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While holds are even tougher to predict than saves, the players we’ll highlight today include some elite setup men.
The more likely an MLB team is to win, the more likely these pitchers will be eligible to earn the holds that could be the difference between winning or losing in your fantasy league.
Editor’s Note: to read about even more waiver wire options for second base and shortstop, be sure to check out our famous waiver wire pickups list which is a running list that is updated daily.
Waiver Wire Pickups for Holds Leagues
Will Harris, Houston Astros
3 holds, 0.78 ERA, 34.2 innings, 37 strikeouts, 0.61 WHIP
The Houston Astros continue defying the predictions, and the bullpen remains a strength. Harris has been in the majors since 2012 but could not find sustained success with his previous teams. In his first year with the Houston Astros, the 30-year-old is enjoying a great season. Despite allowing just 11 hits, it is slightly alarming that three of the hits have been home runs. Harris has kept the ball on the ground, generating ground balls 49.3% of the time. The key to his success could be found in his pitch usage, turning to his fastball more often than his curve.
Joba Chamberlain, Detroit Tigers
8 holds, 1.89 ERA, 19.0 innings, 13 strikeouts, 1.42 WHIP
The Detroit Tigers are in the middle of the AL Central playoff race with the Kansas City Royals sitting on top of the division and the surprising Minnesota Twins. The offense has been heating up and the rotation has added some valuable arms. In the bullpen, Joba Chamberlain is finding success like he did in his first year with the Tigers. The 29-year-old Chamberlain has been the eighth inning reliever.
This year, Chamberlain is turning to his fastball and slider a little more often, but he is getting hit harder than last year. He has allowed more than a hit per inning, but his defense plays a factor in his problems this year. In a pair of his appearances, an error kept his ERA clean, including four unearned runs in one appearance. On a contender like the Tigers, Chamberlain should have plenty of opportunities to earn a hold.
Will Smith, Milwaukee Brewers
2 holds, 1.35 ERA, 26.2 innings, 36 strikeouts, 0.90 WHIP
Despite the lowly Milwaukee Brewers struggles, left-handed reliever Will Smith is having another good season. The 25-year-old Smith has appeared in some specialist situations, but his reverse splits indicate he is a solid reliever against batters on both sides. Right-handed batters are hitting a lowly .113 against Smith and left-handed batters are hitting .214. The power-pitching lefty relies on two pitches. His fastball averages 93.0 mph and his slider averages 82.0 mph. Expect Smith to get more holds going forward.
George Kontos, San Francisco Giants
5 holds, 1.72 ERA, 36.2 innings, 25 strikeouts, 0.82 WHIP
Through all the injuries, the San Francisco Giants are still close behind the NL West leading Los Angeles Dodgers. Reliever George Kontos has helped the Giants bridge wins from starter to closer. The 30-year-old Kontos frequently finds himself in the back third of the game and with good reason. Despite a 25.5% line drive rate, Kontos has kept opponents to a .191 batting average. Inside the spacious AT&T Park, a 40.6% ground ball rate and 34.0% fly ball rate on batted balls is not as alarming as it would be in a smaller ballpark. The three-pitch pitcher relies on his low-90s fastball, high-80s cutter and low-80s slider.
Jared Hughes, Pittsburgh Pirates
12 holds, 2.93 ERA, 30.2 innings, 25 strikeouts, 1.27 WHIP
The Pittsburgh Pirates are in one of the most competitive divisions so a good bullpen could be the difference between playoff baseball or golf in October. Sinkerball pitcher Jared Hughes has been a regular presence in the late innings for the Pirates. At 60.4% ground balls, the 72.4% used sinker is doing wonders for the 29-year-old Hughes. Opponents have an high average against Hughes, but he's made it work with the lofty ground ball rate. Those ground balls will find more gloves with time. He will continue to record holds for the contending Pirates.
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