Fantasy Baseball Saves + Holds Rankings & Waiver Wire Targets (Week 24)

Fewer than 20 days remain in the MLB schedule. That’s disappointing, but it means we only have one more article after this. You’d think these bullpens would all be decided this late into the season, but we have more question marks this week than at any point since the All-Star break.

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

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Saves + Holds Rankings & Waiver Wire Targets (Week 24)

Closer Situations to Watch

These are bullpens we need to monitor.

Chicago Cubs

This one is simple, so I’ll keep it short. Hector Neris was demoted and Jorge Lopez was sent to the injured list (IL), so this is Porter Hodge‘s job now. He has a sub-2.00 ERA and a WHIP below 1.00 while recording three saves in his last four appearances. This is his gig. We won’t have the Cubs in this section next week.

Colorado Rockies

Tyler Kinley has been the unquestioned closer over the last month, but he took the job when Victor Vodnik landed on the IL. That’s why this situation is tricky because Vodnik just returned this week. Kinley was outstanding filling in, but Vodnik was the team’s best reliever all season. We’d guess Vodnik will resume his role as the closer, but it could be either of these two guys over the final three weeks.

Detroit Tigers

Jason Foley has operated as the closer at times this season, but not consistently. He leads the team with 21 saves, not allowing a run since August 1. That’s quite the run, but Detroit has given save chances to guys like Tyler Holton, Beau Brieske and Shelby Miller. We’d have to assume Foley gets most of the chances as we advance, but that hasn’t been consistent all season.

Los Angeles Angels

Ben Joyce took over as the team’s closer once Carlos Estevez was traded to Philly, but he’s on the IL due to a shoulder issue. That’ll likely end his season. It’s unclear who the next guy will be. Our best guess is Hunter Strickland because he saw the first two save chances once Estevez was traded but blew his second opportunity. There are simply not many other options out there, with Roansy Contreras being the other guy we’d consider.

Los Angeles Dodgers

This has been a funny situation all season. Evan Phillips leads the team with 18 saves, but a nightmarish July forced him out of that role. He’s been nearly unhittable since that month passed, but Michael Kopech has been the team’s best reliever since acquiring him at the deadline. Kopech has a 0.40 ERA and 0.49 WHIP since July 8, recording three saves and two wins over the last four weeks. He’s been pitching the ninth inning the most and will likely get the most chances over the final 15-20 days.

Pittsburgh Pirates

David Bednar was removed as the team’s closer a few weeks ago, thanks to his 6.12 ERA and 1.42 WHIP. The good news is that the Pirates have an easy fill-in, with Aroldis Chapman having 329 career saves. He’s also picked up four saves in his last six outings, posting one of the best strikeout rates in baseball. He’s a sneaky add for the final few weeks if he’s available, but he hasn’t exactly locked down these saves since stealing this job.

Tampa Bay Rays

Peter Fairbanks is still on the IL and we’re no closer to figuring out who closes games for this team. We expected that when the injury happened, with Garrett Cleavinger, Edwin Uceta and Manuel Rodriguez all picking up saves since then. This is a true committee. None of these guys should be rostered, given how terrible Tampa has looked recently.

My Saves/Holds Rankings

Relievers on the Rise

Porter Hodge (RP – CHC)

We’ve had Porter Hodge in here multiple times over the last month, and he’s still just 40% rostered on Yahoo. That makes no sense because Hodge has been forced into closing duties with Hector Neris and Jorge Lopez out of the picture. He’s earned that role, though, posting a 1.70 ERA and 0.89 WHIP. In addition, Hodge hasn’t allowed a run since August 4, posting a 12.9 K/9 rate in that sensational stretch.

Lucas Erceg (RP – KC)

Lucas Erceg was dropped in some leagues after an injury last month, but that was just a blip on an otherwise spotless radar. The former A’s reliever has eight saves in his last 12 appearances, with the only duds being when he was nicked up. He also has a 3.10 ERA, 0.79 WHIP and 10.6 K/9 rate over his last 20.1 innings pitched.

Potential Holds Specialists

JoJo Romero, 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 is out for the season

Hunter Harvey (RP – KC): Hunter Harvey has been dealing with a back issue but is expected to return soon.

Peter Fairbanks (RP – TB): Peter Fairbanks suffered a lat strain and resumed throwing over the weekend.

Ben Joyce (RP – LAA): Ben Joyce is on the IL with shoulder inflammation, likely ending his season with fewer than three weeks remaining.

Jorge Lopez (RP – CHC): Jorge Lopez is on the IL with a groin strain. He’ll miss at least one more week.

Calvin Faucher (RP – MIA): Calvin Fauchner landed on the IL due to a shoulder impingement over the weekend and could miss the final three 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.