RADIO
While the holds statistic is even harder to predict than saves for closers, the players we highlight today feature some sleeper setup men and some looking to reclaim glory they once had. The more likely an MLB team is to win, the more likely these following relief pitchers will be eligible to earn the holds that could be the difference between winning or losing in your fantasy league.
This week, the non-waiver trade deadline has come and gone. A few players have moved and it was evident that some teams were seeking relief pitchers. A few of the relief pitchers that are spotlighted here were affected by trades this season.
Editor’s Note: This piece is part of a weekly series on relief pitcher targets for holds. You can follow the entire series of holds analysis and sleepers to stay ahead of your competition.
Also be sure to check out our famous fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups list, which is broken down by every position with hot/trending players, and is updated every single day.
9 holds, 1.95 ERA, 50.2 innings, 51 strikeouts, 0.83 WHIP
While relievers Joe Thatcher, Jason Grilli and Huston Street were added to solve most of the bullpen issues, reliever Joe Smith is one of a handful of Angels relievers that had been fairly dependable. Opponents are batting just .186 against him. He only has nine holds to this point in the season because prior to the acquisitions, he was one of many that tried his hand at closing. Huston Street will likely be the closer from this point, barring any ineffectiveness, so Smith will take on a middle relief role and with numbers like he has put up, he will earn many holds as the Angels compete for a postseason berth.
11 holds, 2.36 ERA, 61.0 innings, 28 strikeouts, 1.08 WHIP
With the acquisition of Jon Lester to make a great rotation even greater, Oakland's bullpen will need to continue being a dependable bridge for what is projected to be a World Series contender.
After a good first season with the A’s, Otero continues to impress. What he doesn't do with flashy strikeouts he manages to do with ground balls, as over half of the balls in play against him are hit on the ground. He gets the job done while protecting leads for one the best teams in the league.
Andrew Miller, Baltimore Orioles
13 holds, 2.34 ERA, 42.1 innings, 69 strikeouts, 0.90 WHIP
With the Boston Red Sox out of contention, they overhauled the roster again, and one of players they dealt was lefty reliever Andrew Miller. Traded within the division to the Orioles, Miller and could become the primary left-handed reliever out of the Baltimore bullpen. The left-handed Brian Matusz is sporting an ERA north of 4.00, so Miller's acquisition will be a substantial upgrade. The Orioles are deep in the division race and he holds left-handed batters to a .150 batting average.
11 holds, 1.04 ERA, 43.1 innings, 59 strikeouts, 0.95 WHIP
Early on in the season, Will Smith was probably the best left-handed reliever in the Milwaukee Brewers bullpen. Over time, Smith hit some bumps in the road, but Zach Duke continues to shine. Duke is holding left-handed batters to a .162 batting average, and this lefty specialist is getting the job done and with a 12.3 K/9-- he is putting up some solid roster-worthy fantasy numbers.
A.J. Ramos, Miami Marlins
13 holds, 2.14 ERA, 42.0 innings, 46 strikeouts, 1.33 WHIP
A.J. Ramos is having a great season in the Miami Marlins bullpen. With the Marlins doing their best to stay in contention despite injuries in their rotation, A.J. Ramos needs to continue contributing with solid relief pitching. He manages a little more than a strikeout per inning and already has 13 holds. Ramos throws mostly a low-90s fastball and a slider, and though it's hard to imagine the Marlins staying in contention, Ramos will be a part of why they keep winning if they are able to put together a stretch run.
