What’s poppin’, Razzpimples?
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Let’s do it to it.
Note: All stats and Player Rater values are accurate through Sunday’s games.
Player Rater Top 15 (5×5 Standard)
| # | Name | Team | Pos | $ | $/G | PS | PA/IP | $W | $SV | $ERA | $WHIP | $K | R% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jason Foley | DET | RP | 35 | 8.3 | 9.8 | 8 | 13.1 | 14.3 | 7.3 | -0.4 | -0.2 | 99 |
| 2 | Shelby Miller | DET | RP | 32 | 16.5 | 9 | 8 | 23.6 | -4.9 | 3.9 | 9.6 | -1.2 | 37 |
| 3 | Craig Kimbrel | BAL | RP | 31.8 | 16.3 | 9 | 6 | 13.1 | 9.5 | 1.6 | 4.9 | 1.7 | 100 |
| 4 | Clay Holmes | NYY | RP | 28.3 | 4.8 | 8.1 | 8 | 2.5 | 23.9 | 7 | -3 | -3.1 | 100 |
| 5 | Robert Suarez | SD | RP | 26.9 | 7.8 | 7.7 | 8 | 2.5 | 19.1 | 3.9 | 1.6 | -1.2 | 100 |
| 6 | Elvis Peguero | MIL | RP | 18.7 | 13.1 | 5.6 | 8 | 23.6 | -4.9 | 0.3 | -1 | -0.2 | 0 |
| 7 | A.J. Minter | ATL | RP | 17 | 1.9 | 5.2 | 7 | 13.1 | -4.9 | -0.8 | 7 | 1.7 | 5 |
| 8 | Ryan Helsley | STL | RP | 16.2 | -1.7 | 5 | 8 | 2.5 | 19.1 | -3.1 | -3 | -0.2 | 100 |
| 9 | Yimi Garcia | TOR | RP | 13.8 | 3.6 | 4.4 | 7 | 2.5 | -0.1 | 2.3 | 6.4 | 1.7 | 17 |
| 10 | Evan Phillips | LAD | RP | 13.6 | -3 | 4.3 | 8 | -8 | 19.1 | 3.3 | 0.4 | -2.2 | 100 |
| 11 | Adbert Alzolay | CHC | RP | 11.1 | -4.4 | 3.7 | 8 | 2.5 | 9.5 | -0.1 | -1.6 | -0.2 | 100 |
| 12 | Nick Sandlin | CLE | RP | 10.9 | -4.5 | 3.6 | 7 | 13.1 | -4.9 | -0.5 | -0.5 | 2.6 | 0 |
| 13 | Daniel Hudson | LAD | RP | 10.3 | -4.8 | 3.5 | 8 | 2.5 | -0.1 | 0.3 | 5 | 1.7 | 7 |
| 14 | Jeff Hoffman | PHI | RP | 9.8 | -2.5 | 3.4 | 7 | 13.1 | -0.1 | -0.5 | -2.5 | -1.2 | 22 |
| 15 | Jorge Alcala | MIN | RP | 9.3 | 0.5 | 3.2 | 8 | 2.5 | -4.9 | 7.3 | 3.6 | -0.2 | 0 |
Player Rater Top 15 (6×6 w/ Holds)
| # | Name | Team | Pos | $ | $/G | PS | PA/IP | $W | $SV | $ERA | $WHIP | $K | $HLD | R% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Clay Holmes | NYY | RP | 39.1 | 23.1 | 13.7 | 8 | 4.2 | 36.1 | 5.3 | -1.1 | -1.1 | -5.3 | 100 |
| 2 | Jason Foley | DET | RP | 36.1 | 21.3 | 12.6 | 8 | 12 | 21.3 | 5.5 | 0.8 | 0.9 | -5.3 | 99 |
| 3 | Robert Suarez | SD | RP | 34 | 24.7 | 11.8 | 8 | 4.2 | 28.7 | 2.9 | 2.2 | 0.2 | -5.3 | 100 |
| 4 | Craig Kimbrel | BAL | RP | 29.7 | 27.5 | 10.2 | 6 | 12 | 13.8 | 1.3 | 4.6 | 2.3 | -5.3 | 100 |
| 5 | Ryan Helsley | STL | RP | 26.1 | 15.4 | 8.9 | 8 | 4.2 | 28.7 | -2.4 | -1.1 | 0.9 | -5.3 | 100 |
| 6 | Evan Phillips | LAD | RP | 24.2 | 14.4 | 8.2 | 8 | -3.6 | 28.7 | 2.5 | 1.3 | -0.4 | -5.3 | 100 |
| 7 | Shelby Miller | DET | RP | 19.9 | 19.2 | 6.6 | 8 | 19.8 | -8.5 | 2.9 | 7.8 | 0.2 | -3.5 | 37 |
| 8 | Adbert Alzolay | CHC | RP | 14.5 | 8.7 | 4.6 | 8 | 4.2 | 13.8 | -0.1 | -0.1 | 0.9 | -5.3 | 100 |
| 9 | Daniel Hudson | LAD | RP | 13.3 | 5.9 | 4.1 | 8 | 4.2 | -1 | 0.2 | 4.6 | 2.3 | 2.1 | 7 |
