Given the volatility of high-leverage roles and performances, many prefer streaming relievers in leagues with separate categories for holds or those that combine saves plus holds (SOLDS). With this in mind, a snapshot, by league with their leverage trends in chart form.
American League Leverage Trends
Link: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/3U0Dm/4/
AL Teams with 7 games scheduled in Week 6
- Baltimore: 4 vs. NYY; 3 @ CIN
- New York Yankees: 4 @ BAL; 3 vs. DET
National League Leverage Trends
NL Teams with 7 games scheduled in Week 6
- Chicago Cubs: 4 @ NYM; 3 vs. MIL
- Miami: 1 vs WSH; 3 vs. COL; 3 @ OAK
- New York Mets: 4 vs. CHC; 3 @TBR
- Washington: 1 @ MIA; 3 @ TEX; 3 vs. TOR
SOLDS Leaders last 14 days (through games played on April 26)
Link: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Z1EKq/2/
Players of Interest for Week 6
- Mark Leiter Jr. (CHC): With seven games on the schedule, and riding a hot hand in leverage, he will be used in high-leverage events, though not necessarily in save situations.
- Yency Almonte (CHC): Emerging as a trusted leverage arm for new manager, Craig Counsell, Almonte has recorded a 0.60 WHIP with six strikeouts against three walks over his last five games.
- Andrew Nardi (MIA): It’s been an uneven season for the southpaw, but with three games against the Rockies at home and three in spacious Oakland, he is an intriguing stream option with strikeout upside if he’s been dropped in your league.
Relievers on the Rise
- Garrett Cleavinger (TBR): He and Kirby Yates are the only two relievers with multiple wins, saves, and holds this season. Over his last four appearances, Cleavinger’s recorded a win, two saves, and a hold with six strikeouts versus two walks and a 0.75 WHIP through four innings. With Colin Poche on the injured list, he’s the highest-leveraged left-handed reliever for the Rays.
- Lucas Erceg (OAK): While the fantasy community gushes over Mason Miller, and rightly so, his primary set-up reliever has been impressive as well. Erceg’s collected a win and secured three holds over his last five innings.
- Enyel De Los Santos (SDP): For the last two weeks, he ranks third in swinging strike percentage (23 percent) and has posted a 0.75 WHIP with eight strikeouts against zero walks over four innings. His strong outings combined with recent struggles by Wandy Peralta should yield more holds and SOLDS opportunities.
Also worth streaming if available in Week 6:
- Reed Garrett (NYM)
- Gabe Speier (SEA)
- Joe Jiménez (ATL)
Thanks for being a part of the Closer Monkey community. If playing in leagues with holds or SOLDS, be sure to check out our team page game recaps, which include full capsules for relievers, not just saves. Until next time, stay safe and be well.
