The Hold Up 5/23: Ranking the Top 90 Relievers for Holds Every Thursday

It’s still a small sample size, but Sean Newcomb‘s early results as a reliever have been more than the Braves could have hoped for. Since returning in May, Newcomb’s not only yet to allow a run, but he has an 8:0 K/BB rate over 8.1 innings as well to go with three holds and a save. With Luke Jackson blowing his third save in two weeks Tuesday night, Newcomb’s ascent to the closer role in Atlanta may happen sooner rather than later.

With Wade Davis hitting the IL with an oblique strain yesterday, Scott Oberg moves into the closer role for the time being while Carlos Estevez should have an easier path toward holds now. I’m a little surprised the Rockies are going with Oberg over Estevez in the first place given how each has pitched lately (Oberg has a 1:5 K/BB rate in May, Estevez 11:4), but I’m sure it has something to do with “experience.” Either way, both get a temporary boost in SV+HD leagues, with Jake McGee just outside the top 80 for now.

Jeurys Familia is back from the IL but is still way off the radar in most leagues as he continues to have serious command issues. His 4.7 K-BB% ranks 171 out of 184 qualified relievers, with his 5.19 FIP just barely sneaking into the top 150. With Seth Lugo on the IL, the Mets don’t have many options in front of Edwin Diaz outside of Robert Gsellman at the moment, but perhaps someone such as Drew Gagnon or maybe Tyler Bashlor can step up.