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The Hold Up 9/19: Ranking the Top 90 Relievers for Holds Every Thursday

Rick Graham ranks the top pitchers to own for holds.

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  • Tyler Duffey and Drew Pomeranz have been two of the best relievers since the beginning of August and are now finally getting much deserved save/hold chances. Since August, each ranks in the top 10 among relievers for K-BB%, xFIP, SIERA, and swinging-strike rate. Duffey has four holds over the past two weeks and has moved into a setup role left vacant by Sam Dyson’s injury. But just how dominant has Duffey been lately? He hasn’t allowed a run since July 23 and since that date has a ridiculous 33:5 K/BB ratio while allowing just 10 hits over 19.1 innings. Pomeranz now has five holds and two saves since Aug. 31, while allowing just two earned runs (both in the same game) in his past 15 outings. The biggest reason for his success can probably be attributed to his uptick in fastball velocity since moving to the bullpen, as he’s added about 4 mph on average since the trade.
  • Kevin Ginkel has earned some hype this offseason as a potential prospect reliever to keep an eye on, and the rookie has yet to disappoint since being called up by the Diamondbacks. He’s been more reliable than Yoan Lopez as of late and should continue to be Archie Bradley’s primary setup man/handcuff. Given Oakland’s remaining schedule, his current role, and the way he has pitched lately, Joakim Soria is worth a look in all holds leagues that run through the rest of the season. Over his past eight appearances, Soria has only allowed one earned run, four hits, and a walk while accumulating 12 strikeouts. For those digging deep for holds, Evan Marshall is a name to keep an eye on over the next week and a half. Over the past 30 days, Marshall has a 1.50 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, seven strikeouts, and four holds over 12 innings, and while that’s not overly impressive, keep in mind the White Sox have seven games left with the Tigers, as well as three with the Indians.

Featured image by Michael Haas (@digitalHaas on Twitter)

Rick Graham

Rick resides in the Boston area and has experience as a player and coach at the collegiate level. He has been covering relievers for Pitcher List since 2017.

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