As we expected, Craig Kimbrel signed after the MLB draft, now that he is not connected to draft pick compensation. You could argue this was the best possible destination for Kimbrel as the Cubs have generated a lot of save chances to this point. He needs to be owned in all leagues, though you may not get your first save from him until July.
In a saves+holds league, I think Steve Cishek and Pedro Strop are still ownable. In fact, Pedro Strop should be owned in all leagues until Kimbrel returns. Strop returned from the IL Tuesday and pitched a scoreless inning to pick up his fifth save of the season.
Among the people who should be happy that Kimbrel signed with the Cubs, the top of the list should probably be anyone who owns Luke Jackson . Jackson continues to throw very well, with 42 strikeouts in 29.2 innings, and it looks like he will keep the job barring a trade. That being said, if Jackson does falter, Anthony Swarzak could get an opportunity.
Jordan Hicks , Carlos Martínez and John Gant have all recorded saves in June, and any one of them could get the next save opportunity. All three are good enough to take the job and run with it, though John Gant is probably throwing the best right now. In a saves+holds league, he’s the one I want, though Jordan Hicks is my guess to get the next save chance.
Wade Davis threw live batting practice Wednesday, which means Scott Oberg ’s days as a closer are numbered. We should learn soon if Davis will need a rehab stint, but even if he does, I doubt it lasts long. Oberg hasn’t had a hold since May 9, so he’s probably droppable outside of NL-only leagues.
Ryan Pressly earned the save Monday, which is curious considering he threw 30 pitches Sunday while Roberto Osuna threw just 22. I don’t think Osuna is in danger, but Pressly has been so good that I think he’s viable in deeper mixed leagues, even if he’s only going to get 1-2 saves per month.
If you’re looking for a non-Craig Kimbrel stash for saves, Hunter Strickland will throw live batting practice Sunday, and likely go on a rehab assignment after that. The Mariners have just two saves in the last 30 days, which is as many as Hunter Strickland had in the first two games of the season. In a very deep league, Strickland is worth a shot.
I hate to keep bringing it up, but José Leclerc has a 2.19 ERA and 0.81 WHIP over the last 30 days. He picked up a hold in his last outing after being used as an opener twice in May. I’m still not convinced Leclerc gets the closer job back without Shawn Kelley faltering or getting injured, but both of those things are capable of happening.
Editor’s note: Kelley had a blown save last night, his second blown save in his last five outings.
Seranthony Domínguez is getting an MRI on his elbow Thursday, which is a shame considering he has four holds in the last two weeks. If he has to go on the IL, Juan Nicasio would likely work the eighth inning. That being said, I have to think Philadelphia will trade for bullpen help now that Craig Kimbrel has signed.