Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
In deeper fantasy baseball leagues, there are only so many closers to go around. Most leagues start at least two relievers and it makes every full-time closer worth owning across the board.
One reliever that was promoted into the closer role this past week was Pedro Strop of the Chicago Cubs.
The team started the year with Jose Veras as their full-time closer, but the veteran has been awful this month and has already blown two saves. He currently owns an insane 12.27 ERA and an equally embarrassing 2.45 WHIP.
As a result of the veteran’s struggles, Chicago decided to hand the ball over to Strop. Pedro saved a game earlier in the year and has served as the team’s setup man for most of the year, but the move into the ninth inning has caused Strop’s fantasy value to go through the roof.
The veteran hasn’t exactly been at his best this year either. He has a 4.76 ERA and has allowed three around runs in his last 2.1 innings of work. However, the team has no one else to take over the closer role, so by default, the job is Strop’s to lose.
Strop is worth adding in all formats with the promotion. He is first in line to close out games in Chicago and can be a decent source of strikeouts (8 K in 5.2 IP) as well. So if you are desperate for a closer right now, take a shot on Strop.
Adam McGill is the Senior Fantasy Sports Writer at Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @adammcgill83, like him on Facebook, or add him to you networks on Google here or here.
