We usually have mostly steady pens at this point of the year, but that’s not the case this season. Nearly 10 teams have closer situations up in the air, and it’s difficult to get a read on how some of them will play out. It’s been fun keeping track of these pens, but there are a few teams we don’t even want to mess with.
With that said, let’s get started and look at some of the developments.
We usually have mostly steady pens at this point of the year, but that’s not the case this season. Nearly 10 teams have closer situations up in the air, and it’s difficult to get a read on how some of them will play out. It’s been fun keeping track of these pens, but there are a few teams we don’t even want to mess with.
With that said, let’s get started and look at some of the developments.
Saves + Holds Rankings & Waiver Wire Targets (Week 21)
Closer Situations to Watch
These are bullpens we need to monitor.
Baltimore Orioles
We’re finally getting some clarity on this situation, and it’s mainly because of how bad Craig Kimbrel has been. His 9.58 ERA and 2.23 WHIP over his last nine appearances have forced others to pick up saves, with Seranthony Dominguez looking like the go-to closer. The trade deadline acquisition has three saves in his last four appearances and could run away with this gig if that continues.
Chicago Cubs
Hector Neris being designated for assignment was not something we expected to see, but his struggles were evident. That’s left this closer’s role completely open, with Porter Hodge getting the first save chance on Tuesday. We’re unsure if he will be the guy in the future, but he does have an impressive 2.15 ERA and 0.89 WHIP. If they choose to go another direction, Jorge Lopez looks like the best bet, allowing just two runs across 21.2 innings since joining Chicago.
Chicago White Sox
In our last article, we mentioned Chicago didn’t even have 30 wins, but one victory over the last week has gotten them to that 30-win threshold. That’s sad for Chicago fans, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see this team barely crack 40 wins. That’s why we don’t want to pick up a closer from this team — we don’t even know who it would be anyway. John Brebbia or Justin Anderson are the most likely options if you want someone.
Colorado Rockies
We were able to remove the Rockies from this section because of Victor Vodnik‘s emergence, but with him landing on the injured list (IL), we’re back in the blender. Before Vodnik took over it was a Tyler Kinley and Justin Lawrence committee, but it wouldn’t be wise to trust any of these guys.
Detroit Tigers
What if I told you four of the last five save chances for Detroit have come from different players? That’s exactly what we’re looking at from this committee, with Jason Foley getting the most recent chance. He was the go-to closer earlier in the year and is now up to 16 saves. He also hasn’t allowed a run in eight straight appearances and should lead the club from here on out. With that said, Shelby Miller, Andrew Chafin, Tyler Holton and Will Vest are all in play.
Kansas City Royals
James McArthur has undoubtedly lost his grip on the closer’s role, posting a 7.84 ERA and 1.55 WHIP over the last month. That left it up to new acquisitions like Lucas Erceg and Hunter Harvey to take over, but Harvey is on the IL with a back issue. Erceg has recorded three saves since then, but we saw John Schreiber pick up a save on Monday. That was mainly because Erceg was unavailable after a heavy workload on Sunday, so we’re still assuming this is Erceg’s job.
Los Angeles Dodgers
If you want to know how chaotic this team is, we’ve seen three players pick up the three most recent saves. Daniel Hudson had one Tuesday, Evan Phillips picked one up Sunday and Michael Kopech had a couple over the weekend. That isn’t very pleasant because it appeared Kopech was running away with this job, but Dave Roberts said he needed a few days off because of workload issues. There have now been seven players who have recorded a save for the Dodgers, but we’re hopeful Kopech will be back soon and take command of this closer’s role.
Tampa Bay Rays
Peter Fairbanks was an unfortunate addition to the IL on Monday, dealing with a lat strain. Those are usually lengthy rehabs and it wouldn’t be surprising if his season is over. That’s even more problematic with Jason Adam getting traded, so this will likely be a committee for the remainder of the season. That’s something Tampa has done in the past, with Edwin Uceta, Manuel Rodriguez, Garrett Cleavinger and Colin Poche all in play for saves. Look for one of those guys to be a recommendation next week, we just don’t know who yet. Uceta has an ERA below 1.00 and picked up the first save on Tuesday, but Rodriguez got one on Wednesday.
My Saves/Holds Rankings
Relievers on the Rise
Calvin Faucher (RP – MIA)
Picking up a Miami closer is terrifying, but Calvin Faucher is the guy. He’s thrown a scoreless inning in 14 of his last 15 outings, picking up all three saves since Tanner Scott was traded.
Michael Kopech (RP – LAD)
This Dodgers situation is murky, but Michael Kopech looks like the best bet for saves. He’s recorded two saves in his last two appearances and hasn’t allowed a run since the first week of July.
Potential Holds Specialists
JoJo Romero, Aroldis Chapman, Tanner Scott, David Robertson, Scott Barlow, Matt Moore, Bryan Abreu, Yennier Cano, Hunter Gaddis
Potential Closers on the IL
Felix Bautista (RP – BAL): The O’s closer is out for the year after Tommy John surgery.
Jordan Romano (RP – TOR): Jordan Romano had elbow surgery before the break and could be out for the rest of the season.
Hunter Harvey (RP – KC): Hunter Harvey has been dealing with a back issue but is expected to be back soon.
Peter Fairbanks (RP – TB): Peter Fairbanks suffered a lat strain and will be out for at least two weeks. These tend to take well beyond the minimum 15-day stint on the IL.
Victor Vodnik (RP – COL): Victor Vodnik suffered a shoulder strain during warmups and will be out for at least the next two weeks.
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Joel Bartilotta is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Joel, check out his archive and follow him @Bartilottajoel.
