BALLER MOVE: Add in 14+ Team Leagues
ROSTERED IN: 2% of Leagues
ANALYSIS: Gregory Soto picked up the save this past Wednesday in a 2-1 victory over the Angels, which was his second save of the year. Notably, Jose Alvarado pitched the eighth inning, giving way to Soto in the ninth. Technically speaking, Alvarado's task was more difficult as he had to pitch to the "heart" of the Angels order in the eighth, but Taylor Ward, Luis Rengifo, and Matt Thaiss aren't exactly Murderers' Row. Since then, Alvarado has picked up two saves of his own, so it doesn't appear as though his job is in jeopardy. Other than his first appearance of the year, Alvarado has been solid overall.
For managers in need of saves, though, it was an interesting development, as it happened the day prior as well in a 7-5 victory over the Angels, with Alvarado pitching the eighth (4-5-6 hitters), and Jeff Hoffman collecting a save in the ninth. In Soto's case, it wasn't a matchup preference since they are both left-handers. It's also worth pointing out that Orion Kerkering was not used in either case, so it doesn't seem like he's next in line were Alvarado to falter, as some had thought to potentially be the case when he returned from the IL.
If Alvarado were to falter or get injured, it seems it would be a combo of Soto and Hoffman that would take over closer duties. Like Alvarado, Soto has basically had one bad outing that makes his ERA look very poor (6.10). Take away that one outing, though, and the 29-year-old would have a 1.80 ERA on the season with 10 hits allowed and a 5:11 BB:K over 10 innings pitched.
Gregory Soto, 99mph ⛽️ pic.twitter.com/g0VvMBtWG1
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) March 13, 2024
We likely haven't seen the last of Alvarado's use in the eighth inning, which means there will likely be additional opportunities for saves for Soto (and Hoffman). Soto is available in nearly all Yahoo leagues for managers in need of saves and who want to take a flier on the southpaw.
More Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickups
Drew Thorpe - Fantasy Baseball Prospects Waiver Wire Stashes (Week 9)
BALLER MOVE: Stash in AL-Only Leagues CALL-UP ETA: June ANALYSIS: Chicago White Sox starting pitching prospect Drew Thorpe has been off to a great start to the season at Double-A and is worth stashing in AL-only leagues. Across 36 ⅓ innings with Double-A Birmingham, the 23-year-old has an excellent 1.73 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, and 33:11 K:BB... Read More
Justyn-Henry Malloy - Fantasy Baseball Prospects Waiver Wire Stashes (Week 9)
BALLER MOVE: Stash in AL-only Leagues CALL-UP ETA: June ANALYSIS: Detroit Tigers infield/outfield prospect Justyn-Henry Malloy is continuing to succeed at Triple-A and is making a case to be promoted to the major league roster. The 24-year-old has posted a solid .272/.425/.456 slash line through 33 games this season with three home runs, two stolen bases,... Read More
Victor Scott II - Fantasy Baseball Prospects Waiver Wire Stashes (Week 9)
BALLER MOVE: Stash in NL-Only Leagues CALL-UP ETA: July ANALYSIS: St. Louis Cardinals outfield prospect Victor Scott II made his major league debut earlier this season but was sent back down to Triple-A after playing in just 20 games. In that time frame, he posted a disappointing .085/.138/.136 line with two stolen bases. Scott has not... Read More
Owen Caissie - Fantasy Baseball Prospects Waiver Wire Stashes (Week 9)
BALLER MOVE: Stash in NL-Only Leagues CALL-UP ETA: July ANALYSIS: Chicago Cubs outfield prospect Owen Caissie has performed very well in his first taste of Triple-A ball and is nearing his major league debut. Through 41 games with Triple-A Iowa this season, Caisse has posted a .289/.426/.437 with three home runs, four stolen bases, and a... Read More
Shane Baz - Fantasy Baseball Prospects Waiver Wire Stashes (Week 9)
BALLER MOVE: Stash in Standard Leagues (26% rostered) CALL-UP ETA: Early June ANALYSIS: Everyone is anxious to see Shane Baz back on the mound in the major leagues. The right-hander was dazzling in three MLB starts in 2021 and flashed some nice strikeout upside in 2022 despite giving up some long balls and compiling a 5.00... Read More
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!Check out RotoBaller's entire fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups and sleepers list, updated daily!