Ty Buttrey (RP, LAA) - Week 6 Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues

OWNED IN: 23% of leagues

ANALYSIS: We have just over a month of baseball under our belts and the Closer Carousel is already in full swing. Relievers that could see save opportunities are some of the most frequent waiver wire adds, but also are some of the most frequent drops once it turns out they’ve been replaced or will be in a closer-by-committee situation. Finding legitimate long-term closer value on the waiver wire can be hard, but I have just such a guy for you that is available in 77% of leagues!

Ty Buttrey was arguably the Angels’ best reliever even when closer Cody Allen was healthy. He has shown that he has the skills to be a reliable closer this season. His 96-MPH fastball and nasty slider allow him to generate strikeouts (31.3% strikeout rate) and his strong command of the strike zone keeps him out of trouble in terms of allowing baserunners and runs (1.13 ERA, 1.13 WHIP). He also showed that he had closer potential at the end of last season when he converted four of six save opportunities.

Now that Allen is on the IL with a strained back, it looks like Buttrey may be the go-to guy, despite the Angels’ comments that he may be used in a fireman’s role. He has accrued one save since Allen’s injury and if he continues to pitch well, he may be the closer to own even when Allen returns. Buttrey is a good reliever regardless of save opportunities, so he is definitely worth an add in 12-team leagues or even deeper.