We have less than four weeks remaining in the regular season, and this is the time you need to make a push. Stealing saves in your weekly leagues or bumping up a few points in standard nine-category leagues could change everything for your squad. We will keep chugging along until the final week of the season. That means we have three articles to go, so let’s finish things strong.
With that said, let’s get started and look at some of the developments.
We have less than four weeks remaining in the regular season, and this is the time you need to make a push. Stealing saves in your weekly leagues or bumping up a few points in standard nine-category leagues could change everything for your squad. We will keep chugging along until the final week of the season. That means we have three articles to go, so let’s finish things strong.
With that said, let’s get started and look at some of the developments.
Saves + Holds Rankings & Waiver Wire Targets (Week 23)
Closer Situations to Watch
These are bullpens we need to monitor.
Chicago Cubs
This closer gig was up for grabs when Chicago released Hector Neris, but we’re getting some clarity on this situation. What’s made it clear is that Jorge Lopez is not the guy. He has struggled mightily over the last week, which has allowed Porter Hodge to record two saves in his last four appearances. Thanks to his elite 1.80 ERA and 0.91 WHIP, Hodge should hold on to this job.
UPDATE: Jorge Lopez was just put on the injured list (IL) with a groin strain, so this is Hodge’s job.
Colorado Rockies
Victor Vodnik was the closer, but he’s been on the IL for a few weeks. Colorado said he’s close to a return, completing an intense bullpen session earlier this week. Tyler Kinley has been the closer in his absence, posting a 2.91 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 11.2 K/9 rate since July 11. Kinley will close as long as Vodnik is out, but we should see Vodnik take over whenever he returns.
Detroit Tigers
The committee thing has been frustrating when discussing Detroit, but it looks like they’re comfortable giving chances to Jason Foley. They did that through the opening two months, and they’ve returned to him recently. That’s no surprise since Foley hasn’t allowed a run since August 1st, recording five saves over his last eight appearances.
Kansas City Royals
Hunter Harvey and Lucas Erceg were massive acquisitions at the trade deadline, but a back issue forced Harvey to the IL. That’s forced Erceg into the closer’s role, picking up six saves in his first seven opportunities. Unfortunately, Erceg has also been dealing with a hand issue, which has led to the righty allowing seven runs over his last four appearances. We think he’ll get the next chance, but these blow-ups aren’t helping his cause.
Los Angeles Dodgers
The World Series favorites have the most annoying bullpen in baseball, with nearly 10 different players recording a save this season. The good news is that it’s primarily down to two guys at this point, with Michael Kopech and Evan Phillips picking up the bulk of the ninth innings. Kopech has a 0.43 ERA and 0.48 WHIP since July 8th, picking up three wins, three saves and five holds over his last 11 appearances. Phillips has turned his season around, too, picking up two saves in his last two appearances while posting a 0.67 ERA, 0.53 WHIP and 13.5 K/9 rate since August 1st. Both need to be rostered everywhere.
Pittsburgh Pirates
David Bednar has been removed as Pittsburgh’s closer, providing a 7.07 ERA and 1.66 WHIP since June 9. That’s not far off his 6.06 season-long ERA, so they removed him from high-leverage opportunities. Aroldis Chapman has been the set-up man all season and he got the first chance at a save. We saw Danny Santana record the most recent save, but Chapman pitched the eighth inning to face the heart of the order in that win. We expect Chapman to get the majority of save opportunities as we close the season. He has compiled a 2.00 ERA, 0.78 WHIP and 14.0 K/9 rate since June 14th.
Tampa Bay Rays
Peter Fairbanks has been on the IL for a month now, but he just resumed a throwing program this week. It’s unclear when the closer will be able to return, but it’s been a full-blown committee since that injury. We’ve seen Manuel Rodriguez, Garrett Cleavinger and Edwin Uceta record saves since Fairbanks’ injury. That’s par for the course when talking about Tampa. We wouldn’t expect anyone to steal this job for the remainder of the season.
My Saves/Holds Rankings
Relievers on the Rise
Calvin Faucher (RP – MIA)
We will keep Calvin Fauchner in this section until he’s picked up in at least 50% of leagues. He’s the unquestioned closer in Miami since the Tanner Scott trade, picking up six saves in his last 12 appearances. He also has a 2.25 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 13.5 K/9 rate in that span.
Porter Hodge (RP – CHC)
Jorge Lopez allowed four runs in his most recent outing and is now on the IL. Porter Hodge has been unstoppable. We already discussed his numbers earlier but one more stat for you: Hodge has not allowed a run since August 3rd. He also has three wins and two saves over his last eight appearances, featuring in the ninth inning in almost every outing.
Aroldis Chapman (RP – PIT)
With David Bednar losing the closer’s gig, Aroldis Chapman should take over. He’s been closing games for over a decade now, posting 326 career saves. He also picked up the first chance after the Bednar demotion and is a great pickup no matter what because of his elite 14.4 K/9 rate.
Potential Holds Specialists
JoJo Romero, Aroldis Chapman, Tanner Scott, David Robertson, Scott Barlow, Matt Moore, Bryan Abreu, Yennier Cano, Hunter Gaddis, Andrew Kittredge, Jason Adam, Joe Jimenez
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 he was able to throw a bullpen session over the weekend.
Peter Fairbanks (RP – TB): Peter Fairbanks suffered a lat strain and started a throwing program this week.
Victor Vodnik (RP – COL): Victor Vodnik suffered a shoulder strain during warmups and has been out for three weeks. He threw an aggressive side session a few days ago and could be back soon.
Jorge Lopez (RP – CHC): Jorge Lopez is on the IL with a groin strain. He’ll miss at least 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.
