Fantasy Baseball Reliever Roundup

Welcome to the RP Roundup, my daily fantasy baseball article reviewing every reliever performance from the previous day.

BOS 10 – DET 3

Boston Red Sox
Brayan Bello – W (2)	7.0 IP	1 ER	4 H	1 BB	7 K	10 Whiffs	31% CSW
Alec Gamboa	1.0 IP	0 ER	0 H	0 BB	2 K	2 Whiffs	29% CSW

Alec Gamboa has average stuff, but if you can command average stuff well from the left side, that could be a ticket to a long career out of the bullpen.

Detroit Tigers
Brenan Hanifee	3.0 IP	2 H	1 BB	2 K	0 Whiffs	27% CSW
Burch Smith	2.0 IP	1 H	0 BB	4 K	5 Whiffs	45% CSW
Enmanuel De Jesús	1.0 IP	0 H	0 BB	2 K	3 Whiffs	29% CSW

Even at 36 years old, Burch Smith still has something left in the tank. The four-seam, curve, and cutter all look pretty good still, and he’s been locating well. With all the injuries in this bullpen, Smith could wind up in a setup role sooner rather than later.

TOR 3 – TBR 4

Toronto Blue Jays
Jeff Hoffman – HLD (4)	1.0 IP	0 ER	1 H	1 K	1 Whiffs	35% CSW
Tyler Rogers – L (2)	0.1 IP	2 ER	4 H	0 K	0 Whiffs	18% CSW
Louis Varland	0.2 IP	0 ER	0 H	1 K	1 Whiffs	43% CSW

A rare Tyler Rogers meltdown prevented us from a Louis Varland save chance, but prior to all that, we saw Jeff Hoffman get through the 7th inning unscathed, and his fastball looked the best it has pretty much all season. Hoffman has allowed baserunners in eight of his past nine appearances, but eventually that .514 BABIP has to come back down to earth, right?

Tampa Bay Rays
Hunter Bigge	1.0 IP	0 H	1 BB	2 K	4 Whiffs	44% CSW
Casey Legumina – W (1)	1.0 IP	1 H	1 BB	0 K	0 Whiffs	11% CSW
Cole Sulser – SV (2)	1.0 IP	0 H	0 BB	0 K	0 Whiffs	25% CSW

Cole Sulser got the call in the ninth with Bryan Baker off, and it looks like he had a little extra juice in this one. If he can stay 93 MPH+ with that changeup under 85 MPH, there’s definitely a competent reliever here long term.

ATH 1 – PHI 9

Athletics
Scott Barlow	1.0 IP	0 ER	0 H	0 BB	1 K	1 Whiffs	38% CSW
Mark Leiter Jr. Jr.	0.2 IP	4 ER	3 H	1 BB	1 K	2 Whiffs	27% CSW
Tyler Ferguson	1.1 IP	4 ER	4 H	0 BB	1 K	3 Whiffs	38% CSW

A reminder to not chase any of the veteran relievers here for the A’s. Even Scott Barlow scares me because I’m not so sure how long he can survive without a fastball.

Philadelphia Phillies
Jhoan Duran	1.0 IP	1 ER	1 H	3 BB	2 K	2 Whiffs	30% CSW

Jhoan Duran was rusty here, which makes sense considering he didn’t make any rehab appearances prior to being activated off the IL. The good news is that the stuff looked fine; I have no worries there. Just uncharacteristically terrible command due to not appearing in a game for a few weeks; that’s all.

BAL 9 – MIA 7

Baltimore Orioles
Keegan Akin	1.0 IP	0 ER	0 H	0 BB	1 K	1 Whiffs	38% CSW
Anthony Nunez – HLD (4)	1.1 IP	2 ER	2 H	0 BB	1 K	4 Whiffs	35% CSW
Grant Wolfram – HLD (4)	0.2 IP	0 ER	0 H	0 BB	2 K	2 Whiffs	50% CSW
Andrew Kittredge – BS (1)	0.2 IP	0 ER	1 H	1 BB	1 K	3 Whiffs	25% CSW
Rico Garcia – W (3)	1.1 IP	0 ER	0 H	1 BB	2 K	5 Whiffs	37% CSW

This run of Anthony Nunez giving up multiple runs (four games now!) is giving me a headache, and I hate to say it, but it feels like he may be the odd man out when Ryan Helsley returns. The two HR’s were off fastballs down in the zone, and the fastball location could definitely improve for him overall.
Rico Garcia didn’t have his best command here, but the changeup was getting whiffs (that pitch was so much movement) and the fastball velo was above 95 MPH with nearly 20″ of iVB. As long as these things are happening, Garcia is a near-elite option in SV+HLD leagues.

