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There hasn't been a whole lot of changeover in closer roles this week, but there still are some nice waiver wire options to consider depending on your league size and format.
If you are looking to add some saves off the waiver wire, now is a great time to go after some newly appointed closers who are just starting to settle into the ninth.
Editor’s Note: to read about even more waiver wire options for closers and relief pitchers, be sure to check out our MLB Closer Depth Charts and our famous waiver wire pickups list which is updated daily.
Sean Doolittle and Tyler Clippard (OAK)
Doolittle owners were excited this week when he made his first appearance of the season, striking out two of the three batters he retired. Unfortunately, that excitement was short-lived as he’s being sent right back to the disabled list with a shoulder strain. This is extremely concerning, considering it was a rotator cuff tear that kept him out for the first portion of the year. With Oakland not expected to be playoff contenders, Doolittle owners may want to start looking for better options and cut their losses early.
This does open up continued opportunities for Tyler Clippard, who has been solid this season. The A’s won’t rack up a ton of wins but with Doolittle out indefinitely, Clippard is a lock to get the save chances when they come about for the A’s. At only 46% owned in ESPN leagues, he's definitely worth an add, particularly for Doolittle owners.
Neftali Feliz and Shawn Tolleson (TEX)
We talked about both of these guys last week and it sure looks like they’re trending in opposite directions. Tolleson had an awesome week, picking up four saves without allowing a baserunner. He hasn’t allowed a run in his last 11 appearances and it looks like he’ll be the closer for the foreseeable future. Tolleson is still only 54% owned in ESPN leagues and would be a great waiver wire option.
There are reports that Feliz may return to the mound in the next week or two. However, I would not expect him to have a major role going forward, at least in the short term. He was already demoted from the closer role two weeks ago, and with Tolleson’s recent success there is no reason to believe that Feliz will take back the closer role. If you still have Feliz on your team, it’s time to let him go.
John Axford (COL)
Axford has been hot lately, having gone nine straight appearances without giving up an earned run. The Rockies are playing better and Axford was able to pick up four saves over the last eight days. While he won’t get you many strikeouts, he's established himself as the closer in Colorado. The Ax Man is only 53% owned in ESPN leagues. Pick him up.
A.J. Ramos (MIA)
I mentioned Ramos as a great waiver wire opportunity last week and he definitely provided a spark. Ramos recorded three saves this week including a rare four-out save against the Mets. He is a high strikeout pitcher and is now the primary closer for the Marlins. Ramos is still only 43% owned in ESPN leagues, so go grab him before someone else in your league does.
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