X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

Bullpen Report: Finding Elite Ratio and Strikeout Relievers

Giovanny Gallegos - Fantasy Baseball Rankings, Relief Pitchers, Draft Sleepers, MLB Injury News

Michael Florio's fantasy baseball closers, saves and bullpen report for Week 11. He looks at all 30 MLB bullpens for under the radar fantasy baseball relievers.

Sticky stuff is all the rage in the baseball world right now. Will we see pitchers suddenly losing strikeouts due to a reduce in spin rate? Will ERAs suddenly shoot up leading to more offense? Will that early round ace you drafted suddenly turn into a pumpkin? These are all the questions that fantasy baseball players are having to worry about right now. That is on top of the one constant question we have had all season - who will get the next save opportunity for the Reds? 

With the fear of starting pitchers numbers taking a hit, that will make some fantasy managers more wary about streaming those fringy options that you grab off the waiver wire. If you are one of those managers, you can replace those streaming starting options with some relievers that provides elite ratios and a high strikeout rate. These relievers can give you about three or four innings in a week, which is not far off from a fringy starter, and provide better results. 

Bullpens have been changing around the league as they have been all season. That is what this article will focus on this week. Bullpens that have been changing around the league in recent weeks and the elite relievers that are not closers but you can use for ratios and strikeouts. 

Be sure to check all of our fantasy baseball lineup tools and resources:

 

Changing Bullpens 

Baltimore Orioles 

Cesar Valdez was a nice early season pickup, logging in eight saves, but then he struggled. His last save was on May 10th and he has routinely been pitching in the middle innings. The top option here is Paul Fry, who has picked up the last two save chances for Baltimore and has pitched in the ninth inning in some non-save situations. Fry has pitched to a 1.99 ERA, 1.06 WHIP with a 37 percent strikeout rate. Cole Sulser did pick up the first non-Valdez save for the Orioles and he would be the secondary option to add here. Not only could he be in the save mix, but he provides those great ratios and strikeouts that we love in our relievers. On the season he has pitched to a 1.66 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and has a 38 percent strikeout rate. 

Detroit Tigers

Michael Fulmer was looking like a strong source of ratios and strikeouts with some save chances coming his way as well, but he is now on the IL. While we can expect him to return into that late inning role when he returns, we need to know who to add from this bullpen now. We know Gregory Soto will continue to be a late inning option for this team, but they do not always save him for the save situations. But, he has not picked up a save since May 26th. He did pitch the ninth with a five run lead on Thursday. Instead the last two save opportunities have gone to Jose Cisnero. He has pitched to a 3.86 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and a 31 percent strikeout rate. He should be added in Roto formats for the time being. Soto should still be held onto, but he is on thin ice. 

Kansas City Royals

This bullpen has been a headache all season long. They have had six pitchers pick up a save, with four having multiple. Josh Staumont returned from the IL, but he has not picked up a save since doing so, and is dealing with some decreased velocity. The four relievers we see used in save situations here are Staumont, Kyle Zimmer, Scott Barlow and Greg Holland. In the last two weeks, Barlow and Holland have a save each. Barlow’s was a two inning save situation. Right now this bullpen is kind of a guessing game, but the two likeliest options to get the next save chance would be Holland and Barlow. Save needy teams can start those two in a Roto format, but again, this is a situation without a ton of clarity. Until we see them use Staumont in the ninth again, he should be left on fantasy benches. 

Minnesota Twins 

This is another bullpen that has been anything but boring this season. Both Robles and Rogers have five saves on the season and both has two saves in the last two weeks. This is purely a matchup-based usage between these two, but with Robles being the righty, he has to be the slight favorite to pick up more saves here. Either way, both of these pitchers should be rostered and started in all Roto formats. 

San Francisco Giants 

On the season Jake McGee has 12 saves and Tyler Rogers has eight, but in the last two weeks Rogers has the two-to-one advantage. McGee also struggled Wednesday picking up his second loss of the season. On the year McGee has pitched to a 3.76 ERA, 0.99 WHIP with a 29 percent strikeout rate. Rogers has pitched to a 1.77 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and has a very-low 12 percent strikeout rate. McGee also has the lower xFIP and SIERA on the season. Both are worth rostering right now, and Rogers seems to have an advantage on the save opportunities right now, but I still prefer McGee in the long run. 

