Fantasy Baseball Closer Report (June 28): Will Smith’s Streak Continues, Daniel Bard is Erratic for the Rockies

Fantasy Baseball Closer Report (June 28): Will Smith’s Streak Continues, Daniel Bard is Erratic for the Rockies article feature image
Credit:

David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images. Pictured: Will Smith #51 of the Atlanta Braves.

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.

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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)

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