Cesar Valdez

The Orioles activated RHP Cesar Valdez (back) from the 10-day injured list.

Fantasy Impact

Valdez was Baltimore's closer to begin the season but lost his job before getting injured. He doesn't have fantasy value unless he starts closing games again.

The Orioles placed RHP Cesar Valdez on the 10-day IL with a lower back strain.

Fantasy Impact

Valdez lost Baltimore's ninth-inning job a little while ago and doesn't need to be rostered in any fantasy leagues at the moment.

Cesar Valdez allowed three runs on three hits, one walk, and one strikeout.

Fantasy Impact

Valdez came on to get the last out of the sixth inning. He's let in six runs in his last two-thirds of an inning. In May he's got a 13.50 ERA and a 2.83 WHIP. It's safe to say he's droppable in all leagues. Tanner Scott leads the Orioles in holds but he's got 17 walks in 19 2/3 innings, which doesn't scream closer. Then there's lefty Paul Fry who's second on the team with one save and six holds, he's got a 2.25 xFIP and a 3.25 K/BB ratio, not a bad choice to close. And darkhorse candidate, righty, Cole Sulser with equally impressive 2.57 xFIP and a 4.33 K/BB ratio, zero saves, and one hold.

Cesar Valdez allowed two hits, one walk, and one strikeout in one inning.

Fantasy Impact

Valdez hadn't pitched since May 16th and before that May 11th. He's been a revelation so far this season with a 2.77 xFIP, elite 5.25 K/BB ratio, and eight saves in 11 chances. I'd love to see a study of closers pitching in non-save situations vs. save situations because it seems to me they always perform better with the game on the line.

Cesar Valdez allowed two runs on three hits with one strikeout in one-third of an inning.

Fantasy Impact

Valdez was unlucky, surrendering only one hard-hit ball but allowing three hits. The game-tying single by Dominic Smith had an xBA of .070, and an error on that play allowed Jonathan Villar to move to third and later score on a fielder's choice to win the game for the Mets. A tough break for the Orioles' closer.