I haven’t really talked about Josh Hader at all because there’s no real need as we all know how talented the guy is. He really belongs in a category by himself as the most feared reliever in baseball. It’s crazy to see how he has continued to improve over the past 3 seasons, and even upping his fastball velocity from 94.5 mph in 2020 to 97 mph this season. It shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that Hader is having the season that he is, and he is even looking like a good value pick at his pre-season ADP.
Notes
- The Royals only have four saves as a team over the past month, but all 4 have gone to Scott Barlow, further distancing himself from Josh Staumont. While his strikeout numbers are down and the Royals are struggling to win games, Barlow has still been mostly effective this season and shouldn’t hurt you in any category.
- Corey Knebel was removed from the Phillies closer role last week, leaving a committee for the time being between Seranthony Domínguez and Brad Hand. I personally prefer Domínguez by a fairly wide margin but Hand is likely worth an add in 16 teamer roto leagues for the time being.
- Liam Hendriks was placed on the IL with a dreaded forearm strain but he expects to return by July 1st. In the meantime, Kendall Graveman and Joe Kelly will hold down the closer role, and despite Kelly’s save last night, I’d still prefer Graveman if I had to roster one.
- Tanner Scott has been given an opportunity to run away with the Marlins closer role, but has struggled in his last two outings, allowing three earned runs while walking three over 1.2 innings pitched. Anthony Bender could return before the All-Star break, and somehow may wind up getting his job back.
| Rank | Pitcher | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Josh HaderT1 | - |
| 2 | Edwin Díaz | +1 |
| 3 | Raisel Iglesias | +1 |
| 4 | Kenley Jansen | +1 |
| 5 | Emmanuel ClaseT2 | +1 |
| 6 | Taylor Rogers | +1 |
| 7 | Jordan Romano | +1 |
| 8 | Ryan Pressly | +1 |
| 9 | David Bednar | +1 |
| 10 | Camilo DovalT3 | +2 |
| 11 | Clay Holmes | +2 |
| 12 | Craig Kimbrel | -1 |
| 13 | Ryan Helsley | +1 |
| 14 | David Robertson | +1 |
| 15 | Joe BarlowT4 | +1 |
| 16 | Daniel Bard | +1 |
| 17 | Jorge López | +2 |
| 18 | Gregory Soto | - |
| 19 | Scott Barlow | +6 |
| 20 | Tanner Rainey | - |
| 21 | Emilio PagánT5 | - |
| 22 | Diego Castillo | - |
| 23 | Seranthony Domínguez | +UR |
| 24 | Tanner Houck | - |
| 25 | Tanner Scott | -2 |
| 26 | Kendall Graveman | +UR |
| 27 | Colin Poche | +UR |
| 28 | Mark Melancon | +1 |
| 29 | A.J. Puk | +UR |
| 30 | Hunter Strickland | +UR |
Watch List
| Rank | Pitcher | Team | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Giovanny Gallegos | STL | has STL last save opportunity |
| 2. | Jhoan Duran | MIN | Similar situation to STL and Gallegos |
| 3. | Paul Sewald | SEA | Back in a committee with Castillo (and Giles?) |
| 4. | Jason Adam | TB | Could be RH complement to Poche |
| 5. | Joe Kelly | CWS | could form a committee with Graveman? |
| 6. | Brad Hand | PHI | in a committee with Seranthony at the moment |
| 7. | Josh Staumont | KC | falling out of favor in KC? |
| 8. | Daniel Hudson | LAD | could factor in more given Kimbrel’s struggles |
| 9. | Aroldis Chapman | NYY | worth holding if you have an IL spot, if not, drop |
| 10. | Zach Jackson | OAK | Could form committee with Puk as long as Jimenez is out |
Photo by Larry Radloff/Icon Sportswire | Adapted by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns on Twitter)