2016 Fantasy Baseball Bullpen Report: August 22

2016 Fantasy Baseball Bullpen Report: Updated August 22

Closers & Saves

Atlanta Braves

I know for a fact that what I am about to say I have said numerous times in the past. When you pick up an interim closer, you do NOT drop him immediately upon the return of the incumbent. We’re talking about the DL here, not the bereavement list. I’ve said it over and over again and it boggles my mind when people don’t listen. I’m not saying you keep the guy as a handcuff forever (unless, of course, you’re in a league that counts holds). That would be silly. But give the incumbent a few outings to re-prove his health and regain the manager’s confidence. Sometimes, the guy doesn’t get his job back and that’s EXACTLY what has happened here in Atlanta. When Arodys Vizcaino came off the DL last week, those who latched onto Jim Johnson immediately began to drop him, obviously forgetting what happened over in Tampa Bay and Colorado just a short time ago. But upon his return, Vizcaino got lit up and manager Brian Snitker decided that perhaps a set-up role to get back into a groove would be the right play here. Johnson has been solid in his role with eight saves and just one earned run allowed over his last 12 appearances and there is really no reason to pull him. The team is going nowhere, Vizcaino needs an adjustment period and who knows…maybe this increases Johnson’s appeal as we near the waiver trade deadline at the end of the month. Learn the lesson, folks. Just learn the lesson.

Kansas City Royals

It looks like the Royals are still holding out hope for Wade Davis’ return to their bullpen this season. The 30-year old right-hander is on the DL for a second time due to his elbow issues, but the team says he is going to head to Arizona to throw some live bullpen sessions this week. If he reports no discomfort or any lingering issues, the team is expected to send him out on a rehab assignment. The only problem is that we don’t know how many bullpen sessions it will take for the team to be convinced that he is able to take his rehab to the next level. His tentative return is penciled in for the end of this month, but, obviously, nothing is etched in stone. Kelvin Herrera, who after a few bumps in the road to start the month of August has now made five-straight scoreless appearances with three saves and six strikeouts (no walks) in five innings, will continue to serve as the team’s interim closer.

Miami Marlins

Well it sure was fun while it lasted, right, Fernando Rodney owners? The 39-year old right-hander locked down seven saves over his last nine outings (9.0 IP) and allowed just one run with eight strikeouts over that span. Sure, he also kicked in half a dozen walks too, but the important thing is that he hooked you up with some solid short-term saves with virtually no damage to your ratios. Unfortunately, it looks like this gravy train is drying up as A.J. Ramos is off the DL now and is expected to return to his role as the Marlins’ closer. Rodney will return to his setup role and be good for holds, but do not drop him just yet. Learn something from those Jim Johnson owners who dumped him the day Vizcaino came off the DL for Atlanta. You need to give Ramos a few outings before you think about cutting Rodney. If Ramos struggles, there’s a good chance Rodney could at least work his way into some sort of a committee and retain some value.

Relievers & Holds

Chicago Cubs

The Cubbies bullpen has taken an absolute beating recently as their three primary set-up men, Hector Rondon, Pedro Strop and Joe Smith, are all on the disabled list and none are coming back before the month of September kicks off. But someone has to try and hold down the fort and bridge the gap between the starter and Aroldis Chapman, so if you’re in need of some holds right now, Carl Edwards, Jr and Justin Grimm seem to be the short-term answers. Southpaw Travis Wood is also in the mix. You don’t want to invest too heavily, but if you’re just looking for a quick band-aid and some specific category impact, you may want to look here.

New York Mets

With Jim Henderson coming off the DL this past weekend, you can probably now look to him for some holds work if the Mets can get back to winning. He is expected to return to a seventh-inning role while Hansel Robles goes back to his mid-inning support role. The holds won’t be abundant and there’s not much there with regard to strikeout rate, so don’t overrate what you’re getting.

Philadelphia Phillies

There’s nothing really more to say about this bullpen and its hierarchy right now, but I just wanted to acknowledge the efforts of Hector Neris who, as you can see below, has led the majors with five holds over the past 14 days. If your league counts holds, there’s no way he’s available, but for those of you in more shallow leagues, if you’re looking for someone to help stabilize your ratios while also augmenting your strikeout total, there is really no one better than Neris. We’re talking 64.1 innings with a 2.24 ERA and a whopping 82 strikeouts. Total no-brainer here and a much better option than any fifth-rate starter you’re trying to stream from the waiver wire. Just saying.

Seattle Mariners

While the Mariners are six games behind the Rangers for the AL West lead, they are just one game out of the second wild card spot and they’re playing some pretty solid ball. Edwin Diaz has been a solid revelation as the team’s closer, but the bridge between him and the starters is really where the action is, despite a rash of injuries. Former Pirates righty Arquimedes Caminero has been solid with a hold in each of his last three appearances, Tom Wilhelmsen was cruising until a hiccup on the mound Sunday, Steve Cishek and Nick Vincent are back from injuries and primary lefty set-up man Vidal Nuno has gone eight-straight appearances without allowing a single run. If you’re struggling for holds, look deep into the Mariners pen as a number of guys are getting the job done.

Strength of Bullpen

Closer Grid