Adam Ottavino Could Still Be Useful Late In 2016

Ottavino was just getting started on what looked to be a promising 2015 campaign when his UCL crapped out after 10.1 innings. Pending setbacks, the hope here is that he will return around midseason. Having high expectations for a pitcher in his first stretch back from TJ surgery is usually an awful idea, so I doubt that he gets thrust right back into the ninth right away. Even if he does, the velocity and command that we’ve come to love from Adam may very well not be there. This is a name to stash away for the summer in most leagues, but if he can get that lethal fastball/slider combo working for him with the quickness, he could prove to be valuable down the stretch. Even if Ottavino doesn’t end up back in the ninth this year, he should still get holds when he’s active for Colorado. He’s a late inning guy and Colorado doesn’t have enough talent to relegate him to the sixth inning or anything. Stashing relief pitchers isn’t exciting, but in deeper leagues and ones that count holds, Ottavino should matter come August.