This week is headlined by the fluidity of the Houston Astros bullpen. While it can be a headache for fantasy managers, it makes sense to use relievers based on match-ups and key situations in the game rather than having defined roles. I think we’ll see this trend continue in the future as teams and players get more comfortable with the idea of not having a set closer, but a majority of teams don’t have the luxury that the Astros have in that they have four pitchers capable of pitching the 9th inning. Outside of the Astros, most of the bullpen news this week is injury related. We’ll see how Pirates closer Felipe Vazquez is pitching now two weeks removed from his forearm tightness, and we’ll get updates from teams who had RPs go on or come off the DL recently, including NYM, BAL, CWS, and SFG. As always, we finish on a positive note with the Three Stars of the Week.

Houston Astros

Hector Rondon recorded three straight saves for the Astros last week, but as expected A.J. Hinch went back to Ken Giles in short order. Giles got the call Tuesday night and struck out 2 of the 4 batters he faced to nail down the save. Hinch has gone away from Giles before on a couple occasions and returned to both times, this time was no different. To Giles credit, despite a 4.76 ERA he has 23 strikeouts to 2 walks on the season and only 1 home run allowed. That’s pretty darn good. At the end of the day, Hinch is riding the hot hand this season and this bullpen is not one to invest in, as there are several great arms that are capable of pitching the 9th any given day.

One reliever not in the late inning mix for Houston who is pitching great is Collin McHugh. McHugh has a 1.20 ERA, 0.90 WHIP, 39 Ks and 7 BBs in 30 innings this year. He hasn’t pitched in many high leverage situations yet, but that could change as he gains Hinch’s trust with his great performance. The converted starter also has several multi-inning appearances, so he provide a boost to your strikeouts and ratios.

Actions to take: Ken Giles is a hold, as I think he’s going to get the most save chances the rest of the season. Once Giles picks up a few savs in a row, I’d try to deal him and get a closer who doesn’t share the role. Rondon is worth an add for competitive saves, but I don’t think he will take the role over for good. McHugh is worth adding for the ratios, but if you need holds I would just monitor the situation. If an injury occurs in the Houston pen McHugh would be a big beneficiary.

Pittsburgh Pirates

Felipe Vazquez pitched two innings this week. His first appearances was a non-save situation where he struck out one and did not allow a base runner. The second appearance was not so smooth. Vazquez struck out 2 but walked 3 and allowed 2 hits and 2 earned runs. He got out of it with a 5-4 lead, good enough for the save, but not good enough to quiet my concerns about a potential injury.

Edgar Santana pitched 4.0 innings in the last week with 5 Ks, 1 HR, and 1 HLD. Kyle Crick pitched 1.2 innings with 1K, 2 BB, and 3 ER allowed.

Actions to take: My concern for Vazquez remains high, as he is unable to string together quality outings. Santana, while not dominant, appears to be the leading candidate to take over if Vazquez hits the DL.

New York Mets

Jeurys Familia was placed on the disabled list last Friday with right shoulder soreness. The injury is considered minor and the Mets expect it to be a short-term DL-stint. In the meantime, Anthony Swarzak picked up the Metropolitans’ lone save. He was a free agent acquisition by the Mets in the off-season and is coming off a career 2017 where he put up a 2.33 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, 10.5 K/9 and 2.5 K/BB. Due to injury, Swarzak has only pitched 5.1 innings this season, but if he picks up where he left off he’s a lock for the late innings.

Robert Gsellman is also in the mix for saves, however he’s been effective in the middle/multi-inning role, so I suspect he stays in that role for the time being.

Actions to take: Swarzak is the add for saves. The Mets offensive woes may scare you away, but if they can figure out how to scratch a few runs across the board they will be in plenty of tight games and hopefully plenty of leads to protect, so the saves may come in bunches.

Baltimore Orioles

Zach Britton has made one appearance since returning from the DL and looked rusty, walking 3 in 1.0 inning of work. He’s still expected to regain the closer role after a couple lower level appearances to shake the dust off.

In other news, lefty reliever Richard Bleier left Wednesdays game with a lat strain. A DL-stint appears likely. Darren O’Day was activated this week and in 2, 2-inning appearances he struck out 4 without allowing a base runner.

