September 16, 2015

Dillon Borgida analyzes MLB closers (RP) to target for saves and strikeouts as fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups and adds for Week 24 (9/16/2015) of the MLB season.

With only about 20 games remaining for all teams, you may start to see some matchup based coaching decisions which could affect the closers. Teams in the playoff hunt will be extremely careful in these situations and go with the guys they are the most confident in.

Editor's Note: Bookmark our MLB Closers & Saves Depth Charts for the latest look at all the current closers, setup men, longshots and relief pitcher waiver wire adds.

Robbie Ross (BOS)

The Red Sox closer carousel has been entertaining for us non-Sox fans since the Koji Uehara injury. They have found a small bright spot in the bullpen in Robbie Ross who may get the save chances to end the season. He picked up an easy save in his most recent appearance over the weekend and has actually been pretty solid over the past month. Jean Machi's continued struggles allowed Ross to pick up the save and he came through. He's only allowed three hits in his last ten appearances, and has eight strikeouts over that same time span. With not a lot of closer changes at this time of the year, Ross is one the best relief pitching waiver wire options on the board. He's only 3.9% owned in ESPN leagues, but if you're still trying to win fantasy match-ups this time of year, he's a great guy to pickup.

Brett Cecil (TOR)

Cecil hasn't given up an earned run in his last 27 appearances, although he did allow an inherited runner to score in his last outing. Cecil has still been pretty much lights out throughout the home stretch and could see closing opportunities especially if the lefty-lefty match-ups present themselves in these important games down the stretch. At only 5.4% owned,  he's a nice waiver wire play even if he doesn't end up with save chances, especially considering his high strikeout rate. [Ed.: Also, those specs though.]

Sean Doolittle (OAK)

Tough to make out Doolittle's fantasy value to end the season but he's a high risk-high reward option for me to end the season. He picked up his first save just a week ago, then came out and gave up three hits and two runs in his next outing. He certainly has not looked sharp, but he does have the pedigree and stuff to go on a hot streak in the final few weeks. He's still available in almost 75% of leagues so if you're looking for a spark he's not a bad pickup.

Alex Colome (TB)

With Brad Boxberger struggling and the Rays out of the playoff hunt, it is possible that Colome may get some save chances. Colome doesn't have an earned run in his last 15 appearances, while Boxberger has allowed eight runs in his last ten. He doesn't get strikeouts at a rate like Boxbergers, but he's able to keep hitters off balance and get the job done. He's 8% owned in ESPN leagues and is another waiver wire option this week.

MLB & Fantasy Baseball Chat Room

[iflychat_embed id="c-12" hide_user_list="yes" hide_popup_chat="no" height="400px"]