| 10 | Emmanuel Clase | CLE | RP | 13.1 | 10.9 | 4.1 | 7 | -3.6 | 21.3 | 2 | -1.1 | -1.1 | -5.3 | 100 |
| 11 | Edwin Diaz | NYM | RP | 12.7 | 14.4 | 3.9 | 6 | -3.6 | 13.8 | 1.3 | 4.6 | 0.9 | -5.3 | 100 |
| 12 | Kenley Jansen | BOS | RP | 10.8 | 13 | 3.2 | 6 | -3.6 | 21.3 | 1 | -4.5 | 0.9 | -5.3 | 100 |
| 13 | Elvis Peguero | MIL | RP | 10.3 | 16.7 | 3 | 8 | 19.8 | -8.5 | 0.2 | 0.3 | 0.9 | -3.5 | 0 |
| 14 | Justin Slaten | BOS | RP | 10.3 | 10.5 | 3.1 | 10 | -3.6 | -1 | 4.3 | 9.2 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 9 |
| 15 | Mason Miller | OAK | RP | 10 | 12.4 | 2.9 | 8 | -3.6 | 13.8 | 0.2 | -1.1 | 5 | -5.3 | 99 |
Everyone with 2+ SV over the Last 7
Everyone with 2+ HLD over the Last 7
Alrighty, folks. Time for another dose of bullpen notes. And I reckon I sound right Southern in this’n, cuz I just finished myself a reading of True Grit. I do declare it to be one of the finest novels I ever read. So, I’m inspired to get my country twang on. Sorry not sorry.
We got ourselves a three-way tie for the saves lead this week: Kevin Ginkel, Pete Fairbanks, and headline pardner Mason Miller. Two of these guys matter ROS, cuz Senor Ginkel is about to ride into the sunset with the imminent return of one Mr. Paul Sewald, who throws a second bullpen session today. I say imminent return, but he’ll of course have to rehab and all that. Still, Ginkel’s time in the SV-only spotlight is quite limited. As for Misters Fairbanks and Miller, well, they’re right properly here to stay. I’ve sung Pete’s praises before. Let’s talk about Miller. I’m definitely kicking myself for not grabbing more shares (my only share is in RazzSlam). I was too stuck in my ways in preseason based on the news he would have to earn his share. He surely earned it quick-like! The dude posted a ridiculous SEVENTY-SEVEN-POINT-EIGHT K-MINUS-BB-PERCENT this week. That’s video game shiz.
On the holds side, it’s a four-way tie for the lead: Jason Adam, Phil Maton, Lucas Erceg, and Hector Neris. I’ve been very high on two of these guys, cuz they’re honestly household names at this point. I don’t see Maton and Erceg being staples for the entire 2024 campaign, but Adam and Neris sure should be. Love their situations for fantasy. 8th-inning stalwarts.
With leaders outta the way, let’s get into the nitty gritty. Some might say the truly gritty (see what I did there?). Firstly, it’s Kirby Yates taking over the closing duties in Texas. Mr. Jose Leclerc was — how do you say? — ass once again, collecting a BS and L in 2 IP. Yates earned a hold, while also nabbing a save last night. I don’t normally include Monday’s results in this column, but needs must. He’s must-own in all formats now. I figured it’d be David Robertson next in line, so I have to own that L.
