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While holds are even tougher to predict than saves, the players we’ll highlight today include some elite setup men to target off the waiver wire in Week 14.
One-inning middle relievers are the constant sources for holds and specialists can manage to secure a hold even with one out. However, while specialists can get many holds, their fantasy value is limited to how effective they are in their specific role. Long relievers are not a strong source of holds, they are often used in emergency or mop-up roles; reducing their likelihood to enter a game with the lead. The strongest setup relievers can even be eligible for saves on occasion.
Bottom line: the more likely an MLB team is to win, the more likely these pitchers will be eligible to earn the holds that could be the difference between winning or losing in your fantasy league. Let's get to it.
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Week 14 Waiver Wire RP Pickups for Holds
Wily Peralta, Kansas City Royals
2 Saves, 1 Hold, 1.93 ERA, 4.2 IP, 6 K, 1.50 WHIP
The Kansas City Royals are searching for a new closer after unloading Kelvin Herrera and Wily Peralta is getting a worthwhile look. Reliever turned starter Peralta can be effectively wild. Using a 96.7 mph fastball, 84.1 mph slider and 85.4 mph changeup, Peralta is striking out more than a batter per inning. He has been effective in a small sample as the Royals closer but the wildness can rear its ugly head. In Peralta's first appearance of 2018, he walked three over 1 1/3 innings of work. He only surrendered one run in this appearance but it can be a small red flag with Peralta as a reliable reliever in the Royals bullpen. Claim Peralta with caution, he will get his opportunities but his small body of work has not ensured he will command the zone and minimize the walks.
Seranthony Dominguez, Philadelphia Phillies
5 Saves, 9 Holds, 2.10 ERA, 25.2 IP, 34 K, 0.66 WHIP
The Philadelphia Phillies are staying in the race for the East and Seranthony Dominguez may provide the stability that their bullpen needs. With a 98.1 mph fastball and 87.5 mph slider, Dominguez is striking out well over a batter per inning. Opponents are hitting .148 against the 23-year-old and when the ball is put in play; the ball is put on the ground 50.9 percent of the time. The Phillies were aware of what Dominguez was capable of, calling upon him in the seventh inning or later from the start of his career. Lately with the bullpen in flux, Dominguez has received closing opportunities. While he has fumbled a few opportunities; Dominguez is still in high leverage situations as he secures holds when he isn't saving games.
Neil Ramirez, Cleveland Indians
6 Holds, 2.25 ERA, 16.0 IP, 16 K, 1.00 WHIP
With injuries come opportunities. The Cleveland Indians are looking for pieces to bridge starter to closer with Andrew Miller and Nick Goody sidelined and Neil Ramirez may be the answer. The traveled 29-year-old has had great high moments in his career but strong low moments as well. This year, he is pitching well. Opponents are hitting .197 against Ramirez. With a 95.6 mph fastball and 86.0 mph slider, Ramirez is striking out a batter per inning and allowing a base runner per inning. After a rough half of May, Ramirez has been stellar in June. In 12.1 scoreless innings, Ramirez has allowed seven base runners while striking out 12. Ramirez is having a good year on a great team; a waiver wire claim is a strong option for those seeking effective pitching and holds.
Dan Winkler, Atlanta Braves
14 Holds, 2.53 ERA, 32.0 IP, 41 K, 0.97 WHIP
The Atlanta Braves, like the Phillies, are looking to stay in the race and an uncertain bullpen can ruin potential wins. Dan Winkler has been getting opportunities to set things right. With a 90.5 mph cutter, 93.4 mph fastball and 82.4 mph slider; Winkler is striking out more than a batter per inning. He is showing strong control, allowing less than a batter per inning too. Opponents are hitting .190 against Winkler this year. He is generating a ground ball on 40.0 percent of batted balls. He is primarily used in the eighth inning. Lately he has had some struggles but the Braves are confident he can be reliable so put in a waiver wire claim while he is hot.
Lou Trivino, Oakland Athletics
2 Saves, 8 Holds, 1.64 ERA, 33.0 IP, 37 K, 1.00 WHIP
The Oakland Athletics have been exceeding expectations and found something good in reliever Lou Trivino. Armed with a 97.4 mph sinker and 92.2 mph cutter, the 26-year-old Trivino is understandably generating a ground ball on 51.9 percent of batted balls. Opponents are hitting .171 against Trivino this year. In May, he began his career as a fifth or sixth inning reliever. But by the end of May, Trivino was prominent in the eighth inning. When closer Blake Treinen is unavailable, Trivino has stepped in and done a solid job. Trivino is averaging more than a strikeout per inning and allows about one base runner per inning. For holds and the occasional save, Lou Trivino is a strong waiver wire claim.
