Fantasy baseball closer picks Which relievers might benefit from a trade
Trade season is upon is and Eric looks at which closers are on the rise and which would benefit from a trade
OBJ Late start with Fins due to a lot going on
Nobody said life is fair when it comes to investing in relief pitchers for fantasy baseball (or, really, for other matters, too). St. Louis Cardinals RHP Ryan Helsley saved 12 wins in June. The Miami Marlins have 14 saves this season. Texas Rangers RHP Kirby Yates, pitching better than Helsley (and certainly the Marlins), earned only three June saves, and he still has yet to blow a save this season. Opportunity matters, and often it is unpredictable.
The top relief pitchers by WAR in June were Chicago White Sox setup man RHP John Brebbia, Milwaukee Brewers LHP slinger Bryan Hudson and Los Angeles Angels RHP Carlos Estevez, who saved eight wins and issued nary a free pass. He has gone from a 4.4% walk rate in 2023 to walking three hitters all of 2024. Unpredictable is definitely the word, and there is little we can do about it. Estevez may walk three hitters this week. He remains available in 65% of ESPN standard leagues.
Welcome to July, and our latest relief pitcher Stock Watch, and remember that stock might be changing shortly and without warning.
Stock rising
Kenley Jansen, Boston Red Sox: Keep an eye on the Red Sox this month because rumors abound about Jansen's availability, even though the team is a wild-card contender. The Red Sox signed veteran RHP Liam Hendriks to a two-year contract, presuming he would miss this season recovering from Tommy John surgery, but be healthy enough to replace Jansen as the 2025 closer. Hendriks is on the mend and already throwing bullpen sessions, and perhaps we see him pitching in August. It does not mean we should stash him on redraft rosters, though. Jansen produced a stellar June, saving seven wins, allowing one run. It seems unlikely he pitches elsewhere this season, but one never knows. Unpredictable.
Tanner Scott, Miami Marlins: Speaking of relievers potentially on the move, Scott turned his season around after a tough start, thanks mainly to controlling the walks, and boasts a sub-1 ERA and WHIP since the start of May. The lefty has saves in his past four appearances, including a pair in Philadelphia this past weekend, but he would obviously have more on a better team. Scott would fit in any contender's bullpen, and let's face it, a few contenders could opt to utilize him in the ninth inning, including the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers. Other Marlins may be on the move as well, so do not bother adding setup men such as LHP A.J. Puk or RHP Calvin Faucher to chase what few save chances there may be.
Alex Vesia, Los Angeles Dodgers: RHP Evan Phillips is still excellent, but occasionally summoned for the opposing team's top hitters in the eighth inning. This is smart behavior, by the way, even as it flummoxes fantasy managers. Managers do not care about our needs. Vesia, 28, an underrated left-hander with relatively even splits during his career, saved one game in each of the past three seasons, but he has four saves this season, half coming in the past two weeks. Vesia probably will not pile on the saves the final three months, but his 1.23 ERA, 0.87 WHIP and 33% strikeout rate warrant attention for deeper leagues.
Stock falling
David Bednar, Pittsburgh Pirates: Bednar recently hit the injured list with an oblique strain, temporarily stopping what had been a positive two-month run of health, double-digit saves and strong run prevention. The Pirates do not expect a lengthy absence, but we have to at least question durability when a pitcher missed most of spring training with a lat issue, then got hurt again in June. There is no debate about hierarchy when Bednar returns to health, though. LHP Aroldis Chapman has a few saves and myriad strikeouts, but nearly a walk per inning this season. The Pirates may be contenders, so perhaps Bednar and Chapman remain on the team all summer.
Trevor Megill, Milwaukee Brewers: OK, hear me out. Megill rocked in June, saving nine wins, permitting one run in 13 appearances. He's doing great. The problem is incumbent closer RHP Devin Williams is on the quicker-than-expected mend from multiple fractures in his back and looking to return right after the All-Star break, which is in two short weeks. There will be no closer controversy here. A healthy Williams will earn the save chances, and despite his long absence, there is little reason to doubt his performance or long-term health. Megill will set him up. Megill can retain some value with run prevention and holds, but if you need saves, thank the surprising Megill for his first-half efforts, but add Williams quickly.
