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/11/
AL Teams with 7 Games in Week 9
- Baltimore Orioles: 3 @ STL; 4 @ CWS
- Chicago White Sox: 3 @ TOR; 4 vs. BAL
- Detroit Tigers: 3 @ KC; 4 vs. TOR
- New York Yankees: 4 vs. SEA; 3 @ SDP
- Seattle Mariners: 4 @ NYY; 3 @ WSH
- Toronto Blue Jays: 3 vs. CWS; 4 @ DET
National League Leverage Trends
Link: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Bk2vG/10/
NL Teams with 8 games in Week 9
- Atlanta Braves: 2 vs. SD (DH); 3 @ CHC; 3 @ PIT
- San Diego Padres: 2 @ ATL (DH); 3 @ CIN; 3 vs. NYY
SOLDS (Saves plus Holds) Leaders Last 14 Days
Link: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Z1EKq/8/
Holds Leaders Last 14 Days
Link: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/mAABk/15/
Players of Interest for Week 9
- Jeremiah Estrada (SDP): Recorded his first career save while striking out the side against Atlanta. His team will play eight games next scoring period and he could receive another save chance, along with a larger leverage with continued strong outings. He owns a 7:1 K:BB (40 K-BB percentage) over his last four outings with a 0.75 WHIP.
- Ben Brown (CHC): With his team’s leverage ladder decimated by injuries, fantasy managers hope he starts making shorter appearances in higher-leverage situations. It’s a small sample, but he’s posted a 36.4 swinging strike percentage with his curve in May.
- Matt Strahm (PHI): He’s not sexy from a fantasy perspective, but for those managing ratios Strahm’s a viable option. He owns an 18-game scoreless streak with a 29:1 K:BB over 18.2 innings (0.59 WHIP).
Relievers on the Rise
- Luke Weaver (NYY): He’s produced multiple strikeouts in eight straight appearances, posting a robust 21 strikeouts versus two walks with a 0.47 WHIP through his last 15 innings while securing four holds.
- Ángel Zerpa (KCR): He owns a nine-game scoreless streak with five holds and eight strikeouts versus zero walks through 7.2 innings.
- Lucas Sims (CIN): While the other two members of his team’s leverage triumvirate struggle, Sims has racked up six strikeouts against zero walks over his last five innings with a 0.60 WHIP, 35.3 K-BB percentage, and a 2.27 SIERA.
Ancillary/Vulture Save Options for Week 9
Alexis and Edwin Díaz currently reside in their respective teams’ hot seats for save opportunities, those seeking saves in the near term can take a chance on Lucas Sims and Adam Ottavino.
Also of interest for this scoring period:
Atlanta Braves: A.J. Minter; Pierce Johnson
Chicago White Sox: Jordan Leasure
Detroit Tigers: Beau Brieske
Los Angeles Dodgers: J.P. Feyereisen; Blake Treinen
San Diego Padres: Jeremiah Estrada; Yuki Matsui
Toronto Blue Jays: Yimi García
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.
