Fantasy Baseball Saves + Holds Rankings & Waiver Wire Targets (Week 14)

We’re creeping close to the All-Star break, which means we could have some serious bullpen developments sometime over the next month. That’s one of the most chaotic times to publish this article, but we love how much it can improve our fantasy baseball teams. We haven’t had too many developments this week, but there are a few critical situations we need to zone in on.

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

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Saves + Holds Rankings & Waiver Wire Targets (Week 14)

Closer Situations to Watch

These are bullpens we need to monitor.

Chicago Cubs

The Cubs have one of the worst bullpens in baseball, and that should keep Hector Neris as the closer. He’s blown two saves in his last four appearances, posting a 17.18 ERA in that span. The good news is that they’ve given Neris the dreaded vote of confidence, and we honestly don’t know who would steal this gig if they decide to move away from Neris. Mark Leiter appeared next in line, but he’s on the injured list (IL).

Chicago White Sox

This White Sox team is one of the worst I’ve ever seen. Michael Kopech has recorded just five saves as the team’s closer. John Brebbia got the most recent save a week ago because Kopech has an 8.68 ERA and 2,04 WHIP over the last month. Kopech wasn’t worth rostering when he was effective, but he’s impossible now.

Colorado Rockies

I live in Colorado and watch the Rockies more than any other team and I have no clue who the team’s closer is. Tyler Kinley has three saves in his last seven appearances but has an 8.40 ERA and 1.93 WHIP this year. Jalen Beeks also has six saves, but he’s been much better behind his 3.76 ERA and 1.23 WHIP. We’d have to assume he gets the next chance, but you’re playing with fire if you want to take this risk.

New York Mets

Sadly, the Mets are back in this section, but it should only last a week. Edwin Diaz is suspended for the next seven days due to an illegal substance on his hand, but he was mowing down bats before that. He’ll take over as the closer once he returns. We expect Reed Garrett to get the save chances until then.

Pittsburgh Pirates

David Bednar is one of the best closers in baseball, but he’ll be sidelined for 15 days due to an oblique issue. Aroldis Chapman will take over as the team closer, but he’s struggled this season. The former lockdown closer has a 4.98 ERA and 1.50 WHIP since April 15. We’ve also seen Pittsburgh struggle mightly, so this pickup is only for desperate fantasy managers.

Seattle Mariners

This Seattle situation is getting sticky. Andres Munoz is one of baseball’s best relievers, but the Mariners are using him in high-leverage situations. That means he’s not getting all the save chances, with Ryne Stanek recording seven saves. We also saw Trent Thornton pick up a save after Munoz struggled in the ninth a few days ago. It looks like this situation could be in flux all season.

Toronto Blue Jays

Jordan Romano is back on the IL and just suffered another setback in his recovery from an elbow issue. A player landing on the IL for a second time due to an elbow issue is a red flag, but a setback in the rehabilitation is a true nightmare. The good news is he played some light catch earlier in the week and could progress to some bullpens next week. Yimi Garcia is also working his way back from an elbow issue of his own and is projected to return in about a week. Chad Green is the closer in their absence, but who knows how long that will last.

My Saves/Holds Rankings

Relievers on the Rise

Aroldis Chapman (PIT)

With David Bednar on the IL, Aroldis Chapman will fill in as Pittsburgh’s closer. He’s a great two-week fill-in, posting a 1.86 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 12.1 K/9 rate over the last month.

Reed Garrett (NYM)

With Edwan Diaz out of action for the next week, Reed Garrett should get the save chances. He was the guy when Diaz was out earlier in the year, recording a save on Tuesday. This might be an excellent way to pick up 2-3 saves in these 10 days, given how hot the Mets are right now.

Potential Holds Specialists

JoJo Romero, Hunter Harvey, Ryan Pressly, David Robertson, Scott Barlow, Matt Moore, Bryan Abreu, 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): Williams is about to do his first bullpen session this week. That’s a massive step, with the Milwaukee closer projected to return right after the All-Star break.

Jordan Romano (TOR): Romano suffered a setback with his elbow issue and will be out for a couple more weeks. That’s a scary development because it’s been ailing him all season.

David Bednar (PIT): Bednar is out with an oblique issue and will miss the next two weeks. Pittsburgh said it’s a minor issue, though, and the closer could be back after the minimum stint.

Edwin Diaz (NYM): Diaz isn’t on the IL but is suspended for the next 7-10 days due to sticky stuff on his hands. He should be able to return late next week.

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