I want to lead this talking about two unheralded relievers currently on American League teams fighting for a playoff spot, with both of these guys stepping into high leverage roles due to a rash of injuries to their respective bullpens. Collin Snider has become the top set up option for the Mariners and rightfully so as he holds a 1.15 ERA (2.90 SIERA), and 23.2% K-BB rate over his past 31.1 IP dating back to early July. A sinker/slider guy in the past, Snider has now adopted a four seam/sweeper approach which has been an obvious game changer for him (Fangraphs David Laurila recently interviewed Snider about the changes he’s made).
Cole Sands on the other hand has transitioned to a full time reliever this season, and he also holds an impressive 1.17 ERA (2.52 SIERA), and 26.7% K-BB rate over his past 30.2 innings. Sands has increased his cutter usage 23% this season as it is now his most used offering and he’s also been able to tack on two MPH of velocity on his fastball. Both of theses relievers have made drastically different changes this season, but they are paying off big time for each one of them, and the two should certainly be on your radar in holds leagues for next season.
Notes
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After a fantastic August, Evan Phillips has started of September on a sour note, with 7 hits, 9 runs (5 ER) and 4 walks allowed to just 3 strikeouts. It’s unfortunate timing for those still holding out hope he may regain his closer role as Michael Kopech has also struggles lately (5 walks over his previous three outings).
- Yennier Cano has not pitched in over a week as he is dealing with forearm tightness, which is never a good sign for a pitcher but he should be available to pitch this weekend it sounds like. Cano still has just 2 IP in September, so even if he is available the next week and a half, expect the Orioles to take things easy with him.
- Ian Hamilton is back in the Yankees bullpen and looking like his early season self with 8 K’s over 4.1 IP since returning, allowing just 2 his and no walks. There are a lot of other options in that bullpen for him to bypass to be relevant in holds leagues, but its nice to see the stuff return.
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Jorge López is back from the IL and despite his disastrous stint with the Mets earlier this season, he was really turning things around in Chicago. Over his past 21 innings with the Cubs, López holds 35% K and 36.6% CSW rates, as well as a 2.47 xFIP and 2.40 SIERA. His velocity has definitely increased since joining the Cubs and has led to this uptick in strikeouts.
If you would like more daily reliever updates, please check out our Reliever Ranks series.
SP Eligible Relievers
| Rank | Pitcher | Team | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Ryan Walker | SF | Fastball/slider combo from funky slot plays up in the ‘pen |
| 2. | A.J. Puk | AZ | Closer in Oakland. Dominant stuff |
| 3. | Mason Miller | OAK | Velo is back up in the bullpen |
| 4. | Michael Kopech | LAD | Closer for the Dodgers… for now |
| 5. | Luke Weaver | NYY | Top setup option in New York now? |
| 6. | Hunter Gaddis | CLE | Been impressive in a bullpen role |
| 7. | Matt Strahm | PHI | One of the best middle-relief fantasy options |
| 8. | Tyler Holton | DET | Recently gained SP eligibility |
| 9. | Drew Rasmussen | TB | Velo is way up out of the pen |
| 10. | DL Hall | MIL | Back in the bullpen where he thrives |
