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One closer lost his job this past week, and his replacement is good enough to become a asset for fantasy owners looking for saves. It's possible he'll retain the job for the rest of the season.
Below are some relievers who figure to soon be in line for saves and are smart adds in leagues where they are available.
Editor’s Note: to read about even more waiver wire options for closers and relief pitchers, be sure to check out our famous waiver wire pickups list which is a running list that is updated daily.
Waiver Wire Saves & MLB Bullpen Report for 5/15/2015
A.J. Ramos (RP, Miami Marlins)
With Steve Cishek removed from the closer's role in Miami, Ramos picked up his first career save Wednesday night by striking out two batters in a 1-2-3 ninth inning. Manager Mike Redmond insists he's going with a committee approach at closer but Ramos has the best stuff on the staff and could runaway with the job for the rest of the season.
He has a 23/6 K/BB ratio in 18 innings this season and has allowed just two runs for a 1.00 ERA. Ramos is available in 70% of ESPN leagues. If he's a free agent in your league, he should be added immediately.
Jim Johnson (RP, Atlanta Braves)
Jason Grilli recently missed a few days due to back spasms and then gave up a run and took the loss for Atlanta in his first game back on Tuesday. His recent struggles ballooned his ERA to 5.23 and if back issues continue to linger for the 38-year-old, Johnson could soon take over in the ninth inning.
He has a 3.31 ERA and 14/4 K/BB ratio in 16.1 innings this season. He is owned in just six percent of ESPN leagues. Johnson has been a dominant closer in years past. If Grilli doesn't right the ship soon, manager Fredi Gonzalez will likely award the ninth inning job to Johnson.
Kenley Jansen (RP, Los Angeles Dodgers)
Jansen will be activated from the disabled list either Friday or Saturday and it shouldn't be too long after that until he returns to being an elite fantasy closer. Manager Don Mattingly has said Jansen will not be regaining the ninth inning job immediately upon his activation, so Yimi Garcia and Chris Hatcher are guys to add if you are neck and neck with your opponent for saves this week.
Obviously, Jansen is who you want to own in the long term after he notched 44 saves and 101 strikeouts in 65.1 innings as the Dodgers' closer last season.
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