Having fun chasing pitching yet? At least this short season won’t be boring. There has been no shortage of actionable bullpen moves. They’re not likely to slow down anytime soon. Get aggressive on middle relievers and closer spec plays.
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- Somethings not right with Ryan Pressly. He blew the save in his first opportunity for Houston without recording a shot. Andre Scrubb worked a clean inning and a third before that. Cy Sneed and Blake Taylor gave up a bunch of runs prior to that. We’ll see which way the wind blows next time the ninth comes up with a lead. Brad Peacock is probably worth a stash as he works his way back from arm soreness.
- The Cardinals are going to need Kwang-hyun Kim in their rotation upon their restart from quarantine. That leaves the closer role open. Giovanny Gallegos should be ready to go at this point. Many fantasy managers have also made a bet Ryan Helsley will get opportunities.
- Poor, cursed Nick Burdi has been placed on the season-ending 45-day IL with an elbow issue. At least he was able to earn his first career save before being struck down again. Richard Rodriguez should get the ninth until Keona Kela returns shortly.
- Brad Hand has shown us the rumors of his demise were somewhat exaggerated. He’s notched two uneventful saves this week. I’d still expect Cleveland to try and rest him between appearances when they’re comfortable with James Karinchak handling the ninth.
- The Angels are an unexpected dumpster fire in the backend of their bullpen. Hansel Robles has washed out as the closer. Ty Buttrey is filling in but has 1 K to 3 BBs in 6.1 innings. Kenyan Middleton is serving up gopher balls. Felix Pena is the only one treading water.
- Jairo Diaz is cementing himself into the Rockies closer gig. His Ks and ratios don’t blow you away but the job security is nice.
Closers In Waiting
The next men up for the ninth. More saves than ever are going to be spread among trusted arms.
- Ryan Helsley
- Drew Pomeranz
- Jeremy Jeffress
- Trevor May
- Matt Barnes
- Ryne Stanek
K It Up
Get a category enhancer from these high K/9 strikeout artists.
- Adam Ottavino
- Dellin Betances
- Corey Knebel
- Tyler Duffey
- Jose Alvarado
- Nate Jones
Ratio Darlings
These guys may not earn saves, but they can help smooth your ratios.
- Seth Lugo
- Aaron Bummer
- Daniel Bard
- Will Harris
- Tony Watson
- Will Smith
Long Men
Hard up for starters? An effective long man can bridge a gap until you find someone. They’re also ripe to snag a win in relief with starters going fewer innings.
- Chris Martin
- Chad Green
- Matt Strahm
- Jalen Beeks
- Felix Pena
- John Gant
