Thirty different relief pitchers recorded at least one save last week and the majority of those pitchers weren’t even their teams’ primary closer. We can only imagine what the fantasy baseball closer landscape will look like after baseball’s August 2nd trade deadline passes. Fantasy Alarm will provide you with all of the latest news regarding any trades that take place and our Closer Grid, already a great resource for identifying bullpen closers, handcuffs, and sleepers, will be an even more indispensable tool for you to use next week as teams add and subtract talent and depth to and from their bullpens. Please enjoy this week’s bullpen report.

(The statistics quoted in this article are accurate as of the morning of 7.26.2022)

 

 

Weekly Saves Leaders

Craig Kimbrel, Dodgers, 2

 

With 17 saves and just three blown saves on the season Kimbrel has done a good job in his first season as the Dodgers’ closer. His 9.3 H/9 is concerning, and his 3.97 ERA is marginal at best, but his xERA and other ERA estimators (FIP, xFIP and SIERA) are all well below that mark and he has made six straight scoreless appearances. The Dodgers are likely to bolster their bullpen via the trade market but unless they are able to trade for an elite pitcher like Josh Hader, Kimbrel should hang on to his closers job. For now, consider Evan Phillips as the next man up in the Dodgers’ bullpen. That may be subject to change based on the Dodgers’ potential upcoming trade activity.

Kyle Finnegan, Nationals, 2

 

We talked about Finnegan being a potential trade chip for the Nats in last week’s column. As we mentioned last week, he is extremely tough on left-handed batters (.194 BAA). He probably won’t be the sole closer for his new team, should he be traded.

Taylor Rogers, Padres, 2

 

Rogers entered Tuesday’s action tied with Hader for the MLB lead in saves with 28. He’s in no danger of losing his job as the Padres’ closer, but Rogers has been slumping a bit of late. He’s given up at least one earned run in seven of his last ten appearances (7.59 ERA). Rogers still managed to save six games during that time frame, but he’s also blown three saves during that stretch as well. Nick Martinez picked up his fourth save of the season on Tuesday night, after Rogers blew a save earlier in the game. He worked in long relief (three innings or more) in converting his first three save opportunities of the season and should be on your watch list. 

27 other relievers saved at least one game last week including:

Scott Effross, Cubs

 

Effross saved his first game of his big-league career on Monday, but he has 16 career minor league saves to his credit. As we mentioned last week Cubs closer David Robertson is likely to be traded but if the Cubbies also decide to move free agent to be Mychal Givens before the deadline Effross could potentially be in the mix for save opportunities moving forward along with Rowan Wick. The Cubs have been using Effross in the seventh, eighth and ninth innings of late and he hasn’t given up a run in his last six appearances.

 

Weekly Holds Leaders

Rafael Montero, Astros, 2

 

In addition to recording two holds last week Montero picked up a save as well. Ryan Pressly, the teams’ regular closer was unavailable (Paternity Leave) and Montero and Bryan Abreu each picked up a save for the Astros last week. Montero did not give up a run in three appearances.

Sam Moll, A’s, 2

 

Moll has been outstanding this season, pitching to a 1.78 ERA in 37 appearances. A’s relievers aren’t asked to preserve leads in games very often this season but with his two holds last week Moll now has 10 on the season.

Zach Jackson, A’s, 2

 

Jackson, who could be in the mix for save opportunities if Lou Trivino is traded, held two games and also converted a save last week. Jackson has had a very good rookie season. He’s pitched to a 2.87 ERA, saved two games and held 20 others. Jackson has yet to allow a home run in 42 appearances.

Lucas Gilbreath, Rockies, 2

 

Gilbreath, who has had control issues this season (5.0 BB/9) held two games last week while pitching four innings and striking out five batters. He only issued one walk during that time frame.

Ryne Stanek, Astros, 2

 

Stanek, who has a sparkling 0.79 ERA on the season, picked up two holds last week. He struck out four batters in three innings pitched.
 

Middle Relievers Who Should Be On Your Radar in Deep Leagues

With starting pitchers averaging 5.2 innings per start so far this season, in some instances you might get similar, or even better production by using a top middle relief pitcher instead of a mediocre starting pitcher in a given week. The following are examples of two middle relievers who often make multi-inning relief appearances and might have deep league fantasy value based on their recent performance.

Jackson Stephens, Braves

 

Stephens made two relief appearances for the Braves last week pitching 4.1 scoreless innings. He struck out seven batters and walked two. Jackson has two saves on the season (both in long relief) and has a 2.65 ERA and 1.176 WHIP. 

James Karinchak, Guardians

 

Karinchak worked just 2.2 scoreless innings spanning two appearances last week, but he struck out six batters and did not issue a walk. Karinchak saved 11 games for the Cleveland franchise last season and has been used in the seventh, eighth and ninth innings since his reinstatement from the IL earlier this month. 

 

 

CLICK HERE FOR THE UPDATED CLOSER GRID

Fantasy Alarm is the home of expert MLB Fantasy content. We also bring you all of the best online sportsbook free bets & promo codes and fantasy sports bonuses. 

MLB Related Links: