Brad Boxberger Blows Another Save
Brad Boxberger fell apart once again and cost the Royals another game on Monday. Boxberger wasn't officially declared the team's closer, but he was the biggest name they brought in as they attempted to rebuild a bullpen that has slowly gotten depleted over the last few years, so he was tagged as the de facto closer until proven otherwise. Otherwise should be completely proven at this point. This was Boxberger's third blown save in the last week, and he's currently carrying a smooth 9.72 ERA for the season. It's not clear who the Royals should use because their entire bullpen has been a mess, but it certainly shouldn't be Boxberger.
Source: MLB.com
Kansas City Royals reliever Source: MLB.com
Brad Boxberger To Toss Another Bullpen Friday
Brad Boxberger (forearm) has pitched a few bullpen sessions recently and will throw another on Friday, according to MLB.com. It's been a long stint on the injured list for the right-hander, who hasn't appeared in a game since May 13 after sustaining a right forearm strain. Boxberger began the season in the closer mix, picking up a pair of saves, but after posting a 5.52 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, and 20.0% strikeout rate, the Cubs started to use Adbert Alzolay and Mark Leiter Jr. in the ninth inning. There's still no timetable for his return, but he'll be fantasy irrelevant when he's finally back.
Source: MLB.com
Chicago Cubs reliever Source: MLB.com
Brad Boxberger Loses Thursday's Game
Brad Boxberger was tagged with the loss in Thursday's contest with the Washington Nationals. He came into the game trying to maintain a 2-2 tie in the bottom of the ninth inning but gave up a leadoff walk-off homer to Alex Call. Boxberger owns a 4.09 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP with nine strikeouts and two saves across 11 innings and has been much better than Michael Fulmer, who has posted a 6.57 ERA and was the other closer candidate coming into 2023. So, despite the 34-year-old's performance Thursday, fantasy managers shouldn't be worried about his role and should expect him to receive the majority of save opportunities.
Source: MLB.com
Chicago Cubs right-hander Source: MLB.com
Brad Boxberger Grabs Second Save
Brad Boxberger secured his second save of the season by shutting down the San Diego Padres on Thursday, closing out a 5-2 victory. Boxberger came in for the ninth and walked the leadoff hitter, but then coaxed a double play ball and a fly out to end the game. Boxberger has been mostly solid for the Cubs, and now holds a 3.60 ERA and 1.20 WHIP. They are not elite numbers, but they're good enough that he should continue to see save opportunities with Michael Fulmer now clearly out of the picture. He should be added in any leagues where saves are valuable.
Source: MLB.com
Chicago Cubs right-handed pitcher Source: MLB.com
Brad Boxberger Converts First Save
Brad Boxberger was asked to shut the door in the ninth inning versus the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday. This comes one day after fellow relief pitcher Michael Fulmer blew the game. Boxberger did excellent with three strikeouts and only allowing one hit while securing the one-run victory for Chicago. He holds a 1.42 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 7/2 K/BB ratio over 6 1/3 innings this season. Boxberger could very well see more save chances if Fulmer continues to struggle.
Source: MLB.com
Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Source: MLB.com
Read More News