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As we get into the meat of the MLB season, waiver wire pickups will continue to become more prevalent. This week we have a couple newly appointed closers in Shawn Tolleson and A.J. Ramos who are widely available in many leagues.
It's important to stay on top of these instances and take advantage of these situations before it's too late.
Editor’s Note: to read about even more waiver wire options for closers and relief pitchers, be sure to check out our famous waiver wire pickups list which is a running list that is updated daily.
Kenley Jansen (RP, LAD)
After missing the start of the season, Jansen has jumped right into the closer role in impressive fashion. In four innings, Jansen has yet to allow a baserunner and has struck out eight of the 16 batters he has faced. At 89.3% owned in ESPN leagues, he still may be still available in yours. If so, Jansen is a must-add.
Neftali Feliz and Shawn Tolleson (RP, TEX)
I mentioned last week that Feliz might be headed towards a new role after his awful performances of late, and that appears to have happened. Feliz only made one appearance this week, and it came when the team was down a couple runs in the 8th inning. He didn’t allow a run, but he again failed to impress, giving up a hit and two walks in 1.1 innings.
Tolleson, on the other hand, has been the beneficiary of Feliz’s struggles. While he did give up at least one base runner in each appearance, Tolleson picked up his first two saves of the season in his two innings pitched this week. Tolleson is a hot waiver wire target right now, though he’s still available in the majority of leagues. Go ahead and add him immediately before others start to catch on.
Sean Doolittle and Tyler Clippard (RP, OAK)
With Doolittle out to this point in the season, Clippard has filled in respectably as the A’s closer. The main problem in his situation is that he simply hasn’t had very many save chances. He’s had only five save chances in 46 A’s games. With Doolittle expected to return in the next week or two, Clippard's value will likely take a large hit. It is not yet known if Doolittle will immediately be the closer when he returns so that is definitely something to monitor.
Doolittle is 62% owned in Yahoo! leagues right now and with the strikeout clout he possesses, he should be added to your teams once he makes his official return.
A.J. Ramos (RP, MIA)
The Marlins' closer problems have been well documented but they may have found something in Ramos. Adding to his fantastic start to the season, Ramos made four appearances this week without allowing a hit. Ramos is 47% owned in Yahoo! leagues and is a great waiver wire option right now. He may not get a ton of save opportunities with the way the Marlins are playing, but his 28 strikeouts in 23 innings and clear trust from his manager make him a nice plug and play option moving forward.
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