My biological father, Ryan Helsley, gets a shoutout this week for 2 SV and downright tasty metrics: 28.6 SwStr% and 45.7 CSW%. Can’t really ask for anything better than that. Sure, he also took a loss, but whatever. It doesn’t count as far as I’m concerned.
You can see all the names who had 2 SV in the pic above. Jason Foley has cemented himself as the go-to guy in Detroit. Everyone else is par for the course. Props to Clay Holmes for leading the Majors at this point in the season with 6 SV. Seems the mid-tier guys (in terms of ADP) are the stars of the show so far in ’24. Your Holmes, Helsley, Phillips, Fairbanks, etc. types. And is that late-round Robert Suarez I see in the Top 5 of both Player Raters up top? My my.
Moving down into the 1 SV guys, a few names still stand out. First up is Michael Kopech, who tossed three scoreless/hitless innings with 4 K. Also had just one walk. That there velocity is sky high at the moment, and if those walks can stay down like he showed this week…boy howdy, we’re in for a treat! But I don’t trust his control as far as I can throw it. Which, being an abstract concept, ain’t far at all.
Jeff Hoffman nabbed 2 W and 1 SV this week, which is great for 1). fantasy leagues that count wins and 2). Player Rater ranking. Y’all of course know you can’t count on wins from relievers, but his one save goes to show that he’s firmly in the mix for 9th-inning work for the Phillies. He may even be favored over Jose Alvarado at this point. I ranked the latter highly this preseason, but in my heart of hearts, I always feared Hoffman could overtake him.
Ryne Stanek had 1 SV, while his counterpart — and supposed full-time closer — Andres Munoz had nary a one. That’s old-school speak for zero. Obviously, Munoz is the top dog still, but clearly, he’s not the workhorse closer I thought he was. Stanek is worth owning in all formats given possible saves and definite SVHD. His fastball velocity is poppin’, too. Former Hog, woo pig! All that to say, he’s worth owning until Matt Brash returns. He’s getting very close to starting a rehab assignment, so it won’t be too long now, pard.
The two favored Toronto dudes — Yimi Garcia and Chad Green — each earned a save this past week, but with the expected activation of both Jordan Romano and Erik Swanson today, their fantasy relevancy takes a back seat. Romano will take over full-time closing duties, while Swanson hopefully makes my preseason #2 setup man ranking look right on the money.
David Bednar had one of the worst outings you could have, and I saw Twitter/X blow up with theories that he was cooked or washed or hurt or whatever. He then bounced back with a clean save. His curveball got away from him during that terrible outing, and he was able to lock it down in the next one. I wasn’t worried then, and I’m definitely not worried now.
Here’s a guy with a 1 SV but who stands out for the wrong reasons: Tanner Scott. Another fail by yours truly. I ranked him higher than I ranked Alvarado, and both are kinda duds so far, at least in SV-only formats. Scott has been absolute booty. He was booty in spring, and he’s still booty when games actually matter. The walks are bonkers. Last year, he was able to corral things, but this year he just can’t. In 3.2 IP this week, he allowed 3 H, 3 ER, and 4 BB. I don’t know for sure that he’s out as closer, and he does have a sterling 2023 resume in his favor, but Anthony Bender and Andrew Nardi have both been much better than Scott has of late. As a Scott owner myself, I’m more nervous than a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs.
On the holds side of the bullpen landscape, two Cardinals guys are leading the charge in terms of stonks rising: Andrew Kittredge and JoJo Romero. The former is everything I hoped he’d be, while the latter is everything I didn’t expect him to be. Kittredge had 2 HLD and 5 K this week in 2.1 scoreless/walkless. Romero had 2 HLD 2.2 scoreless while also striking out five and allowing 1 H and 1 BB. And of all fellers with 2+ HLD, Romero’s 34.7 CSW% was tops. The Cardinals strike me as a team who will afford gobs of SVHD totals. They are good enough to be in the lead more often than not, but not quite so good enough that they are commanding big leads in the later innings. Kinda the Cleveland Guardians of the National League.