Texas Rangers 

Ian Kennedy, who has been awesome, has landed on the IL with a hamstring injury. The favorite for saves in his absence is Josh Sborz. He is the only pitcher besides Kennedy to pick up a save this season. He has also been effective pitching to a 4.38 ERA, with a 2.79 xFIP, 2.85 SIERA, 1.22 WHIP and a 31 percent strikeout rate. Monitor this bullpen usage over the weekend before putting in FAAB bids, but anticipate spending over 10 percent of your budget if he gets a save. In first come, first serve waiver leagues, grab this guy now! Another option is Joely Rodriguez who has been used in late innings, but has struggled as of late. He is a deep league option for now. 

 

Non-Closing Relievers to Add

Rex Brothers has pitched to a 3.05 ERA, 2.64 SIERA, with a 1.11 WHIP and a 41 percent strikeout rate, the seventh highest among qualified relievers. The Cubs also could move Craig Kimbrel this summer, and if they do, Brothers will be in the saves mix. 

Daniel Hudson has pitched to a 2.59 ERA, 0.90 WHIP, 2.37 SIERA and a 37 percent strikeout rate. He is also the next man up for saves in the Washington bullpen.

Heath Hembree has an ugly 5.50 ERA but his xERA is 2.45 and he has a 2.52 SIERA and 3.58 xFIP, indicating that he has pitched much better than that ERA indicates. He has pitched to a 0.89 WHIP and has a 37 percent strikeout rate. We have also seen him pick up a save this season and the Reds bullpen has been the most volatile in the MLB this season. He could see save chances at some point this season. 

Ranger Suarez has a 0.49 WHIP, the lowest among any reliever with at least 10 innings pitched this season. He also has a zero ERA, to go along with a 24 percent strikeout rate, 2.60 SIERA and two wins in his 20 relief innings this season. He can log multiple innings in an outing, which makes him even more valuable. If you are looking for a reliever for ratios, he is your guy. 

Nick Sandlin has pitched to a 0.66 WHIP this season, the fifth lowest among qualified relievers. That goes along with a 2.63 ERA, 36 percent strikeout rate and a 2.44 SIERA. He won’t provide saves, but he’s got you covered with ratios and strikeouts. 

Ryan Tepera has a 2.15 ERA and a 0.68, the eighth lowest among qualified relievers. He also has a 32 percent strikeout rate. Just like Brothers, he provides elite ratios and could get save chances if anything happens to Kimbrel. 

Giovanny Gallegos has pitched to a 2.31 ERA, 0.74 WHIP, 2.79 SIERA, with a 31 percent strikeout rate. The best part is he will give you plenty of innings, as the Cardinals just keep on throwing him out there. He has thrown 35 innings this season, the third most among all relievers. He is also next in line for saves in St. Louis. 

Chad Green has pitched to a 3.03 ERA, 0.84 WHIP, with a 26 percent strikeout rate for the Yankees this season. He is a ratio option for deeper leagues, if the names above are already rostered. He is also next in line for saves with the Yankees.

Brad Boxberger currently has a 2.92 ERA, 0.85 WHIP with a 25 percent strikeout rate on the season. He has two wins and two saves on the season. He could join Devin Williams in the saves picture if anything happens to Josh Hader

All stats entering Thursday, June 10th. 

Follow me on Twitter, @MichaelFFlorio.



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy baseball app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, sleepers, prospects & more. All free!



