X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Player Comparisons
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

Bullpen Waiver Wire Pickups For Week Nine

While holds are even tougher to predict than saves, the players we’ll highlight today include some elite setup men that have proven to be closer candidates. These guys should be targeted off the waiver wire for Week 9 of the fantasy baseball season.

The more likely a team is to win, the more likely a pitcher will be eligible to earn the holds that could be the difference between winning or losing in your fantasy league. Bear in mind, an effective relief pitcher highlighted today could find himself in a closer's role if the everyday closer is unavailable or recently ineffective.

Editor’s Note: RotoBaller’s fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups list is updated every single day. Our awesome writers bring you analysis on hot or emerging starting pitchers, and also all other fantasy positions. You can also download our waiver wire iPhone app for free, and easily stay updated.

 

Week 9 Bullpen Waiver Wire Pickups

Will Smith, Milwaukee Brewers

In 2015: 20 Holds, 2.70 ERA, 63.1 IP, 91 K, 1.20 WHIP

After injuring his knee prior to the season starting, reliever Will Smith lost the competition for closer of the Milwaukee Brewers to Jeremy Jeffress. While Jeffress has done well, closing 13 of 14 opportunities, Will Smith lost the job through injury only. As evidenced by his 2015 season, Smith is a very effective reliever. The fastball, slider combination has worked for Smith as he generated 45.8% ground balls in 2015 and struck out well over a batter per inning. Jeffress may not lose the job outright but Smith has a dominant reputation and could see opportunities in the ninth inning if Jeffress struggles.

David Hernandez, Philadelphia Phillies

1 Save, 11 Holds, 2.55 ERA, 24.2 IP, 35 K, 1.14 WHIP

While closer Jeanmar Gomez has been a solid finisher for the Philadelphia Phillies, tying for the league lead in saves, a heavy workload comes with that productivity. Veteran David Hernandez has gotten a save as a part of the Phillies this year. Opponents are hitting .207 against Hernandez. His fastball has lost a tick, from 94.3 to 93.8, but it complements his 81.3 MPH curveball to generate 43.9% ground balls in the hitter-friendly Citizens Bank Park. Gomez has proven to be effective but if the Phillies consistently pitch in one-run games, the everyday closer may be unavailable. Cue the entry of David Hernandez for the save.

Nick Vincent, Seattle Mariners

1 Save, 9 Holds, 2.35 ERA, 23.0 IP, 28 K, 0.91 WHIP

Closer Steve Cishek has experienced his share of struggles in the 2016 season for the Seattle Mariners. It sure wouldn't hurt to have suitable replacements should the opportunity present itself. Reliever Nick Vincent struggled a bit in May but so did Cishek. Vincent has pitched effectively as opponents are hitting .205 against him. With a fastball and a cutter, Vincent generates 46.4% ground balls in a pitcher-friendly ballpark. Cishek has a history of struggling in the closer's role. With Joaquin Benoit, Joel Peralta and Nick Vincent available; they can all serve as suitable closers should Cishek flashback to a difficult time again.

Tyler Clippard, Arizona Diamondbacks

1 Save, 5 Holds, 2.49 ERA, 21.2 IP, 26 K, 1.20 WHIP

Brad Ziegler is an effective closer for the Arizona Diamondbacks. Still, a closer that strikes out batters prevents the opportunities easier than a contact closing pitcher. Tyler Clippard has experience closing in the past (54 career saves) and is currently striking out more than a batter per inning. The fastball/changeup pitcher regularly enters the game in the seventh inning or later so he can easily slide into save situations if Ziegler proves ineffective.

John Axford, Oakland Athletics

1 Save, 7 Holds, 3.48 ERA, 20.2 IP, 14 K, 1.36 WHIP

The Oakland Athletics have a number of former closers to close out their wins. While Ryan Madson has done well to this point in the season, Sean Doolittle has notched three saves this year and John Axford secured his first to finish the month of May right. Despite the rough May, Axford is showing effectiveness that can justify saves occasionally if Madson is unavailable. With a fastball and a curveball, Axford is generating 59.7% ground balls in an already pitcher-friendly ballpark.

