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As no one predicted, this week came to an end with Jeurys Familia and Joakim Soria becoming the first two closers in the majors to reach double digit saves. At this point, all the big names are pretty much solidified in their roles and rostered in nearly all leagues. Here are some notes on who to look out for on the waiver wire.
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.
Closer Adds on the Waiver Wire
Jeurys Familia, Mets
Who would've thought that Familia would be leading the National League in saves at this point? The Mets are playing inspired baseball and Familia is taking advantage.
Familia hasn’t given up a hit in his last six outings and has averaged more than a strikeout per inning so far this season. Having struggled with his command in the past, Familia has toned that down only walking 7% of batters faced up to this point and only two in his last 9.2 innings pitched. According to FanGraphs, batters have swung and missed at a ridiculous 40.2% of his pitches outside the strike zone. Although it’s a pretty small sample size, that number is extremely impressive.
He is somehow still available in 15% of Yahoo leagues so if this applies to you, go pick him up immediately. He’s sure to get a lot of save opportunities thanks to his team's great starting pitching and mediocre offense.
I mentioned last week that Miguel Castro might be faltering, and sure enough Cecil was announced as the Jays closer coming into this week. At only 54% owned in Yahoo leagues, Cecil would be a nice pickup off the waiver wire.
There was only one save opportunity for the Jays this week and Cecil was able to convert, only allowing a single. It is a little troubling that Cecil gives up a lot of base runners and isn’t a huge strikeout threat, but there is always value in grabbing a pitcher who will be owning the closing job for the foreseeable future. I also don’t expect any competition for the job especially since Castro wasn’t able to earn the confidence of manager John Gibbons.
Adam Ottavino and John Axford, Rockies
Just as Ottavino was getting comfortable with closer role for the Rockies, injury has taken him off the mound. He’s currently on the 15-day DL but the Rockies are expecting a final diagnoses on his arm Monday. There are fears that he may be in need of Tommy John surgery, which would of course sideline him for the entire season.
For the time being, the veteran Axford has taken over the ninth inning in Denver. At only 51% owned in Yahoo leagues, if you’re in need of a closer, go ahead and grab him. While he doesn’t always make it look easy, Axford does have a career 10.75 K/9 rate and will have his share of save opportunities for the Rockies.
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