More Fantasy Baseball Advice




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Oneil Cruz

Leaves Tuesday's Game with Apparent Head Injury
Bradley Beal

Feeling Rejuvenated in Los Angeles
Frankie Montas

Moves to Bullpen, Hopes for Reset in Relief Role
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Looking "Incredible"
PIT

Chad Ruhwedel Retires From NHL
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. to be Activated Soon
MIN

Jack Johnson Signs Tryout Deal with Wild
Ryker Evans

Kraken Extend Ryker Evans with Two-Year Deal
Josh Hader

Astros Place Josh Hader on Injured List With Shoulder Strain
Rondale Moore

Out for the Season With Knee Injury
Félix Bautista

Felix Bautista Won't Return This Year With "Significant" Shoulder Injury
Zach Eflin

to Undergo Back Surgery, Out for the Year
Christian Watson

Likely to Begin Season on PUP List
Jordan Love

Undergoes Procedure on Left Thumb
Bud Cauley

Needs a Big Result in Maryland
Harris English

Confident for BMW Championship
Jason Day

Faces Uphill Battle at BMW Championship
Cameron Young

Hot at the Right Time
J.J. Spaun

Rolls in After Near Miss in Memphis
Brian Harman

is a Longer Shot Heading to Maryland
Corey Conners

Appears Safe This Week in Maryland
Daniel Berger

Must Play Better at BMW Championship
Zach Neto

Homers Twice on Monday
Miami Heat

Kai Jones Works Out for Heat
Sacramento Kings

Russell Westbrook Likely to Join Kings
Golden State Warriors

Al Horford Expected to Sign with Warriors if He Doesn't Retire
Jonathan Kuminga

Reportedly Leaning Toward Accepting Golden State's Qualifying Offer
Cam Thomas

"Increasingly Interested" in Signing Qualifying Offer
Gustavo Campero

Carted Off Field Monday With Leg Injury
Josh Hader

Unavailable Monday Due To Shoulder Discomfort
Shane McClanahan

has Surgery, Won't Return in 2025
Sepp Straka

Withdraws From BMW Championship
Maverick McNealy

Finishes Tied for 28th at FedEx St. Jude Championship
Scottie Scheffler

Finishes Tied For Third at FedEx St. Jude Championship
Collin Morikawa

Finishes Tied For 22nd at FedEx St. Jude Championship
Rory McIlroy

Finishes Tied For Seventh at Open Championship
Ben Griffin

Finishes Tied For Ninth at FedEx St. Jude Championship
Tommy Fleetwood

Finishes Tied For Third at FedEx St. Jude Championship
Ludvig Aberg

Finishes Tied For Ninth at FedEx St. Jude Championship
Bobby Witt Jr.

Back in Monday's Lineup
Brandon Aiyuk

Could Return in Week 6
Boston Celtics

Miles Norris Waived by Celtics
Javonte Green

Inks Deal With Pistons
Anthony Hernandez

Extends His Win Streak To Eight
Roman Dolidze

Submitted At UFC Vegas 109
Byron Buxton

Twins Reinstate Byron Buxton From Injured List
Ode' Osbourne

Drops Decision At UFC Vegas 109
Steve Erceg

Gets Back In The Win Column
Angela Hill

Outclassed At UFC Vegas 109
Angela Hill

Iasmin Lucindo Dominates Angela Hill
Christian Rodriguez

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Andre Fili

Gets Back in the Win Column
Miles Johns

Drops Split Decision At UFC Vegas 109
Miles Johns

Jean Matsumoto Edges Out Miles Johns To Win Split Decision
Eryk Anders

Suffers First-Round TKO
Christian Leroy Duncan

Scores First-Round TKO Win
Alexander Mattison

Will Miss Entire Season With Neck Injury
Zayne Parekh

Has Sights Set on Making Flames Roster
Hampus Lindholm

Fully Healthy for New Season
NHL

Nathan Bastian Joins Stars on One-Year Contract
Travis Bazzana

Set to Join Triple-A
Christopher Bell

Good Pit Strategy Helps Elevate Christopher Bell to Second
William Byron

Extends Championship Lead with Fourth-Place Finish
Ryan Blaney

Despite Finishing Sixth, Watkins Glen Might've Been Ryan Blaney's Best Road Race
Alex Bowman

Loses Ground Above Playoff Cutline, but Still Pretty Safe
Kyle Larson

Finishes Last After Brake Failure and Spin
Chris Buescher

Scores Another Top-5 Run At Watkins Glen
Ryan Preece

Earns Stage Points, but Loses Ground to the Playoffs At Watkins Glen
William Byron