Miami Marlins
Anthony Bender	0.2 IP	0 ER	0 H	0 BB	0 K	0 Whiffs	17% CSW
Michael Petersen	1.0 IP	0 ER	0 H	0 BB	2 K	4 Whiffs	35% CSW
Josh Ekness	1.0 IP	0 ER	0 H	0 BB	2 K	3 Whiffs	47% CSW
William Kempner	1.0 IP	0 ER	0 H	0 BB	1 K	1 Whiffs	38% CSW
Andrew Nardi – L (2)	1.0 IP	2 ER	2 H	2 BB	0 K	1 Whiffs	18% CSW

That three-inning stretch from Michael Petersen, Josh Ekness, and William Kempner should excite Marlins fans, as those three dudes have electric stuff. Petersen needs to be more consistent, and Kempner definitely has command issues, but man, the stuff between these three is ridiculous.
Andrew Nardi needs to figure out his command first and foremost, as he either couldn’t find the zone or he was leaving fastballs over the middle of the plate. The stuff is still great, but the command is still a major issue.

MIN 11 – WSN 3

Minnesota Twins
Eric Orze	1.0 IP	1 ER	2 H	0 BB	1 K	1 Whiffs	44% CSW
Anthony Banda	1.0 IP	0 ER	0 H	0 BB	1 K	3 Whiffs	32% CSW
Luis García Jr.	1.0 IP	0 ER	0 H	1 BB	0 K	0 Whiffs	15% CSW

Anthony Banda was sitting 95.7 MPH with his sinker here, which is basically where he’s been living the past two seasons. If the velo sticks and he can keep his walk rate below 10%, he’s far and away the best reliever in this bullpen, and maybe even a top 100 reliever in all of baseball.

Washington Nationals
Paxton Schultz	2.0 IP	0 ER	0 H	1 BB	1 K	1 Whiffs	28% CSW
Andre Granillo	2.0 IP	4 ER	4 H	0 BB	0 K	3 Whiffs	24% CSW
Orlando Ribalta	1.0 IP	1 ER	1 H	2 BB	1 K	4 Whiffs	21% CSW

Andre Granillo is never going to develop a competent fastball, is he? Even the slider looks worse than it has in the past.

TEX 4 – NYY 7

Texas Rangers
Jalen Beeks	0.2 IP	0 ER	1 H	1 BB	0 K	0 Whiffs	0% CSW
Tyler Alexander	1.0 IP	1 ER	1 H	1 BB	0 K	1 Whiffs	22% CSW

I know Robert Garcia wasn’t pitching well before the IL placement, but he at least gives us some upside to believe in from the left side in this bullpen. These two guys just aren’t worth chasing.

New York Yankees
Brent Headrick – W (2)	1.1 IP	0 ER	0 H	0 BB	3 K	4 Whiffs	43% CSW
Tim Hill – HLD (6)	0.1 IP	0 ER	2 H	0 BB	0 K	0 Whiffs	33% CSW
Fernando Cruz – HLD (6)	1.0 IP	0 ER	1 H	1 BB	1 K	5 Whiffs	35% CSW
David Bednar – SV (10)	1.2 IP	1 ER	1 H	0 BB	2 K	4 Whiffs	31% CSW

This reminded me of how often Boone went to David Bednar for 5+ outs last season, as it was only the first time this year, but it happened four times last August. I think we’d all prefer him to stick to one-inning stints, but with Doval down, they felt the need to bring in Bednar early. The biggest takeaway here is that the velocity continues to trend in the right direction, as Bednar sat 96.4 MPH in this one. The only blemish was a triple to Duran (not even a bad pitch), so all things considered, things continue to trend in the right direction for Bednar.