Jordan Romano, Toronto Blue Jays: This one is, unfortunately, becoming quite clear, too. Romano continues to experience elbow discomfort while on the injured list for the second time, and he should not be rostered in ESPN redraft formats any longer. He is at 60% rostered. Move on. Toronto's season is a mess. RHP Yimi Garcia is also injured. RHP Chad Green is the closer with little to save recently, and perhaps RHP Nate Pearson gets a shot. Romano's multi-year run as closer keeps him rostered, but that is a mistake.
For more on closers and bullpens, check out the ESPN Fantasy Closer Chart.
Former World Cup champion Lauren Holiday is expected to play a very active role with the North Carolina Courage should the sale of the team to Marc Lasry s Avenue Capital Group be finalized sources told ESPN
The past two NBA champions are playing pair of preseason games in the UAE s capital which has become focal point for the league s international efforts
["Premier League Arsenal versus Southampton kick off 15:00 Sat 5 Oct 2024? Follow live text commentary, score updates and match stats from Arsenal vs \nSouthampton in the Premier League.","Team news: Sterling handed first Gunners PL start? Mikel Arteta has made three changes to his starting line-up for today's \ngame with Southampton, with Raheem Sterling handed a first Premier","Arsenal vs Southampton: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup and injuries? Arsenal duo Jurrien Timber and Ben White are in contention to feature in \nthe Premier League meeting with Southampton at the Emirates later","White, Timber, Odegaard - Arsenal injury news and return dates vs \nSouthampton? Latest Arsenal injury news ahead of Southampton with new updates issued on \nBen White, Jurrien Timber, Martin Odegaard and Takehiro Tomiyasu.","How to watch Arsenal vs. Southampton in Canada: Live stream, channel, time, \nlineups for Premier League match? Arsenal vs. Southampton kickoff time: Here's how to watch the Premier \nLeague match on TV and live stream in Canada as well as the latest","Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta faces major selection problem for Southampton \nfixture? The Gunners could be without both Jurrien Timber and Ben White for the \nvisit of Russell Martin's side on Saturday, meaning Mikel Arteta may","3 talking points ahead of Arsenal vs Southampton? Mikel Merino made his long-awaited Arsenal debut off the bench against PSG \nand is likely to continue in the squad for the Southampton game.","How to watch Man City vs Fulham on US TV and live streaming? Find out how to watch Man City vs Fulham on US TV and live streaming for \nthe English Premier League match from England.","Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs. Southampton: Premier League? Arsenal could be without Benjamin White and Jurrien Timber in defense while \nHavertz and Saka continue to lead the line. by: Max Mallow.","Arsenal could have to use Thomas Partey as right back against the Saints \ntoday? The latest rumours from the Arsenal camp suggest that Mikel Arteta might \nhave to switch to playing Thomas Partey at right back. Against PSG, the \nArsenal","Premier League Manchester City 1 Fulham 1 Half time? Follow live text commentary, score updates and match stats from Manchester \nCity vs Fulham in the Premier League.","City make five changes for Fulham visit? Pep Guardiola has made five changes to the team that started the midweek \nChampions League game against Slovan Bratislava.","How to watch Man City vs. Fulham in Canada: Live stream, channel, time, \nlineups for Premier League match? Defending Premier League champions Manchester City will take on Fulham at \ntheir fortress Etihad Stadium this Saturday.","Preview: Manchester City vs. Fulham - prediction, team news, lineups? Seeking to avoid going three consecutive Premier League games without a \nvictory, champions Manchester City welcome Fulham to the Etihad","Jimenez's flick allows Pereira to give Fulham lead? Raul Jimenez has the assist of the season in the bag as his flick sets up \nAndreas Pereira in front of goal to give Fulham an early 1-0 lead","Sutton's predictions: Man City v Fulham? Chris Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League matches this \nseason, against a variety of guests. For week seven, he takes on","Man City vs Fulham live stream: How to watch