We didn’t publish an article last week during the All-Star break, so it’s exciting to be back. Since our previous article, we’ve had some significant hierarchy changes and more developments could be on the horizon with the trade deadline next week. That makes next week’s article the most important of the season, but there’s plenty to discuss after 14 days.
With that said, let’s get started and look at some of the developments.
We didn’t publish an article last week during the All-Star break, so it’s exciting to be back. Since our previous article, we’ve had some significant hierarchy changes and more developments could be on the horizon with the trade deadline next week. That makes next week’s article the most important of the season, but there’s plenty to discuss after 14 days.
With that said, let’s get started and look at some of the developments.
Saves + Holds Rankings & Waiver Wire Targets (Week 17)
Closer Situations to Watch
These are bullpens we need to monitor.
Chicago White Sox
The White Sox are the worst team in baseball. Michael Kopech leads the team with nine saves but has eight losses and five blown saves. That’s had him featured at some strange times just last week, with John Brebbia picking up a save. We still believe Kopech is the guy, but we wouldn’t be surprised to see him traded before next week’s deadline. If that does happen, Brebbia has to be next in line.
Colorado Rockies
We thought Jalen Beeks was the guy before the break, but Victor Vodnik is running away with this gig. He’s picked up the last three saves for the Rockies, registering a 2.51 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 10.9 K/9 rate since mid-June. He’s been the best reliever in this pen all season and should get the save chances with Justin Lawrence, Tyler Kinley and Beeks all blowing their chances.
Los Angeles Dodgers
This is a team we never expected to see here, but Evan Phillips is falling apart. The reliever has a 10.57 ERA and 2.09 WHIP across his last nine appearances, blowing two saves in that span. That forced Daniel Hudson into the closer’s role, picking up four straight saves before Monday.
With Hudson down due to a heavy workload, Phillips was forced into a save on Tuesday and took care of business. We were ready to give Hudson the closer role before that, but this could be a sticky situation in the future. Both players need to be rostered because each guy could have double-digit saves over the final two months for the best team in the National League.
Milwaukee Brewers
Trevor Megill is Milwaukee’s closer, but that could change with Devin Williams returning soon. Williams is expected to be back in action sometime over the next week. He recorded a 1.53 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 36 saves last year. He’s one of the best closers in the game and we have to assume he’ll resume that role when he’s ready to go. In any case, Megill needs to be held until we see Williams record his first save because he has been fantastic.
Philadelphia Phillies
Jose Alvarado leads the team with 13 saves, but he’s collapsing. The lefty has just one save since June 11, posting an 8.64 ERA and 2.04 WHIP across his last eight appearances. That’s allowed Jeff Hoffman to record four saves in that span, sporting a 1.07 ERA and 0.90 WHIP in what’s turning into a sensational season. We have to assume this is Hoffman’s job since Alvarado blew the most recent chance, but it’s still a tricky situation.
Toronto Blue Jays
Jordan Romano will likely miss the rest of the season after elbow surgery. That forced Yimi Garcia into the closer’s role, but he also landed on the injured list (IL) due to an elbow issue a few weeks back. Garcia was able to return right after the break, but Chad Green has done enough to keep this job. He’s got a 1.88 ERA and 0.98 WHIP this year, picking up five saves in his last nine appearances. We’d bet on Green being the guy from here on out but don’t overlook Garcia.
My Saves/Holds Rankings
Relievers on the Rise
Daniel Hudson (SP, RP – LAD)
With Evan Phillips struggling, Daniel Hudson has taken over as the closer. He has four saves in his last four appearances and might be the go-to guy from here on out. He’s got a 1.52 ERA and 0.80 WHIP, allowing just one run since May 4.
Victor Vodnik (RP – COL)
This is the fourth different Rockies pitcher we’ve had in this section, but this is the best arm in this pen. Vodnik has a 3.98 ERA, recording three saves in his last seven appearances. He’s also got a 2.51 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 10.9 K/9 rate over the last month. He should get all the saves from here on out.
A.J. Puk (SP, RP – MIA)
A.J. Puk failed as a starter earlier in the year, but the move to the bullpen has done wonders. The lefty hasn’t allowed a run across his last 16.2 innings and could take over as the Marlins’ closer if Tanner Scott is traded in the coming days.
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 (RP – BAL): The O’s closer is out for the year after Tommy John surgery.
Devin Williams (RP – MIL): Devin Williams has been out all season with a back issue, but he should be back soon. He’s done a few rehab appearances and should be closing games for the Brewers by the time next week’s article is published.
Jordan Romano (RP – TOR): Jordan Romano had elbow surgery before the break and is expected to miss at least another month.
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Joel Bartilotta is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Joel, check out his archive and follow him @Bartilottajoel.
