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, here is a snapshot of the respective leagues with their leverage trends in chart form.
American League Leverage Trends
Link: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/3U0Dm/13/
AL Teams with 7 Games in Week 10
- Boston Red Sox: 3 @ BAL; 4 vs. DET
- Houston Astros: 4 @ SEA; 3 vs MIN
- Kansas City Royals: 4 @ MIN; 3 vs. SDP
- Minnesota Twins: 4 vs. KCR; 3 @ HOU
- Seattle Mariners: 4 vs. HOU; 3 vs. LAA
National League Leverage Trends
Link: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Bk2vG/12/
NL Teams with 7 Games in Week 10
- Atlanta Braves: 4 vs. WSH; 3 vs. OAK
- Chicago Cubs: 4 @ MIL; 3 vs. CIN
- Milwaukee Brewers: 4 vs. CHC; 3 vs. CWS
- New York Mets: 3 vs. LAD; 4 vs. ARI
- Washington Nationals: 4 @ ATL; 3 @ CLE
SOLDS (Saves plus Holds) Leaders Last 14 Days
Link: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Z1EKq/10/
Holds Leaders Last 14 Days
Link: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/mAABk/17/
Players of Interest for Week 10
- Tyson Miller (CHC): He’s posted a 2.72 SIERA, a 17:1 K:BB (25 K-BB percentage), a 0.647 WHIP, a 15.7 percent swinging strike rate, and a 70 percent strike rate through 17 innings this season. He’s emerging as the preferred seventh-inning option for the Cubs, making him a steam option based on their schedule this week.
- Bryan Hudson (MIL): He may play a more traditional one-inning role matching up against Cody Bellinger’s lineup pocket during his team’s four-game set versus the Cubs. He’s been scoreless in seven of eight outings in May while securing five holds with 16 strikeouts versus two walks over 12 innings.
- Carlos Hernández (KCR): Velocity is missing from the Royals’ bullpen this year. Hernández debuted with a clean bottom of the ninth in a non-save outing against Tampa Bay Friday night. With a strong week, he could forge a primary set-up role and be a sneaky play for Holds in this scoring period, or an ancillary save.
Relievers on the Rise
- Jeremiah Estrada (SDP): He’s jumped from being a waiver claim into his team’s high-leverage triumvirate. Over seven appearances in May, he’s recorded a win, a save, and two holds with 15 strikeouts against one walk and a 0.48 WHIP through 8.1 innings.
- Ryan Walker (SFG): In seven appearances since May 11, he’s recorded a win, a blown save, and five holds. He has nine strikeouts versus zero walks and a 1.14 WHIP through seven innings. He also ranks sixth among all qualified relievers with 36 strikeouts.
- Matt Strahm (PHI): He has a 20-game scoreless streak and has posted 29 strikeouts versus two walks over 20.1 innings.
Ancillary/Vulture Save Options for Week 10
American League
- Boston Red Sox: Chris Martin
- Chicago White Sox: Jordan Leasure
- Kansas City Royals: Chris Stratton
- Minnesota Twins: Griffin Jax
National League
- Atlanta Braves: A.J. Minter
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.
Statistical Credits:
