The trade deadline has passed and now it is time to make some sense of it all. Big names like Will Smith, Felipe Vazquez, and Kirby Yates stayed put but there were still plenty of moves to shake up the relief pitching landscape for the rest of this 2019 fantasy baseball season. I’ll give my take on every situation as we go team by team. There were winners and losers at the deadline along with some new names worth adding. As usual, let’s take a look at every team’s usage for the week and my updated closer rankings.
AL Bullpen Depth Charts and Closer Rankings
+ Injury Concern
* Part of Committee
AL East
Baltimore was quiet at the trade deadline. Mychal Givens had been rumored to be on the trade block but he ultimately stayed put and has struggled recently. Givens has given up a run in three straight outings. It was Shawn Armstrong that was given the save opportunity on Tuesday and completed two shutout innings earning his third save. This is a full-on committee. Armstrong could be given more save opportunities over the final two months but should only be added in the deepest of leagues where you need saves. Otherwise, this remains a situation I want no part of.
It was a bit of a surprise that the Red Sox didn’t acquire a bullpen piece at the deadline. Much was made about Nathan Eovaldi and the possibility of him closing for Boston when he returned. While he has been shaky since his return from the IL, he struck out the side in the eighth inning Tuesday against the Rays. Matt Barnes cleaned up the ninth inning with the Red Sox down by one. No save opportunities arose for Boston this week. After Heath Hembree struggled Friday against the Yankees, allowing three base runners and a run to score, Workman closed out the game with the Red Sox up by five runs. Workman appears to be the man to own in the bullpen at this time. Although it remains a situation to monitor with every save opportunity.
Aroldis Chapman converted his lone save opportunity on Wednesday afternoon against the Arizona Diamondbacks despite giving up a run, off two walks and a hit. Chapman’s 27 saves ties Brad Hand for the AL lead. Chapman has been shaky in the month of July with an 8.22 ERA and 2.22 WHIP. Some of his struggles could be attributed to a lower average fastball velocity from 98.7mph in June to 97.1mph in July. I don’t expect Chapman to be removed from the role but it is cause for a bit of concern and something to monitor. Zack Britton would be the next man up should Chapman get a break from closing duties.
The Rays made some moves at the deadline that could impact their ninth-inning role. Tampa Bay has been one of the true committee situations for much of the year. Emilio Pagan, Diego Castillo, and Colin Poche all earned saves this week. Pagan and Castillo lead the team with eight saves each. Add to the mix Nick Anderson, who was thought to be the man to take over closing duties for Miami after Sergio Romo was traded. Anderson has been great in the month of July with a 1.93 ERA and 12.54 K/9 in nine appearances. I wouldn’t be surprised if this remains a committee situation for the remainder of the season. If I have to own one player from this team I would continue to hold Pagan, who converted the most recent save chance recording four outs on Tuesday. [Editor’s Note: Chaz Roe got the save Wednesday night after this article was submitted.]
Ken Giles was the center of trade speculation for the Blue Jays at the deadline but it was Daniel Hudson who was ultimately moved. Giles has been dealing with elbow inflammation on and off this season and was given a cortisone shot Tuesday. Giles owners had been hoping he’d be moved to a better situation as he’s been great this season with a 1.54 ERA and 14.91 K/9, among the best in both categories. The Blue Jays have called up many of their young players and could play spoilers over the final two months. Giles owners should keep an eye on Derek Law. Law pitched the ninth inning of Monday’s game against the Royals and has pitched well this month with a 3.72 ERA and 13.03 K/9.
AL Central
Alex Colome stayed put at the deadline. What a Bummer. The White Sox ultimately kept the status quo with their bullpen. Colome has been a steady source of saves all season but has only recorded one since the All-Star break. Aaron Bummer was a popular speculative add but can be dropped at this point. Colome owners could continue to reap the benefits of a closer hanging around the top 15 or so for the rest of the season.
Brad Hand and Trevor Bauer were rumored to be on the block. It was Bauer who was ultimately traded and the Indians upgraded their offense for the final stretch. Hand is tied with Aroldis Chapman for the AL lead in saves with 27. After giving up a home run in two straight outings last week, Hand struck out a batter and did not allow a run in his lone appearance since the last closer rankings. The Indians have plenty of games left within their division as they make a push. I expect Hand to remain among the top five closers in the game and could finish with the AL lead in saves.
Shane Greene was dealt to the Atlanta Braves at the deadline, leaving their closer role open. Joe Jimenez has been long speculated as the next man up and he indeed pitched the ninth inning against the Angels Wednesday afternoon. Had the Tigers not scored five runs in the eighth, Jimenez would have been in line for the save. While the Tigers shouldn’t come across many save opportunities, Jimenez is the guy and should be picked up anywhere you need saves. Buck Farmer pitched the eighth inning Wednesday and would be next up should Jimenez falter.
