Week 17 Bullpen Briefs: A Closer (Committee) Heads To Washington

Welcome to the SCFE Week 17 Bullpen Briefs. This will be a reoccurring article focusing on all the happenings in bullpens around the league. While we all know there are some studs that may not lose their respective roles. There are plenty more that will be ripe for the taking.

And this won’t just be for the coveted closer roles. This will focus on setup men shifting. As well as letting people know who the next guy is that could get a lot of holds for them. Keeping an eye here can also help you know who to make that speculative add to your roster before the change is made.

This week, the Nationals finally address (some of) their bullpen needs. A new closer in Southern California, for the time being. And two pitchers, one in Arlington and the other the South Side of Chicago, to keep an eye on.

If you want to see which hitters you should start, check out the Week 17 Hitting Planner by Aaron Hinckley. Also, be sure to check out the Closer Depth Chart for a complete breakdown of the bullpen situations.

So as we look to the fourth week of July, who are some of the guys you need to be looking at? Let’s dive in!

Week 17 Bullpen Briefs

**Updated as of July 24

Closers

Who’s Out?

Nationals Bullpen, RP, Washington Nationals

With the trade everyone knew needed to happen, it finally went down. Koda Glover was transferred to the 60-day disabled list. Matt Albers had done well, but can’t be trusted in the ninth for a team needing to contend for a World Series berth. Matt Grace notched a couple of saves over the weekend, but he also will move down the line with the Oakland relief pitcher additions.

Who’s In?

Sean Doolittle/Ryan Madson, RP, Washington Nationals

Brad Hand, RP, San Diego Padres

With the recent trade of Brandon Maurer to the Royals, Brad Hand becomes the closer for the Friars. We’re still not past the trade deadline yet, so there is a chance the left hander gets moved. But for now, the job is his. Hand has been having a successful season so far.

He currently sits with a 2.12 ERA, with 66 strikeouts and only 14 walks. If Hand is moved in the next week, keep your eye on Phil Maton and Kirby Yates to form a committee until one proves they can handle the ninth inning.

Relievers

Holds Candidates

These guys will be getting Holds and the occasional save opportunity for your team. Some will even luck into a few Wins.

• Taylor Rogers, MIN: 22 Holds, 2.79 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 30 K, 10 BB, 0 SV, 5 W
• Andrew Miller, CLE: 20 Holds, 1.62 ERA, 0.72 WHIP, 72 K, 13 BB, 2 SV, 3 W
• Adam Ottavino, COL: 20 Holds, 5.66 ERA, 1.66 WHIP, 42 K, 25 BB, 0 SV, 1 W
• David Phelps, SEA: 19 Holds, 3.28 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, 55 K, 21 BB, 0 SV, 2 W
• Jacob Barnes, MIL: 18 Holds, 3.92 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 49 K, 19 BB, 2 SV, 3 W
• Matt Bowman, STL: 18 Holds, 3.70 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, 33 K, 10 BB, 1 SV, 2 W
• Mychal Givens, BAL: 17 Holds, 1.97 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, 53 K, 13 BB, 0 SV, 7 W
• Will Harris, HOU: 17 Holds, 2.86 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, 39 K, 5 BB, 2 SV, 2 W – 10-day DL (shoulder); Currently rehabbing
• Jose Ramirez, ATL: 17 Holds, 2.72 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, 34 K, 18 BB, 0 SV, 2 W
• Matt Barnes, BOS: 16 Holds, 3.26 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 55 K, 22 BB, 0 SV, 5 W
• Brad Hand, SD: 16 Holds, 2.12 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 66 K, 14 BB, 3 SV, 2 W
• Daniel Hudson, PIT: 16 Holds, 4.08 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 37 K, 17 BB, 0 SV, 2 W
• Ryan Madson, WAS: 16 Holds, 1.91 ERA, 0.80 WHIP, 43 K, 7 BB, 1 SV, 2 W
• Juan Nicasio, PIT: 16 Holds, 2.58 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 46 K, 15 BB, 1 SV, 1 W
• Arodys Vizcaino, ATL: 16 Holds, 2.45 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 40 K, 12 BB, 2 SV, 3 W
• Kyle Barraclough, MIA: 15 Holds, 3.30 ERA, 1.51 WHIP, 50 K, 31 BB, 0 SV, 4 W
• Matt Belisle, MIN: 15 Holds, 4.87 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 32 K, 18 BB, 0 SV
• Ryan Buchter, KC: 15 Holds, 3.05 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 47 K, 18 BB, 1 SV, 3 W
• Pedro Baez, LAD: 15 Holds, 1.51 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 39 K, 16 BB, 0 SV, 2 W
• Jake McGee, COL: 15 Holds, 3.18 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, 47 K, 12 BB, 1 SV

Keep an eye on…

Alex Claudio, RP, Texas Rangers

Alex Claudio has picked up three saves in his last 10 outings. In those games, Claudio has pitched 11 innings, has a 2.45 ERA and has an 11:2 strikeout to walk ratio. Pitching 3.1 innings over his last two appearances, Claudio gave way to Jose Leclerc for the save chance on July 23. Leclerc converted that save, and with that, also shows he is next in line should Claudio not perform well.

Tyler Clippard, RP, Chicago White Sox

Since being traded to the White Sox, Tyler Clippard has not excelled in the closer role. In his first two games, he allowed the Royals to win, taking the loss in one and giving up the hit that gave Gregory Infante the loss. Anthony Swarzak converted the save on July 24. But the White Sox will probably try to get Clippard a couple more chances, hoping to flip him before the deadline for a middle of the road prospect.

So there are your Week 17 Bullpen Briefs, and the pitchers to keep an eye on moving forward. Be sure and check back to get the low down on the next batch of relievers to snag.

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Derek Harvey

Derek is an avid fantasy player, playing keeper and dynasty formats for two decades. This is his first year writing about fantasy sports. Have any questions about dynasty football, baseball or basketball? Ask me on twitter @derek_harvey.

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