CIN 2 – CHC 3

Cincinnati Reds
Connor Phillips – HLD (4)	1.1 IP	1 ER	2 H	1 BB	2 K	5 Whiffs	39% CSW
Tony Santillan – BS (2)	1.0 IP	1 ER	1 H	0 BB	1 K	1 Whiffs	24% CSW
Emilio Pagán	0.0 IP	0 ER	0 H	0 BB	0 K
Jose Franco	1.0 IP	0 ER	0 H	2 BB	0 K	1 Whiffs	9% CSW
Sam Moll – L (2)	0.0 IP	0 ER	1 H	0 BB	0 K	0 Whiffs	0% CSW

Emilio Pagán suffered a gruesome-looking hamstring injury after throwing one pitch, and I’d expect him to miss significant time. I think we can rule out Connor Phillips from replacing him, as the command is still terrible (but better in this one), so that leaves Tony Santillan and Graham Ashcraft. Both have not been at their best lately, but at least Ashcraft holds a swinging strike rate over 8%. Santillan is currently tied with Ryan Thompson, ranking 167th out of 207 qualified relievers in swinging strike rate. He’s tied with Jalen Beeks and others, ranking 190th out of 207 qualified relievers in terms of Stuff+. I’d rather take my chances with Ashcraft if I felt compelled to do anything here.

Chicago Cubs
Javier Assad	1.1 IP	0 H	0 BB	1 K	2 Whiffs	41% CSW
Jacob Webb	1.0 IP	0 H	0 BB	1 K	4 Whiffs	29% CSW
Daniel Palencia	1.0 IP	1 H	0 BB	0 K	1 Whiffs	20% CSW
Ryan Rolison – W (3)	1.0 IP	0 H	1 BB	2 K	1 Whiffs	39% CSW

Daniel Palencia looked great in his first game back from the IL, sitting 100 MPH, and he threw his slider four times (no splitters), which is good to see. I don’t have any concerns here.

CLE 3 – KCR 5

Cleveland Guardians
Colin Holderman	2.0 IP	0 ER	0 H	0 BB	3 K	4 Whiffs	31% CSW

Colin Holderman’s sweeper was sweeping yesterday, and the sinker looks better than it has in the past to complement the breakers. At this point, I’m not sure it would be that shocking to see him work his way into high-leverage work with Hunter Gaddis struggling.

Kansas City Royals
Nick Mears – HLD (5)	1.0 IP	0 BB	1 K	1 Whiffs	25% CSW
Daniel Lynch IV – HLD (4)	1.0 IP	1 BB	0 K	0 Whiffs	14% CSW
Lucas Erceg – SV (10)	1.0 IP	1 BB	1 K	2 Whiffs	20% CSW

Lucas Erceg is fighting to hold on to that closer role, and I wish I could be more optimistic because the results have been better lately, but the stuff/command just aren’t where it needs to be for him to have long-term success. That being said, if Carlos Estévez is still throwing 90-91 MPH today, then we may see Erceg get an extended look at the closer role.

LAD 1 – HOU 2

Los Angeles Dodgers
Alex Vesia	1.0 IP	0 ER	0 H	0 BB	1 K	1 Whiffs	18% CSW

One day Alex Vesia will get a hold again. The Dodgers bullpen usage tends to be frustrating, so it’s just something to deal with. The stuff’s still fantastic.

Houston Astros
Bryan King – SV (3)	2.0 IP	1 ER	3 H	0 BB	2 K	6 Whiffs	35% CSW

Bryan King getting a two-out save against the Dodgers feels almost miracle-like, but the lefty is a good matchup against that left-handed-dominant Dodgers lineup, I suppose. King could have a few more saves in him before Josh Hader returns (he made his rehab debut yesterday), but I wouldn’t consider him a must-roster outside of deep save-only leagues.

CHW 3 – LAA 4

Chicago White Sox
Tyler Davis	1.1 IP	0 H	1 K	1 Whiffs	29% CSW
Jordan Leasure	1.0 IP	0 H	2 K	4 Whiffs	30% CSW
Bryan Hudson	1.0 IP	1 H	0 K	1 Whiffs	43% CSW

This was maybe the best Jordan Leasure has looked in a while, but Tyler Davis’s fastball is trying to reel me in on him potentially being a setup man in the near future for the White Sox. The zone rate isn’t great, but 97 MPH with 19″ of iVB, 6.8′ of extension, and 1.5° HAVAA is pretty special. Definitely someone to keep an eye on in this bullpen.

