BALLER MOVE: Add in 15+ Team Leagues
ROSTERED IN: 9% of Leagues
ANALYSIS: With Pete Fairbanks on the 15-day IL, it opens the door to one or more of the Rays' relievers to handle closer duties until Fairbanks returns. Jason Adam is likely the first in line, however, Colin Poche has picked up two saves so far on the season, even when Fairbanks was healthy, so he too, could be an option.
Poche allowed four earned runs in his first three appearances of the season but allowed no runs at all in his next six appearances. Fairbanks goes on the IL, Poche is looking good, and just when everything appears to be setting up well for Poche, he is put into a save situation on Tuesday and promptly allows three earned runs on three hits (two HR). The meltdown resulted in a blown save, with Poche taking the loss in the game. In Poche's defense, maybe the pitches weren't all that bad, and a tip of the cap goes to the Tigers hitters.
Colin Poche talks about allowing two homers tonight in his outing against the Tigers. #RaysUp pic.twitter.com/ks6bAmJV7N
— Bally Sports Florida & Bally Sports Sun (@BallySportsFL) April 24, 2024
As it stands now, Poche has a 6.75 ERA (7.02 FIP), 1.61 WHIP, and a 7.1% K-BB% on the season. Not the kind of numbers you want to see from your closer (or any pitcher, for that matter). Because the blown save happened so recently, it remains to be seen if Poche will be entrusted with another game-saving situation. What he has working in his favor is that he is a lefty, and it's possible he could still be put into a save situation if the right matchup presents itself.
Fantasy managers desperate for saves could scoop him up if they want, as the southpaw is available in over 90% of Yahoo leagues, however, they'll have to weigh the risk/reward. Because the 30-year-old isn't striking out many batters this season, if he doesn't get you a save then he really isn't helping you at all, and maybe only hurting your WHIP.
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