The Astros sent waves through the fantasy world, naming Luke Gregerson as their ‘primary’ closer
Houston Astros manager A.J. Hinch dropped the biggest bombshell of the year in terms of bullpens when he named incumbent Luke Gregerson the team’s “primary closer” for the 2016 season. The Astros gave up a ton to acquire Ken Giles from the Philadelphia Phillies, and the assumption all offseason was that he would have the ninth inning to himself in Houston. Instead, Hinch has decided to go with the guy he’s familiar with.
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Gregerson had a painful Spring, missing most of the Grapefruit League with a strained left intercostal muscle, but he looked great once he was finally able to get on the mound. Giles, on the other hand, posted a 6.75 ERA in 9.1 innings of Cactus League play. Giles has the most upside out of the two late-inning relievers, but Hinch decided to go with the veteran Gregerson. In “real baseball,” you actually want your best reliever to be available earlier in order to alleviate the temptation to manage to the save rule. The Yankees have done this in the past with Dellin Betances and the Royals with Wade Davis (who is now closing for them, however). It is possible that Hinch is trying this approach with Giles, but it is more likely that he was concerned about Giles’ rough Spring and knows Gregerson can handle the role based on past performance.
In 2015, Gregerson saved 31 games for Hinch’s Astros, posting a 3.10 ERA/2.86 FIP with 8.70 K/9 and showing impressive control with a 1.48 BB/9. Giles, meanwhile, saved 15 games for the Phillies, posting a 1.80 ERA/2.13 FIP with a stellar 11.19 K/9 and 3.21 BB/9. Giles can touch triple digits with his fastball while Gregerson tops out in the low 90s. Both are excellent closers if in the role, but for now, Gregerson will have the most value out of the two simply due to usage. Giles is worth holding onto or maybe even trying to buy low on, but Gregerson might not do anything to lose his job.
It’s a tricky situation, but Gregerson’s owners should be happy about it for now at least. Any shallow league players may want to take a look at their wire in case either pitcher is on it.
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David A. Marcillo is a correspondent at FantasyPros. To read more from David, check out his archive and follow him @DavidMarcillo77.
