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/7/
AL Teams with 7 Games in Week 7
- Chicago White Sox: 3 @ TBR; 4 vs. CLE
- Cleveland Guardians: 3 vs. DET; 4 @ CWS
- Kansas City Royals: 3 vs. MIL; 4 @ LAA
- Los Angeles Angels: 3 @ PIT; 4 vs. KCR
- Minnesota Twins: 4 vs. SEA; 3 @ TOR
- Seattle Mariners: 4 @ MIN; 3 vs. OAK
National League Leverage Trends
Link: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Bk2vG/6/
NL Teams with 7 games scheduled in Week 7
- Milwaukee Brewers: 3 @ KCR; 4 vs. STL
- San Francisco Giants: 1 @ PHI; 3 @ COL; 3 vs. CIN
SOLDS Leaders last 14 days (through games played on May 3)
Link: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Z1EKq/4/
Link: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/mAABk/10/
Players of Interest For Week 7
- Nick Sandlin (CLE): Bubbling his way up the Guardians’ leverage ladder, he’s recorded three holds and one save since April 20. He also owns a 21.7 K-BB percentage with a 19.2 percent swinging strike rate over his last six games.
- Cole Sands (MIN): Not a sexy name, but when streaming for SOLDS or holds, sturdy relievers with trust from their manager receive our attention. With Brock Stewart landing on the injured list, Sands will receive a larger leverage share and his team plays every day in this scoring period.
- Elvis Peguero (MIL): While fantasy managers try predicting who will get the save chances between Joel Payamps and Trevor Megill, those in leagues with holds or SOLDS can stream the seventh-inning option following the demotion of Abner Uribe. Peguero’s can be a bit streaky, so there’s an inherent risk, but he’s secured three holds and a win over his last seven appearances.
Reliever on the Rise
- Jacob Webb (BAL): Over the last two statistical weeks, he’s racked up 10 strikeouts versus one walk with a save and two holds. He boasts a 25% swinging strike rate, 0.87 SIERA, and only allows a 54% contact rate. Impressive.
- Matt Strahm (PHI): Because the top two relievers in this hierarchy receive the focus from a fantasy perspective, the talented southpaw falls through the cracks. However, he’s collected a win and recorded a hold over his last 4.1 innings with a robust 46.7 K-BB percentage and 18.3 swinging strike percentage.
- Lucas Erceg (OAK): Although he appeared on this list last week, he’s still low-owned in most formats despite securing his second save. Over the past two weeks, he has tallied 11 strikeouts and only two walks, resulting in a 0.63 WHIP and 1.24 SIERA.
Also worth streaming if available in Week 7:
- Griffin Jax (MIN)
- Gabe Speier (SEA)
- Joe Jiménez (ATL)
- Scott Barlow (CLE)
- Caleb Ferguson (NYY)
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.
