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While holds are even tougher to predict than saves, the players we’ll highlight today include some elite setup men to target off the waiver wire in Week 21.
One-inning middle relievers are the constant sources for holds and specialists can manage to secure a hold even with one out. However, while specialists can get many holds, their fantasy value is limited to how effective they are in their specific role. Long relievers are not a strong source of holds, they are often used in emergency or mop-up roles; reducing their likelihood to enter a game with the lead. The strongest setup relievers can even be eligible for saves on occasion.
Bottom line: the more likely an MLB team is to win, the more likely these pitchers will be eligible to earn the holds that could be the difference between winning or losing in your fantasy league. Let's get to it.
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Relief Pitcher Waiver Wire - Week 21 Pickups
Koda Glover, Washington Nationals
1 Hold, 5.40 ERA, 1.2 IP, 1.20 WHIP
The Washington Nationals are losing closers one by one so Koda Glover is the next man up. The 25-year-old has eight career saves but was recently recalled to the major leagues last week. The Nationals need consistency in any form and Glover may provide that. With a career 43.2 percent ground ball rate, Glover has above league average contact on pitches out of the zone. The weak contact will be to his benefit as he maneuvers the ninth inning duties while other relievers make their way back off the disabled list. Glover may not put up strong strikeout numbers but he is capable of getting saves for the Nationals.
Adam Conley, Miami Marlins
1 Save, 10 Holds, 4.33 ERA, 35.1 IP, 38 K, 1.16 WHIP
The Miami Marlins have shuffled the bullpen and Adam Conley has moved into a setup role with a situational opportunity at saving games. Starter turned reliever, Adam Conley has adapted accordingly. Adding velocity to his fastball, slider, and changeup; Conley has opponents hitting .206 and he is striking out a little over a batter per inning. Reliever Adam Conley is generating more swings and misses so do not let the bloated ERA scare you away from this candidate for holds. Three of his 36 appearances were brutal, giving him an ERA that he will bring down over time. Adapted to the bullpen, Conley is a good holds candidate.
Taylor Rogers, Minnesota Twins
10 Holds, 3.58 ERA, 50.1 IP, 58 K, 1.11 WHIP
The Minnesota Twins are scouring their bullpen for a strong back of the bullpen and Taylor Rogers has put together a respectable campaign. The 27-year-old lefty has faced his share of both lefties and righties and fared well, holding opponents to a .236 batting average. Taylor Rogers averages more than a strikeout per inning and a ground ball on 45.6 percent of batted balls. Despite the Twins not committing to an established closer yet, Rogers has not secured a save but he still remains a strong waiver wire candidate for holds.
Pedro Strop, Chicago Cubs
9 Saves, 7 Holds, 2.63 ERA, 48.0 IP, 48 K, 1.04 WHIP
The Chicago Cubs are doing everything they can to hold off the Milwaukee Brewers and Pedro Strop has stepped into the closer role out of necessity. With Brandon Morrow working his way back from his injury, Strop has done a great job. Holding opponents to a .192 batting average while averaging a strikeout per inning, Strop has recorded eight of his nine saves in the last two months. Strop generates a ground ball on 45.2 percent of batted balls so he is doing all of the right things for the division-leading Cubs. Strop is an immediate waiver wire claim for saves and is a worthwhile keep for holds when Morrow returns from his injury.
Scott Alexander, Los Angeles Dodgers
2 Saves, 17 Holds, 3.81 ERA, 54.1 IP, 46 K, 1.34 WHIP
The Los Angeles Dodgers are looking for a temporary fix until the elite Kenley Jansen is healthy so Scott Alexander will get the first chances. Alexander is generating a ground ball on 71.3 percent of batted balls, which means his 93.2 mph sinker is outstanding. After starting the season in a middle, sixth-inning role, Alexander progressed through success and has justified the faith in him to step into the closer role briefly. Keep in mind, Jansen has tremendous shoes for anyone in any bullpen to fill. Alexander will struggle and is probably just a waiver wire claim for as long as Jansen is sidelined.
