Fantasy Baseball Saves + Holds Rankings & Waiver Wire Targets (Week 15)

We talked about it last week, but this is the month when almost nothing will happen with these pens. These teams stay pat in the final month before the trade deadline because they are trying to figure out where they’re at. The good news is that some significant moves are on the horizon, with a handful of teams likely changing closers when we get closer to that date. We’re still a few weeks away from that, but we need to keep track of these pens to know what to expect.

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

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• Rest-of-Season Projections

Saves + Holds Rankings & Waiver Wire Targets (Week 15)

Closer Situations to Watch

These are bullpens we need to monitor.

Chicago Cubs

The Rockies have the worst bullpen in baseball, but the Cubs are trying to catch them. Once Adbert Alzolay was demoted, Hector Neris took over as the closer. He’s recorded 11 saves this season, despite posting an 11.12 ERA and 2.19 WHIP over the last four weeks. Chicago did say Neris would remain their closer after that horrific stretch. He has responded with three straight scoreless appearances. We can remove Chicago from this section if he has another clean week.

Chicago White Sox

It’s funny both Chicago teams are in here, but the White Sox have more to worry about than their pen. They have the worst record in baseball, with Michael Kopech recording just seven saves as the team’s closer. He’s also blown four saves, totaling a 5.19 ERA and 1.46 WHIP since mid-April. They don’t have any other options, so this is a situation worth staying away from.

Colorado Rockies

We just discussed we wanted to fade the White Sox pen, but you need to stay even further away from the Rockies. Amazingly, they gave Tyler Kinley save chances just last week despite the reliever registering an 8.02 ERA and 1.78 WHIP. Jalen Beeks also has six saves, but he hasn’t recorded one since the end of May. That had Colorado going to Nick Mears on Tuesday for a save, and my jaw dropped when I saw that. He blew that chance, compiling a 6.28 ERA and 1.66 WHIP. If you pick up a Rockies reliever, you’re playing Russian Roulette with a fully loaded pistol.

Philadelphia Phillies

This Phillies pen has been fantastic all season. Jeff Hoffman and Jose Alvarado have been excellent at times, but we never really know who the closer is. It looked like Alvarado last month, but Hoffman went on to record saves on Monday and Tuesday. That marks seven saves for Hoffman, while Alvarado has amassed 12. He’s only picked up one since June 11, so this situation is worth monitoring. Both guys are must-roster players until we learn more.

Pittsburgh Pirates

David Bednar is a beast, but he’s sidelined by an oblique issue. The good news is he’s progressed to doing a bullpen session, which means he could be back before our next article is published. Aroldis Chapman has been the closer in his absence but will return to a set-up role once Bednar is fully healthy. Feel free to keep Chapman until Bednar is activated.

Seattle Mariners

It’s annoying that Seattle has one of the best relievers in baseball but doesn’t strictly use him for saves. That’s the intelligent baseball move, but it’s a frustrating development for fantasy. That guy is Andres Munoz, leading the team with 13 saves. He only has one since May 31, though, with Ryne Stanek recording seven saves as well. Munoz should lead the club from here on out, but Stanek will also split some chances.

Toronto Blue Jays

Jordan Romano suffered his third setback this last week during rehab, which might be the final straw. He’s one of the best closers in baseball, but recurring elbow issues are a disaster. That’s why he went under the knife this week, sidelining him for up to eight weeks. Yimi Garcia was picking up saves in his absence, but he’s also on the injured list (IL). Garcia is expected back next week, with Chad Green getting the chances with both guys out.

My Saves/Holds Rankings

Relievers on the Rise

Chad Green (TOR)

Chad Green got his first save chance on Tuesday and converted it. With Romano and Garcia both on the IL, Green should get all the chances moving forward and could steal this job altogether if he’s effective.

Yimi Garcia (TOR)

Yimi Garcia took over as Toronto’s closer the first time Romano got injured, but he landed on the IL shortly after. We still like Green as the guy, but don’t be surprised to see Garcia steal the job once he’s off the IL next week.

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): Devin Williams has completed several bullpen sessions and is still projected to return after the All-Star break.

Jordan Romano (TOR): Jordan Romano suffered his third setback from an elbow issue and had to get elbow surgery. His season might be over, but the timetable is eight weeks.

David Bednar (PIT): David Bednar is making “progress” with his oblique issue. There’s some thought he’ll do a bullpen session in the coming days, and if that goes well, the closer could be back sometime next week.

Edwin Diaz (NYM): Edwin Diaz’s suspension will end on Friday, and he will resume his role as the team’s closer.

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