Zach Putnam (RP, CHW) - Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues

ANALYSIS: It's clear the ChiSox have settled on Zach Putnam as their closer after notching back-to-back saves on July 18th and 19th.  If you own Petricka, you can safely cut him loose now, because despite Ventura's public statements that the closer role will be shared, it's looking more likely that Putnam is THE guy to own in the Sox bullpen. Putnam has a very solid 32:13 K:BB ratio over 37.1 IP - not as dominant as you'd like to see with a closer, but he limits the free passes and has only allowed 2 HR all year which means he won't blow many leads in spectacular fashion. Bottom line, Putnam is the new closer on the South side, and if you need a closer he makes for a great pickup right now.