Playoff races are heating up along with the weather as we draw closer to the trade deadline. With no trading allowed after July 31, teams must decide whether to be sellers or buyers much earlier than before. Right now, bullpens are all the rage, and contenders are looking for relief help. Some of the game’s top closers like Will Smith, Kirby Yates, and Felipe Vazquez could be on the move. Who’s going to replace them? There might be some hidden gems that will make for valuable pickups for the final two months. Find out my take on each bullpen along with my closer rankings as we head into week 19 of fantasy baseball.
AL Bullpen Depth Charts and Closer Rankings
+ Injury Concern
* Part of Committee
AL East
Nope, still don’t want anything to do with this bullpen. Baltimore has had 29 save opportunities this season. Only Toronto with 25 has had less. The Orioles have only converted 18 of those save chances. Things won’t be getting any better either. Although Mychal Givens might have had his best month so far with two saves in five appearances so far in July and no runs allowed. Should Givens be dealt, Shawn Armstrong looks to be next in line to get any save chances that might come his way.
Before the season started it was Matt Barnes and Ryan Brasier that were thought to be competing for saves in Boston. It’s actually been Brandon Workman that has emerged as a nice surprise with a 2.17 ERA and 12.61 K/9. Workman did have some trouble this week as he allowed two runs in his only appearance against the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday. Though it did come in a non-save situation after nearly a week off.
Nathan Eovaldi was activated from the IL and made his return to action on Monday. Eovaldi gave up three runs on five hits and pitched two-thirds of an inning against the Rays. The Red Sox were up by eight runs at the time so it was a good chance for Eovaldi to get some work in after missing a large part of the season. He famously pitched well out of the pen in last year’s World Series and is expected to take over closing duties at some point in the near future.
For the third week in a row now, Aroldis Chapman blew a save and followed it up by converting an opportunity. While it won’t move him far down my closer rankings, it is worth noting. Chapman walked the first three batters he faced in Tuesday’s potential playoff preview against the Twins, then allowed the tying run to score on a sac fly. Chapman went on to get the win and Chad Green picked up his first save of the season. This is now five blown saves for the star closer, who redeemed himself Wednesday night locking down his 26th save of the season. Zack Britton had his own troubles Tuesday night against the Twins. Britton has been the setup man behind Chapman and he’d be who I expect to get the bulk of the save opportunities if Chapman is unavailable.
Emilio Pagan picked up his seventh save of the season on Wednesday against the Red Sox, pitching a clean inning with two strikeouts. In classic Rays fashion, Pagan was brought on in the eighth inning on Sunday against the White Sox and it was Adam Kolarek who picked up the save. I don’t expect Kolarek to get many save chances if at all but it’s worth noting that Diego Castillo has not been sharp, giving up two runs on two hits and a walk without recording an out Tuesday against the Red Sox. The Rays are rumored to be interested in relievers at the deadline and could add an arm in the mix for saves. For the time being, I would continue to hold Pagan in deeper leagues as I expect him to get more save opportunities than anyone else in this bullpen.
The only thing not making Ken Giles a better closer this season has been the lack of opportunity. The Blue Jays rank last in the majors in save chances with 25. Given a better situation, Giles would be higher up my closer rankings. He’s pitched to an incredible 1.59 ERA and 15.35 K/9. Only Matt Barnes and Josh Hader have a better strikeout rate among qualified relievers. Giles picked up his 14th save on Saturday in Detroit and earned the win in Tuesday’s contest against the Indians, pitching a clean tenth inning. Someone is going to get a big boost to their bullpen if and when Giles is moved. The Yankees and Red Sox have been rumored to be interested in the closer and the Red Sox would provide an interesting opportunity going forward given their troubles in the ninth inning. As far as the situation in Toronto, it’s pretty clear that Daniel Hudson would be the man to own in that bullpen.
