BALLER MOVE: Add in 14+ Team Leagues
ROSTERED IN: 12% of Leagues
ANALYSIS: With the removal of Adbert Alzolay from the closer role for the Cubs after a fourth blown save already, an opportunity has been created for another reliever to take over the job. Or perhaps relievers, as in a closer-by-committee approach. Hector Neris recorded the save in the second game of the Cubs' doubleheader this past Saturday and has experience in the role, but has allowed six hits and seven walks in seven innings of work, leading to a swollen 1.86 WHIP and one blown save of his own.
The other option could be Mark Leiter Jr. who has pitched admirably so far this season. The 33-year-old has yet to allow an earned run in 10 2/3 IP and has a sterling 0.84 WHIP with a K-BB% of 28.6%. The righty doesn't have nearly as much experience in the role as Neris, but he has saved seven games over the past two seasons for Chicago, so there is at least some experience in the role.
Hector Neris this season
3.86 ERA, 7.09 xERA, 4.79 xFIP, 0% K-BB
Mark Leiter Jr this season
0.00 ERA, 1.90 xERA, 3.10 xFIP, 19% K-BB
If Alzolay loses the closer role, my money’s on MLJ taking over https://t.co/3d4Lmrp6ms
— kev mahserejian (@RotoSurgeon) April 22, 2024
As mentioned, Neris got the most recent save so could be the preferred option, but Leiter's numbers show he's able to put less traffic on the bases and strike more batters out so he may emerge as the closer of choice. Keep an eye on who gets the next opportunity as that may tell us more, but in the meantime, if managers wanted to make Leiter a speculative-add, he's available in nearly 90% of Yahoo leagues.
More Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickups
Alek Manoah - Starting Pitcher Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Adds
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues ROSTERED IN: 17% of Leagues ANALYSIS: Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Alek Manoah (shoulder) is slated to make his season debut on Sunday afternoon against the Washington Nationals. The 26-year-old threw a side session on Friday after he was rocked for a 6.50 ERA across four starts with Triple-A Buffalo to... Read More
Taj Bradley - Starting Pitcher Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Adds
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues ROSTERED IN: 21% of Leagues ANALYSIS: Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Taj Bradley (pectoral) made his second and perhaps final minor-league rehab appearance on Friday with Triple-A Durham, throwing six scoreless innings of two-hit ball on two hits and two walks with eight strikeouts. After throwing 94 pitches in this outing,... Read More
Tyler Nevin - Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickups (Week 7)
BALLER MOVE: Add in 14+ Team Leagues ROSTERED IN: 34% of Leagues ANALYSIS: Through 26 games in 2024, Tyler Nevin has already set a new career high in home runs with four. The 26-year-old is on pace to set new career highs in numerous other categories as well as he's never surpassed more than 184 MLB... Read More
Christian Scott - Fantasy Baseball Prospects Waiver Wire Pickups (Week 7)
BALLER MOVE: Stash in Most Formats PROSPECT STASH RANKING: #6 CALL-UP ETA: Saturday May 4th, 2024 ANALYSIS: New York Mets starting pitching prospect was recently promoted to the major leagues and is scheduled to make his first career start on Saturday against the Tampa Bay Rays. The Mets' number-five-ranked prospect has been making headlines at... Read More
Hector Neris - Closers and Saves Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickups (Week 7)
BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues ROSTERED IN: 60% of Leagues ANALYSIS: The Chicago Cubs have recently shifted ninth-inning duties to veteran reliever Hector Neris, making him a must-add in all formats. Last season, Neris, who was on the Houston Astros, was one of the best relievers in baseball, posting a dominant 1.71 ERA and 1.05... Read More
Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App
Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy baseball app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, sleepers, prospects & more. All free!Check out RotoBaller's entire fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups and sleepers list, updated daily!