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Your Latest News from the Back End of the Bullpen
We keep a close eye on all the bullpen news and analysis twice a week so you can focus on the rest of your fantasy baseball team. Find all the information you need on the back end of bullpens right here at Rotoballer.com, and be sure to check out our up-to-date MLB fantasy baseball closer and saves depth charts.
Oakland A’s: Well last night was a hot mess. Jesse Chavez pitched into 9th but left after giving up Jose Abreu's 14th HR, and Fernando Abad didn’t fair too well after coming in. So closer Jim Johnson was brought in and proceeded to give back to back hits before he was lifted for Sean Doolittle. He nailed it down, striking out two of the three hitters he faced. Johnson may get 1 more chance, if he fails, look for another closer by committee situation in Oakland.
New York Mets: Mets Manager believes in Jeurys Familia despite having 8 walks in 17+ innings. Farnsworth is one more bad outing away from Familia getting the closer’s role, although Farnsworth did lock down his first clean save in a while on Monday night.
Cleveland Indians: John Axford has stunk it up recently and now he's out of the closer role. Fantasy owners are wondering if it’s Cody Allen’s job or Bryan Shaw’s job. Allen is the better pitcher but Terry Francona uses Allen in the toughest situation, no matter the inning. Look for both Shaw and Allen to get save opportunities. They are both must adds for all ya'll save vultures out there.
Identity Thieves
These are a few relievers who have a chance to steal the closer’s identity, or at least vulture a few saves in the short term.
Brad Ziegler - Addison Reed blew another save last night and has given up at least 1 earned run in each of his last 3 appearances. Ziegler hasn’t allowed an earned run since April 4th.
Zach Britton - Tommy Hunter has given up earned runs in 3 straight games while Britton has been brilliant this season with a 0.84 ERA.
Will Smith - Francisco Rodriguez’s job is not in jeopardy at all but the Brewers would be inclined to give him some rest as he has worked a lot this season. Will Smith has emerged as a great 8th inning set up man and could garner a save or two.