Premier League game online \ntoday, team news? The Man City vs Fulham live stream is a chance for the Premier League \nchampions to continue their dominant start to the season.","Major Premier League claim, Nathan Ake fitness update, Kyle Walker praise \u2013 \nEvery word from part two of Pep Guardiola\u2019s pre-Fulham press conference? Pep Guardiola has issued a significant insight into Manchester City and an \napproach made to the Premier League regarding the start of next","Troy Deeney has now backed \u00a3225k-a-week Man City player to shine against \nFulham? Whilst previewing and predicting the scores for this weekend's round of \nPremier League fixtures in a recent video shared on his official","Premier League Soccer: Livestream Man City vs. Fulham From Anywhere? After dropping vital points last weekend, Man City will look to get their \ntitle defence back on track today as they play Fulham at the","Preview: Union Berlin vs. Borussia Dortmund - prediction, team news, lineups? Nuri Sahin's Borussia Dortmund will look to pick up their third win in a \nrow when they travel to face Union Berlin on Saturday at Stadion An","Union Berlin vs. Borussia Dortmund preview: Free-scoring BVB head on the \nroad? Bo Svensson made a promising start to his tenure as Union boss, with his \nfirst four matches producing two wins and two draws.","BVB Travels to K\u00f6penick, St. Pauli Hosts Mainz 05 - Bundesliga Super \nSaturday Live and Exclusive on Sky? Unterf\u00f6hring (ots) - Join Britta Hofmann and Sky expert Didi Hamann from \n14:00 on Saturday afternoon Sky experts Julia Simic,","Union Berlin vs Borussia Dortmund Prediction, 10\/5\/2024 Bundesliga Soccer \nPick, Tips and Odds? The Iron Ones are going to take on Borussia Dortmund at 9:30 AM EST on \nSaturday, October 5, 2024. The expected starting goalkeepers are","Expected Borussia Dortmund lineup vs Union Berlin as injuries mount in \nattack? Find out how Borussia Dortmund could line up against Union Berlin in the \nBundesliga this weekend as they deal with an injury crisis in","Predicted Borussia Dortmund XI vs Union Berlin? After their 7-1 drubbing of Celtic in midweek, Borussia Dortmund now face a \ntough trip to Berlin as they play Union Berlin.","Union Berlin vs. Dortmund (Oct 5, 2024) Pregame? Two clubs in the top half of the Bundesliga table, Borussia Dortmund \n(fifth) and Union Berlin (ninth), play on Saturday at 9:30 AM ET.","Union Berlin vs Borussia Dortmund LIVE Score Updates, Stream Info and How \nto Watch Bundesliga Match? Tune in here Union Berlin vs Borussia Dortmund Live Score. Do not miss a \ndetail of the match with the live updates and commentaries of VAVEL","Bundesliga Preview | Union Berlin vs Borussia Dortmund \u2013 BVB look to make \nit three wins in a row? Borussia Dortmund head to the capital on Saturday to take on Union Berlin \nas they look to pick up their third Bundesliga win in a row.","Match Preview: Borussia Dortmund Visit Union Berlin with Depleted Attack? This week, Borussia Dortmund struck back against accusations of mediocrity \nwith a 7-1 victory over Celtic to gain an early lead in the new","Kalvin Phillips: Pep Guardiola 'overweight' comments left midfielder \n'frustrated'? Kalvin Phillips says that \"narratives\" which followed former manager Pep \nGuardiola's comments about his weight left him feeling","\u201cI\u2019m not joking\u201d \u2013 Kalvin Phillips shares incredible Marcelo Bielsa \ntraining routine at Leeds United? Former Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips has shared further insight \ninto the rigorous training methods employed by Marcelo Bielsa at","Patrick Bamford and Kalvin Phillips on same page over Leeds United icon \nMarcelo Bielsa? Get the latest Leeds United news delivered straight to your inbox each day \n- sign up for free email updates. More Newsletters. Subscribe","West Ham v Ipswich: Kalvin Phillips chats Hammers loan spell? Ipswich's Kalvin Phillips has spoken about his loan spell at West Ham on \nthe latest episode of My Mate's A Footballer with Leeds striker","Man City flop Kalvin Phillips makes fresh confession on Pep\u2019s \u2018overweight\u2019 \njibe and details negative impact on career? Manchester City loanee Kalvin Phillips says he was \"frustrated\" with the \n\"narratives\" that followed him in the wake of manager Pep Guardiola","Martin Keown