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ANALYSIS: William Smith was the presumptive closer for Kansas City to begin the season, but after a shaky start that included six earned runs on four hits, a 4:2 BB:K, and a blown save, the veteran was removed from a save situation on Friday in favor of James McArthur. On Saturday, it was Chris Stratton who was given the save chance and McArthur again on Sunday, while Smith pitched the eighth inning Sunday.
Stratton earned the save Saturday, pitching a clean ninth inning with no walks or hits and striking out one. The 33-year-old had eight saves for Pittsburgh back in 2021, but had three combined over the last two seasons prior to 2024. Stratton doesn't have big strikeout stuff like many closers of today, but pitched to a decent 3.92 ERA and 1.14 WHIP over 82 2/3 IP in 2023. He averages just under a K per inning, again atypical of closers.
Chris Stratton. 80 MPH Curveball ⚔️#Royals pic.twitter.com/4bVNstpHMb
— The Royals Rundown Podcast (@RoyalRundownPod) April 6, 2024
Nevertheless, save-needy managers in deeper leagues should pick up Stratton, just know that with McArthur in the mix -- and potentially Smith again -- there may not be many save opportunities to go around in Kansas City. The righty is available in almost all Yahoo leagues for managers interested in his services.
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