BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues
ROSTERED IN: 46% of Leagues
ANALYSIS: With the removal of Adbert Alzolay from the closer role for the Cubs after a fourth blown save already in the early going of 2024, an opportunity was created for another reliever to take over the job. Hector Neris was called upon to record the save in the second game of the Cubs' doubleheader this past Saturday and since then he's recorded two more saves in consecutive days on Wednesday and Thursday.
It hasn't been without drama though. Neris came into the ninth inning with a 4-2 lead over the Astros Wednesday, then promptly gave up a home run to Jose Altuve before retiring the next three batters to preserve the 4-3 victory. On Thursday, Neris again came on in the ninth with a 3-1 lead and walked the first two batters he faced, bringing the winning run to the plate with no outs in the inning. The 34-year-old proceeded to induce three straight groundouts to get out of the inning with the victory.
Héctor Neris escapes the jam against his former team and is PUMPED! pic.twitter.com/SchDL9q4mk
— MLB (@MLB) April 25, 2024
It had been much of the same prior to taking over ninth-inning duties and the righty now has a 4.00 ERA, 1.78 WHIP, and a -2.4% K-BB% (yes, that's a negative 2.4%). Regardless of how he got there, the veteran now has three saves on the season.
It was thought that potentially Mark Leiter Jr. could compete for ninth-inning duties as his numbers are sparkling so far on the season with a 0.00 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, and a 15.7% K-BB%, but it appears the Cubs don't want to mess around with his role. Neris has the edge when it comes to experience too, with 92 career saves compared to Leiter's seven.
Fantasy managers who want to take a chance on Neris may have a good shot at getting him as he's available in over 50% of Yahoo leagues at this point, just know that the potential save could cost you in WHIP and ERA.
More Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickups
Should I Stash Shane Baz In Redraft Leagues? Fantasy Baseball Prospect Outlook
Shane Baz was drafted in the first round of the 2017 Draft, but after working his way to the majors and even tasting success, injuries have delayed his promising young career. We haven't seen him pitch in a big league game since 2022 after undergoing Tommy John surgery. So, should managers be stashing the pitcher... Read More
Graham Pauley - Fantasy Baseball Prospects Waiver Wire Stashes (Week 10)
What Appears In This Article? hide 1. More Fantasy Baseball Analysis BALLER MOVE: Stash in Deeper Leagues CALL-UP ETA: July ANALYSIS: Graham Pauley has spent time with San Diego across two separate stints this season, neither one lasting more than a handful of games though. And while he's not as flashy as some other prospects with... Read More
Joey Loperfido - Fantasy Baseball Prospects Waiver Wire Stashes (Week 10)
BALLER MOVE: Stash in Deeper Leagues CALL-UP ETA: July ANALYSIS: With Joey Loperfido recently returning to Triple-A, he re-enters our Top 10 in this week's stash rankings. It's not that Loperfido's stint with Houston went poorly or anything. In 43 plate appearances, Loperfido hit .333 with a .381 OBP, one home run, and one steal, but... Read More
Garrett Mitchell - Fantasy Baseball Prospects Waiver Wire Stashes (Week 10)
BALLER MOVE: Stash in Deeper Leagues CALL-UP ETA: July ANALYSIS: Garrett Mitchell is an exciting outfielder who is nearing a return from injury. It was reported that Mitchell would take batting practice this week and could begin a rehab assignment after that if all goes well. Once he's ready to return, he'll likely take back over... Read More
Jasson Dominguez - Fantasy Baseball Prospects Waiver Wire Stashes (Week 10)
BALLER MOVE: Stash in All Leagues CALL-UP ETA: June ANALYSIS: Get ready! The Martian's return is drawing closer. Jasson Dominguez has gone 5/13 with four walks in four games for Low-A Tampa since returning from injury and will progress to Double-A and Triple-A over the next week. It's already been determined that he'll use his entire... Read More
Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App
Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy baseball app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, sleepers, prospects & more. All free!Check out RotoBaller's entire fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups and sleepers list, updated daily!