The lower back tightness has limited Tolleson to two appearances this spring. While he was effective, the injuries could flare up over the course of the season, where another reliever may have to step in and take the closer reigns.

Turning 23 this year, Keone Kela (2.39 ERA, 68 K in 60.1 IP) will look to build on a successful rookie campaign with power pitches that have some speculate that it is only a matter of when, not if, Kela will become the Rangers closer. If Tolleson is out for any extended period of time over the course of the season, Kela may take the role and not let it go.

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