Arizona Diamondbacks
Despite converting four of his last five saves chances, Brad Boxberger doesn’t have the lockdown feel in the 9th inning anymore. Over this span, he allowed one run, two hits, five walks, and five Ks. Boxberger has a 7.20 ERA and 1.70 WHIP over his last ten innings with three blown saves in ten chances. On the year, Brad has been successful in 20 of his 24 saves opportunities. Archie Bradley looked sharp over his last 7.2 shutout innings with three hits, one walk, and seven Ks. Yoshihisa Hirano extended his scoreless run to 22.2 innings with nine walks and 21 Ks.
Atlanta Braves
The Braves activated Arodys Vizcaino off the DL after missing about two weeks. As of July 4th, Vizcaino still hadn’t pitched in a game since June 17th. He’s 15-for-17 in save conversions in 2018 with no runs allowed over his last ten innings with two walks and 13 Ks. A.J. Minter worked himself into two successful saves in early July. He pitched 7.1 shutout innings over his last eight games with two hits and five Ks to improve his ERA to 2.75 on the year. Dan Winker regained his form over his last five games (no runs with three hits and five Ks) after losing his way in the middle of June (11.81 ERA and 2.44 WHIP over 5.1 innings with six Ks). Minter should be the top handcuff for saves for Atlanta going forward.
Baltimore Orioles
Zach Britton surely doesn’t look like the savior to Fantasy owner’s problems in saves over his last two weeks. Over his first nine games back in the majors, Britton allowed six runs and 15 baserunners over 8.2 innings with seven walks, seven Ks, one save, and one blown save. Britton needs to throw more strikes while increasing the velocity of his fastball (94.2 compared to 97+ mph in 2015 and 2016). Brad Brach has a 2.00 ERA and 1.44 WHIP over his last nine innings with eight Ks. His last save chance came on June 7th. Mychal Givens continues to be a disaster in the Orioles’ bullpen. Over his last 6.1 innings, Givens gave up seven runs and 14 baserunners. He may be pitching through some sort of injury.
Boston Red Sox
Walks continue to be a concern for Craig Kimbrel since the middle of June. Kimbrel allowed two runs over his last 7.2 innings with three hits, 11 Ks, and five saves, but he did issue seven walks. Craig has 26 saves in 28 tries with strength in his ERA (2.02) and Ks (52 bin 35.2 innings). Joe Kelly pitched his way out of the eight innings since the start of June (nine runs and 20 baserunners over 10.1 innings with ten Ks). His failure is due to poor command (eight walks over this stretch). Matt Barnes extended his shutout streak to six innings with nine Ks.
Chicago Cubs
Since returning from the DL, Brandon Morrow pitched three shutout innings with no walks and one K while picking up two saves. Morrow has one failed save in 20 chances. Steve Cishek has a 1.69 ERA and 0.75 WHIP over his last 16 innings with 20 Ks, and one save. Chicago hopes to have Carl Edwards back over the next week after struggling through his first two appearances at AAA (two runs, one hit, three walks, and two Ks over 1.1 innings).
Chicago White Sox
Joakim Soria improved his scoreless run to 18.1 innings with eight hits, three walks, 21 Ks, and eight saves. Soria is 12-for-14 in save conversions with improving value in his ERA (2.48) and WHIP (1.07). Jace Fry struggled in his last two games (three runs and three baserunners over 2.2 innings with one). Fry has a 2.68 ERA and 0.91 WHIP on the year, which puts him on track for saves if the White Sox traded Soria. Over the last month or so, Xavier Cedeno allowed one run over 10.2 innings with six walks and 15 Ks.
Cincinnati Reds
Over his last three games, Raisel Iglesias gave up three runs, three baserunners, and two home runs leading to one blown save in two chances. Iglesias has 16 successful saves in 19 opportunities. Jared Hughes allowed a run in three over his last seven outings. Over this period, Hughes has a 3.38 ERA and 1.63 WHIP over eight innings with six Ks. David Hernandez saw his 13-inning shutout run end on July 3rd when he allowed one run and three baserunners over one inning of work.