AL Central
Aaron Bummer remains among the top relievers to stash for saves as Alex Colome is expected to be moved by the deadline. Yes, get ready for the Bummer puns. Colome picked up his 21st save of the season on Saturday as he continues to get the job done. He’ll be a welcome addition to any bullpen but it would be hard for me to envision him going to a team that would make him their closer. While Kelvin Herrera came into the season expecting to be the next man up after competing for the closer role, he’s been largely ineffective and is hurt now. Bummer has pitched well as Colome’s setup man with a 1.73 ERA as should be stashed as he’s one of the closers-in-waiting I’m most confident will be getting the job.
Last week, Brad Hand made us forget about the only blown save he had allowed. This week he reminds us that he’s still human as he allowed the game tying run off the bat of Justin Smoak on Tuesday. Regardless, it was a blip in an otherwise amazing season for Hand, who picked up two more saves this week for an AL leading 26. The Indians have been rumored to be possibly shopping Brad Hand and Trevor Bauer. It’s hard to imagine them trading those type of pieces as they’ve come storming back in the division race, but anything is possible. Should Hand be moved, it appears as though Adam Cimber would be the next man in line as he picked up two holds behind Hand this week.
Shane Greene had a bad outing Sunday against the Blue Jays with a blown save, but has otherwise gotten the job done this season on his way to an All-Star appearance. Detroit has been one of the worst teams in baseball and should be selling pieces off as the deadline approaches. Greene is likely out the door as contenders come calling for bullpen help. Joe Jimenez has been speculated upon for a while with his strikeout ability but he’s been a bit disappointing, often prone to the blowup. Buck Farmer on the other hand, has had his stuff play up in relief and is an interesting name to watch going forward. For now, I would still put my money on Jimenez getting the job once Greene is moved as he’s continued to pitch behind Greene.
When I posted last week’s closer rankings, Ian Kennedy had 15 saves. One week later, Kennedy is up to 19 saves on the year, a pretty amazing feat for someone who had three saves going into June. Kennedy has helped plenty of fantasy teams over the last couple of months but it could be time for him to help an MLB contender. Kennedy has drawn trade interest and should he be moved, Jake Diekman would be next in line for saves. Diekman struck out the side in the eighth inning Wednesday night against the Braves and has a 13.28 K/9 on the year. As many save chances as the Royals have been getting over the last two months Diekman could be a valuable piece for fantasy teams over the final stretch of the season.
The Twins find their lead in the AL Central shrinking and should be active buyers in the trade market. Taylor Rogers has done a nice job handling the ninth inning role but ran into a bit of trouble this week converting only two of four save chances. The two saves give him 15 on the season. I imagine a more established closer could take the job from Rogers. Meanwhile, Blake Parker was designated for assignment.
AL West
Roberto Osuna made it three of my top five in the closer rankings to blow a save this week. Sometimes, that’s the way it goes in this game. There’s really nothing to concern yourself with here has Osuna picked up three more saves this week, giving him 23 on the season. Osuna should remain near the top five in the closer rankings to finish out the year.
Hansel Robles has been lights out over the last month and picked up his 15th and 16th saves this week in back to back nights against the Dodgers. Robles finally gave up a run this month on Tuesday but held on to record the save. He’s provided incredible value and the Angels find themselves fighting for playoff contention. Should Robles be moved Ty Buttrey should be the next man up.
Liam Hendriks converted two of three save opportunities over the weekend series against the Twins. The saves Friday and Saturday were his seventh and eighth on the season. Hendriks gave up two runs to the Twins on Sunday, coming away with the loss. The two runs were the first runs Hendriks had given up since June 5, earning him a bit of a leash. Meanwhile, Blake Treinen continues to get work in non-save situations, pitching the eighth inning on Wednesday with the A’s down by two runs. That makes three scoreless appearances for Treinen now. I don’t see anyone other than Treinen or Hendriks closing out games this season for Oakland and for the time being I keep riding it out with Hendriks.
