Camilo Doval, Jason Foley, Devin Williams and Jhoan Duran each have 4 SV+HLD’s since the All-Star break to lead all relievers. Foley is the one non-closer reliever in the group, and while he also can’t come anywhere near the swing and miss potential as the other three, Foley has been one of the most steady holds contributors this season, tallying 17 holds on the season, good for 9th most in baseball. He’s basically been doing the Brusdar Graterol thing where he has a nasty sinker but no off-speed pitch to generate whiffs. Which is fine, it works, it just limits strikeout upside.
Notes
- A.J. Puk has really been struggling over the past month, with a 10.00 ERA and 1.44 WHIP over his last 9 innings pitched. That does come with a 3.33 xFIP and 3.03 SIERA and 23.1% K-BB rate which is second best on the team over the past month behind only Tanner Scott. There’s a chance Scott overtakes Puk in pecking order here, but just as likely the Marlins go out and add a potential closer at the deadline. The team is still backing Puk as the closer and I think we could see a strong final two months from him.
- Jordan Hicks has been a bit shaky in the month of July, not ideal for a Cardinals team that will be trading him in the next week or so. His 1.77 WHIP over 7.1 IP also comes with a disappointing 17.6% K rate but he still has managed to secure three saves and allowed just 2 ER over that span. Outside of maybe the Diamondbacks or Marlins as potential landing spots, I’m not sure Hicks will be closing out games come August 1st, so now may also be the best time for fantasy managers to sell on Hicks as well.
- Robert Suarez is back with the Padres after a tumultuous rehab where he allowed 9 hits, 5 walks and 6 earned runs over 5 innings. If healthy, Suarez can be an elite set up man, and given the money he is making now and the state of the team, I’d imagine they will push him back in that role ASAP. I think for now, I’d caution more of a wait and see approach given how bad he’s looked.
- Matt Moore rejoins the Angels bullpen and should basically replace Chris Devenski in a set up role for the time being. The Angels are one of the most interesting teams to follow leading up to the trade deadline, mostly because of Shohei Ohtani, but if they do decide to sell, they have plenty of bullpen pieces to move in Moore, Devenski and closer Carlos Estévez. For now, I like Moore’s situation, but he may not see as many hold chances come August 1st.
And if you want more daily reliever updates, please check out our Reliever Ranks series.
Injured List
| PITCHER | TIER | INJURY (SURGERY DATE). NOTES |
|---|---|---|
| Liam Hendriks | 2/3 | Elbow. Has been throwing simulated games and could start a rehab assignment shortly. |
| Ryan Helsley | 3/4 | Forearm. Has begun throwing bullpens, and could face hitters shortly. |
| José Alvarado | 3/4 | Elbow. Playing catch from 60 feet, looking like he’s at least a month away. |
| A.J. Minter | 3/4 | Shoulder. No timetable yet. |
| Josh Sborz | 3/4 | Bicep. No timetable yet. |
| Andrew Nardi | 4/5 | Tricep. Playing catch, but no bullpens yet. |
| Brock Stewart | 4/5 | Elbow. Progressed to long toss but still weeks away. |
| John Schreiber | 5/6 | Lat. In the middle of his rehab and could return early next week |
| Seranthony Domínguez | 5/6 | Oblique. Beginning rehab assignment this weekend and could return early August. |
| Hunter Harvey | 5/6 | Elbow. no timetable yet, but don’t expect him back after 15 days. |
| Jonathan Loáisiga | 5/6 | Elbow. Set to face live hitters soon. |
| Chris Devenski | 6/7 | Hamstring. No timetable yet. |