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Jacob Latz is Top Option for Saves in Arlington
Texas Rangers relief pitcher Jacob Latz appears to be running away with the closer job in Arlington. Latz earned his sixth save of the season when he recorded four outs to slam the door against the Houston Astros on Tuesday. He did allow a home run in that game, but he remains arguably the best bullpen arm in Texas right now. Latz owns a 2.16 ERA, 0.60 WHIP, and a 23:5 K:BB ratio across 25.0 innings of work this season. It seems like the Rangers are going to continue leaning on Latz as the closer until he gives them a reason to otherwise. Fantasy managers seeking bullpen help or a source of saves should snag Latz before it's too late.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Jacob Latz Earns Sixth Save, Continues to Hold Ninth-Inning Job
Rangers left-hander Jacob Latz recorded a four-out save for his sixth of the season on Tuesday, allowing a solo home run while striking out two to secure the victory. It was his fifth save opportunity in May, as Latz continues to emerge as the preferred ninth-inning option in Texas. The 29-year-old has excelled in high-leverage situations this season, posting a 2.16 ERA with a dominant 0.60 WHIP. Opponents also hold just a .166 expected batting average against him, largely due to his fastball, which ranks in the 98th percentile with a run value of nine. Latz appears to have full control of the closer role in his fifth season with the Rangers, making him an elite-level waiver wire target as save opportunities continue to increase.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Jacob Latz Fully in Command of Rangers Closing Job?
Texas Rangers reliever Jacob Latz allowed three runs without recording an out in his last appearance on Wednesday, but he may still have control of the closer job in Arlington. Outside of an occasional blemish like Wednesday, Latz has been stellar this season, pitching to a 2.08 ERA with 7.06 K/9, 2.08 BB/9, and 0.42 HR/9. He has two holds, five saves, and two blown saves through 18 outings so far this year. The biggest obstacle for Latz has arguably been the Rangers' record. At 21-22, save opportunities don't present themselves every day. Texas has still been getting him leverage scenarios, but fantasy managers would like to see more saves. The good news is that he faces essentially no competition for the closer role. Jakob Junis does have three saves this year, but he's been more of an eighth-inning setup option, and he's also trending down after taking a loss in his last outing. All in all, fantasy managers should continue to feel confident about Latz as the Rangers' closer. He ranks #29 among relievers in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball rankings.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Rangers Turn to Jacob Latz for Fifth Save, a Priority Target on the Waiver Wire
Texas Rangers left-hander Jacob Latz has been dominant in May, recording his fifth save of the season on Tuesday and his third across his last four games. With injuries continuing to impact the Rangers bullpen, Latz has stepped into a larger role and provided stability in ninth-inning situations. The 30-year-old owns a 0.83 ERA and 0.42 WHIP this season, establishing himself as one of the most effective relievers in the American League. Latz has also excelled at limiting walks while generating elite fastball movement, with his fastball run value ranking in the 98th percentile. Fantasy managers searching for saves should continue targeting Latz as his role in Texas continues to grow.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