Roenis Elias picked up his 13th save on Wednesday after also notching his 12th save on Monday. Hunter Strickland continues his rehab assignment and could find himself in the closer role at some point this season. No one likes to trade more than Seattle’s Jerry Dipoto, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Elias is moved.
Shawn Kelley was placed on the injured list with bicep soreness, bringing to question whether Jose Leclerc could earn his job back. Leclerc pitched the eighth inning on Friday with the Rangers down by one. On Wednesday night, it was Jose Leclerc again coming on in the eighth inning with the Rangers down by two runs. Between Leclerc and Chris Martin, I would bet and hope that it’s Leclerc getting the save opportunities going forward. Leclerc has not allowed a run in his last six appearances dating back to July 7.
NL Bullpen Depth Charts and Closer Rankings
+ Injury Concern
* Part of Committee
NL East
Luke Jackson blew the lone save opportunity of the week for the Braves on Friday against the Nationals. Jackson has been a great value this season with a 3.19 ERA and 12.38 K/9 to with 17 saves. Jackson has earned some leash on the job, but I wouldn’t rule out the Braves acquiring someone that could take over closing duties.
No saves again this week for Sergio Romo, who has otherwise been solid with 16 saves on the season. Romo is sure to move on to help a team in need of bullpen help and Nick Anderson is my pick to take over closing duties. Anderson has been a great source of strikeouts with a 14.37 K/9 and the 4.14 ERA has been a bit unlucky with a 2.69 FIP and 2.89 xFIP. Anderson has a 1.80 ERA since June 27 and has pitched eight of nine scoreless outings.
Edwin Diaz picked up save number 22 on the season on Tuesday against the Padres. Four straight successful saves and six straight scoreless appearances have put to bed the notion that Diaz could lose his job. In fact, it’s been rumored that Diaz could be traded by the Mets. I still believe in Diaz as a top ten closer going forward regardless of where he is doing it. As far as who would be next in line should the Mets move on from Diaz, it was Robert Gsellman who pitched the eighth inning behind Diaz on Tuesday. Although, Seth Lugo could be in the mix as well.
After a rough week, Hector Neris picked up his 18th save of the season last Thursday against the Dodgers and had two more scoreless outings since. Things could get interesting once David Robertson returns but for now, I expect Neris to hold on to the job.
Sean Doolittle helped plenty of teams on Wednesday as he converted a save in both games of a double-header against the Rockies at home. The saves give Doolittle 23 on the year as he’s managed to stay healthy and provide top ten closer value. The Nationals will be looking to acquire relief help because outside of Doolittle, their bullpen has been shaky at best. For now, should Doolittle miss any time for any reason, Wander Suero would be next in line. Suero carries a 5.08 ERA, so no one needs that.
NL Central
In his first three appearances, Craig Kimbrel had given up five total runs. Since then, he’s made eight scoreless appearances and converted his seventh save Wednesday against the Giants. Kimbrel has a 14.14 K/9 in that time, looking a lot like the dominant Kimbrel we’ve seen in recent years. I expect Kimbrel to get plenty more save chances going forward and remain near the top ten in the closer rankings. Steve Cishek is the primary setup man and looks to be the next man up should anything happen to Kimbrel.
Raisel Iglesias returned from paternity leave this week and failed to convert his lone save chance, giving up three runs to the Brewers. The outing gives Iglesias three straight appearances in which he’s allowed a run. Iglesias has been a bit disappointing this season with a 4.60 ERA. Should the Reds consider a committee approach, Michael Lorenzen and Amir Garrett appear to be in the mix to close out games. Lorenzen picked up the save on Saturday with Iglesias on leave and would be the first in line.
Another week at the top of the closer rankings for Josh Hader, who has 22 saves on the season. With the off day on Thursday, Craig Counsell decided to bring Hader out for the seventh inning Wednesday against the Reds. Hader proceeded to throw two shutout innings, striking out five batters. Freddy Peralta was brought out for the ninth inning to pick up the save. This is something I can see happening more often this season as the Brewers fight for a playoff spot. If the situation calls for it, Hader could be used anywhere from the seventh inning on. I expect the Brewers to be active in the trade market to acquire relief help. Freddy Peralta will be a name worth monitoring and a possible pickup if available.
