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The first full week of baseball is in the books and it appears that the Detroit Tigers are the greatest team of all time. While we probably shouldn’t jump to those types of conclusions, the first week provided some nice fantasy insight. We’ll take a look at some relief pitching performances from the past week and who we should keep an eye on.
Editor's Note: Bookmark our MLB Closers & Saves Depth Charts for the latest look at all the current closers, setup men, longshots and relief pitcher waiver wire adds.
Waiver Wire Saves & MLB Bullpen Report for 4/16/15
Jason Grilli (RP, ATL)
The baseball world analyzed last weeks Craig Kimbrel trade extensively, but for Grilli, this meant he had the opportunity to start the season as the Braves full time closer. In his three appearances, he has only allowed one baserunner (a walk) and has struck out four of the ten batters he has faced.
He is now owned in 74% of Yahoo! leagues and this number will keep rising. The Braves have played close games to start the year. If that trend continues, Grilli will have a lot of opportunities to post big numbers.
Adam Ottavino (RP, COL)
Only 9% owned in Yahoo! leagues right now, Ottavino is someone to watch. The Rockies current closer, 42-year-old Latroy Hawkins, has looked awful in his three appearances, giving up seven hits and five runs in just 2.2 innings. Rockies fans are calling for his job, and Ottavino could be the next man up.
He has been dominating in his four appearances, facing 15 batters and striking out seven of them. He has only allowed one hit and has overpowered hitters in his current set up role. It’s tough to pitch at Coors field but the Rockies offense should give this team a good amount save opportunities. Watch out for Ottavino.
Miguel Castro (RP, TOR)
One of the early hidden surprises so far has been 20-year-old Castro. With original closer Brett Cecil blowing his first save opportunity, Castro has been thrown into the fire. He has looked solid in his four innings, picking up two saves and has yet to give up a run.
Castro has a fastball that can get up to 100 mph at times so I would expect his strikeout rate to increase as he gets more comfortable in his role. At only 43% owned in Yahoo! leagues, Castro is a nice sleeper pick on most of the waiver wires out there.
Brad Boxberger (RP, TB)
He's the only guy on this list to have given up a run, but his seven strikeouts in 4.1 innings make him desirable. He is clearly going to get the brunt of the closing work for the Rays and had a 41.2% strikeout rate in 2014. He's someone who I definitely recommend grabbing off the waiver wire.
