- Kevin Ginkel has picked up where he left off in the minors since his debut Aug. 17 and right now looks like a potential future closer. In 15.1 innings pitched this season, Ginkel has only allowed one earned run and nine hits to go with a 17:5 K/BB and five holds. Sean Newcomb has bounced back after a rough early to mid-August and now has three holds over the past two weeks. I’d still like to see him bring that walk rate down though for him to move up any further. After being phased out in the middle of the season, the Brewers, desperate for middle relief options, have turned back to Junior Guerra as a high-leverage late-inning option, and the veteran righty has impressed. Over the past month, Guerra has amassed six holds (four over the past two weeks) while posting an ERA of 1.76 and WHIP of .78 to while racking up 14 strikeouts.
- While there’s a lot of competition for holds in the Twins bullpen at the moment, Tyler Duffey has quietly put together a borderline elite season as a middle reliever. He currently ranks in the top 20 among all qualified relievers in xFIP and K-BB%, while his 2.64 ERA ranks 22nd. Despite only having 10 holds on the year, he has picked up three since Aug. 20, signifying his role may be growing. After a breakout 2018 campaign, Richard Rodriguez has had issues with consistency and health this season, leading to a diminished role. However, he still continues to show flashes of dominance from time to time, with this past week being a prime example (2.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K, 2 HLD).
- Just as things seemed to be trending upward for Edwin Diaz, Tuesday’s blow-up may have put an end to any hope he reclaims a significant role in the Mets bullpen this season. Two steps forward, one giant step back might be the best way to describe the seasons a few of last year’s elite closers have been having. Between Blake Treinen, Jose Leclerc, and even Kenley Jansen, every time it seems like they start building some positive momentum, they have a meltdown that forces them back to square one again.
Featured image by Michael Haas (@digitalHaas on Twitter)
Rick, Dellin Betances seems ready to return to the Yankees. Who gets kicked down the hierarchy to accommodate his spot? I’m concerned it will be Kahnle. Or do you think the Yankees will limit Betances’ work in anticipation of the playoffs?
Probably Kahnle, but by the time Betances is back working in high leverage situations, it may not matter. Still a ways to go.
Also, Drew Pomeranz needs to be on this list somewhere. Doing some great work lately along with Guerra in the Brewers’ BP.
Yep thats a good call. I’ll get him on there somewhere for next week.
Is it possible for you to highlight the SP/RP eligible players? This is really helpful in points leagues where you have GS limits.
Thats definitely something we could set up for next season. The only thing is eligibility differs greatly from different platforms.