Cleveland Indians
Cody Allen pitched at a high-level over his last six games (no runs over 5.2 innings with eight Ks and five saves). His ERA (3.48) moved back into a favorable range with strength in his WHIP (1.10). Allen is 17-for-18 in save conversions. Neil Ramirez improved his shutout streak to 15 innings with five hits, four walks, and 15 Ks. His career flashed upside in 2014 with the Cubs (1.44 ERA over 43.2 innings with 53 Ks and three saves). Oliver Perez has a 0.84 ERA and 11 Ks over 10.2 innings since returning to the majors.
Colorado Rockies
Wade Davis has a save in each of his last three games with a rebound in his games over his last five innings (one run, three hits, and six Ks). Davis has four blown saves in 28 tries with failure in his ERA (4.28). Adam Ottavino kicked Fantasy owners over his last four innings when he allowed five runs and 14 baserunners with six Ks and one save. His rise in walks (five) over this span suggest he may be battling an injury. Chris Rusin has a 2.00 ERA and 1.33 WHIP over his last nine innings with seven Ks.
Detroit Tigers
The Tigers placed Shane Greene on the DL this week with a right shoulder injury, which may be serious. His injury clears the way for Joe Jimenez to earn saves in Detroit. Jimenez may not have a long leash after pitching poorly over his last four games (five runs and 11 baserunners over 3.2 innings with four Ks and a win). Joe’s overall body of work in 2018 (2.93 ERA and 45 Ks over 40 innings) suggests he’s up to the task over the long haul. Jimenez has a closing resume in the minors (54 saves). Alex Wilson has a 1.93 ERA and 11 Ks over his last 18.2 innings. Louis Coleman struggled over his last 8.2 innings (five runs, 15 baserunners, and two HRs).
Houston Astros
Over his last five innings, Hector Rondon only allowed one run, but he did give up six hits and four walks with nine Ks while converting two saves. Rondon has a 0.84 ERA with 16 Ks and six saves since taking over the closing role in Houston in early June. Ken Giles pitched well over his last nine games (one run, seven hits, and 11 Ks over 9.2 innings) while barely getting saves chances (two saves over the last month). Chris Devenski has a 0.71 ERA and 13 Ks over his last 12.2 innings.
Kansas City Royals
Wily Peralta pitched 4.1 shutout innings over his five games with five Ks and two saves. His average fastball (97.0) is closer-worthy if Peralta can throw strikes and keep the home runs to a minimum. Kevin McCarthy didn’t allow a run over his last eight innings with two hits and four Ks, but he did issue six walks. Tim Hill pitched poorly since the start of June (14.21 ERA and 2.21 WHIP), which removes his name from consideration for saves in Kansas City.
Los Angeles Angels
Despite no saves over his last four games, Blake Parker stabilized over his last 4.1 innings (no runs, one hit, no walks, and three Ks). Parker only has nine saves on the year in his 11 tries with improvement in his ERA (3.12) and WHIP (1.17). Justin Anderson struggled over his last 10.2 innings (six runs, 21 baserunners, and 11 Ks). Cam Bedrosian is moving toward the 9th inning after tossing 7.1 shutout innings with four Ks.
Los Angeles Dodgers
Kenley Jansen has a save in 16 of his last 20 games with a 1.27 ERA, 0.61 WHIP, and 21 Ks over 21.1 innings. He’s converted his last 20 saves while pushing his season total to 22 saves in 24 opportunities. Scot Alexander struggled in two of his last three games (three runs, six baserunners, and one HR over three innings). Daniel Hudson moved up a notch in the bullpen with Josh Fields placed on the DL. Hudson has 0.56 ERA over his last 16 innings with 19 Ks.
