RADIO
BALLER MOVE: Add in 14+ Team Leagues
ROSTERED IN: 12% of Leagues
ANALYSIS: With the removal of Adbert Alzolay from the closer role for the Cubs after a fourth blown save already, an opportunity has been created for another reliever to take over the job. Or perhaps relievers, as in a closer-by-committee approach. Hector Neris recorded the save in the second game of the Cubs' doubleheader this past Saturday and has experience in the role, but has allowed six hits and seven walks in seven innings of work, leading to a swollen 1.86 WHIP and one blown save of his own.
The other option could be Mark Leiter Jr. who has pitched admirably so far this season. The 33-year-old has yet to allow an earned run in 10 2/3 IP and has a sterling 0.84 WHIP with a K-BB% of 28.6%. The righty doesn't have nearly as much experience in the role as Neris, but he has saved seven games over the past two seasons for Chicago, so there is at least some experience in the role.
Hector Neris this season
3.86 ERA, 7.09 xERA, 4.79 xFIP, 0% K-BB
Mark Leiter Jr this season
0.00 ERA, 1.90 xERA, 3.10 xFIP, 19% K-BB
If Alzolay loses the closer role, my money’s on MLJ taking over https://t.co/3d4Lmrp6ms
— kev mahserejian (@RotoSurgeon) April 22, 2024
As mentioned, Neris got the most recent save so could be the preferred option, but Leiter's numbers show he's able to put less traffic on the bases and strike more batters out so he may emerge as the closer of choice. Keep an eye on who gets the next opportunity as that may tell us more, but in the meantime, if managers wanted to make Leiter a speculative-add, he's available in nearly 90% of Yahoo leagues.
More Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickups
Jacob deGrom - Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickups (Week 25)
BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues ROSTERED IN: 75% of Leagues ANALYSIS: Texas Rangers starting pitcher Jacob deGrom is on the verge of returning to the major leagues and should be rostered in all formats. The former two-time Cy Young winner underwent Tommy John surgery last summer and began a rehab assignment in late August. Through […]
Kumar Rocker - Fantasy Baseball Prospects Waiver Wire Pickups (Week 25)
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues ROSTERED IN: 15% of Leagues ANALYSIS: Texas Rangers starting pitching prospect Kumar Rocker is set to make his major league debut on Thursday and should be added in all standard leagues. Rocker has had a rocky start to his professional career. He was originally drafted by the New […]
Jasson Dominguez: Fantasy Baseball Prospects Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 25 (2024)
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues ROSTERED IN: 35% of Leagues ANALYSIS: The New York Yankees called up their top prospect, Jasson Dominguez, before Monday's series opener against the Kansas City Royals. Dominguez hit sixth and played left field in his second major league start of the season. In that contest, he went 1-for-4 with […]
Will Wagner - Fantasy Baseball Prospects Waiver Wire Stashes (Week 23)
BALLER MOVE: Use as Streamer for Rest of Season / Stash in Dynasty Leagues CALL-UP ETA: In Majors ANALYSIS: Will Wagner, the son of legendary closer Billy Wagner, was acquired by the Toronto Blue Jays at this year’s trade deadline from the Houston Astros as part of the Yusei Kikuchi return. The 26-year-old currently ranks […]
Connor Norby - Fantasy Baseball Prospects Waiver Wire Stashes (Week 22)
BALLER MOVE: Add in Deeper Leagues CALL-UP ETA: August 19 ANALYSIS: Connor Norby is finally making his much-anticipated debut for the Miami Marlins. Norby, who was acquired at the trade deadline in the deal that sent Trevor Rogers to Baltimore, was playing with Miami's Triple-A team in Jacksonville since being traded but was activated by Miami […]
Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App
Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy baseball app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, sleepers, prospects & more. All free!
Check out RotoBaller's entire fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups and sleepers list, updated daily!