Austin Adams got some love last week and continued his strong start with two more holds this week in a total of one inning of scoreless work. I’m kinda shook that Miller/Erceg/Adams are one of the better trios in the game right now. Guess we’ll see if they can keep it up in the coming weeks.
Justin Slaten is making a name for himself as one of 2024’s early breakout stars. Collected 2 HLD this week in 4.2 innings of one-run ball. Good news for his immediate fantasy outlook is that Chris Martin is battling a sore non-throwing shoulder. No details on the severity of that yet.
Daniel Hudson had 2 HLD and 5 K in three innings while allowing just 1 ER. I don’t really trust him to stay healthy, but he’s clearly the #1 setup man for the Dodgers right now. Graterol is out for several weeks yet, so Hudson is someone you gotta own if you can and somebody else doesn’t already. He’s worked his way to the #9 spot on the 6×6 Player Rater.
Mark Leiter Jr. had 2 HLD in 3.1 hitless/scoreless. Julian Merryweather is injured, so Leiter is the #2 setup option behind Neris. A 6th- or 7th-inning setup man is worth owning for holds from a team like the Cubs. Shoutout to his teammate Yency Almonte for 2 HLD and 5 K in 2.1 hitless/scoreless. Worth owning in deeper formats, but he’s behind Neris and Leiter in my book, ya hear?
So who sucked this week? I’ve already mentioned Tanner Scott and Jose Leclerc. Ryan Brasier earned two blown saves. He was looking good there for a little while, but I kinda expected him to fall off sooner or later. Teammate Alex Vesia, whom I thought might finally break out in 2024, took two losses after 4 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 HR, and 2 BB in 4.1 IP. Aroldis Chapman had more walks (4) than strikeouts (3). Allowed a run, but it wasn’t an earned run. I’m not worried about him at all. Still borderline elite for SVHD. Caleb Ferguson earned a loss and a blown save after allowing 3 R and 2 ER in 2.1 IP. Scott McGough gave up a whopping 5 ER in just 1.2 IP. You can kiss his high-leverage goodbye.
Some quick injury updates: Already mentioned Romano/Swanson/Sewald/Brash. Colin Holderman and Caleb Thielbar are back. Deep league holds guys at best. Jhoan Duran has been bullpen-ing it up and could face live hitters soon. Robert Stephenson has had a huge setback: after rehabbing his sore shoulder, he’s now shut down again with elbow soreness. I would wager he’s out for a good while, so Matt Moore SVHD stonks remain in very good standing.
That’s all for this week! Thanks for reading. Leave me a comment below so I feel all warm and fuzzy.
I specialize in bullpens, and I also do some fantasy hockey as well here at Razzball. Find me on Elon’s Disaster: @jkj0787. DMs are always open for questions, comments, concerns, complaints, etc. Odds are good I’m drinking black coffee, dark beer, or some form of bourbon at any given time of day.
Thoughts on dropping Alexis Diaz for someone like Jason Foley, Kirby Yates, or James McCarthur?
Yeahhhh I’m worried about him. Been underwhelming since last year’s AS break. I’m inclined to give him a little more grace tho — still super early. I would try to add Yates and maybe Foley too if you can. Depends what you’ve got going on.
Still the best opening line the biz. FSWA worthy.
<3
Is it time to move on from Jansen? Matt Moore, Sims, Uribe, Pressly , Payamps and Austin Adams are available
Abreu is also available. SVHD league
If not for walks, Jansen would be doing great tbh. I kinda still like him. I don’t think any of those other guys are necessarily safer bets.
If Abreu is still there then it’s probably time to scoop him up
Bryan Abreu: What gives? He was your #1 Holds guy but letting up a ton of hits and walks, and Ks haven’t really been elite level like last year. Hold him or drop for a Neris, Kittredge, Hudson, Foley type. Lots of good holds guys available on the wire. I’m currently rolling with Abreu, J. Adam, and Bob Suarez as my 3 RP (with Duran on IL).
10 tm H2H SVHD League with Total Ks category.
Yeah I don’t know. No one seems to. Couldn’t not be extremely high on the guy after his last two years. Must be a lingering injury that hasn’t fully reared its ugly head? Only thing I can think of. Or straight up yips.
