The Hold Up 9/6: Ranking the Top 80 Relievers for Holds Every Thursday

[holds_list list_id=”24924″ include_stats=”1″ season=”2018″]

Today we will take look at the updated non-closer reliever market as there are some changes to the list since our previous installment. Keep in mind, just because a player is ranked below another player (especially when in the same tier), that doesn’t mean you need to rush to drop them for a higher ranked player. These rankings are mostly to be used on a tier by tier scale and apply towards the pitcher’s value for the rest of the season.

• Some notable names rising up the list include Jesse Chavez (again). He’s been one of the better under the radar pickups by a playoff team this trade season, allowing just 5 earned runs over 26 innings since joining the Cubs (and a 31/2 K/BB! but just 4 SV+HD). Andrew Chafin continues to be valuable for holds if nothing else (ratios are good, but his limited innings cap his value). Ryan Madson could fit into a setup role right away with the Dodgers, as the team has struggled all year to find consistency at the back end of the bullpen. Despite the down year, he gets a slight boost given his new situation.
• Among the biggest fallers was Cody Gearrin, who had settled into the Rangers 8th inning man before a move to the Athletics last week. With that bullpen as stacked as they are, don’t expect many, if any holds from him the rest of the year. Despite plenty of opportunities and a respectable 3.59 ERA, this season has to be considered a disappointment for Cam Bedrosian after flashing serious upside in 2016. Only 10 SV+HD’s on the year to go with a gross 1.42 WHIP keep him off the radar in all but the deepest of dynasty leagues.
• Brad Ziegler and Cody Allen were the only relievers to pick up 3 holds this week, as Allen has seemingly fully transitioned into a setup role now with Brad Hand the closer. Carlos Martinez and Jordan Hicks both picked up 2 holds and a save, signaling some uncertainty for closer Bud Norris, who’s been terrible the past month. Jose Alvarado also had 2 holds and a save, but with Sergio Romo back in the mix, should remain in more of a setup role.