The Cubs placed Daniel Palencia on the IL this week with a shoulder strain, and Palencia figures to miss the rest of the regular season. The Cubs will now likely turn to Brad Keller in the closer role, Keller who has not allowed an earned run since the All-Star break and also boasts a 0.44 WHIP and 35.2% K rate over that span. Keller’s breakout is in large part due to a 3.5 MPH increase in his fastball velocity this season, as well increased sweeper usage (181.7% SwStr rate). Keller should be added in all leagues and could be this years Luke Weaver.
Notes
- David Bednar continues to work as the Yankees closer and it’s kind of wild to think about the fact this guy was demoted after the first weekend of the season yet is currently the 74th overall player in standard Yahoo formats.
- Shawn Armstrong has the Rangers last three saves now and it’s pretty clear that he is the teams closer. He won’t be a big help in the strikeout category but he likely won’t wreck your ratios while giving you a chance at saves.
- A lot of people are freaking out about Tanner Scott right now, and while I’m dropping him seven spots on the list this week, I’m still fairly optimistic in his chances to help out your fantasy teams down the stretch. The stuff is better than it has been and walks aren’t the issue. The command could be better, but I’m hoping that improves with more appearances coming off the IL.
- Kyle Finnegan landed on the IL this past week with an adductor strain, leaving Will Vest as the sole closer for the time being. Vest hasn’t been as dominant over the second half but at least he now gets the closer role to himself right? Well, that could be the case…or Paul Sewald could slide into that Finnegan role and continue this committee approach in Detroit.
- Originally the Trevor Megill flexor strain injury sounded like it could keep him out at least until the postseason, but now Megill is closing in on a return and could be back as early as next week. That will likely slide Abner Uribe back into a set up role although to be honest, he probably could use some time off as well given the fact he’s surpassed 33 innings in a year just once since 2018 (53 IP in 2023) and is currently at 68 IP.
| Rank | Pitcher | Team | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aroldis ChapmanT1 | BOS | - |
| 2 | Edwin Díaz | LAD | - |
| 3 | Jhoan Duran | PHI | - |
| 4 | Andrés MuñozT2 | SEA | - |
| 5 | Bryan Abreu | HOU | - |
| 6 | David Bednar | NYY | +4 |
| 7 | Robert Suarez | ATL | +2 |
| 8 | Pete Fairbanks | MIA | -1 |
| 9 | Raisel Iglesias | ATL | +2 |
| 10 | Jose A. Ferrer | SEA | +2 |
| 11 | Cade Smith | NYY | +2 |
| 12 | Brad Keller | PHI | +UR |
| 13 | Shawn Armstrong | CLE | +5 |
| 14 | Carlos Estévez | KC | +1 |
| 15 | Tanner ScottT3 | LAD | -7 |
| 16 | Jeff Hoffman | TOR | +1 |
| 17 | Ryan Walker | SF | -3 |
| 18 | Emilio Pagán | CIN | +1 |
| 19 | Dennis Santana | PIT | +1 |
| 20 | Will Vest | DET | +3 |
| 21 | Kenley Jansen | DET | - |
| 22 | JoJo Romero | STL | +2 |
| 23 | Abner UribeT4 | MIL | -17 |
| 24 | Jordan Leasure | CWS | +1 |
| 25 | Ronny Henriquez | MIA | +1 |
| 26 | Mason Miller | SD | +1 |
| 27 | Devin Williams | NYM | +1 |
| 28 | Sean NewcombT5 | CWS | +1 |
| 29 | Victor Vodnik | COL | +1 |
| 30 | Cole Sands | MIN | +1 |
| 31 | Keegan Akin | BAL | +2 |
| 32 | Andrew Saalfrank | ARI | - |
| 33 | Calvin Faucher | MIA | +1 |
| 34 | Seranthony Domínguez | CWS | +1 |
| 35 | Blake Treinen | LAD | +1 |
| 36 | Tony Santillan | CIN | +1 |
| 37 | Justin Topa | MIN | +1 |
| 38 | Riley O’Brien | STL | +1 |
| 39 | Andrew Kittredge | BAL | +UR |
| 40 | Mike Vasil | CWS | +UR |
Watch List
