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A couple of newly appointed closers in Carson Smith and Brad Ziegler are on great runs, while the Jays are in desperate need of consistency in their bullpen.
Some teams have begun to fall out of the playoff hunt, and we may see some closers change teams before the All-Star break as contending teams jockey for position.
Editor’s Note: to read about even more waiver wire options for closers and relief pitchers, be sure to check out our famous waiver wire pickups list which is a running list that is updated daily.
Closers & Saves Updates for Week 12
Carson Smith (RP, SEA)
With continued reports that Fernando Rodney might be getting his closer job back in the near future, Smith strung together three straight dominating save performances. In 2.2 innings, Smith recorded four strikeouts and didn't allow a single baserunner. Not only that, but the ball did not leave the infield in any of his three appearances.
Mariners manager Lloyd McClendon has supported Smith, stating that he'd remain the closer for the time being. Considering his recent appearances and Rodney's age, I'd tend to believe McClendon in that he'll go with Smith until he isn't able to handle the job. With Smith still at only 32% owned in ESPN leagues, he'd make for a great waiver wire pickup.
Brad Ziegler (RP, ARI)
We've talked about Ziegler in past weekly reports but he has really started to come alive for the Dbacks. His last seven appearances overall have resulted in saves, making him the clear number one closer for Arizona.
The problem with Ziegler continues to be the fact that he isn't a strikeout pitcher. So as a fantasy owner, you're simply relying on him to pick up saves. In his last ten appearances, Ziegler has only one strikeout, and has allowed at least one baserunner in eight of those appearances. He has an elite ground ball rate of 68.2 % and hasn't given up many runs throughout the course of his career. Ziegler will get you saves, but Smith should be your target if available due to strikeout prowess.
Brett Cecil (RP, TOR)
Cecil ended the week with an awful outing giving up four earned runs resulting in a loss to the Orioles. The Jays closer has now allowed runs in five out of his last six outings, and ten runs in his last 5 2/3 innings. The problem for the Jays is that they don't have many other options. There is almost no way they can keep throwing Cecil out as the closer with the way he's pitching so Cecil owners may want to cut their losses early and drop him.
Possible candidates to replace Cecil are Robert Osuna, Steve Delabar, and Liam Hendricks. None of these guys jump out but if you're in need of a relief pitcher, keep an eye on the Jays' situation in case they announce a new closer in the next couple of games.
Francisco Rodriguez (RP, MIL)
One last player to keep an eye for the Blue Jays or another team trying to contend is Francisco Rodriguez from the struggling Brewers. Rodriguez has had an outstanding year with a 1.17 ERA and 24 strikeouts in 23 innings. He's also a perfect 13-for-13 in save opportunities for a team with only 25 wins. He is still available in 21.8% of ESPN leagues - if your league is one of those, make the add now.
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