Relievers To Stream for Wins and Saves – 9/9

With the MLB season in its final stretch run, some bullpen hierarchies have stayed steady, while others have become more and more muddled. Though some managers may keep fantasy owners guessing, it is important to at least have an idea of who has a chance at a save, and who is most likely not even going to appear in a game today. Don’t sleep on saves! In a shortened season, they all count that much more.

Notes

• The Royals closer role has been up in the air ever since the team sent Trevor Rosenthal off to the Padres. Last night Greg Holland was used to set up Scott Barlow, who picked up his 2nd save of the season. Both should be available today, but how they are used is still anyone’s guess.
• Ryan Pressly worked a scoreless 9th inning yesterday to pick up his 8th save on the year, but should still be available today should a save opportunity arise. The Astros are starting Luis Garcia today, his first MLB start, so those who are looking for to vulture a win could take a chance on Brandon Bielak or Humberto Castellanos as Garcia isn’t expected to go more than 5 innings.
• Kyle Cody is making a start for the Rangers today and could be expected to throw around 60-70 pitches. Wes Benjamin or John King should see an inning or two once Cody is done and could steal a win in the process.
• Jeremy Jeffress is running away with the Cubs closer role, despite the fact that he has been super lucky this season. Regardless, Jeffress should be available tonight after closing out the Reds last night.
• Richard Rodriguez worked a scoreless 9th in a tie game yesterday and wound up picking up a win. He only threw 15 pitches so he should be good to go today if the Pirates find themselves a save situation.
• It looks as if Kevin Ginkel is solidifying himself as the Diamondbacks top closer option, as he earned the teams last save and pitched the 9th inning in a tie game last night. He threw 31 pitches last night but could still be available tonight.
• Kenley Jansen struggled last night in Arizona, throwing 31 pitches in the process. Like Ginkel, he should be available tonight although the first-place Dodgers may decide to give Jansen some more rest than usual down the stretch.
• The Giants have been making a serious playoff push as of late, and it looks like Tony Watson and Tyler Rogers are forming a formidable closer committee. The two have pitched 3 times in the past 4 days so they are likely off tonight. If a save situation comes up, I’d imagine Sam Coonrod gets the chance to close things out.