No save opportunities came up for Felipe Vazquez, who’s been one of the best closers in baseball with a 14.03 K/9 and a 1.91 ERA. There’s sure to be plenty of teams calling for Vazquez at the deadline. Most notably, the Dodgers have shown interest and have the prospects the Pirates would want. I doubt Vazquez would supplant Kenley Jansen as the closer in Los Angeles, so Vazquez owners should have a backup plan for saves just in case. In Pittsburgh, it been long speculated that Kyle Crick would be next in line, but he’s struggled this season. The Pirates may look to Keone Kela coming off the injured list to take over the ninth inning if they move Vazquez.
Another successful week for Carlos Martinez as he picked up three more saves, giving him nine on the season. The saves didn’t come easy, as Martinez gave up two runs Friday in Cincinnati, and another run Monday in Pittsburgh. The Cardinals have made it known that they’d be open to moving Martinez, and I’m still not convinced he keeps the job even if he doesn’t go anywhere. The Cardinals have been in the mix for some of the top relievers available including San Francisco’s Will Smith. Andrew Miller picked up two saves this week when Martinez was unavailable. John Gant was thought to have the closer job when Jordan Hicks went down with injury before the job was given to Martinez. Gant could find himself in the mix for saves should Martinez be moved.
NL West
Greg Holland picked up two more saves this week, giving him 17 on the season. While Holland has mostly gotten the job done, he’s had his moments when he’s been unable to locate the zone, leading to an ugly outing. Torey Lovullo wasn’t taking any chances on Wednesday and after Holland walked his first two batters, it was Yoan Lopez who came on in relief to pick up the save. Should Holland be moved at the deadline Lopez could be the arm Arizona turns to for the ninth inning.
The Rockies find themselves in rough stretch having lost eight of their last ten games. No save opportunities came for Colorado this week. Wade Davis pitched a clean inning in New York for his only appearance. The Rockies could find themselves as sellers at the deadline should their losing ways continue. Scott Oberg would be next in line for saves.
Kenley Jansen made one appearance this week, picking up his 24th save on Friday against the Marlins. One of the best teams in baseball, the Dodgers should be active in acquiring relief help and have been linked to pitchers such as Will Smith and Felipe Vazquez. I don’t believe even pitchers of that caliber would take over closing duties from Jansen.
Like the Rockies, the Padres are in a bit of a funk, losers of eight of their last ten. Kirby Yates had a quiet week but still leads the MLB in saves with 31. Yates has been incredible with a 1.05 ERA and 14.65 K/9. As the Padres continue to fall further from the wild card, they’ll possibly be looking to move Yates should it bring them a return similar to what they received for Brad Hand. One interesting name that has come up is young hurler Andres Munoz. The 20 year old touches triple digits with his fastball to go along with an excellent slider. With six strikeouts in four innings of relief and no runs allowed, it would be interesting to see if Munoz is the one closing games a week from now.
The Giants continue to play good baseball and find themselves in the middle of the wild-card race. Whether the Giants continue to hang around or not, closer Will Smith is likely to be moved. Smith has been one of the best closers this season with 24 saves to go with a 2.44 ERA. There are plenty of names to speculate on in this bullpen but plenty of names could be on the move. Outside of Smith, Sam Dyson and Tony Watson have drawn trade interest. Dyson would be next in line should he stay, followed by Watson. Bruce Bochy loves to trust guys that have done it before, which is why I am skeptical we see Reyes Moranta see closing action this season. The only reliever that isn’t going anywhere with certainty is Mark Melancon, who could be a sneaky pickup.
Hopefully, you found Jorge’s Closer Rankings and Bullpen Depth Charts useful. For more of his take make sure to follow him on Twitter @Jmontanez.
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