 

Live Expert Q&A Chats - Every Weekday @ 1 PM and 6 PM EST (DFS)

Fantasy Baseball Chat Room

[iflychat_embed id="c-55" hide_user_list="yes" hide_popup_chat="no" height="400px"]




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Player Comparisons
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Josh Hart9 mins ago

Iffy For Wednesday's Cup Game
Jake Burger8 hours ago

Rangers Acquire Jake Burger From Marlins
Karl-Anthony Towns12 hours ago

Expected To Face Atlanta
Trae Young12 hours ago

Probable Again For Wednesday
P.J. Washington12 hours ago

Won't Suit Up Versus OKC
Naji Marshall13 hours ago

Returning On Tuesday Night
Isaac Guerendo13 hours ago

Misses Tuesday's Practice
Washington Nationals13 hours ago

Nationals Win MLB Draft Lottery
Nathan Eovaldi13 hours ago

Reunites With Rangers On Three-Year Deal
Andrés Giménez14 hours ago

Blue Jays Acquire Andres Gimenez From Guardians
Max Fried14 hours ago

Yankees Agree On Eight-Year, $218 Million Contract
Joey Daccord15 hours ago

Faces Panthers On Tuesday
Cole Sillinger16 hours ago

Available On Tuesday
Erik Cernak16 hours ago

Sits Out Tuesday's Game
Anthony Cirelli16 hours ago

Doubtful For Tuesday's Matchup
Jake Allen16 hours ago

Unavailable On Tuesday
David Pastrnak16 hours ago

Good To Go Tuesday
Max Domi16 hours ago

Ready To Rejoin Action Tuesday
Grayson Rodriguez18 hours ago

Will Be A "Full-Go" For Spring Training
Thairo Estrada18 hours ago

Signs One-Year Deal With Colorado
Max Fried19 hours ago

Nearing His Free-Agent Decision
Paul Goldschmidt19 hours ago

Tigers Showing Interest In Paul Goldschmidt
Carlos Correa19 hours ago

Twins Receiving Calls On Carlos Correa
Christian Walker19 hours ago

Yankees Making A Push For Christian Walker
Kyle Tucker19 hours ago

Cubs, Yankees Showing Interest In Kyle Tucker
George Pickens21 hours ago

Has Outside Chance Of Playing In Week 15
Dallas Cowboys21 hours ago

DeMarvion Overshown Expected To Need Knee Surgery
CeeDee Lamb23 hours ago

Finds End Zone For First Time Since Week 8
Lonzo Ball23 hours ago

Has Minutes Restriction Increased
Rico Dowdle23 hours ago

Records Back-To-Back 100 Yard Rushing Games
Jaden Hardy24 hours ago

Misses Second Straight Game
Naji Marshall24 hours ago

Considered Questionable For Tuesday's Cup Action
Jaylin Williams1 day ago

Remains Out On Tuesday
Karl-Anthony Towns1 day ago

Returns With Winning Performance
Scottie Barnes1 day ago

X-Rays On Scottie Barnes' Ankle Negative
Taylor Hall1 day ago

Enjoys Multi-Point Outing Versus Rangers
Jason Zucker1 day ago

Amasses Three Points Against Red Wings
Andrew Copp1 day ago

Scores Twice In Monday's Win
Troy Terry1 day ago

Nets Two Goals In Losing Effort
Lane Hutson1 day ago

Sets New Franchise Record With Another Productive Outing
Jace Jung1 day ago

Undergoes Wrist Surgery, Expected To Be Ready For Spring Training
Patrik Laine1 day ago

Collects Two Points Versus Ducks
Joe Burrow1 day ago

Highly Productive In Week 14 Win
Chase Brown1 day ago

Remains Highly Productive As Receiver On MNF
Ja'Marr Chase1 day ago

Explodes For Monster Two-Touchdown Game
Jung Hoo Lee1 day ago

Won't Have Restrictions In Spring Training
Christian Yelich1 day ago

Should Be Ready For Spring Training
Brandon Woodruff1 day ago

Might Not Be Ready For Opening Day
Yordan Alvarez1 day ago

Astros Want To "Cut Back" On Yordan Alvarez's Time In The Outfield
Aaron Judge1 day ago

