There are some bad teams in the league who change closers about as often as a Kardashian changes her profile photo on social media. But here’s the good news: Their saves still count, as long as you can find the right ninth-inning man. Here are some bullpens to keep an eye on down the stretch in hopes of finding more saves for your fantasy squad:
- The sooner Edward Mujica is removed from the closer role in Oakland, the better fantasy owners will be for having to consider turning to him. Since being traded from Boston to Oakland, the 31-year-old veteran, who had 37 saves for St. Louis in 2013, is 1-3 with two blown saves, a 4.95 ERA and a .293 opponent batting average in 23 appearances.
In save situations this season, Mujica has a 12.46 ERA and his opponents are hitting .429 with a 1.409 OPS against him. After blowing his last save opportunity on Sunday (he faced three batters and allowed three runs), Mujica’s leash is made of used dental floss. Fernando Rodriguez potentially could be in the mix for some saves, but Sean Doolittle currently is on rehab assignment and could come back to reclaim his gig.
- Bruce Rondon appears to have taken over the closer role in Detroit, collecting two saves in two chances while allowing no hits, no runs and striking out three. It may get interesting when Alex Wilson (shoulder soreness) returns, but for now, Rondon could be a source for some saves (and he is owned in 10 percent or less of ESPN and Yahoo leagues).
- Junichi Tazawa did well as a setup man for Koji Uehara this season, but when given a save opportunity … well, let’s just say if he were a lifeguard, you would want to find somewhere else to swim. In five save chances (one since Uehara suffered a season-ending injury), Tazawa has no saves. In save situations he has a 5.12 ERA as opposed to a 2.12 ERA in non-save situations. Keep an eye on Jean Machi, who has collected one save since being dealt to the Sawx, or Ryan Cook to cover the ninth.
- The ever-changing Rockies bullpen has gone through its share of closers this season, and, at the moment, Tommy Kahnle is the man (and he has recorded two saves since taking over for John Axford). Before allowing Juan Lagares’ three-run blast on Thursday, Kahnle hadn’t allowed an earned run since July 18 and had allowed just five hits over 9 ¹/₃ innings in that span. The Lagares blast came late in the game, but it wasn’t a save situation, so there’s not much to be concerned with there. He is available in more than 75 percent of ESPN and Yahoo leagues, and could be a source for cheap saves the rest of the way. If he does falter, however, look at Rafael Betancourt.
Big hits
Wellington Castillo C, Diamondbacks
In his first 46 games after being traded from Seattle, the catcher was 43-for-149 (.289) with 13 homers, 30 RBIs and a .991 OPS. He was the most added player in ESPN leagues this week but still is widely available.
Chris Bassitt P, A’s
Don’t let his 1-4 record as a starter scare you. In seven starts, he has allowed just 11 runs over 43 ²/₃ innings en route to a 2.27 ERA, 36 strikeouts and just seven walks.
Chris Davis 1B/3B/OF, Orioles
He has struck out 32 times in his first 25 games since the All-Star break, but he is hitting .315 with 12 homers, 31 RBIs, 13 walks and a 1.16 OPS in that span.
Marco Estrada SP, Blue Jays
Everything seems to be going right for everyone in Toronto, and Estrada is 3-0 with a 1.45 ERA, .131 opponent average and 14 strikeouts over his past three starts.
Big whiffs
Ervin Santana SP, Twins
In his past four starts, Santana is 0-3 with a 9.90 ERA and a .360 opponent average. He also has struck out just seven, walked 11 and allowed five homers.
Kevin Pillar OF, Blue Jays
He may be the only guy in Toronto not hitting — 6-for-41 (.146) with one RBI and .375 OPS in 12 games this month before Friday night’s action.
Drew Storen RP, Nationals
In his past three appearances before Friday, the former closer basically flushed whatever remaining fantasy value he had, allowing eight runs over 2 ²/₃ innings en route to a 27.00 ERA and .462 opponent batting average.
Mat Latos SP, Dodgers
After allowing just one run in his Dodgers debut on Aug. 2, Latos has allowed 11 (10 earned) in his last two starts, going 0-2 with a 10.38 ERA in that span.
Quick hits
- I honestly don’t mean to keep ragging on Jim Johnson, but the guy really doesn’t serve a purpose any more. Sure, he pitched his first scoreless inning as a Dodger on Thursday, but in his four previous appearances he was 0-2 with a blown save, a 29.45 ERA and a .550 opponents batting average. Drop him. Now!
- R.A. Dickey has looked like the 2012 Cy Young award-winner (minus the strikeouts) over his past six starts, going 4-0 with a 1.49 ERA, 27 strikeouts, .196 opponent batting average and just nine walks. The Jays are 5-1 in that span.
- Since Jonathan Papelbon was traded to the Nationals, Ken Giles was 7-for-7 in save opportunities with a 1.17 ERA and 14 strikeouts in just 7 ²/₃ innings. That’s why he is a must-own closer — available in 37 percent of ESPN leagues.
- Just because it has been a while, let’s check in with Aaron Harang. In two starts after snapping his eight-game skid on July 30, he is 0-2 with a 10.45 ERA. In his last 11 starts, he is 1-10 and has allowed 51 runs (49 earned), 21 walks and a .335 opponent average. This is when you wish IK Enemkpali played baseball in Philly.
Team Name of the Week
You Don’t Send Me Fowlers Anymore