While holds are even tougher to predict than saves, the players we’ll highlight today include some elite setup men that have proven to be closer candidates. These guys should be targeted off the waiver wire for Week 9 of the fantasy baseball season.

The more likely a team is to win, the more likely a pitcher will be eligible to earn the holds that could be the difference between winning or losing in your fantasy league. Bear in mind, an effective relief pitcher highlighted today could find himself in a closer's role if the everyday closer is unavailable or recently ineffective.

Editor’s Note: RotoBaller’s fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups list is updated every single day. Our awesome writers bring you analysis on hot or emerging starting pitchers, and also all other fantasy positions. You can also download our waiver wire iPhone app for free, and easily stay updated.

Week 9 Bullpen Waiver Wire Pickups

Will Smith, Milwaukee Brewers

In 2015: 20 Holds, 2.70 ERA, 63.1 IP, 91 K, 1.20 WHIP

After injuring his knee prior to the season starting, reliever Will Smith lost the competition for closer of the Milwaukee Brewers to Jeremy Jeffress. While Jeffress has done well, closing 13 of 14 opportunities, Will Smith lost the job through injury only. As evidenced by his 2015 season, Smith is a very effective reliever. The fastball, slider combination has worked for Smith as he generated 45.8% ground balls in 2015 and struck out well over a batter per inning. Jeffress may not lose the job outright but Smith has a dominant reputation and could see opportunities in the ninth inning if Jeffress struggles.

David Hernandez, Philadelphia Phillies

1 Save, 11 Holds, 2.55 ERA, 24.2 IP, 35 K, 1.14 WHIP

While closer Jeanmar Gomez has been a solid finisher for the Philadelphia Phillies, tying for the league lead in saves, a heavy workload comes with that productivity. Veteran David Hernandez has gotten a save as a part of the Phillies this year. Opponents are hitting .207 against Hernandez. His fastball has lost a tick, from 94.3 to 93.8, but it complements his 81.3 MPH curveball to generate 43.9% ground balls in the hitter-friendly Citizens Bank Park. Gomez has proven to be effective but if the Phillies consistently pitch in one-run games, the everyday closer may be unavailable. Cue the entry of David Hernandez for the save.

Nick Vincent, Seattle Mariners

1 Save, 9 Holds, 2.35 ERA, 23.0 IP, 28 K, 0.91 WHIP

Closer Steve Cishek has experienced his share of struggles in the 2016 season for the Seattle Mariners. It sure wouldn't hurt to have suitable replacements should the opportunity present itself. Reliever Nick Vincent struggled a bit in May but so did Cishek. Vincent has pitched effectively as opponents are hitting .205 against him. With a fastball and a cutter, Vincent generates 46.4% ground balls in a pitcher-friendly ballpark. Cishek has a history of struggling in the closer's role. With Joaquin Benoit, Joel Peralta and Nick Vincent available; they can all serve as suitable closers should Cishek flashback to a difficult time again.

Tyler Clippard, Arizona Diamondbacks

1 Save, 5 Holds, 2.49 ERA, 21.2 IP, 26 K, 1.20 WHIP

Brad Ziegler is an effective closer for the Arizona Diamondbacks. Still, a closer that strikes out batters prevents the opportunities easier than a contact closing pitcher. Tyler Clippard has experience closing in the past (54 career saves) and is currently striking out more than a batter per inning. The fastball/changeup pitcher regularly enters the game in the seventh inning or later so he can easily slide into save situations if Ziegler proves ineffective.

John Axford, Oakland Athletics

1 Save, 7 Holds, 3.48 ERA, 20.2 IP, 14 K, 1.36 WHIP

The Oakland Athletics have a number of former closers to close out their wins. While Ryan Madson has done well to this point in the season, Sean Doolittle has notched three saves this year and John Axford secured his first to finish the month of May right. Despite the rough May, Axford is showing effectiveness that can justify saves occasionally if Madson is unavailable. With a fastball and a curveball, Axford is generating 59.7% ground balls in an already pitcher-friendly ballpark.

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