claims Pep Guardiola made a big mistake with \u00a345m Man City \nplayer? After Kalvin Phillips recently revealed that Guardiola's comments on him \nbeing overweight after the 2022 World Cup frustrated him,","Phillips feeling the love at Ipswich after negative West Ham experience, \nsays McKenna? Kalvin Phillips is benefitting from being in a positive environment at \nIpswich Town, says manager Kieran McKenna. The former Leeds and","Kalvin Phillips shares the truth on what really happened regarding infamous \nspat with West Ham fan? The 28-year-old has now joined Ipswich Town on loan from Man City. And \nPhillips will have to face the Hammers fans at the London Stadium","Kalvin Phillips claims 'every club asked about his weight' after Pep \nGuardiola labelled him 'overweight' - as Man City outcast reveals he is \nback to his Leeds level at Ipswich? Phillips expressed frustration at a 'narrative' that grew over his fitness \nlevels; The midfielder is seeking to reignite his career during a loan \nspell at","'At West Ham there were a lot of eyes on me' - Phillips? Ipswich's Kalvin Phillips has spoken about his loan spell at West Ham on \nthe latest episode of My Mate's A Footballer with Leeds striker Patrick \nBamford and","Preview: Bayer Leverkusen vs. Holstein Kiel - prediction, team news, lineups? Sports Mole previews Saturday's Bundesliga clash between Bayer Leverkusen \nand Holstein Kiel, including predictions, team news and possible","Bayer Leverkusen vs Holstein Kiel Prediction, 10\/5\/2024 Bundesliga Soccer \nPick, Tips and Odds? Bayer Leverkusen are prepared to take on Holstein Kiel at 9:30 AM EST on \nSaturday, October 5, 2024. The goalies expected to start will be","Bayer Leverkusen vs Holstein Kiel Predictions: Statement Win for the \nChampions and a Good Day for Boniface? Our football predictions expert lists his top three bets for Holstein \nKiel's daunting visit of Bundesliga 23\/24 champions Bayer Leverkusen","Bayer Leverkusen vs Holstein Kiel preview: Champions to get back to winning \nways?? Reigning Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen continue their title defence \non Saturday as they host struggling Holstein Kiel at the","After win over Milan, Leverkusen won't underestimate Kiel? Bayer Leverkusen will look to go into next week's international break with \na win over promoted Holstein Kiel on Saturday, buoyed by their","Bayer vs Holstein Kiel: Match Preview and Predictions? Date: October 5, 2024Time: 16:30Venue: Bayer Arena, LeverkusenCompetition: \nBundesliga 2024-25, Matchday 6Where to watch: Setanta","Predicted Bayer Leverkusen XI vs Holsteinn Kiel? Bayer Leverkusen will look to go top of the table, at least for the night, \nas they host Holstein Kiel after their 1-0 win against AC Milan","Bundesliga: Xabi Alonso Wary Of Holstein Kiel Threat Ahead Of Landmark \nLeverkusen Outing? Xabi Alonso hopes to mark his 100th game in charge of Bayer Leverkusen with \na victory, but the Spaniard is not underestimating bottom club","Xabi Alonso discusses possible changes for Leverkusen against Kiel? Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso has confirmed that he's considering \nmaking changes to his side for Saturday's Bundesliga clash with","Bayer Leverkusen vs Holstein Kiel Prediction and Betting Tips | October 5th \n2024? Bayer Leverkusen will entertain Holstein Kiel at BayArena in the Bundesliga \non Saturday. The hosts have won three of their five games thus","Injury update: Wissa, N\u00f8rgaard and Henry? Brentford head coach Thomas Frank provided an update on Rico Henry, \nChristian N\u00f8rgaard and Yoane Wissa ahead of Wolverhampton Wanderers'","Brentford vs Wolves predictions: Chris Sutton on Premier League game? Chris Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League matches this \nseason, against a variety of guests. For week seven, he takes on","Premier League Soccer: Livestream Brentford vs. Wolves From Anywhere? EPL bottom club Wolves head to west London on Saturday to face Brentford as \nthey desperately go in search of their first win of the season.","Brentford vs Wolverhampton Wanderers: Brentford 17-seconds off ANOTHER \nfirst-minute goal!? Clinton Morrison and the Soccer Saturday panel react to Brentfords early \ngoal against Wolverhampton Wanderers after the Bees earned a","Matheus Cunha puts Wolves level against