clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Fantasy Baseball Closer Report for Week 22: Better late than never, Alex Colome

The Twins’ veteran stopper is finally delivering saves consistently.

By aecu13
Milwaukee Brewers v Minnesota Twins Photo by David Berding/Getty Images

Each weekend, we discuss the saves situations for all 30 teams in the league, with a special emphasis on who is trending up and who is slipping.

This week, Alex Colome is delivering saves while Matt Barnes and James Karinchak are struggling badly.

Arrow Up:

Alex Colome, Minnesota Twins

Alex Colome was monumentally horrible in the early days of the season for the Twins, but after the team traded Hansel Robles and Taylor Rogers got injured, he has the closer role to himself and is really pitching well as of late.

He accumulated saves on Friday and Saturday, and is already up to nine on the year. He is prone to being rocked every once in a while and isn’t a strikeout machine, but if you need cheap saves, he could be available on your wire depending on the depth of your league.

Sergio Romo, Oakland Athletics

When the A’s had to secure a win, when they absolutely had to get to those tough three outs in the ninth on Saturday in a three-run game against a team with 13 wins in a row, they didn’t use Lou Trivino, who has been the closer all year: they used Sergio Romo.

Romo’s save wasn’t smooth, as he allowed a two-run shot to Aaron Judge, but it was a save anyway. The 38-year-old veteran has been good, as usual, with a 3.18 ERA and a 1.06 WHIP, but it isn’t clear if he will take over for the struggling Trivino (six earned runs allowed in his last 2.1 innings).

Chances are Trivino reclaims his role eventually, but in the case he doesn’t, grab Romo if you have an extra spot available.

Scott Barlow, Kansas City

Barlow continues to gain separation from the pack in what used to be a tough bullpen to rad. Since August 18, the right-hander has four saves, two of which came this week. He is now the preferred option for the ninth inning in Kansas City.

If you were able to secure Barlow in your FAAB run, congratulation! He should be a solid closer going forward, as his 2.56 ERA, 77 strikeouts, and 1.22 WHIP suggest.

Arrow Down:

Matt Barnes, Boston Red Sox

It’s safe to say Matt Barnes has had a rough August. The veteran righty has a 14.21 ERA for the month and his last save came on August 4. Adam Ottavino nailed a save on Saturday against Cleveland and should continue to handle the ninth inning until Barnes gets right.

Once Barnes straightens what’s ailing him, he will presumably take back his role as the closer in Boston. On Thursday, he turned in his first scoreless outing since August 20 in a non-save situation.

James Karinchak, Cleveland Indians

After MLB’s crackdown of foreign substances on the ball, James Karinchak hasn’t been the same pitcher. After showing a ghastly 8.40 ERA, 1.80 WHIP and 9/10 K/BB ratio across 15 innings since the All-Star break, Cleveland had enough and sent him to Triple-A Columbus to get himself right.

He could return eventually and reclaim at least a share of the closer role, but for now, Emmanuel Clase looks like a very strong play for the rest of the season.

Situations to monitor:

Philadelphia Phillies

Ian Kennedy blew a save and allowed a couple of runs on Friday after a string of five scoreless appearances.

Colorado Rockies

Daniel Bard continues to alternate good spells with terrible ones. He was bypassed in favor of Carlos Estevez on Friday, and lost the game on Saturday. His season ERA is up to 5.61. Picking up Esteves is a great idea.

Cincinnati Reds

Mychal Givens looks like the favorite for saves, but Michael Lorenzen is lurking around.

Closer chart:

Next Up In Fantasy Baseball