A.J. Minter (RP, ATL) - Week 19 Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in Leagues

OWNED IN: 45% of Leagues

ANALYSIS: Atlanta Braves closer A.J. Minter looks to have grabbed the job in Atlanta with both hands and it is unlikely that Aroldys Vizcaino will get it back. Vizcaino has been dealing with a bad shoulder, and Minter was thought to be splitting save opportunities with Dan Winkler, but it looks like Minter is the man to own in the ATL. Winker had the first shot at saves, but Minter appears to have the job for the time being and could be an RP1 for the remainder of the season.

Even though Winkler got the first chance at saves, Minter has not allowed a run in his last six appearances and has allowed just three baserunners in the same period (six innings). He has also struck out seven batters in his last three appearances, striking out multiple batters in each appearance, and is up to 15 strikeouts against just two walks since July 1. In the same time period, Minter has five saves and has now allowed a run in just three appearances since the beginning of June.

Fantasy owners need to monitor the closer situation in Atlanta, as a lot of Minter's value will be derived from if he can get saves for the remainder of the season. The Braves will put Minter (or Vizcaino) in a great place for saves and Minter should be owned in all leagues as long as he is the closer in Atlanta.