It’s time to embrace the chaos that is the ninth inning. Yes, we’re here to discuss the relief pitcher midseason rankings here at RotoBaller. Okay, so this isn’t strictly about closers, but even just reading the words “ninth inning” elicits some serious drama. We’ve seen some injuries, plenty of turnover, and a looming trade deadline that all comes together to make for some interesting changes here compared to the preseason. In all honesty, saving relievers (the most volatile group) for last meant that there have been quite a few changes since ranks were submitted. The commentary will reflect this, especially the last section, with relevant players being added to the back-end of the rankings table. Assume a standard 5x5 redraft league when reading.

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2016 Fantasy Baseball Midseason Rankings Analysis: Relief Pitchers

Not much of a surprise at the top as Aroldis Chapman still has the highest K/9 out of the closers at 13.67 as of this writing, though it is worth noting that Craig Kimbrel sits at 13.64. The Boston closer is obviously on the DL though, and as such takes a bit of a bump here in the rest-of-season rankings. You’ve gotta be on the field to produce, chief. Kenley Jansen has been incredible, sporting a ridiculous 1.36 ERA that is backed by an equally ridiculous 1.40 FIP and 11.80 K/9, so yeah he’s good. Zach Britton was a looming RP1 that could be bought at RP2 prices on draft day, so the lowest ERA among closers at 0.68 with a healthy 10.66 K/9 and the second-most saves in the Major Leagues make for some serious profits.

Mark Melancon isn’t a “sexy” closer with a modest 7.85 K/9, but has 27 saves and a stellar 1.23 ERA to provide top-five RP value after being drafted as roughly the tenth guy off the board. Wade Davis was just reactivated from the DL and should go back to being a steady RP asset, but his strikeouts have dropped, walks are up, and a forearm strain is troubling even after reactivation. That said, he’s still got a 1.19 ERA and 0.99 WHIP so all this means is that he isn’t a super-elite option thus far.

Roberto Osuna has done well with a nice 2.21 ERA with strong peripherals, including a 10.84 K/9 and low 1.99 BB/9, to provide value despite only logging 18 saves thus far. Right behind him is Jeurys Familia, the league leader in saves with 32, though Familia’s Ks are down and BBs are up (4.53 K/BB last season, 2.87 thus far). David Robertson has 23 saves and has a steady job, though his K/BB has fallen from 6.62 to 2.15 (mostly due to last season’s 1.85 BB/9 rising to 4.95 this season), but job security and a healthy track record still place him in the second tier.

Hector Rondon has been amazing actually, posting an absurd 10.50 K/BB ratio that is good for fifth in the Major Leagues, but he just hasn’t seen many save opportunities. It’s a shame, but it’s hard to project the same struggles going forward, though there have always been trade talks for another reliever to come to the Cubs that limit the projectable upside for Rondon.

Cody Allen has been solid and doesn’t have anyone pressing him for the ninth, and with the Indians winning plenty of games he should continue to be a top-10 closer. A.J. Ramos has 28 saves, good for third in the Majors, with a lovely 2.19 ERA and 11.68 K/9, but boy would it be nice if that gaudy 5.11 BB/9 came down. He also has Fernando Rodney behind him now, so his leash isn’t all that long should turbulence arise. That said, he’s been A-OK and should still make for a top-10 closer when all is said and done.

Andrew Miller would instantly become a top-five closer, perhaps the top closer, if either he or Chapman get traded. His incredible 11.50 K/BB ratio is even better than Rondon’s, and oh yeah, his 1.06 SIERA is easily the best in the league for relievers with over 10 innings logged at 1.06 (Dellin Betances is second with a 1.33 SIERA). Man, that Yankees bullpen really is a beacon of light amidst the rest of the squad. That would be why Betances isn’t too far behind on the rankings chart here.

These rankings were submitted before Arodys Vizcaino went down, so obviously he takes a huge hit. Jim Johnson appears to be the next man up, though Dario Alvarez and his video-game like 18.82 K/9 is still worth owning as well for those who aren’t simply chasing saves. Should Johnson get traded (like he was last year), then Alvarez could step into the ninth (though it’d probably be Mauricio Cabrera).

This was also right as Brad Ziegler was traded, so ding him and we’ll throw Tyler Clippard and Daniel Hudson in at the end here. Clippard is the lean, especially since he doesn’t own any wild platoon splits (.242 BAA vs. RHB, .224 vs. LHB) while Hudson has been lights out against righties (.185 BAA) while lefties have fared well (.277 BAA). That means Hudson could see the ninth against three righties though.

Alex Colome is back and healthy for the Rays, meaning he should be back towards Tier Three thanks to his solid track record established throughout this season, while Xavier Cedeno's respective ranking takes a big hit.

Let’s touch on some other recent movers:

In Oakland Ryan Madson is trending down with a 5.29 ERA and 1.41 WHIP since June 1, while rookie Ryan Dull has been locked in with a 0.46 ERA and 0.51 WHIP over that same time span.

In Colorado, Carlos Estevez continues to get the job done but Adam Ottavino is lurking, having strung together a few scoreless appearances since being activated. Ottavino would be my lean to finish the season as the ninth-inning man, but Estevez may very well hold on, while McGee’s struggles have him trending downward.

In San Diego, Ryan Buchter was the early speculation to fill in at closer in the wake of the Fernando Rodney trade, but Brandon Maurer will get a chance to run with the job first.

In San Francisco, Santiago Casilla is still getting the votes of confidence here despite the balk last night, but Sergio Romo should not be forgotten about now that he's put together four solid appearances since being reactivated.

Lastly, the Angels might have a change looming, as Huston Street carries a 5.09 ERA with a gross 11:11 K/BB ratio through 17 2/3 innings this season (seven saves) while Cam Bedrosian and his 1.09 ERA and 36:11 K/BB ratio are putting the heat on. Joe Smith has allowed five runs with a 2.79 WHIP through his 4 2/3 innings of work since being reactivated on July 1.

Midseason Relief Pitcher Tiered Fantasy Baseball Rankings

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