It’s been a struggle finding a reliable reliever in the Mets bullpen since the trade deadline outside of Edwin Díaz, as they take fliers on a bunch of guys and see what sticks approach hasn’t exactly worked out. Phil Maton has been the best option (1.84 ERA, 0.95 WHIP), but whether or not that is sustainable (3.72 xFIP, 25% K, 9.4% SwStr, 81 Stuff+) remains to be seen. Reed Garrett has been volatile since returning from the IL (9.7% K-BB, 4.44 SIERA), although he’s coming off a great week that saw him rack up three holds. Ryne Stanek has been ok (15.4% K-BB, 1.14 WHIP, 4.01 SIERA), and better as of late and may have the highest strikeout upside here outside of Díaz and maybe Garrett. Huascar Brazoban, José Buttó, and Adam Ottavino continue to struggle and are not worth of your attention in most formats.
Notes
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Dylan Lee continues to be underappreciated and I’m begging for the Braves to give him more high leverage chances (four of his six holds have come since August). Lee holds a 1.83 ERA and 0.97 WHIP over his past 39.1 IP going back to early May, with 29.4% K (6th amongst relievers), 21.3% SwStr (2nd), and 35.2% CSW (3rd) rates, plus a 2.32 SIERA (8th) all ranking in the Top 10 since May amongst active relievers.
- Camilo Doval is continuing to struggle with his command, with five walks and three earned runs over five innings since returning from Triple-A. He’s also allowed two SBs, as controlling the running game was an issue they were hoping he could figure out as well. His odds of taking back the closer role anytime soon are dwindling, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Giants look to move him this offseason.
- Tony Santillan has been one of the best relievers in baseball since the All-Star break with 37% K-BB rate and a 1.70 xFIP, both good for top three amongst relievers since the break, and I’d hope the Reds would consider giving him some more high leverage work, maybe even a chance to close out games with how poorly Alexis Díaz has pitched this season. Díaz holds a 4.82 ERA, 1.46 WHIP, 5.57 xFIP (worst amongst 133 qualified relievers) with 6.6% K-BB (2nd worst), and 24.8 CSW (10th worst) rates over his past 71 IP (-0.2 WAR) dating back to last season, so perhaps they should give someone else a look in the closer role.
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Dennis Santana has been a revelation for the Pirates since joining the team following being DFA’d by the Yankees and is now in the mix for saves with David Bednar out of the role. Over his past 23.2 IP Santana holds a 1.52 ERA (2.14 SIERA), 0.68 WHIP to go along with 30.6% K-BB and 34.6% CSW rates, but he does have just three holds.
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. | Calvin Faucher | MIA | Might be Miami’s closer now? |