Los Angeles Angels
Jose Fermin – W (1)	1.0 IP	0 ER	1 H	0 BB	2 K	4 Whiffs	45% CSW
Drew Pomeranz – HLD (6)	1.0 IP	0 ER	2 H	0 BB	1 K	4 Whiffs	37% CSW
Sam Bachman – HLD (6)	1.2 IP	1 ER	1 H	0 BB	3 K	1 Whiffs	35% CSW
Ryan Zeferjahn – SV (1)	1.1 IP	0 ER	0 H	2 BB	3 K	4 Whiffs	33% CSW

This was a stressful but successful save opportunity for Ryan Zeferjahn, and despite the command issues, he was ultimately able to bear down and finish the job. I know Kirby Yates is back, but I don’t care. Give me Zeferjahn (or Sam Bachman if that fails) at least until Ben Joyce is back and healthy.

PIT 0 – ARI 9

Pittsburgh Pirates
Yohan Ramírez	0.1 IP	5 ER	2 H	1 BB	1 Whiffs	10% CSW
Evan Sisk	1.2 IP	0 ER	2 H	0 BB	1 Whiffs	24% CSW
Dennis Santana	1.0 IP	2 ER	3 H	0 BB	0 Whiffs	20% CSW

Yohan Ramírez hit two batters as well as walking one and allowing two hits, with every runner he allowed scoring eventually. The command is always going to be the issue with him.
Dennis Santana actually had some better velocity here (up 1 MPH), but the stuff is still below average, and there’s just nothing to get excited about with his profile anymore.

Arizona Diamondbacks
Jonathan Loáisiga	1.0 IP	0 ER	0 H	0 BB	0 K	2 Whiffs	27% CSW
Brandyn Garcia	1.0 IP	0 ER	0 H	0 BB	2 K	2 Whiffs	45% CSW

The Brandyn Garcia breakout could be happening. The sweeper is so good, even being tough on righties, as he didn’t face one lefty here.

ATL 3 – SEA 2

Atlanta Braves
Dylan Lee	1.0 IP	0 H	3 K	5 Whiffs	56% CSW
Robert Suarez – W (3)	1.0 IP	0 H	2 K	3 Whiffs	31% CSW
Raisel Iglesias – SV (6)	1.0 IP	1 H	2 K	4 Whiffs	32% CSW

Look at this bullpen at full strength working as it was intended to do. It was the first game back for Raisel Iglesias, and he turned back the clock here, averaging 95.5 MPH on his fastball, a number he hasn’t averaged since 2024. The command was actually pretty bad here, which isn’t surprising given the time off, but it’s great seeing him healthy and seeing the uptick in stuff.

Seattle Mariners
Jose A. Ferrer	1.0 IP	0 ER	0 H	0 BB	2 K	1 Whiffs	30% CSW
Andrés Muñoz – L (3)	1.0 IP	1 ER	1 H	1 BB	2 K	3 Whiffs	39% CSW

Andrés Muñoz allowed a go-ahead HR to Olson here (he’s been on fire), but it’s not anything overly concerning, right? I think we may be looking at a more volatile reliever than we had hoped for, but I doubt he loses the job.

SDP 10 – SFG 5

San Diego Padres
Jeremiah Estrada – HLD (4)	1.2 IP	1 ER	1 H	2 K	3 Whiffs	29% CSW
Jason Adam	1.0 IP	0 ER	0 H	0 K	1 Whiffs	22% CSW
Ron Marinaccio	1.0 IP	0 ER	0 H	1 K	2 Whiffs	56% CSW

The velo dipped back down to 96 MPH for Jeremiah Estrada here, but the stuff still grades out very well, and the command looks much better (for the fastball at least).

San Francisco Giants
JT Brubaker	1.0 IP	1 ER	2 H	2 BB	1 K	6 Whiffs	26% CSW
Ryan Borucki	1.0 IP	1 ER	2 H	0 BB	0 K	0 Whiffs	15% CSW
Gregory Santos	2.0 IP	2 ER	2 H	0 BB	0 K	2 Whiffs	25% CSW
Joel Peguero	1.0 IP	0 ER	1 H	0 BB	0 K	0 Whiffs	12% CSW

Great to see Joel Peguero make his 2026 debut here, and well, it was more of the same with him. Great 100 MPH fastball/sinker, but no swing-and-miss secondary to match. To be fair, he only threw one slider (and it wasn’t a bad one), but that pitch will be worth keeping an eye on moving forward.

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Fantasy Baseball Relief Pitcher Roundup: 5/5

Rick Graham