Brentford? Matheus Cunha's first-time strike finds the back of the net to silence the \nGtech and gets Wolves back on level terms against Brentford.","Wolves predicted lineup, team and injury news as Gary O\u2019Neil makes surprise \nchange vs Brentford? Wolves travel to Brentford on Saturday looking for their first Premier \nLeague win with Gary O'Neil making a few changes to his side.","Wolves\u2019 Craig Dawson in contention for Brentford match as Santiago Bueno \nfit to play - The Athletic? Wolverhampton Wanderers could welcome back Craig Dawson for tomorrow's \nPremier League trip to Brentford after the defender returned to","Brentford v Wolves preview: Wolves have the players to compete? Tommy Doyle says there is no reason Wolves cannot compete in the Premier \nLeague as they chase their first win of the season at Brentford.","Wolves boss O'Neil says Larsen key facing Brentford? O'Neil says Jorgen Larsen could be key in the clash. Advertisement. \nAdvertisement. He said, \u201cWe never move too far away from what we want to","Watch Brentford vs. Wolverhampton live stream? There is a matchup between a couple clubs in the bottom half of the table \non Saturday, Oct. 5 with Wolverhampton taking on Brentford at","Getafe vs. Osasuna (Oct 5, 2024) Pregame? Pregame analysis and predictions of the Getafe vs. Osasuna Spanish Laliga \ngame to be played on October 5, 2024 on ESPN.","Getafe vs Osasuna: Match Preview and Predictions? October 5, 2024 17:15. Getafe. \"Coliseum\". La Liga 2024-25. Matchday \n9Getafe vs. Osasuna (Pamplona)Where to watch: MEGOGO,","Getafe vs Osasuna Prediction, 10\/5\/2024 La Liga Soccer Pick, Tips and Odds? Getafe is taking on Osasuna at 10:15 AM EST on Saturday, October 5, 2024. \nThe starting goalies are David Soria Getafe and Sergio Herrera","Getafe vs. Osasuna Prediction by Proven Computer Model [10\/5\/2024]? Our detailed prediction and analysis for the Getafe vs. Osasuna La Liga \ngame on October 5, 2024 is featured below. Drawing from 10,000 game","Preview: Getafe vs. Osasuna - prediction, team news, lineups? Osasuna will be aiming to make it three wins from their last four matches \nin La Liga when they continue their campaign with an away fixture","Getafe vs Osasuna Prediction and Betting Tips | 5th October 2024? The 2024-25 edition of La Liga is back in action with another set of \nmatches this weekend as Getafe take on an impressive Osasuna side in an","Getafe vs. Osasuna Prediction, Odds, La Liga Picks [10\/5\/2024]? La Liga action continues on Saturday, October 5 at 10:15AM ET as Osasuna \ntakes on Getafe at Estadio Coliseum.","Caoimhin Kelleher absence v Crystal Palace explained as Jaros on call for \nLiverpool if needed? The Irishman is usually among the substitutes for the Reds in Premier \nLeague action as Alisson Becker's immediate deputy, but today his name","Dara O\u2019Shea Believes Winning Culture At Ipswich Town Will Keep Them Up? Dara O'Shea [+][-] of Ipswich euns with the ball during the Premier \nLeague match between Southampton FC and Ipswich Town FC at St Mary's","O'Shea: Partnership With Greaves Growing With Every Game? https:\/\/www.twtd.co.uk\/ipswich-town-news\/48054\/oshea-partnership-with-greaves-growing-with-every-game \nIf you want to remove this post from","'I made the right decision' - O'Shea on Town move, transfer decision & West \nHam clash? Speaking ahead of Ipswich Town's trip to West Ham, Dara O'Shea discussed \nhis move to Portman Road, interest from elsewhere, representing the","O\u2019Shea says he joined Ipswich for the \"winning culture\"? Ipswich Town's summer signing Dara O'Shea has opened up about his move and \nwhat tempted him to join the newly promoted side.","\u2018I\u2019m enjoying playing with him\u2019: Town defender believes new centre-back \npartnership growing every game? Ipswich Town defender Dara O'Shea believes his new partnership at the back \nwith a fellow summer signing is growing with each game.","O'Shea: I Felt Ipswich Was the Right Place For Me? Town defender Dara O'Shea says the culture and togetherness in the squad \nplayed a huge part in his decision to move to Portman Road during"]
White, Timber, Odegaard - Arsenal injury news and return dates vs
Southampton? Latest Arsenal injury news ahead of Southampton with new updates issued on
Ben White, Jurrien Timber, Martin Odegaard and Takehiro Tomiyasu.
