Fantasy Baseball: Middle Relievers

In deep leagues with inning caps, middle relievers can play a role in your pitching landscape.

They can get you some unexpected wins and saves. The elite ones can help lower your ERA and WHIP while adding to your strikeout total.

Here are some relievers that can bolster your staff.

Jason Bulger, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Bulger racked up 68 Ks in 65.2 innings (9.3 K/9) last year with six wins, a save, a 3.56 ERA, and a 1.16 WHIP. He’s pitched well this spring, posting a 1.29 ERA with five Ks in seven innings.

Tyler Clippard, Washington Nationals

Stephen Strasburg isn’t the only live young arm the Nationals possess. Clippard picked up four wins with 67 Ks (10 K/9) with a 2.69 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP in 60.1 innings last year. He has a 3.00 ERA this spring with 10 Ks in nine innings.

Luke Gregerson, San Diego Padres

Gregerson had 93 Ks in 75 innings (11.2 K/9) last year with two wins, a save, a 3.24 ERA, and a 1.24 WHIP. He’s dominated this spring with a 2.00 ERA, two saves, and 10 Ks in 8.2 innings. If Heath Bell were to be hurt or traded, Gregerson could assume the closer role.

J.P. Howell, Tampa Bay Rays

Howell did it all last year with seven wins, 17 saves, 79 Ks, a 2.84 ERA, and a 1.20 WHIP. Rafael Soriano was brought in to close, but Howell can step in if needed. His K/9 ratios the past two years were 10.7 and 9.3 respectively. He had six wins in 2008 to show last year’s number wasn’t fluky. Hold off on him until his shoulder issues are sorted out.

Fernando Rodney, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Rodney picked up 37 saves with the Tigers last year. If Brian Fuentes suffers from injury or ineffectiveness, Rodney is capable of stepping in. I’d probably hold off on grabbing him until either occurs. His K/9 ratio (7.3) was down from the 10.9 and 9.6 he recorded in 2008 and 2007. Plus, he has a career WHIP of 1.42. He’s also struggled mightily this spring with a 12.47 ERA.

George Sherrill, Los Angeles Dodgers

Sherrill was brilliant for the Dodgers last year after coming over from the Orioles. He posted a 0.65 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, and .192 BAA with a win, a save, and 22 Ks in 27.2 innings. His career K/9 ratio is 9.2. 

 

Robinson Tejeda, Kansas City Royals

Tejeda was a bright spot for the Royals last year with four wins, 87 Ks (10.6 K/9), a 3.54 ERA, and a 1.26 WHIP. He started six games last year and could work his way into the rotation again. Gil Meche could start the season on the DL. Tejeda could be an option, but Kyle Farnsworth is likely the replacement. Either way, Tejeda has value. Tejeda’s ERA (7.15) this spring isn’t pretty, but he does have 14 Ks in 11.1 innings.

 

Matt Thornton, Chicago White Sox

Thornton was highly impressive last year, picking up six wins, four saves, 87 Ks, a 2.74 ERA, and a 1.08 WHIP in 72.1 innings. His K/9 ratios the past two years (10.8 and 10.3) have been outstanding. He’s dominated this spring with a 1.42 ERA and nine Ks in 6.1 innings. If Bobby Jenks were to go down, Thornton would likely step in.

 

Michael Wuertz, Oakland A’s

Wuertz was a dominant force last year, racking up six wins, four saves, 102 Ks, a 2.63 ERA, and a 0.95 WHIP in 78.2 innings. He’s a nice complement to a pitcher like Mark Buehrle, who had just 105 Ks in 213.1 innings. He could miss the start of the season with shoulder issues but should return quickly.

Originally published at LestersLegends.com