Chris Martin (RP, TEX) - Waiver Wire Pickups Week 8

David Emerick profiles Texas Rangers' closer Chris Martin as a waiver wire pickup or add target for Week 8 of the 2019 fantasy baseball season. Martin's initial success and the open spot have provided him with an opportunity to seize the role.

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ANALYSIS: Since inheriting the Rangers' closing role on May 8, Chris Martin has averaged a strikeout per inning, allowed two hits (one was a home run), managed a .50 WHIP, and provided a 2.25 ERA. The Texas situation is one of the messiest closer situations in all of baseball right now, but owners in need of saves or looking to take a flyer on a potential closer would be wise to add Martin.

It initially looked like Martin's stint as closer would be shortlived because he was just taking over when Shawn Kelley was sent to the IL with a non-baseball illness. Kelley was initially placed on the IL with an infection, but he just had surgery to remove two lumps from his throat. He may return this coming week, but his situation remains unclear and unsettled. Kelley's health, Martin's success and Jose Leclerc's move to an opener role have left the door open for Martin to cement himself as a useful closer.

It's hard to argue with Martin's initial performance in the role. Despite an underwhelming 4.54 ERA in 2018, he was nearly as good last year as he has been this year (3.12 ERA, 3.04 SIERA). That bodes well for his ability to hold onto the role or at least offer owners a few saves until Kelley or Leclerc reclaim the position. If possession is 9/10ths of the fantasy law for closers, who cares what the other 1/10th is? For now, Martin is the one getting the save opportunities, best to roll with him until the situation changes.