This is the final week before the All-Star break, and we will take our little spell along with the rest of the league. We won’t publish a piece next week because there won’t be many developments between then and now. We’ll return right after the break and right before the trade deadline. There are more bullpen changes that week than at any point since the first fortnight of the season and it should be fun to get into that. We haven’t had many changes yet, but we still need to keep an eye on a handful of teams.
With that said, let’s get started and look at some of the developments for this week.
This is the final week before the All-Star break, and we will take our little spell along with the rest of the league. We won’t publish a piece next week because there won’t be many developments between then and now. We’ll return right after the break and right before the trade deadline. There are more bullpen changes that week than at any point since the first fortnight of the season and it should be fun to get into that. We haven’t had many changes yet, but we still need to keep an eye on a handful of teams.
With that said, let’s get started and look at some of the developments for this week.
Saves + Holds Rankings & Waiver Wire Targets (Week 16)
Closer Situations to Watch
These are bullpens we need to monitor.
Chicago White Sox
We hope no one is using this bullpen because Chicago is the worst team in baseball. Michael Kopech is technically the team’s closer, but he’s only got eight saves to go along with five blown saves. There’s also speculation he’ll get moved at the trade deadline, which would likely have John Brebbia stepping into the ninth inning. Whatever happens, stay away from the White Sox.
Colorado Rockies
Staying away from Chicago is almost as easy as staying away from Colorado. This team has been mixing and matching closers all season, but none have done well. Jalen Beeks is the only player who’s been effective. He’s picked up the two most recent saves for this team. He should get the next chance but only pick up Beeks if you’re desperate.
Detroit Tigers
Jason Foley and Alex Lange were battling for saves early on, but Foley ran away with this gig after Lange was demoted and injured. The problem is Foley has been ineffective for months now, maintaining a 5.40 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 5.8 K/9 rate since April 28. He’s also only got six saves since April 30, with only three of those happening over the last month. We also saw Shelby Miller record a save earlier in the week, so the tide could shift if Foley doesn’t turn things around soon.
Philadelphia Phillies
We’re happy this committee is down to two guys because this was a four-man committee earlier in the season. It’s down to Jose Alvarado and Jeff Hoffman, with Hoffman picking up four of the last five saves. With that said, Alvarado leads the team with 13 saves, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see both of these guys eclipse 20 saves, given how dominant the Phillies have been.
Pittsburgh Pirates
David Bednar has been out for nearly three weeks with an oblique issue but started a rehab assignment this week. The Pirates stated he’ll be back this weekend, which should relegate Aroldis Chapman back to a set-up role. We’d hold on to Chapman through the break to ensure Bednar doesn’t suffer any setbacks.
Toronto Blue Jays
Jordan Romano had elbow surgery last week and might miss the remainder of the season. Yimi Garcia was filling in as the closer in his absence, but he also landed on the IL. The good news is Garcia is expected back this weekend, but he might not steal the job from Chad Green. The veteran has a 1.57 ERA and 1.00 WHIP, recording two saves and a win across his last four appearances.
My Saves/Holds Rankings
Relievers on the Rise
Jeff Hoffman (PHI)
Jeff Hoffman and Jose Alvarado are in a true committee right now, but Hoffman is the better pitcher. The righty has four saves in his last four appearances while accruing a 1.21 ERA and 0.88 WHIP. Both guys need to be rostered universally.
Jalen Beeks (COL)
It’s sickening how many different Rockies we’ve had in this section, but you’d have to assume Jalen Beeks runs away with this gig since he’s the only guy who can get anyone out. He’s got a 4.09 ERA and 1.27 WHIP en route to eight saves. He’s also picked up two saves in his last two appearances and should get all the chances until he inevitably blows some games.
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 completed a live batting practice on Tuesday and is inching close to starting a rehab assignment. He stated he wants to be back shortly after the break. He’s on pace to do that if he starts a rehab assignment in the next 10 days.
Jordan Romano (TOR): Jordan Romano had elbow surgery last week and is expected to be out for the next two months. That surgery might’ve ended his season.
David Bednar (PIT): David Bednar just started a rehab assignment and could be back with the Pirates by the weekend.
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Joel Bartilotta is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Joel, check out his archive and follow him @Bartilottajoel.