Likely Moving Back To Right Field In 2025
Jasson Domínguez1 day ago

Jasson Dominguez A Leading Candidate To Play Center Field In 2025
Dallas Cowboys1 day ago

DeMarvion Overshown Ruled Out On Monday Night With Knee Injury
Will Dissly1 day ago

Expected To Miss A Few Weeks
Rafael Devers1 day ago

Red Sox Haven't Discussed Moving Rafael Devers Off Third Base
Garrett Crochet1 day ago

Yankees, Mets Vying For Garrett Crochet
Kenneth Walker III2 days ago

Seahawks Unsure On Kenneth Walker III's Status
Immanuel Quickley2 days ago

To Get Additional Testing
Jameis Winston2 days ago

To Remain Browns Starter
Maxi Kleber2 days ago

Won't Play On Tuesday
P.J. Washington2 days ago

Could Miss Tuesday's Game
Khris Middleton2 days ago

Expected To Play On Tuesday
Giannis Antetokounmpo2 days ago

Probable For Tuesday
Drew Lock2 days ago

To Start In Week 15 If He's Healthy
Justin Herbert2 days ago

Expects To Be Fine
Tom Wilson2 days ago

Misses Monday's Practice
David Pastrnak2 days ago

Battling An Upper-Body Injury
Alexandre Carrier2 days ago

Out Week-To-Week
Rasmus Dahlin2 days ago

On Track To Return At The End Of The Week
Jordan Greenway2 days ago

Set To Return To Sabres Lineup
Mackenzie Blackwood2 days ago

Lands In Colorado
Alexandar Georgiev2 days ago

Traded To Sharks
Detroit Lions2 days ago

Aidan Hutchinson Could Be Ready For NFC Championship
Aaron Rodgers2 days ago

Has Played With Hamstring, Knee, Ankle Injuries This Year
Alexandre Pantoja2 days ago

Gets Second-Round Win At UFC 310
George Pickens2 days ago

Likely To Miss Week 15
Kai Asakura2 days ago

Submitted At UFC 310
Isaac Guerendo2 days ago

Day-To-Day With Foot Sprain
Jonathan Isaac2 days ago

Uncertain To Play NBA Cup Quarterfinal On Tuesday
Alexander Volkov2 days ago

Takes Split-Decision Loss
Gary Harris2 days ago

Will Remain Sidelined Tuesday
Aidan O'Connell2 days ago

Has Bone Bruise, Not Ruled Out For Week 15
2 days ago

Pacers Waiving Moses Brown On Monday
Ciryl Gane2 days ago

Edges Out Split Decision At UFC 310
Bruce Brown2 days ago

Remains Sidelined Against Knicks
Karl-Anthony Towns2 days ago

Questionable Monday Against Raptors
Desmond Ridder2 days ago

In Line To Start If Aidan O'Connell Can't Play
MMA2 days ago

Doo Ho Choi Scores TKO Win At UFC 310
Derek Carr2 days ago

Suffers Major Fracture In Non-Throwing Hand, Likely Done For The Season
Scott Wedgewood2 days ago

Impresses With Shutout Performance Versus Devils
Nate Landwehr3 days ago

Gets TKO'd At UFC 310
Kron Gracie3 days ago

Gets Knocked Out At UFC 310
Bryce Mitchell3 days ago

Scores Knockout Win At UFC 310
Ian Machado Garry3 days ago

Suffers First Defeat At UFC 310
Shavkat Rakhmonov3 days ago

Remains Undefeated After UFC 310
Kai Asakura5 days ago

Competes For UFC Flyweight Title
Alexandre Pantoja5 days ago

Set For Third Title Defense At UFC 310
Ciryl Gane5 days ago

Set For Heavyweight Clash
Alexander Volkov5 days ago

Looks For His Fifth Win In A Row
MMA5 days ago

Doo Ho Choi An Underdog At UFC 310
Kron Gracie6 days ago

Ends Layoff At UFC 310
Bryce Mitchell6 days ago

A Massive Favorite At UFC 310
Nate Landwehr6 days ago

Opens Up UFC 310 Main Card
Ian Machado Garry6 days ago

In A No. 1 Contender Fight At UFC 310
Shavkat Rakhmonov6 days ago

A Big Favorite At UFC 310

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP