Quick Pick of the Day: Rhodes or O'Day

by paulie102704 on Apr 23, 2025 5:09 PM EDT

With Neftali Feliz being placed on the DL with rotator cuff soreness, who is the best bet to replace him as closer, Arthur Rhodes or Darren O'Day?

Arthur Rhodes has been the better pitcher to date, and has been used in higher leverage innings according to Baseball-Reference's leverage index, but at this point in his career he might be better suited for situational duty in the later innings. O'Day has had some early season control problems, but he is just 28 years old and was a solid reliever in 2010, actually outperforming Rhodes in terms of bWAR.

So who gets the nod? Given the Ranger's penchant for going to Rhodes in higher leverage situations to date, I think Ron Washington turns to the ageless wonder first. But given that both use different arms to pitch from, I could see the situation dictating who enters for the save. What do other Fake Teamers think? Will Rhodes get the call first? Are both worth rostering in mixed leagues for the time being?

Poll

Who Gets the Saves for Texas with Feliz on the Mend?

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Read More: closers, Arthur Rhodes (P - TEX), Texas Rangers

Comments

Darren Oliver

According to Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News, Daren Oliver will be the first pitcher to get a crack at save opportunities while Feliz is on the shelf. I guess it makes some sense as Oliver has pitched primarily in the 8th inning so far this season.Washington has yet to confirm this, but if true this puts to rest my “astute analysis”!

by paulie102704 on Apr 23, 2025 6:35 PM EDT reply actions

sorry

I just read this. I could have promoted this to the front page rather than post a separate article.

Ray Guilfoyle
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by Ray Guilfoyle on Apr 23, 2025 6:44 PM EDT reply actions

no worries

I had the right premise but totally whiffed on the guy. I do also wonder about Oliver’s lack of strike outs early on. My guess is it is just a SSS as his pitch speeds are consistent to last year (h/t Fangraphs) and he is getting both lefties and righties out at a similar clip. He should be a decent stopgap option though, and you never know with shoulder injuries how long they linger.

by paulie102704 on Apr 23, 2025 7:01 PM EDT up reply actions