This is the final installment of the reliever rankings for the season. If you’ve been following along for the past six weeks, I appreciate you and I hope this column has given you an edge on your league mates. Next week I will be going over some guys to pick-up before rosters lock for the offseason if you are in keeper or dynasty leagues. I will also talk about hits and misses from this year and how to refine your process to unearth those hidden reliever gems before the rest of your league does.
As for this week, with a lot of teams still trying to solidify their playoff position, it is unlikely we see too many random saves this week. I have two dart throws to look at that could be in line for a sneaky hold or save as well as a ranking of the top two-start SPARP’s for this week.
Reliever Report
Brooks Raley - Houston
Want a dart throw this week? Try Raley who has a save and two holds in his last three appearances. He has been especially effective in September with nine strikeouts in 7.2 innings and he’s given up just two earned runs. He is available in over 90% of leagues right now and with just a week left, you could get lucky with a save if things fall right.
Jason Adam - Chicago Cubs
With Rowan Wick going on the IL, Adam has been given more opportunities late in games and he’s responded well. In 6.2 September innings he’s yet to give up a run and he’s chipped nine strikeouts, basically coming out of nowhere to be an effective arm. This is a longshot play this week but if you are desperate for saves or holds, Adam is someone to consider as the Cubs might give him the chance to close out a game or two next weekend.
Two-Start SPARP’s
Brandon Woodruff - Milwaukee
With the Brewers fighting for a playoff spot, Woodruff lines up as the top two-start SPARP because of the certainty that comes with his week. He gets Cincinnati on Monday in game one of a series that may decide who gets the final seed in the National League. Woodruff went six innings with eight strikeouts in a 3-2 win against the Reds back on August 25. On Saturday he lines up against a scuffling St. Louis squad that he just beat in the first game of a doubleheader last Wednesday in a complete game effort. Woodruff will need to pitch well for Milwaukee to make the postseason and I think he rises to the occasion this week.
Dustin May - Los Angeles Dodgers
May has been effective this year, though at times the strikeout numbers leave something to be desired. This week May lines up against Oakland and the Angels which puts fantasy owners in a tough spot. If you’re inclined to chase the pure upside that come with a two-start week, May makes for an intriguing option. The Dodgers should be favored in both games so if you are chasing wins, he makes a lot of sense. He should be good for double-digit strikeouts and he shouldn’t destroy your ratios either. He might be a bit of a gamble but it is one I am making in at least one league this week.
Framber Valdez - Houston
Valdez spun a gem on Thursday against Texas striking out 11 and getting 15 swinging strikes. It was a nice bounce back outing after he allowed 13 runs across his previous two outings. This week Valdez lines up for a potential two start week against Seattle and those same Rangers. From a strictly points league perspective, Valdez carries as much upside as any of the two-start options listed here. He will rack up strikeouts and the Astros will be favored in both games as they try to improve their playoff seeding. He’s been a workhorse for the Astros and he should finish the season strong.
Seth Lugo - New York Mets
If you are looking for a contrarian upside option this week, Lugo is your guy. Before getting blown up by the Phillies on Thursday, Lugo had been pitching well since being inserted into the starting rotation. He’s racked up 23 strikeouts in just 15.1 innings and, prior to the Philadelphia game, had a 2.65 ERA as a starter. This week, Lugo faces two teams with contrasting styles: Tampa Bay has struck out more than any other in baseball while Washington has struck out the fewest. I think he has a chance to be the strikeout leader on the week and I like him to bounce back against Tampa Bay on Tuesday night.
Kenta Maeda - Minnesota
Maeda slots in fifth on this list because there is a chance his second start this week could be pushed back. The Twins locked themselves into a playoff berth but winning the AL Central seems out of reach. It would make sense for the Twins to either limit Maeda in his second start of the week or skip it altogether to set up their rotation for the first round of the playoffs. In the event he does get two starts, he will matchup against the Tigers and the Reds. Maeda has been solid, if unspectacular against Detroit posting quality starts in both outings and a combined 16 strikeouts. Even if Maeda only gets his Tuesday start, you can deploy him with confidence.
Nick Pivetta - Boston
Pivetta is getting the start Tuesday night against Baltimore which would potentially make him a two-start pitcher this week. I can’t imagine going here unless I was desperate and in a points league.
Alex Colome moves up into the top-5 among relievers. He has 12 saves and a sparkling 0.89 ERA this year helping the White Sox win the A.L. Central. Ryan Pressley and Hector Neris both move up the rankings, something I should have done with Pressley weeks ago. Neris looks like the closer in Philadelphia as Brandon Workman has struggled. If you hung onto to Neris this long, congratulations are in order.
As for the SPARP’s, pay close attention to the top-15. I have them ranked for the final week specifically.