You can definitely drop him in 10T. If those types are on your wire, make a move. I’d swap for Foley.
Hi JKJ,
Dropped Brasier for Swanson. Cool?
Ten team league,
I have Doval. Scott, Adams, Finnegan, L Sims, Gallegos. And Braiser.
Yep, Swanson has to be rostered. I’m wondering if a better guy than Finnegan is on your wire, too. Unless saves and holds are separate, then you gotta hold him.
I have Sewald and Graterol on IL.
It’s a league that counts HR, Hld, era, whip, k/9, qs, and nsv.
10-team sv+hd league. Have Phillips, Hudson, Adam, Alvarado, Uribe. King just cleared waivers. Would you drop Uribe/Alvardo for King? If so which one?
King doesn’t do a lot for me tbh.
Great article, thanks!! How much rope to give Ryan Pressly in a 10-team SV+HD league? Part of it is the Astro’s slow start, I know, but there are lots of good names available on my waiver wire.
Thanks!
I give no ropes in 10T unless it’s the elites. Pressly is very expendable.
Thanks JKJ!
What should I do with Alexis Diaz and Hader? Been struggling for saves and neither have had good numbers this year.
You’ve gotta just weather the storm. It’s still early days. Lots of season left.
Love trying to figure out bullpens! Any way Victor Vodnick starts getting save opportunities?
Thanks for the great work!
Thanks!
I suppose there’s a small chance he does. Hadn’t been on my radar since Mears has been really good thus far.
Great article, JKJ. This information is invaluable. I interacted with Grey this morning and both have provided great insights. Wondering your thoughts. I hate asking ROS questions because the season is long, so let me ask another way. Which 4 of the following would you roster right now with marginal worry that you’ll have to make a change during the season because of injury, ineffectiveness, etc. Play in a points league where saves = 7, holds = 6, IP = 1, K’s = 1, Wins = 4 and BB, ERA, Hits, etc. take points away.
Foley, R. Suarez, JoJo, Kittredge, Ginkle, Payamps
I like the first four myself but want your opinion. I currently have Foley, Ginkle and Payamps but after talking to Grey and reading your article, I’m leaning to replace both with the Cards guys. Suarez was just dropped by an owner for Yates and think all will spend up to get him. I’ve already spent $33 and have the whole season including playoffs – if I make it – with $67 (great math, huh! LOL)
Is it so far fetched to think the Cards guys could match or exceed Suarez come season end?
Thanks for listening and hopefully responding to my rant. Be well.
Thanks for reading and for the kind words!
I would take the first four without hesitation. Would rank them in the order you’ve listed them there, in fact. Could definitely see the Cards guys bringing around the same value as Suarez.
Thank you! Look forward to more art. Be well
Chad Green or Matt Moore for SVHD?
Moore, now that Swanson is back for TOR.
Moore, Sims or Austin Adams for SVHD? I currently have Estevez and not sure if it would be a good idea to double up on Angels RP
Doubling up is fine imo. Moore and Sims are basically the same in my mind (primary setup options with good upside). I would say Sims has higher upside with more risk, while Moore has less upside with less risk. So personal preference on that one.
Lol, better ratios from Moore probably? More opportunities and more K’s for Sims? What is your preference?
My preference is Sims cuz I’ve been on that train and I’ll take him to my grave.
JKJ, what’s happening? I hope all’s well.
So what should we expect from Shelby Miller this year? Our first ever 10 Win / 10 Save guy?! In all honesty, potential takeover as closer down the line or continue as middle relief?
Thanks JKJ!
Jolt
Been too long, Jolt!
Miller might get a few saves when it’s all said and done, but I don’t think he’s got much shot at making a real run for primary opps.
Who has a longer shelf iife – Ginkel or Jax?
Neither have any kind of SV-only shelf life aside from the odd vulture save here or there. I would take Jax 100 times out of 100 over Ginkel for holds.
Which one has a longer period as current team’s closer? Does it appear Seward is back before Duran?
Right now it’s sounding like their timelines are very similar. Both are still in the bullpen throwing stage. Live batters would be next, and then a rehab assignment if all that goes well.