RADIO
Fantasy Baseball Saves Sleepers Update
As we head into the last week before the All-Star break, the MLB bullpen situations are still volatile in some ballparks.
We take a close look on all the closers, saves and bullpen news and analysis twice a week so you can focus on the rest of your fantasy baseball teams. Find all the information you need on the back end of MLB bullpens right here at RotoBaller.com, and be sure to check out our up-to-date MLB fantasy baseball closer and saves depth charts to keep up with all of the relief pitcher sleepers before they get their chance.
New York Yankees
All Star Dellin Betances picked up his first MLB save on Monday night, giving David Robertson a night off after throwing over 20 pitches on Sunday.
Betances remains one of the best eighth inning options in baseball--his K/9 of 13.59 is best in baseball for pitchers who have thrown at least 40 innings, but Robertson is entrenched in the closer role for the moment.
Tampa Bay Rays
Manager Joe Maddon is closing with a committee of Jake McGee, Grant Balfour and Joel Peralta. Of the Rays' last six save opportunities, McGee got four nods with Balfour and Peralta each getting one chance. All opportunities were converted except for a McGee save.
Maddon can be unpredictable, as he operates mostly on feeling. On July 1st for example, he gave Balfour a chance supposedly because he saw the pitcher hanging out with his grandma prior to first pitch. Look for Peralta to stay a set-up man, McGee to get the majority of save chances and Balfour picking up a few along the way.
Los Angeles Angels
The Angels have a great problem now in that both Joe Smith and the newly acquired Jason Grilli are pitching great. Smith hasn’t allowed an earned run in his last eight appearances, and has racked up 11 saves. Grilli has been right there with him, allowing no earned runs in his six appearances for the Angels while picking up his first three holds of the year.
Look for the Angels to keep Smith where he is now, but at any sign of faltering Grilli could sneak in for some save opportunities.
Toronto Blue Jays
Brett Cecil has returned for the Blue Jays, and should get the call when a lefty is needed. Cecil is in the top ten in holds with 14.
Cincinnati Reds
Aroldis Chapman picked up his 18th save in Tuesday’s first game of a day/night doubleheader.
It looks like his hamstring is okay, but Broxton might get a chance at some point this week if the Reds want to be safe with Chapman.
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:
Jeurys Familia - Jenry Mejia blew another save Monday and has worked back to back nights. If needed, Familia could get the chance to close it out.
Be sure to also take a look at our MLB closers depth charts here.