Ian Kennedy only threw six pitches this week. The six pitches were all he needed to earn his 20th save of the season. Not bad for someone who had only three saves entering the month of June. Kennedy has provided amazing value and will remain the Royals closer after it was Jake Diekman who was dealt at the deadline. The Royals called up Richard Lovelady who could find himself in a setup role and next man up sooner or later.
The Twins have gotten outstanding production from Taylor Rogers, who has 16 saves and a 2.22 ERA on the season. Minnesota acquired Sergio Romo and Sam Dyson at the deadline, but I don’t expect either to challenge Rogers for save opportunities. If Rogers hadn’t been as effective, or if the Giants hadn’t gone on the run they are on, perhaps it would be Will Smith in a Twins uniform. Rogers recorded a save on Tuesday for his only appearance of the week and Romo pitched the eighth. Romo and Dyson could find themselves in the mix for saves should in injury occur.
AL West
Roberto Osuna pitched a clean ninth inning on Tuesday, needing only six pitches to record his 24th save of the season. It was Osuna’s only appearance of the week. The Astros were aggressive at the deadline acquiring Zack Greinke, Aaron Sanchez, and Joe Biagini. There’s no reason to expect Osuna to fall out of the top five in my closer rankings this season as he could push for the AL lead in saves at years end. Ryan Pressly has been valuable in holds leagues but was placed on the IL with knee soreness. Will Harris and Chris Devenski should act as the primary setup men for the Astros.
The Angels were quiet at the deadline despite being only six games out of the wild card. Hansel Robles has been fantastic since taking over the closer role with 16 saves and a 2.72 ERA. Robles did not get a save opportunity this week. Ty Buttrey was credited with a blown save on Thursday and a loss on Saturday. Buttrey has struggled of late and we could see Cam Bedrosian or Justin Anderson get more time in high leverage roles.
Liam Hendriks has been rock solid for much of the year and had taken over the closer role from Blake Treinen. Hendriks showed some struggles this week with two blown saves while Treinen picked up two wins. Hendriks has now given up a run or more in three of his last four outings. Treinen has now made six straight scoreless appearances. We haven’t been given any indication that Hendriks will lose the closer job but I wouldn’t be surprised if Treinen is earning saves for the A’s again at some point.
Seattle made a few moves that will impact their bullpen. Roenis Elias has been acting as closer, picking up 14 saves for the Mariners. While he struggled early on in July, had been much better of late picking up three saves and not allowing a run in his last four outings. Elias was traded on Wednesday along with Hunter Strickland to the Washington Nationals. Strickland was someone who was being picked up recently as he was expected to perhaps take over as Seattle’s closer. Now, things remain up in the air for the Mariners but I would expect setup man Anthony Bass to take over as closer.
Chris Martin was traded from the Rangers to the Atlanta Braves this week. Martin and Jose Leclerc were to act as a committee for the Rangers. Chris Martin had picked up the save on Friday with Leclerc pitching the eighth. Leclerc was given the opportunity on Sunday and blew the save after walking in the game-winning run. Jesse Chavez was given the chance on Wednesday and converted his first save after blowing a save himself on Sunday. I expect this to continue to be a committee with Leclerc and Chavez going forward.
NL Bullpen Depth Charts and Closer Rankings
+ Injury Concern
* Part of Committee
NL East
It appears as though the wheels are falling off the Luke Jackson train. Jackson allowed two baserunners without recording an out on Wednesday before being relieved by Sean Newcomb. Jackson has allowed at least one run in five of his last seven outings. The Braves made some big moves at the deadline to help their bullpen. Chris Martin, Shane Greene, and Mark Melancon are headed to Atlanta and I would expect Shane Greene to start seeing save opportunities soon. Greene had been fantastic this season for the Tigers, making his first All-Star game appearance after earning 22 saves.
Sergio Romo was traded to the Minnesota Twins and it was expected that Nick Anderson would take on the closing duties. Anderson himself was later traded to the Tampa Bay Rays, leaving things wide open for the ninth inning. Jarlin Garcia hasn’t had the strikeout stuff you’d want from a closer with a 6.96 K/9 but he’s been the most reliable of the remaining closer candidates. Garcia has not allowed a run in 17 appearances since June 14. My speculative pickup would be Garcia with Tayron Guerrero in the mix as well.
It’s been an up and down season for Edwin Diaz and the Mets. With the Mets in the wild card race, they decided to go for it this season, holding on to their star players. Diaz converted two of three saves this week but allowed a run in all three appearances, blowing the save in a one-run game on Tuesday against the White Sox. Diaz struck out three batters and allowed a solo home run to Leury Garcia on his way to his 24th save of the season on Wednesday. I still have Diaz as a top-10 closer in the closer rankings this week, but owners have got to be disappointed in his results so far this season. With Diaz staying in New York, I don’t expect anyone to take the job from him from this point on.