Miami Marlins
Since taking over the closing job in Miami, Kyle Barraclough has seven saves in eight chances. Barraclough did struggle in his last two games (one run and six baserunners over two innings with three Ks) after tossing 20.2 shutout innings with two hits and 16 Ks. Drew Steckenrider extended his scoreless run to 17.2 innings with 17 Ks. Brad Ziegler picked up his 10th save on July 4th when he improved his shutout streak to six innings with no hits and five Ks. Ziegler allowed only one run over 17 innings with seven hits and 14 Ks since losing the closing job.
Milwaukee Brewers
Over his last 11 games, Corey Knebel regained his electric form from 2017. He allowed one run with four hits, three walks, and 21 Ks while picking up two wins and five saves. Knebel is 9-for-11 in save tries. Josh Hader has a 0.73 ERA and 0.89 WHIP over his last 24.2 innings with 40 Ks and three saves. Since the beginning of June, Jeremy Jeffress allowed three runs over 12 innings with 18’s.
Minnesota Twins
Fernando Rodney blew his last two saves chances when he allowed two runs and six baserunners over two innings with two Ks. Rodney now has five failed saves in 22 chances. Trevor Hildenberger blew up on June 30th when he allowed five runs and eight baserunners over one-third of an inning, which ended his scoreless streak at 18 innings with nine hits and 16 Ks. Addison Reed got dusted as well on the 30th vs. the White Sox when he allowed four runs and four hits over two-thirds of an inning. Reed has an 8.25 ERA and 2.17 WHIP over his last 12 innings.
New York Mets
Jeurys Familia showed a pulse in his last two appearances, which led to his 15th and 16th saves in 20 chances while tossing two clean innings with two Ks. Familia still has risk based on his 5.93 ERA and 1.98 WHIP over his last 13.2 innings with 12 Ks. Robert Gsellman is no longer an option for saves after getting lit up for 11 runs, 16 baserunners, and three home runs over his last 6.2 innings. Seth Lugo will try to stabilize the Mets’ bullpen after struggling in his last three starts (nine runs, 24 baserunners, and four HRs over 13 innings). Lugo has a 2.17 ERA in the bullpen compared to 3.52 in the starting rotation.
New York Yankees
Aroldis Chapman struggled twice over the last week, but he finished the week with respectable stats (two runs, three hits, one home run, and eight Ks over four innings). Chapman has one blown save in 25 opportunities with 65 Ks over 37.2 innings. Dellin Betances improved his shutout run to 16.2 innings with 28 Ks. David Robertson allowed a run in two of his last three appearances (two runs and three baserunners over 3.1 innings with six Ks).
Oakland A’s
Over his last nine games, Blake Treinen didn’t allow a run over 10.2 innings with 15 Ks, one win, and seven saves. Treinen is 22-for-24 in save conversions with an elite ERA (0.84) and WHIP (0.94) on the year. Lou Trivino has an incredible four wins over his last eight games leading to one run allowed over 9.2 innings with one hit and 11 Ks. Trivino pushed his record to 7-1 with further improvement in his ERA (1.51). Emilio Pagan extended his shutout streak to 11.1 innings with 13 Ks.
Philadelphia Phillies
Seranthony Dominguez picked up a save in each of his last four games when he threw five shutout innings with two hits and seven Ks. On the year, Dominguez has eight saves in nine opportunities with 38 Ks over 28.2 innings. Tommy Hunter struggled in half of his last eight games, which led to a 7.71 ERA and 2.00 WHIP over seven innings. Victor Arano pitched tossed seven shutout innings with four Ks, and one save over his last five games.
Pittsburgh Pirates
It took three and a half months for Felipe Vazquez to find his 2017 rhythm. Over his last eight games, Vazquez threw 8.2 shutout innings with four hits, no walks, 16 Ks, and five saves. He now has four failed saves in 21 chances with some work to correct his WHIP (1.30). Kyle Crick looked closer-worthy over his last nine shutout innings (four hits with three walks and 12 Ks). Tyler Glasnow pitched four no-hit shutout innings over the last week with five Ks, but the Dodgers beat him again on July 4th (two runs and three baserunners while failing to record an out).
