Jon Papelbon’s injury has opened the door to another useful fantasy player
The dog days are coming and fantasy owners are either starting to regret not drafting a closer sooner, or rejoicing at the waiver wire gold they found once the season started. Either way, there are injuries to discuss and closer committees to sneer at, let’s take a look.
Bookmark our Closer Report for updates on current closers and job security 
Closer News From Around The League
Washington Nationals
Nationals closer Jonathan Papelbon was having a decent season, saving 16 games in 18 chances and posting a 3.28 ERA. He’s been solid as a closer in Dusty Baker’s bullpen, but he hasn’t been anywhere close to the best pitcher in that pen. That title belongs to righty Shawn Kelley, whose 13.11 K/9 and 1.93 BB/9 combined with a 2.70 ERA (1.90 FIP) all show elite relief upside. Papelbon just landed on the disabled list with a strained intercostal muscle, so the Nats are in need of someone to close out their games. While the official report is that the team will go with a dreaded committee approach, Kelley is by far the best pitcher Baker has available and should get the largest share of that committee. Lefty Felipe Rivero will mix in based on matchups, but Kelley is the arm to own for now. Even when Papelbon returns, Kelley’s elite strikeout upside makes him a solid reliever to have in a fantasy lineup.
Colorado Rockies
After an extremely rough start to the season, Rockies closer Jake McGee had somewhat gotten things together, saving 15 games in 18 chances. His other numbers aren’t quite as pretty, with a career high 4.98 ERA and a career low 6.23 K/9. When he was traded to Colorado, the belief was he wouldn’t be as affected by the “Coors Field Effect” because he did not rely on breaking pitches to get guys out. That may be true, but as a fly ball pitcher, Colorado is always a bad idea. Still, at no point in the season did McGee seem in any danger of losing his job. A left knee strain, however, is giving another Rockies reliever a chance to save games, at least for now. Carlos Estevez was named the closer for the extent of time McGee misses. Manager Walt Weiss refreshingly did not waste any time with a committee or a wait and see approach, instead installing Estevez as soon as McGee landed on the DL. Estevez is a rookie with just over 20 innings of major league experience, and a 4.22 ERA to match his 4.22 BB/9 doesn’t scream “closer” at any altitude. Still, he has the job, and anyone earning saves is worth a roster spot in most fantasy formats, so those in need of a temporary boost in saves, can take a look at the wire and hope for Estevez.
Minnesota Twins
After a successful bullpen session last Tuesday, Closer Report Injury Update Darling, Glen Perkins, threw another on Friday that had to be cut short. He then was reportedly heading to a third doctor for a third opinion on his shoulder. Perkins has been able to play catch and throw off flat ground, but feels pain in his injured shoulder as soon as he tries to throw off a mound. Rumors swirled that the Twins may shut him down for the season, but there are no confirmed reports of that yet. Either way, while Perkins seemed to be on his way back, he may now be further away from returning to the mound than he was before. Brandon Kintzler and Fernando Abad will continue to form Minnesota’s closer by committee, with Kintzler being the one to own in fantasy due to the fact that he’s likely to carry the weight of the platoon.
Injury Updates
The only relevant closer injuries this week are all discussed above, with Perkins’ setback and McGee and Papelbon landing on the DL. A potential closer was hurt this week too, as Twins’ reliever, Trevor May, was placed on the disabled list with back spasms. He had been trying to pitch through the pain, but the Twins ultimately decided to give him time to rest and hopefully heal. May is in the midst of a very rough season, but could see save opportunities if he puts together a few good outings upon his return.
Top Performers From June 9 – June 15, 2016
David Robertson (CWS): 4 IP, 3 K, 3 SV, 0.00 ERA, 1.75 WHIP
White Sox closer David Robertson had a week with good results despite a risky process. He allowed three walks and four hits, but no runs and saved every game he had a chance to save. It’s not a sustainable method for success, but Robertson is capable of zero-WHIP weeks as well.
Sam Dyson (TEX): 4 IP, 1 K, 3 SV, 2.45 ERA, 0.82 WHIP
Rangers closer Sam Dyson is getting comfortable in the ninth inning and looks like he might never give it back. This week, he saved every game asked of him, allowing one run on three hits. He’s somehow only owned in 59% of fantasy leagues. While he’ll never be elite, he’s absolutely worth a roster spot in all formats.
Jeurys Familia (NYM): 3 IP, 5 K, 2 SV, 0.00 ERA, 0.00 WHIP
Mets closer Jeurys Familia may have only saved two games this week, but he did it with three perfect innings including five strikeouts. The Mets should provide him with more save chances going forward, and he’ll continue to do his part to lock down victories.
Subscribe: iTunes | Stitcher | SoundCloud | TuneIn | Google Play
David A. Marcillo is a correspondent at FantasyPros. To read more from David, check out his archive and follow him @DavidMarcillo77.
