Fantasy Baseball Saves + Holds Rankings & Waiver Wire Targets (Week 12)

The next month will always be the most challenging time for this article. The month before the trade deadline is always quiet because these bullpens are trying to settle down, but these situations get sent into chaos right around the deadline. That means we have about one more month of dog days, but things should get wild in the middle of July. We still need to keep track of these pens to monitor where the hierarchy is headed because not paying attention is the perfect way to lose a prime waiver wire opportunity.

With that said, let’s get started and look at some of the developments for this week.

• Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Advice
• Fantasy Baseball Trade Advice
• Fantasy Baseball Start/Sit Lineup Advice
• Rest-of-Season Rankings
• Rest-of-Season Projections

Saves + Holds Rankings & Waiver Wire Targets (Week 12)

Closer Situations to Watch

These are bullpens we need to monitor.

Colorado Rockies

I can’t believe I’m saying this, but Tyler Kinley looks like Colorado’s closer. Bud Black has clearly lost his marbles, but there were not any good options anyway. Kinley is flirting with a 10.00 ERA and 2.00 WHIP but has three saves in his last three appearances. Jalen Beeks has been dropped to the eighth inning, allowing nine runs across his last 10 appearances. Kinley is undoubtedly the best bet for saves right now, but this situation is gross.

Kansas City Royals

James McArthur is probably Kansas City’s closer, but he hasn’t pitched effectively in nearly a month. The Royals righty has a 7.90 ERA and 1.69 WHIP since May 1 but still leads the club with 12 saves. He’s also gotten the most recent chance, so we have to assume he’s still the guy. John Schreiber, Angel Zerpa or Sam Long will get the next opportunity if the Royals switch things up.

New York Mets

Hopefully, this will be the last time the New York Mets are in this section. Edwin Diaz is expected to be activated off the injured list (IL) today and should resume his role as the closer. With that said, he was terrible before landing on the IL and relinquished his role to Reed Garrett. It’s not like Garrett has been a stopper since then, sporting an 8.49 ERA and 1.97 WHIP since May 13. If Diaz gets a save chance this weekend, we’ll happily remove the Mets from the questionable section.

Seattle Mariners

Andres Munoz is one of baseball’s best closers, but a back issue has been sidelining him for over a week. He made one appearance since suffering the injury, but he didn’t feel his best, according to Scott Servais. This is one of the best relievers, and Seattle will be as cautious as possible with their prized asset. Look for Ryne Stanek to get the bulk of the saves until Munoz is 100%, but that could be pointless if Munoz returns this weekend.

Toronto Blue Jays

Jordan Romano is dealing with an elbow issue for the second time this season but resumed throwing earlier in the week. That’s a massive step for the closer because he shouldn’t need much time to be ready to return. Lingering elbow issues are the last thing we want to hear as fantasy managers, but we’re hopeful this cortisone shot will help with the inflammation. Yimi Garcia has been getting all the saves since Romano went down.

My Saves/Holds Rankings

Relievers on the Rise

Tyler Kinley (COL)

This is beyond disgusting, but it looks like Colorado wants to make Tyler Kinley their closer. The righty has three saves in his last three appearances but surrendered two runs in an ugly save on Tuesday. That will be common for the Rockies righty, who has an 8.10 ERA and 1.80 WHIP. You might get some saves when you pick up Kinley but expect the worst.

Ryne Stanek (SEA)

The Andres Munoz back issue has lingered longer than we would’ve hoped, but it’s allowed Ryne Stanek to take over the ninth inning. He’s had three saves since May 28, pitching the ninth inning in four consecutive outings.

Potential Holds Specialists

JoJo Romero, Hunter Harvey, Ryan Pressly, David Robertson, Scott Barlow, Matt Moore, Bryan Abreu, Aroldis Chapman, Yennier Cano.

Potential Closers on the IL

Felix Bautista (BAL): The O’s closer is out for the year after Tommy John surgery.

Devin Williams (MIL): I must admit, it’s strange how few updates there are on Devin Williams. I’ve scrounged through Twitter and every fantasy site out there, but no one has said anything since he started throwing nearly a month ago. He has to be progressing because he was initially expected to return around the All-Star break.

Jordan Romano (TOR): Jordan Romano is dealing with his second stint on the IL but resumed a throwing program on Monday. That’s the best-case scenario because it shouldn’t take him more than 10-15 days to complete a full rehab from this point.

Edwin Diaz (NYM): Edwin Diaz is expected back today and will likely resume his role as the closer, given how poor this pen has been.

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Joel Bartilotta is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Joel, check out his archive and follow him @Bartilottajoel.