Adam Ottavino has a 48.6% K rate and 41.3% CSW with a 0.52 WHIP and I do want to believe this will stick. His 5.36 PLV and 107 Stuff+. His slider usage is back up to what it needs to be and that’s a big part of his strong start. Reed Garrett has a ridiculous 50% K rate and 40% CSW but the pitches don’t grade out as well with a 5.11 PLV (although he does have the better Stuff+ at 120). Garrett has been throwing his fastball less (by over 20%) which has been the biggest difference, and while hitters are chasing now, I feel like they’ll eventually adjust to his 35% Zone rate and lack of fastball usage.
Notes
-
Hunter Gaddis has been awesome as a reliever so far, pairing a 30.2% K-BB rate with a 1.95 SIERA so far. He has 3 above-average offerings in his fastball, slider, and changeup, giving the Guardians bullpen a unique arm they can use comfortably against right-handed and left-handed hitters. Nick Sandlin with his low arm slot is better suited to face righties. The 35% K rate and 36.3% CSW back up the success, although neither PLV or Stuff+ love him so I’d still be a bit cautious diving in here
-
Tyler Rogers is a sidewinding righty that both Stuff+ and PLV are big fans of. The swing and miss still isn’t there, but at least you know Rogers will get plenty of hold chances and won’t destroy your ratios. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Alex Lange is still missing bats at a high rate and showcasing good stuff, and is starting to work his way into more hold chances. Keep an eye out for him if he goes on a run here where he can keep the walk rate in check.
-
The Brewers have found two trustworthy pieces at the back end of their bullpen outside of Joel Payamps and Trevor Megill. Elvis Peguero is someone they really trust and while the numbers aren’t overly impressive he does have a 5.37 PLV and 115 Stuff+. Bryan Hudson has an ERA and WHIP under one to go along with an impressive 5.52 PLV, although Stuff+ is not a fan (77). The swing and miss may not be there, but he’s proven he can be very effect still.
-
With the Cubs removing Adbert Alzolay from the closer role, two relievers outside of Héctor Neris get a bump in value. Mark Leiter Jr. has been fine, nothing really stands out about his stuff (PLV only 4.86), but he is currently the 8th-inning option for a pretty good team. Yency Almonte looks a little bit better with a 5.28 PLV and 117 Stuff+ but he hasn’t had the best command.
If you would like more daily reliever updates, please check out our Reliever Ranks series.
| Rank | Pitcher | Team | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Mason Miller | OAK | Closer in Oakland. |
| 2. | Michael Kopech | CWS | Closer in Chicago for now |
| 3. | Matt Strahm | PHI | One of the best middle-relief fantasy options. |
| 4. | Hunter Gaddis | CLE | Been impressive in a bullpen role. |
| 5. | Shawn Armstrong | TB | 1.38 ERA, 0.90 WHIP in 54 IP last year. |
| 6. | Ryan Walker | SF | Fastball/slider combo from funky slot plays up in pen. |
| 7. | Calvin Faucher | MIA | working his way into a setup role |
| 8. | John Brebbia | CWS | Back in the White Sox pen after IL stint |
| 9. | Caleb Ferguson | NYY | slow start, but still needed in that pen |
| 10. | Kyle Muller | OAK | should be the top lefty in that bullpen |
Curious, Jason Adam is in the picture at the headline yet he doesn’t appear anywhwre in the article. Is there a reason for that?
Where is Sborz? He was activated this morning