While holds are even tougher to predict than saves, the players we’ll highlight today include some elite setup men to target off the waiver wire for Week 5 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 he 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 5 Waiver Wire Pickups for Holds

Oliver Perez, Washington Nationals

4 Holds, 2.70 ERA, 6.2 IP, 12 K, 1.20 WHIP

The Washington Nationals are one of the best teams in the league and the bullpen is one of many positives for them. Veteran lefty Oliver Perez is having a good first year with the Nationals. While Perez is capable of getting right-handed batters out, the split between left-handed batters (.071) and right-handed batters (.300) BA is very distinct so he will be a specialist. In another discernible difference is in batted balls. He is allowing just 8.3% of batted balls go for line drives. In addition, he generates 50% ground balls which is what you want coming out of the bullpen with the strikeouts.

David Phelps, Miami Marlins

1 Save, 5 Holds, 1.13 ERA, 16.0 IP, 19 K, 0.81 WHIP

After another year of an undetermined role, David Phelps appears to have a steady job in the 2016 campaign - late-inning setup reliever. In his new solidified role, Phelps has done two things with his pitches. First, he reduced his repertoire to his fastball and cutter. Second, he was able to add 1-2 MPH to each, with his fastball increasing from 90.2 to 92.7 on average. His cutter has increased from 86.8 to 88.7 so he's throwing it harder and it is producing positive results based on the .118 opponent batting average. The success Phelps has seen this year justifies his use in late games and as a replacement for closer A.J. Ramos when he is unavailable to close.

Carson Smith, Boston Red Sox

0 Holds, 0.00 ERA, 1.0 IP, 1 K, 0.00 WHIP

Reliever Carson Smith recently returned from injury and the expectations are high that this power pitcher can be a key cog in the Red Sox bullpen. Last year, Smith had 22 holds but do not pick him up with that expectation. He is capable of moving up the depth chart with a fastball that averages at 93.5 MPH. Last year, Smith pitched to a 2.31 ERA with more than a strikeout per inning. Expect him to be gradually placed into higher leverage situations as he proves he can be a reliable force.

Cam Bedrosian, Los Angeles Angels

0 Holds, 1.50 ERA, 6.0 IP, 10 K, 1.00 WHIP

The power-pitching Cam Bedrosian was recalled when Huston Street was placed on the disabled list so his stay could be limited unless he pitches well. Early on, Bedrosian has been used in low leverage situations where the Angels were trailing. But, with opponents batting .143 against his 94.7 MPH fastball and his 82.7 MPH slider, Bedrosian could see himself in mid-to-high leverage situations during his time at proving himself in the majors.

Trevor May, Minnesota Twins

1 Hold, 2.25 ERA, 16.0 IP, 24 K, 1.19 WHIP

The Minnesota Twins have struggled out of the gate but reliever Trevor May has done well. The starter-turned-reliever has found a comfortable position in the bullpen. Mixing his 93.8 MPH fastball with a power changeup at 85.4 MPH and curveball at 77.9 MPH, May has held opponents to a .180 batting average. While May is unfortunate to be pitching on the Twins, he has made the most of his current opportunities but on the other hand, he does pitch in the pitcher-friendly Target Field. He currently averages well over a strikeout per inning pitched. He recently got his first hold but he will be in line for future holds when given the chance and he puts up better than respectable numbers as a reliever.

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