With the team moving to a closer-by-committee approach, it’s possible we see 3-4 members of the Yankees bullpen have some SV+HLD league value over the remainder of the season. Scott Effross already has one save in the three games he’s pitched in since returning from the IL last week, and he may be the favorite to finish games this postseason if the team continues to lose confidence in Clay Holmes.
It’s been a frustrating season for Jonathan Loáisiga but the second half of the season has been a bit of a silver lining here as he’s allowed just 5 ER over 23.2 IP since August (however, only 14 K’s). And Lou Trivino, who picked up the Yankees’ last save, has been much better since moving to New York from Oakland, with a 1.74 ERA since August (despite a 1.35 WHIP). With a series against the Orioles followed by four games with the Rangers, look to these Yankee relievers if you need a SV+HLD boost to finish the season.
Notes
- Jason Adam hasn’t been quite as dominant in September but with a .194 BABIP on the season (when he entered the year with a career .278 BABIP), some regression was likely. How much that carries over to next season will be interesting to see, but the changes he’s made this season should keep him in the conversation for holds league relevancy.
- With the Dodgers looking for help finishing games, look for Alex Vesia to have a significant role the rest of the season and through the postseason. One of my favorite sleeper candidates entering the year, Vesia got off to a slow start but has been one of the best relievers in baseball since the All-Star break (43% K rate, 2.49 xFIP, 1.97 SIERA over his last 23 IP).
- Two of the biggest free agent set up men to sign this offseason in Héctor Neris and Kendall Graveman are finishing their seasons on a bit of a down note. Despite the 5.79 ERA in September, Neris has been mostly good for the Astros in his first season with the club. Graveman on the other hand (7.88 ERA in September) wasn’t as effective with a 1.44 WHIP, but he does have 30 SV+HLD’s to date.
- A trio of Angels pitchers moves up the season’s final list, as the Angels have a great schedule to finish the year as they host Texas and then head to Oakland. I’d expect at least 1-2 more SV+HLD’s from José Quijada, Aaron Loup, and Ryan Tepera the rest of the way.
Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire | Adapted by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns on Twitter)
Richard, did you get my email? I left you a message asking for help on non closing relievers. Hope you can reply. Thanks in advance. Jose