Hector Neris converted his 19th save of the season on Tuesday against the Giants. Neris feels like the new Fernando Rodney, always a rollercoaster with him. Neris had been shaky for a stretch in the middle of July but has since locked things down. David Robertson was ruled out for the remainder of the season, further entrenching Neris as the closer for the Phillies. If you own Neris, you continue to ride it out and take what he gives you. Adam Morgan would possibly be the next man up.
Sean Doolittle’s best skill this season has been staying healthy. Doolittle has been effective this season with 23 saves, a 2.86 ERA, and 11.05 K/9. Washington did a lot to solidify their bullpen behind Doolittle with the additions of Roenis Elias, Hunter Strickland, and Daniel Hudson. Doolittle should remain among my top-10 in the closer rankings. Roenis Elias has 14 saves this season and could be the next man up should Doolittle miss time.
NL Central
Craig Kimbrel locked down his eighth save of the season on Wednesday. Kimbrel blew a save opportunity during his only other appearance this week. Kimbrel had made eight straight scoreless appearances since giving up two runs on July 2 before he gave up three runs to Milwaukee on Saturday. Pedro Strop was placed on the injured list, making Steve Cishek the next man up.
Raisel Iglesias had a good week picking up three saves for the Reds. The 4.40 ERA is higher than we expected going into the season. Iglesias was not traded at the deadline while the Reds did trade from their offense. Cincinnati could be playing for next season at this point but they’ve put together a solid starting rotation. Michael Lorenzen has been the setup man for the Reds and would be first in line for save opportunities after Iglesias.
The number one closer on the closer rankings, Josh Hader, picked up his 24th save of the season in Oakland on Wednesday. The Brewers didn’t do much to add to their bullpen. I had speculated that adding a closer could take away from Hader’s save opportunities. If the situation calls for it, I would still expect the Brewers to use Hader situationally in the seventh and eighth innings on occasion. Freddy Peralta could be someone to pick up a handful of saves for the rest of the season.
To the relief of fantasy players everywhere, Felipe Vazquez remained in Pittsburgh after the deadline. Vazquez didn’t get a save opportunity this week but he’s been one of the best closers in the game all season. The Dodgers were in deep negotiations with the Pirates for Vazquez, but neither team folded and Vazquez ultimately went nowhere. You can safely drop your Kyle Crick shares.
The fact that the St. Louis Cardinals didn’t make any moves at the deadline was a bit of a surprise. The team must have confidence in Carlos Martinez as the team’s closer. Martinez converted two saves this week, giving him 11 on the year. Martinez has looked shaky at times but he should have the job secured for the rest of the season. Andrew Miller has gotten the save chances recently when Martinez wasn’t available.
NL West
Greg Holland is officially out as the closer in Arizona and it may just finally be Archie Bradley time. The situation could be a committee at this time. Although it was Bradley that not only picked up the save on Tuesday but has been the best reliever in the bullpen over the last month. Bradley has not allowed a run and has had a 14.18 K/9 since giving up two runs on June 22. Bradley is who I would be picking up from the Diamondbacks bullpen as he has the most upside of the group. Hirano was charged with the loss on Wednesday after giving up two runs in the seventh inning. Yoan Lopez is another name in the mix for saves.
The Rockies were quiet at the trade deadline as they find themselves at the bottom of the NL West standings. Wade Davis picked up his 15th save of the season on Thursday. Davis has been significantly better on the road than at Coors Field. The 5.46 ERA is a disappointment to fantasy owners as he finds himself near the bottom of the closer rankings. Scott Oberg is next in line.
It was another one outing week for Kenley Jansen as he recorded his 25th save of the season on Friday. While he hasn’t been as good as we’re accustomed to seeing him, Jansen has provided fine value at the closer position. Los Angeles was relatively quiet at the deadline as no one should challenge Jansen as the closer. The Dodgers have called up one of their top prospects in Dustin May, moving Julio Urias to the bullpen.
The Padres made a move in trading Franmil Reyes and Logan Allen away for Taylor Trammell but the bullpen depth chart should remain the same. Kirby Yates has been of the top closers in the game. Yates was rumored to be on the trade block but ultimately nothing materialized. Andres Munoz has yet to give up a run in eight innings so far in the MLB for the Padres. Munoz recorded five outs on Monday against the Orioles, coming out during the sixth inning and completing the seventh as well. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Munoz eventually setting up for Yates. In holds leagues, Munoz should be added for his ratios and strikeouts.
Will Smith recorded two saves this week, giving him 26 on the season. Smith was expected to be traded all year until the Giants made their improbable July run to get into the playoff race. Smith’s job as the closer in San Francisco is secure. Smith has been great this season and should remain a high end closer for the remainder of the year. Other bullpen pieces were on the move as Sam Dyson and Mark Melancon found new homes. Tony Watson is the next man up and Reyes Moranta will continue to be in the mix when Smith isn’t available.
Hopefully, you found Jorge’s Closer Rankings and Bullpen Depth Charts useful. For more of his take make sure to follow him on Twitter @Jmontanez.
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