San Diego Padres
Brad Hand hasn’t been a lot of fun to own over the last half of June (seven runs and 11 baserunners over five innings with two blown saves in four tries). Hand is 23-for-27 in save conversions with some fade in his ERA (3.12). Kirby Yates didn’t allow a run over 14 innings in June with six hits and 15 Ks to push his way closer to saves. Craig Stammen allowed six runs and 15 baserunners over his last nine innings with 12 Ks.
San Francisco Giants
Sam Dyson didn’t have a save chance over the last week while posting a 7.11 ERA over his last 6.1 innings. Mark Melancon gave up four runs and 16 baserunners over his last nine innings with three Ks, one save, and two blown saves. Will Smith threw his hat in the save ring over the last week. Over his last 14.2 innings, Smith allowed one run over 14.2 innings with six hits, four walks, and 23 Ks leading to a pair of saves. Tony Watson improved his scoreless streak to 14.1 innings with three hits, two walks, and 16 Ks.
Seattle Mariners
Another week goes by in the baseball season, and Edwin Diaz earns another three saves. Diaz has a save in 14 of his last 15 appearances starting on June 2nd. Over this span, he has a 1.17 ERA with one walk and 22 Ks over 15.1 innings. Edwin is 33-for-36 in save chances. Alex Colome tossed two shutout innings over the last week with four baserunners and no Ks. James Pazos has a 2.08 ERA over his last 13 innings with ten Ks.
St. Louis Cardinals
Bud Norris threw the ball well over his last eight games (one run over 7.1 innings with six Ks and four saves). Norris has 16 saves in 18 tries with an impressive 46 Ks and five walks over 35.2 innings. Jordan Hicks struggled over his last eight games (4.70 ERA with four walks and seven Ks over 7.2 innings). Greg Holland looks to be one bad outing by Norris to regaining the 9th inning. Holland threw 7.2 shutout innings with no walks and eight Ks in his last seven games.
Tampa Bay Rays
Over his last 16 games, Sergio Romo has a 1.69 ERA and 12 Ks while converting seven of his eight save chances. Jose Alvarado picked up two vulture saves over the last week when he faced a lefty to end the game. Over his last 7.2 innings, Alvarado allowed one run with six hits, six walks, and seven Ks. Diego Castillo gave two runs and five baserunners over his last 6.1 innings with one walk and seven Ks.
Texas Rangers
Keone Kela remains perfect in his 20 saves opportunities while extending his shutout streak to 6.2 innings with two walks and seven Ks. Kela posted a 1.42 ERA and 0.79 WHIP over his last 19 innings with 23 Ks. Jake Diekman allowed four runs, and eight baserunners over his last three innings with one K. Jose Leclerc pitched 5.2 no-hit shutout innings over his last six games with seven Ks.
Toronto Blue Jays
The Blue Jays announced over the last week that Roberto Osuna would return to the majors on August 5th while regaining the closing role shortly afterward. Ryan Tepera landed on the DL last week with an elbow injury. Tyler Clippard picked up three saves over his last five games while allowing two runs over his last 9.1 innings with no walks and nine Ks. Seung Hwan Ho has a 1.46 ERA and 0.73 WHIP over his last 12.1 innings with one walk and 18 Ks to remain an option for saves.
Washington Nationals
Sean Doolittle has 11 saves over his last 13 games with one run allowed over 14.2 innings with no walks and 14 Ks. Doolittle has one blown save in 22 chances. Kelvin Herrera has 3.00 ERA and 0.83 WHIP over six innings with the Nationals. Ryan Madson struggled over his last eight games (five runs, 11 baserunners, and three home runs over seven innings).
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