Kirby Yates - Closers and Saves Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Adds

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ROSTERED IN: 53% of Leagues

ANALYSIS: After a blown save last Tuesday and an appearance Friday that included another hit and a walk in an inning pitched, Rangers manager Bruce Bochy stated that Jose Leclerc would be used in lower-leverage situations for the time being. Doing so opened the door for both David Robertson and Kirby Yates to convert save opportunities for Texas.

#mlb #StraightUpTX

Kirby Yates is feeling confident and ready to contribute to the Texas Rangers after a healthy offseason. He's focused on improving his fastball command and has had a strong start in spring training, striking out five batters in two… https://t.co/q0Xo8SNPKc

— MLB Digest (@mlbpressdigest) March 3, 2024

Both have been good so far this season. Yates in particular has been superb, giving up just two hits and not allowing a single run over eight appearances with a K:BB of 10:2. Over the past week, it appears Yates has been the preferred option as he's also recorded two saves since Leclerc's removal from the role.

Yates has proven he's capable in the role before, notching five saves last season for the Braves and 41 back in 2019 for the Padres. The concerning thing is his BB% which was 14.6% last season in 60 1/3 IP, although it was somewhat offset by his 31.5% K%, and it hasn't been a problem this season.

Robertson to his credit has allowed just two runs thus far in 10 appearances, so he's been good and has closing experience too. Robertson did blow a save this week though, which probably solidifies Yates as the preferred option. Yates is available in 47% of Yahoo leagues, and closing for a good Texas Rangers team makes him a very appealing waiver wire add.

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