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Is Joe Kelly a fantasy baseball waiver wire pickup for closers? Should you target Kelly as a free agent for saves on the waiver wire while Evan Phillips is out?
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12-14+ Team Leagues / NL-Only Leagues
ROSTERED IN: 3% of Leagues
ANALYSIS: Los Angeles Dodgers closer Evan Phillips (hamstring) was placed on the 15-day injured list on Sunday with a Grade 1 hamstring injury. Although Phillips is expected to remain sidelined only for a minimum stint, several save opportunities will now be given to other members of the bullpen for the time being,
For those chasing saves Joe Kelly is worth adding in deeper 12-14+ team leagues and NL-only leagues, as he could see multiple save opportunities over the next two weeks. The 35-year-old has posted a 4.73 ERA and 1.35 WHIP across 13 ⅓ innings with 14 strikeouts. He has issued just five free passes.
There's a fine line between a Relief Pitcher and a Psychopath.
TBH, I'm not sure which side of that line Joe Kelly falls. 🤣 pic.twitter.com/Dk1l04cr5p
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) May 1, 2024
Kelly has only entered the game in the seventh and eighth innings, which suggests he may have a strong chance to receive ninth-inning duties. In addition, Kelly has totaled nine holds this season, which is the fifth most in baseball.
In shallow leagues, it may best to wait to see who Dave Roberts gives ninth-inning duties to before picking Kelly up, as Daniel Hudson, Alex Vesia and Blake Treinen are also candidates. However, in deeper leagues or NL-only formats, it may be savvy of you to get ahead of your league mates and grab the potential replacement closer in Los Angeles.
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