Keeps the Regular Season Points Lead After Watkins Glen
Chase Briscoe

Continues His Hot Streak With A Top-5 Finish At Watkins Glen
Chase Elliott

Top-20 Streak Ends at Watkins Glen After Pit Struggles
Josh Giddey

Bulls Still Apart In Contract Negotiations
Jeremy Sochan

Expected To Miss EuroBasket With Calf Injury
Trae Young

'Resigned' To Idea Of No Extension This Offseason
Matthew Stafford

Will Return to Practice on Monday
Tyjae Spears

to Miss a Couple of Weeks
Hunter Greene

Expected to Return Wednesday
Bobby Witt Jr.

Dealing With Stiff Back
Rondale Moore

Expected to Miss Season
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen the Heavy Favorite to Win at Watkins Glen
Kyle Larson

Is Kyle Larson a Must-Play in DFS at Watkins Glen?
Chase Elliott

an Easy Pick to Make in DFS at Watkins Glen
Chris Buescher

Trying to Repeat at Watkins Glen
Tyler Reddick

Struggling to Find Speed at Watkins Glen
Michael McDowell

a Legitimate Threat at Watkins Glen
Joey Logano

Has Been Solid at Watkins Glen in Next Gen Car
Todd Gilliland

Has Upside at Watkins Glen
Ricky Stenhouse Jr

. has Favorable Watkins Glen Record
Justin Haley

Fastest in Practice at Watkins Glen
Riley Herbst

Could Be A Sneaky DFS Play
Julio Rodríguez

Julio Rodriguez Homers Twice in Win
Tyjae Spears

Picks Up High-Ankle Sprain in Loss
Jayden Reed

Wearing Walking Boot
Tyjae Spears

Carted Off on Saturday
New York Knicks

Ben Simmons Drawing Interest from Knicks, Celtics
Rachaad White

Won't Return on Saturday
James Cook

Not Willing to Play During Contract Dispute
Anthony Richardson Sr.

Plans to Practice Saturday
Trea Turner

Homers, Drives in Five in Productive Night
Haywood Highsmith

Undergoes Successful Knee Surgery
NHL

Jakub Vrana Signs Two-Year Deal in Sweden
COL

Avalanche Bring Back Joel Kiviranta on One-Year Deal
Matthew Tkachuk

Could Miss 2-3 Months with Surgery
Edward Cabrera

Punches Out 11 in Victory
Chase Burns

Superb in 10-Strikeout Performance
Chris Olave

Tweaks Ankle at Practice
Najee Harris

' Status for Week 1 Uncertain
Jake Ferguson

Practices on Friday
Ladd McConkey

Returning to Practice on Friday
Tyreek Hill

Sidelined with Oblique Injury
Anthony Richardson Sr.

X-Rays Negative on Anthony Richardson Sr.
Rashee Rice

Chiefs Expect Rashee Rice to be Suspended 4-6 Games
Mason McTavish

Several Teams Keeping Tabs on Mason McTavish
LA

Kyle Clifford Hangs Up Skates
Elias Pettersson

Out for "Revenge" in 2025-26
Roman Dolidze

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Semyon Varlamov

to Start Skating Next Week
Anthony Hernandez

Set For UFC Vegas 109 Main Event
VAN

Vitali Kravtsov Returns to Canucks
Steve Erceg

In Dire Need Of Victory
Iasmin Lucindo

Aims To Bounce Back
Angela Hill

Set For A Main-Card Bout
Christian Rodriguez

A Favorite At UFC Vegas 109
Andre Fili

Set For His 24th UFC Fight
Miles Johns

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Jean Matsumoto

Looks To Bounce Back
Drake Baldwin

Homers Twice, Drives in Five
Josh Naylor

Day-to-Day With Shoulder Soreness
Payton Pritchard

Eager to Continue Improving
Austin Reaves

Expected to Receive Massive Pay Raise with Next Contract
Jayson Tatum

Out of Walking Boot
San Antonio Spurs

Spurs Bring in Micah Potter for Training Camp
Harrison Ingram

Re-Signs with Spurs

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP