Matt Bush (RP, TEX) - Fantasy Baseball's Next Elite Closer?

BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues

OWNED IN: 37% of Yahoo Leagues

ANALYSIS: After getting torched repeatedly to start the season, and blowing multiple games, the Rangers have finally done something about it by placing Sam Dyson on the disabled list. This is the best possible situation for most folks involved. Dyson can have time to work out his issues and maybe regain the closer's role at some point in the future, the Rangers get to replace him with someone effective, and fantasy owners can stash him in their DL slot if they have the room.

In the meantime, we are speculating that Matt Bush will step in as the closer for the Rangers and be given the next save opportunity. Jeremy Jeffress is a candidate as well, given his previous closing experience with the Brewers, but Bush is the true elite talent and arm in this bullpen. If he is given the closer's role, he can produce elite fantasy numbers for any leagues that value saves.

** UPDATE: 8 PM EST on 4/17 - Manager Jeff Bannister has confirmed that Matt Bush will get the first chance at the closer's job.

With an elite strikeout rate, ERA and WHIP, getting saves can immediately put Bush in the conversation of top-tier closers for fantasy baseball for as long as he hangs onto the job. Even though he's given up a couple runs this year, he's still sporting an elite 9/1 K/BB ratio, with a 0.86 WHIP. The numbers will be there.

Even if saves aren't a major category for your league scoring, Bush needs to be added in all formats. Last year he posted a fantastic 2.48 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, and 61/14 K/BB ratio in 61 2/3 innings pitched. Matt Bush is still only owned in 37% of Yahoo leagues. Go add him now in all fantasy baseball formats, and keep an eye out for the next Rangers save chance.