Fantasy Baseball This year has gone retro as more players understand the immense value of winning in the saves and steals categories.
Dominating these categories was a proven winning strategy in the 1990s, and we seem to be heading in that direction again.
New rules implemented by Major League Baseball last season have led to an explosion in stolen bases, and the number is already on track to surpass last year’s figure, which was the highest since 1999.
However, while steals are currently in abundance and relatively easy to come by, saves are a different story.
The instability of the closer position is well known, but turnover this season has not been as severe as it was just a few seasons ago.
Players who were expected to be released at this point in the season, such as Kyle Finnegan, Carlos Estevez and Tanner Scott, are all established as closers for their respective teams, meaning the ones remaining on waivers are all injury-related.
With Jordan Romano on the disabled list, things are a bit fluid in the top of the ninth for the Blue Jays.
Yimi Garcia seems like the front-runner to replace Romano and is coming off a strong season with a 2.16 ERA and 11.88 strikeouts, but the 33-year-old has an ERA of 4.00 or better in two of the past three seasons.
Garcia would be a must-have if available, but Chad Green shouldn’t be overlooked either.
The former Yankee missed most of May with a shoulder injury but returned recently, allowing just one hit and no runs in four appearances (4 1/3 innings).
Green took over as the Blue Jays’ closer after Romano was injured after spring training. Saves are desperately needed and, if all of their waivers are intact, he’s a possibility.
Let’s also take a look at Seattle’s bullpen.
Andres Munoz injured his back in a collision at home plate last week and missed several days.
To make matters worse, I was told the injury was pre-existing and had been aggravated by this incident.
His availability for this weekend remains uncertain, and his place on the injured list is still under review.
In his absence, right-hander Ryne Stanek and left-hander Taylor Saucedo will share the duties, with Stanek likely to have the advantage.
Everything you need to know about MLB betting
If you want to boost your saves and trades are hard to come by, you’ll need to keep a close eye on the waiver wire.
Seattle and Toronto are in flux right now, but you can always look to more fluid situations like the White Sox, Mets or even Phillies.
Stay on top of your league standings and discover the best course of action to increase your saves.
Even a part-time closer can be a needed difference-maker.
Howard Bender is Fantasy AlarmFollow him From @rotobuzzguy Featuring the award-winning “Fantasy Alarm Radio Show,” airing weekdays from 6-8pm on the SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Channel. Find all the information at FantasyAlarm.com. Fantasy Baseball News and Advice
