Florio's MLB Bullpen Report: Braves Pen Changing, Stash Candidates

July 7, 2022

Michael Florio reviews bullpens that have changed, closers you can add off the waiver wire and relief pitchers who are useful for fantasy baseball heading into Week 13.

For over a month now I have been highlighting the fact that no position is more influenced by the trade deadline than the reliever position. That closers and other relievers would be traded which would be sure to shake up the fantasy baseball relief pitcher landscape. That we would see new closers emerge and some current closers lose their job.

And so far… crickets. While the trade market has been slow to get going, that is sure to change as we are just three weeks away from the trade deadline. After the All-Star Break, things are sure to get going, if not sooner. It never hurts to be prepared, have a plan on how much FAAB you would be comfortable spending, and of course, stay up to date on all the latest moves (thanks, RotoBaller!). 

Here are some candidates to be traded: Jorge Lopez, Gregory Soto (and Michael Fulmer), Joe Barlow, Mark Melancon, and Ian Kennedy, David Robertson (plus Mychal Givens and Rowan Wick), Daniel Bard and Alex Colome, David Bednar, Scott Barlow, and Tanner Rainey.

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Changing Bullpens for Fantasy Baseball

There was much anticipation over who the Yankees would use in the late innings with Clay Holmes dominating in the role, but Aroldis Chapman returning. Well, it has all been Holmes for New York. In the past week, both save opportunities went to Holmes. He has four in the past two weeks. In his first two appearances, Chapman has struggled. He has walked 50 percent of the batters he faced. He has an 18.00 ERA and 3.00 WHIP, but again, it was just one inning. Still, until Chapman finds his command, this will be a non-contest with all the save chances going to Holmes. It will be worth keeping an eye on if and when Chapman returns to form. 

The Braves suddenly became an interesting bullpen last week when Kenley Jansen landed on the IL. In the last week, Will Smith picked up three saves for the Braves, while not allowing a run and striking out a third of the batters he’s faced. Last week he was the biggest reliever target on the waiver wire. It has already paid off, but the payday ends soon. Reports came out this week that Jansen will return from the IL when he is eligible on July 12th. Smith is worth holding onto until then, and potentially after to make sure Jansen is fine. 

In the last week, the lone Rays save went to Jason Adam. He seems to be the current leader in the clubhouse, but it was not long ago that we saw Colin Poche get more opportunities than him. The Rays bullpen will always be flexible, but Adam is the top option, followed by Poche. Brooks Raley remains a deeper option in this bullpen. 

The Phillies bullpen seems to be a two-man race between Brad Hand and Seranthony Dominguez. The hope was that after Corey Knebel lost the job it would go to Dominguez. The issue is he has been too dominant and the Phillies like to use him in the highest leverage situations, rather than just hold him until the ninth inning. That leads to Hand getting save chances. In the past week, the Phillies' lone save went to Hand. Dominguez is the top option because of how dominant he has been, but Hand is certainly worthy of rostering as well. The Phillies could also make a move before the deadline. 

Paul Sewald has five saves in the past month for the Mariners, to go with a 0.48 WHIP, the second lowest among all relievers with at least 10 innings pitched. Diego Castillo has two saves in that span. He has been very effective as well, but Sewald is the reliever you want from Seattle. Castillo is worth rostering for those in need of some save chances as well. 

Speculative Saves for Fantasy Baseball

While Craig Kimbrel continues to struggle for the Dodgers, Dave Roberts has said that he has not even considered removing him from the role. Of course, that can change if Kimbrel continues to go downhill. One reason Roberts may be hesitant is there is no clear-cut option to turn to. Yency Almonte and Brusdar Graterol each picked up a save in the last week, but they have also struggled to be consistent. Graterol right now would be the top option if a move was to occur, as he got the save when Kimbrel was sidelined after taking a line drive off his back, with Almonte as a deeper option. However, the cavalry may be soon arriving, as Blake Treinen is nearing a return. The Dodgers also can never be counted out to make a trade. This is certainly a bullpen to keep an eye on moving forward. 

The Reds had a save opportunity this week and it went to Hunter Strickland as we were told it would, but unfortunately, he blew it. However, he remains the reliever you want from this bullpen, but it is best to leave him for those desperate for saves. He could be dealt if the Reds are sellers, as expected, at the deadline. Alexis Diaz remains a stash candidate as he could see save opportunities in the second half. 

The Nationals have been a set bullpen with save chances going to Tanner Rainey, but in the last week he picked up another blown save and a loss while pitching to a 13.50 ERA with a 2.00 WHIP. It is a small sample size, but it is worth speculating on a potential change whether it is due to more poor performances or a trade. Kyle Finnegan would be the best bet to be next in line for saves, but Steve Cishek, purely due to past experience, or potentially Carl Edwards Jr. remain deeper candidates. 

Elite Ratios and Strikeouts 

Nick Martinez may not get many save chances for the Padres, but he has been pretty elite as a reliever. He has gone 17 innings with a 1.59 ERA, a 0.82 WHIP, a 22 percent strikeout rate, and just a three percent walk rate. He has held opposing hitters to a .188 AVG, with a 3.37 xFIP. It also doesn’t hurt that since he goes over three innings often, you not only get innings like a fringe starting pitcher, but you can get some saves. Since June 22 he has two saves due to closing out the final three-plus innings of a game. 

Griffin Jax has thrown 13 innings in the past month and has a 2.08 ERA, 2.15 xFIP, 1.55 SIERA, 36 percent strikeout rate with just a 2.2 percent walk rate and a 0.54 WHIP – the third lowest among relievers with double-digit innings pitched in that span. He may not get saves, but he certainly has been elite.

While Andres Munoz hasn’t been getting save chances much anymore, he has been striking out more batters than any reliever. In the past month, he has struck out half the batters he has faced in 13.1 innings pitched. He also has a 1.35 ERA, 0.75 WHIP, and a 0.96 SIERA in that span. He is certainly worthy of rostering in Roto formats. 

Felix Bautista has a 44 percent strikeout rate in the last month, the fourth highest among relievers. He has pitched to a 1.74 ERA, 1.66 xFIP, and 1.50 SIERA with a 0.87 WHIP in that span. Not only that, but Jorge Lopez has struggled the past week and remains a trade candidate. Bautista is one of the best stashes out there right now. 

Make sure to follow Michael on Twitter, @MichaelFFlorio.

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