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/9/
AL Teams with 7 games in Week 8
- Boston Red Sox: 4 vs. TBR; 3 @ STL
- Houston Astros: 4 vs. OAK; 3 vs MIL
- Oakland A’s: 4 @ HOU; 3 @ KCR
- Tampa Bay Rays: 4 @ BOS; 3 @ TOR
National League Leverage Trends
Link: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Bk2vG/8/
NL Teams with 7 Games in Week 8
- Chicago Cubs: 3 @ ATL; 4 vs. PIT
- Cincinnati Reds: 3 @ ARI; 4 @ LAD
- Los Angeles Dodgers: 3 @ SFG; 4 vs. CIN
- New York Mets: 2 vs. PHI; 2 @ PHI; 3 @ MIA
- Philadelphia Phillies: 2 @ NYM; 2 vs. NYM; 3 vs. WSH
- Pittsburgh Pirates: 3 @ MIL; 4 @ CHC
SOLDS (Saves plus Holds) Leaders Last 14 Days
Link: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Z1EKq/6/
Holds Leaders Last 14 Days
Link: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/mAABk/12/
Players of Interest for Week 8
- Blake Treinen (LAD): Back from the injured list, he’s settled in as his team’s HLR (highest-leveraged reliever) and secured two holds with four strikeouts through three outings. He’s posted a 44.4 K-BB percentage in this limited sample with a 0.75 SIERA and 17.1 swinging strike percentage.
- Hoby Milner (MIL): Recent results with upcoming match-ups may benefit this leverage southpaw. He’s been scoreless in 10 of his last 11 outings, allowing two unearned runs with 16 strikeouts against two walks over 11 innings. Against Houston next weekend, he will be a pivotal match-up component against Kyle Tucker and Yordan Alvarez.
- Ángel Zerpa (KCR): If your league uses pitcher designations, this left-handed reliever can be used as a starting pitcher or a reliever (SPARP). He’s recorded a hold in four of his last six appearances while giving up four hits with five strikeouts through 5.1 scoreless innings.
Relievers on the Rise
- Luke Weaver (NYY): Riding an eight-game scoreless streak, he’s racked up 18 strikeouts versus one walk with four holds over 13.2 innings. He owns a minuscule 0.29 WHIP in this sample while posting a 37 K-BB percentage and 18.3 percent swinging strike rate.
- Ryan Walker (SFG): He’s recorded two wins and two holds during a 10-game scoreless streak with 18 strikeouts against one walk (46.9 K-BB percentage) and a 0.40 WHIP.
- Danny Coulombe (BAL): Benefiting from his team concept, the leverage southpaw reliever has been scoreless in seven of eight games while collecting a save and five holds.
Ancillary Save Options for Week 8
- Baltimore: Danny Coulombe; Jacob Webb
- Colorado: Jalen Beeks; Jake Bird
- Minnesota: Caleb Thielbar; Griffin Jax
Thanks for being a part of the Closer Monkey community. If playing in leagues with holds or SOLDS, check out our team page game recaps, which include full capsules for relievers, not just saves. Until next time, stay safe and be well.
