Fantasy baseball players are always on the hunt for saves. So every other week during the Major League Baseball season, we’ll be checking in on the backends of those bullpens.
Whose job is steady? Whose is uncertain? Who is waiting in the wings and ready to poach some saves?
We’ll break it all down below in different categories, ranging from those who have their job locked down to speculative adds worth keeping your eye on.
Locked In
Liam Hendriks — Chicago White Sox
Hendriks suffered his second loss of the season June 27 completing a suspended game, but managed to record his 20th save in the second game of the day.
Ryan Pressly — Houston Astros
Raisel Iglesias — Los Angeles Angels
Aroldis Chapman — New York Yankees
Will Smith — Atlanta Braves
The lefty has not allowed an earned run since June 9 (eight appearances) and has dropped his ERA from 4.74 to 3.58.
Craig Kimbrel — Chicago Cubs
Kenley Jansen — Los Angeles Dodgers
Josh Hader — Milwaukee Brewers
Edwin Diaz — New York Mets
Diaz has five saves over his past two weeks. He also has allowed 32 baserunners in 30 2/3 innings pitched this season. He allowed that many batters to reach base in five fewer innings last season.
Matt Barnes — Boston Red Sox
Brad Hand — Washington Nationals
Mark Melancon — San Diego Padres
MLB’s saves leader has the highest walk rate and Left On Base percentage of his career. He has three blown saves this season, two off his career high (2011, 2013, 2017).
Yimi Garcia — Miami Marlins
Richard Rodriguez — Pittsburgh Pirates
Lou Trivino — Oakland Athletics
Alex Reyes — St. Louis Cardinals
Reyes recorded his first save in nearly two weeks June 26. His biggest hurdle to save opportunities is the Cardinals’ anemic offense.
Jordan Romano — Toronto Blue Jays
Ian Kennedy — Texas Rangers
Kendall Graveman — Seattle Mariners
Getting Save Opportunities, But No Lock
Daniel Bard — Colorado Rockies
One save, one blown save, and one loss in his last three appearances. Bard continues to be an adventure as Colorado’s closer, and he has zero competition to end the journey.
Joakim Soria — Arizona Diamondbacks
Closer Committees
Archie Bradley and Jose Alvarado — Philadelphia Phillies
Gregory Soto and Jose Cisnero — Detroit Tigers
Michael Fulmer hit the IL over the weekend, opening up more opportunities for the duo.
Paul Fry and Cole Sulser — Baltimore Orioles
Amir Garrett and Brad Brach — Cincinnati Reds
Garrett has two saves over the past week, while Brad Brach earned his first June 24. Tejay Antone and Lucas Sims are on the IL.
Hansel Robles and Taylor Rogers — Minnesota Twins
Tyler Rogers and Jake McGee — San Francisco Giants
Diego Castillo and Pete Fairbanks — Tampa Bay Rays
Scott Barlow, Josh Staumont, and Greg Holland — Kansas City Royals
James Karinchak and Emmanuel Clase — Cleveland Indians
Injury Opportunities
No news is good news.
Next Man Up Adds
Paul Sewald (SEA)
Joely Rodriguez (TEX)
Ryne Stanek (HOU)
Kyle Crick (PIT)
Aaron Bummer (CHW)
Mike Mayers (LAA)
Tyler Chatwood (TOR)
Ryan Tepera (CHC)
Carlos Estevez (COL)
Blake Treinen (LAD)
Dylan Floro (MIA)
J.P. Feyereisen (TB)
Tanner Rainey (WSH)
