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While holds are even tougher to predict than saves, the players we’ll highlight today include some elite setup men.
The more likely an MLB team is to win, the more likely these pitchers will be eligible to earn the holds that could be the difference between winning or losing in your fantasy league.
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.
Justin Wilson, New York Yankees
18 holds, 2.57 ERA, 35.0 innings, 33 strikeouts, 1.06 WHIP
The New York Yankees have come out of the All-Star break strong and the bullpen continues to be one of their biggest strengths. Beyond the diamonds, Miller and Betances, the veteran Justin Wilson has been another bright spot. The 27-year-old Wilson has been used frequently in the seventh inning and his splits indicate why. As a whole, opponents are hitting .192 with left-handed batters (.200) hitting slightly better than right-handed batters (.187). Wilson has been relying prominently on fastballs, mainly a fastball around 95 mph and a cutter. Another positive of Wilson has been his ability to keep the batted ball on the ground. As long the 47.7 percent ground ball rate is around this level while lowering his 23.3 percent fly ball rate to keep the ball in the ballpark, Wilson will easily maintain his standing in the bullpen, adding holds frequently.
J.P. Howell, Los Angeles Dodgers
5 holds, 0.33 ERA, 27.2 innings, 21 strikeouts, 1.19 ERA
The Los Angeles Dodgers have not had many bright spots when it came to their bullpen. The 32-year-old J.P. Howell is a bright spot with his remarkably low ERA. He has a slim difference in his splits, with left-handed batters hitting .220 and right-handed batters hitting to a .236 batting average. Never associated with a high-powered fastball, Howell relies on location and movement on his fastball, averaging 87 mph and a curve that approaches 81 mph. The effectiveness of his work lies in the result of balls put in play against him. At nearly 59 percent of the time, batted balls against Howell are ground balls. He is not likely to keep the ERA in the sub-0.50 levels but he will keep it in a respectable range while he notches holds for a World Series contender.
Rafael Soriano, Chicago Cubs
0 holds, 0.00 ERA, 2.0 innings, 1 strikeout, 1.50 WHIP
Zero holds is no cause for concern as Rafael Soriano was recently recalled to the Chicago Cubs roster. Obviously, with a small sample size through this year there isn't much to make of the current numbers. In the last few years, Soriano is a fastball-cutter pitcher. In the last two years, the veteran Soriano has blown 17 saves. Despite his experience as a closer, there is no guarantee he will take on the closer's role with the Cubs. What he can provide is veteran experience, leadership and will get outs when he gets called upon. Expect him to get holds and progress his way into higher leverage roles once he shows he can handle it. He will notch holds and who knows, you may get a closer in him too, if he shows he's capable.
Vidal Nuno, Seattle Mariners
3 holds, 2.16 ERA, 16.2 innings, 14 strikeouts, 0.90 WHIP
Once a starter, Vidal Nuno is finding success out of the bullpen for the Seattle Mariners. Since the start of July, Nuno has been used in the later third of the game almost exclusively. As a reliever, he has seen a slight increase in his velocity and making due with his spacious pitcher's ballpark. Despite the 48.8 percent fly ball rate, Nuno is keeping opponents to a .211 batting average. The aforementioned increase in velocity has not been eye-popping as he does not break 90 with his fastball. He is making it work out of the bullpen for the Mariners. He is a difference between the standard mid 90s of starting pitchers so his lack of velocity could be to his benefit, as seen by the statistics he has put up to this point of the season.
Tommy Kahnle, Colorado Rockies
8 holds, 3.60 ERA, 20 innings, 25 strikeouts, 1.45 WHIP
The Colorado Rockies are getting a better year from Tommy Kahnle in his sophomore year with the team. The 25-year-old put together a respectable rookie year with the Rockies last year but he has changed his approach and it is proving positive this year. Last year, Kahnle relied on his fastball 70 percent of the time and his changeup 17.7 percent of the time. This year, Kahnle turns to his fastball just 59 percent of the time while he found reliance on his changeup, utilizing it 37.3 percent of the time. Pitching primarily in the hitter-friendly Coors Field, a 55.6 percent ground ball rate is remarkable. He is keeping the ball from flying and as we all know, when it flies, it can go a far way in Colorado. The Rockies are not succeeding this year but Kahnle is.
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