3 years agoPhiladelphia Phillies relief pitcher Jose Alvarado will get the first crack at save opportunities for now, manager Joe Girardi said on Friday. The decision to move Alvarado into a closing role comes on the heels of Hector Neris blowing his third straight save in a 13-12 loss to the Washington Nationals on Wednesday. Alvarado owns a 2.70 ERA through 26 2/3 innings pitched this season and has only given up three hits while striking out 10 over 8 2/3 innings in his last seven games. While the 26-year-old left-hander is an obvious pickup for those seeking saves, he remains a risky fantasy option due to his 19.7 percent walk rate. If Alvarado can't control the number of walks he gives up, he won't keep the closing job for long. Neris' fantasy value obviously takes a hit, but the Phillies closer picture remains a fluid situation, and Archie Bradley could get some chances as well.--Chelena Goldman
Source: Scott Lauber