The Red Sox got Jordan Hicks back this week, and while the results haven’t been great in his first two outings, it’s good to see him throwing 100 MPH again. Hicks signed with the Giants to be a starter, but I think he will strictly be used out of the bullpen in Boston, and (especially given his contract) may be the teams closer as soon as the end of this month. Hicks didn’t have much bullpen usage in San Francisco over the past two years, but his best season was in 2023 as a full time reliever. With Greg Weissert struggling recently, Hicks should immediately be in the running for the Sox top set up role, and with Aroldis Chapman highly likely to be traded, Hicks can be a great stash candidate in save only leagues as well.
Notes
- Over his past 15.2 innings, Adrian Morejon holds a 0.38 WHIP, 2.01 SIERA, 23.2% K-BB, and 34.2% CSW rate as well as a 122 Stuff. He has not allowed an earned run since May 17th, which is the only earned run he has allowed over the past two months. With Robert Suarez struggling, I would not be surprised to see the trio of Morejon, Jason Adam, and Jeremiah Estrada begin to take over games from the 7th inning on, and I’d consider all three as must roster relievers in SV+HLD leagues.
- Yimi García returned this week and was rudely greeted by the Yankees lineup, in particular Aaron Judge, who hit a two-run home run off him. Judge is arguably the best hitter on the planet, so I won’t judge Garcia too harshly on the outcomes, and despite the command being a bit shaky (to be expected first game back), the stuff looked normal for Garcia, so I don’t have too much concern there. I do wonder about his role as the rest of this Jays bullpen has stepped up in Garcia’s absence, but based on his usage yesterday (8th inning, up two runs), I think it’s safe to say Garcia will get his set-up role back.
- It looks like Matt Strahm may be settling into the closer role in Philadelphia, which doesn’t mean Orion Kerkering won’t see any saves, but Strahm is likely the safer option of the two, as Kerkering’s 1.40 WHIP and 10.7% K-BB rates are tough to ignore. Jordan Romano had been pitching well and then got torched for four earned runs on Saturday and hasn’t pitched since. He’s been mostly good since late April, with a couple of duds mixed in with solid outings, so I’m not totally out yet and think there’s a chance he could be a fantasy option after the All-Star break.
- Tommy Kahnle’s last save came on June 4th, and although Will Vest only has four saves since, I think the Tigers may be pushing away from the closer by committee approach and clearly prefer Vest in the role. Kahnle should still be a solid holds option, theres just limited upside.
- Dedniel Núñez hsa looked much more like his 2024 self since the Mets called him up a couple weeks ago. He has picked up eight strikeouts over the six innings he’s pitched since returning, and has not walked anyone. Given how shaky Ryne Stanek has been all season and how poorly Reed Garrett and Huascar Brazobán have pitched lately, I wouldn’t be shocked to see Núñez take over the 8th inning sooner rather than later. (EDIT: And Dedniel just landed on the IL. The Mets will definitely be adding to the bullpen this month)
SP Eligible Relievers
