Ryan Zeferjahn

The Angels have traded reliever Ryan Jeferzahn to the Cubs.

Fantasy Impact

Zeferjahn, 28, has been solid this season, posting a 3.66 ERA in 45 appearances, nailing down four saves in the process. He has struck out a hefty 75 in 51 2/3 innings, but has also walked 32 in that time. He isn't arbitration eligible until the 2028 season and is under team control through the 2030 season.

Ryan Zeferjahn allowed one earned run on one hit over one inning to earn the save in Sunday’s win over the Tigers.

Fantasy Impact

Zeferjahn continues a strong stretch out of the bullpen, holding opponents scoreless in 15 of his last 17 contests. The right-hander continues to receive every opportunity to seize an Angels closer role that has been in flux for manager Kurt Suzuki, posting a 3.91 ERA and 1.20 WHIP with three saves, seven holds, and a 12.3 K/9 ratio across 40 appearances.

Ryan Zeferjahn picked up his first save of the season on Tuesday, recording the final four outs as the Angels hung on for a 4-3 victory over the White Sox.

Fantasy Impact

Zeferjahn struck out Munetaka Murakami with a runner on to close out the eighth, but then made things extremely interesting in the ninth. Zeferjahn walked two, hit a batter, allowed two stolen bases - with two strikeouts mixed in - as the White Sox loaded the bases with two outs. But, Zeferjahn got Edgar Quero to ground out to end the game. Zeferjahn has struck out 25 batters in 19.2 innings and has limited opponents to a .162 average this season. But, control issues have been a major concern - he's now walked 11 and hit three more batters in 2026 and has allowed 52 walks and nine hit batters in 93.2 career innings. Kirby Yates was activated from the IL on Tuesday, so it's interesting that Zeferjahn got the call to preserve the lead. It's best to let this situation play out before making a move to pick him up. Just know that if Zeferjahn is the guy in the ninth, it may be an adventure on some nights until he gets his command figured out.

Angels reliever Ryan Zeferjahn has made the Opening Day roster, according to manager Kurt Suzuki.

Fantasy Impact

Zeferjahn struggled a bit this spring, allowing six earned runs on a pair of homers and five walks in 10 1/3 innings of work. Nevertheless, despite the Angels adding left-hander Joey Lucchesi on Tuesday evening, fellow southpaw Zeferjahn will begin the season in the Halos' bullpen.

Ryan Zeferjahn threw a bullpen session on Sunday.

Fantasy Impact

Zeferjahn has been on the injured list with right knee tendinitis since September 6. He is progressing well and is expected to return by the end of the regular season.