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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 22.
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 22 Pickups
Lou Trivino, Oakland Athletics
4 Saves, 16 Holds, 1.62 ERA, 61.0 IP, 65 K, 1.03 WHIP
The Oakland Athletics have been unexpectedly contending and reliever Lou Trivino has been an unexpected asset in their bullpen. The 26-year-old Trivino has been used at numerous situations and finds himself in a slightly lesser role with so many bigger names added to the bullpen. With a 47.6 percent ground ball rate, Trivino is using his 97.6 mph sinker effectively. His strikeouts per inning pitched is reducing closer to one per inning after a hot start but the Athletics remain in a strong position late in the season. Trivino remains a worthwhile waiver wire claim candidate for holds.
Hunter Strickland, San Francisco Giants
13 Saves, 3.06 ERA, 35.1 IP, 31 K, 1.25 WHIP
Former closer Hunter Strickland has returned from his injury but the San Francisco Giants are in no rush to place him back in the closer role as Will Smith has established himself. Before getting injured, Strickland was a very strong closer, but he will progress his way to a stronger role in the bullpen. Currently, he pitches in the seventh inning. Opponents are hitting .224 against Strickland this year. The Giants have shown no qualms about potentially pitching Strickland in high leverage situations. The Giants are on the precipice between contending and not contending; Strickland will see opportunities at holds with potential for saves.
Seth Lugo, New York Mets
1 Save, 7 Holds, 2.96 ERA, 85.0 IP, 82 K, 1.19 WHIP
The New York Mets have utilized their gluttony of starters by putting some in the bullpen and Seth Lugo has shined in this role. Frequently a multiple-inning reliever or spot starter, Lugo has not regularly seen holds during this season. For the month of August, Lugo has been used in more moderation lately, pitching just an inning in six of his eight appearances. With the Mets rebuilding, Lugo is elevating his value. Despite not recording a hold this month, Lugo is still high on the depth chart as the Mets wrap up an underwhelming season.
Dan Winkler, Atlanta Braves
2 Saves, 19 Holds, 2.61 ERA, 51.2 IP, 65 K, 1.05 WHIP
The Atlanta Braves have developed a strong bullpen but injuries attempted to derail their unexpected push for the postseason. Despite the medical setbacks, the Braves continue patching it up at the end of the game as Dan Winkler is stepping up. The 28-year-old Winkler has had a great year, securing a lot of holds and striking out batters at a great rate. Opponents are hitting .208 against Winkler and his 40.9 percent ground ball rate back up his solid season. With swing-and-miss stuff, Winkler is a great candidate for holds with the occasional save should other relievers require rest or go down with another injury.
Tayron Guerrero, Miami Marlins
9 Holds, 4.38 ERA, 49.1 IP, 61 K, 1.56 WHIP
The Miami Marlins are looking through what they have to find out what has value and Tayron Guerrero is blazing a trail for himself. With a fastball that averages 98.8 mph, Tayron Guerrero is striking out more than a batter per inning. Guerrero frequently finds himself pitching in the seventh inning though his effectiveness can elevate him to potential closing opportunities before the season is over. Guerrero has opponents hitting .265 and he can be wild, walking 4.6 batters per nine innings. The walks may be difficult to deal with but the strikeouts are at a great pace and with the back of the Marlins bullpen murky, look for him to get chances. Claim him for holds and enjoy the strikeouts.
