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We have a strange situation brewing in Seattle, a hot streak by Ramos in Miami, and the Jays show their hand. Here are some story lines to monitor this week.
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.
Week 13 Closer Storylines
Seattle Mariners Relievers
Mariners manager Lloyd McClendon came out and said that he "hopes" Francisco Rodney regains the closer job. This is a surprise to me considering the very impressive stretch from Carson Smith. I see Smith as clearly the better pitcher at this point, with better numbers across the board. Both pitchers have thrown 31 innings this year with Smith allowing only 23 base runners and Rodney an awful 48. Smith has a much higher strikeout percentage and WHIP.
Sharing the closer role may simply be a way for the Mariners to save some stress on the young 25-year-old Smith's arm to help him in the future. The team isn't going anywhere so maybe they don't want to waste high-stress innings on Smith at this stage of his career. Regardless of the reasoning, I still would not pick up Rodney and Smith owners should monitor this situation closely over the next couple of weeks.
A.J. Ramos (MIA)
I haven't talked much about Ramos as of late. But, he has had a nice couple of weeks to add to a great season thus far. In his last six appearances, Ramos has struck out seven batters and only allowed one hit. On the season he has an ERA of 1.30 and an impressive 44 strikeouts in 34.2 innings.
Ramos should continue to get the save opportunities for the Marlins until further notice. At only 57.2% owned in ESPN leagues, he remains a great waiver wire pickup in all leagues.
Robert Osuna (TOR)
I wrote last week about the benching of Brett Cecil who completely imploded over his last stretch of appearances. It looks like the Jays may have made a decision regarding his replacement. In their only save chance since this announcement, 20-year-old Osuna was handed the reigns and did quite well. In 1.1 innings he managed to get two strikeouts while only allowing one hit. He is incredibly young for a closer but the Jays might be seeing what they have in Osuna early in his career.
At only 21.3% owned he is a great waiver wire option in all leagues and at his age incredibly sneaky in keeper leagues. His strikeout numbers stand out, as he has maintained greater than a strikeout per inning average since he began in the minor leagues at age 16. This trend has continued this year and there is no reason to believe that will slow down.
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