How to watch Man City vs Fulham on US TV and live streaming? Find out how to watch Man City vs Fulham on US TV and live streaming for
the English Premier League match from England.City make five changes for Fulham visit? Pep Guardiola has made five changes to the team that started the midweek
Champions League game against Slovan Bratislava.
Sutton's predictions: Man City v Fulham? Chris Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League matches this
season, against a variety of guests. For week seven, he takes on
Premier League Soccer: Livestream Man City vs. Fulham From Anywhere? After dropping vital points last weekend, Man City will look to get their
title defence back on track today as they play Fulham at theUnion Berlin vs Borussia Dortmund Prediction, 10/5/2024 Bundesliga Soccer
Pick, Tips and Odds? The Iron Ones are going to take on Borussia Dortmund at 9:30 AM EST on
Saturday, October 5, 2024. The expected starting goalkeepers are
Union Berlin vs Borussia Dortmund LIVE Score Updates, Stream Info and How
to Watch Bundesliga Match? Tune in here Union Berlin vs Borussia Dortmund Live Score. Do not miss a
detail of the match with the live updates and commentaries of VAVEL
“I’m not joking” – Kalvin Phillips shares incredible Marcelo Bielsa
training routine at Leeds United? Former Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips has shared further insight
into the rigorous training methods employed by Marcelo Bielsa atMartin Keown claims Pep Guardiola made a big mistake with £45m Man City
player? After Kalvin Phillips recently revealed that Guardiola's comments on him
being overweight after the 2022 World Cup frustrated him,
'At West Ham there were a lot of eyes on me' - Phillips? Ipswich's Kalvin Phillips has spoken about his loan spell at West Ham on
the latest episode of My Mate's A Footballer with Leeds striker Patrick
Bamford and
Bayer Leverkusen vs Holstein Kiel preview: Champions to get back to winning
ways?? Reigning Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen continue their title defence
on Saturday as they host struggling Holstein Kiel at theBundesliga: Xabi Alonso Wary Of Holstein Kiel Threat Ahead Of Landmark
Leverkusen Outing? Xabi Alonso hopes to mark his 100th game in charge of Bayer Leverkusen with
a victory, but the Spaniard is not underestimating bottom club
Brentford vs Wolves predictions: Chris Sutton on Premier League game? Chris Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League matches this
season, against a variety of guests. For week seven, he takes on
Wolves predicted lineup, team and injury news as Gary O’Neil makes surprise
change vs Brentford? Wolves travel to Brentford on Saturday looking for their first Premier
League win with Gary O'Neil making a few changes to his side.Watch Brentford vs. Wolverhampton live stream? There is a matchup between a couple clubs in the bottom half of the table
on Saturday, Oct. 5 with Wolverhampton taking on Brentford at
Getafe vs. Osasuna Prediction by Proven Computer Model [10/5/2024]? Our detailed prediction and analysis for the Getafe vs. Osasuna La Liga
game on October 5, 2024 is featured below. Drawing from 10,000 game
Caoimhin Kelleher absence v Crystal Palace explained as Jaros on call for
Liverpool if needed? The Irishman is usually among the substitutes for the Reds in Premier
League action as Alisson Becker's immediate deputy, but today his nameO’Shea says he joined Ipswich for the "winning culture"? Ipswich Town's summer signing Dara O'Shea has opened up about his move and
what tempted him to join the newly promoted side.