Actions to take: Until Britton strings together a couple solid appearances and shows he’s back to his old self, you might want to keep him on the bench. I can’t help but think about my expectations for Greg Holland to quickly shake off the dust and take the closer role in St. Louis back in April, and as you know that did not go as expected. It’s not enough to change my opinion on Britton, but enough for me to be a bit more cautious. O’Day is worth an add in holds leagues, and as I said last week he’s a potential post-trade deadline closer as Britton and Brach are both free agents after the season and could be dealt at the deadline.

Chicago White Sox

Nate Jones was placed on the 10-day DL with a forearm strain, but it is considered a minor issue and he’s not expected to be out long. That means that Joakim Soria has the closer role all to himself for the time being. Bruce Rondon, another post-trade deadline saves candidate, should slide into the setup role. Jace Fry will also benefit from Jones’ absence. Fry has 3 holds in 3.1 innings in the last week, with 7 Ks and 0 BBs.

To replace Jones, the White Sox called up Xavier Cedeno. He’s a lefty and will be used in a specialist role, but could provide some short term value in leagues that count saves and inherited runs saved. He already picked up 1 hold and 2 IRS in a 1-out appearance on Tuesday.

Actions to take: Fry is pitching well and worth an add if he’s on your wire. If not, perhaps Cedeno can fill the void of Jones in your holds league.

San Francisco Giants

Mark Melancon returned a couple weeks ago and has pitched 5 innings with 5 Ks, 1 BB, and 2 ER allowed. Considering his history, if Melancon proves his health and pitches well he could enter the mix for saves if Hunter Strickland hits a rough patch.

Actions to take: Melancon is a stash for saves and an add for holds.

Three Stars of the Week

Dellin Betances, NYY – Betances is looking like his old self of late. This week in 3.0 innings he recorded 3 holds, 6 Ks, and did not allow a baserunner. Going back 2 weeks, he’s got 6.0 innings with 11 Ks, 2 BBs, 1 hit, and 0 ER. Vintage Betances was own-able in most leagues for the strikeouts and the ratios, consider adding him.

Kyle Barraclough, MIA – The newly named closer pitched 4.0 innings with 4 Ks, 1 BBs, 0 Hits, and 2 saves. The walk came yesterday, and it was his first walk in his 6 appearances during the month of June. If Barraclough is able to limit the free passes, he could be an elite reliever.

Brad Hand & Kirby Yates, SD – The Padres duo shares the third star this week. In 4.0 innings, Hand picked up 3 saves and 1 hold, while striking out 3 and allowing no base runners. Yates also pitched 4 innings, picking up 3 holds and 1 save, while striking out 4 and allowing just one hit.

That’s all of this week. Thanks for reading and feel free to drop a comment or question below.

Major League Fantasy Baseball Radio Show: Join host Brian Roach, Jr, and Cole Freel live on Sunday June 10th, 2018 from 8-9:30pm EST for episode #124 of Major League Fantasy Baseball Radio. We are a live broadcast that will take callers at 323-870-4395. Press 1 to speak with the host. We will discss the latest information in the world of fantasy baseball.

Our guest this week is Professor Mark Rush. Mark is the Political and Legal Professor for Washington & Lee University. He is also the Chief Editor for majorleaguefantasysports.com, and also an author.

Major League Fantasy Football Radio Show: Join host Corey D Roberts, and Jeff Nelson live June 14th, 2018 from 8-9:30pm EST for episode #82 of Major League Fantasy Football Radio. Call in number is 323-870-4395 press 1 to speak with the host. This is our kick of show for the 2018 fantasy football season. We will hit free agents, rookies, and fantasy football as a whole for each team for 2018. This week we will discuss everything AFC West!

Jeff is a defensive coach from White Hall who was on the coaching staff while first round pick Saquan Barkely was there and Freedom H.S. football teams. He may be taking the year off from coaching, but will be joining us on our football shows from time to time throughout the year.

Share this: Reddit

Twitter

Facebook

LinkedIn

Tumblr

Pocket

Telegram

Pinterest

Skype

WhatsApp

Email

Print

