Fantasy Baseball Bullpen Report (5/7)

We’ve seen the Curse of the Bambino and the Curse of the Billy Goat. Is there a Curse of the Red Fox, too? It has happened too often to be a coincidence that when I write or talk about a relief pitcher, they inevitably get shelled in their next appearance and cast doubt on whatever conclusion I came to or advice I gave.

In Tuesday’s Bullpen Report for the FTN Fantasy Baseball Podcast, I gave shout-outs to Tyler Ferguson of the Athletics and Yimi García of the Blue Jays as underrated closers-in-waiting. Each promptly blew saves with three runs allowed that same day. This was after Will Vest entered the sixth inning the day after I conceded he was probably the new closer in Detroit, and other pitchers have given up runs or blown leads within a day or two of getting positive press from me.

Of course, there’s no curse or foul play involved, but such happenings highlight the volatility of relief pitching in baseball. Bad outings are going to happen, and with small-sample relievers, even a single game can sway a manager’s opinion and cause seismic shifts in fantasy value. That’s when we can find profit by moving faster than our opponents and anticipating changes.

This article includes saves and holds totals for all games through Monday, May 5.

Fantasy Baseball Bullpen Report

News and Notes

Arizona Diamondbacks

If we thought the return of Kevin Ginkel could cloud the closing situation in the desert after Justin Martinez landed on the IL with shoulder soreness, that’s not likely happening. Ginkel had allowed runs in his last two appearances before a scoreless eighth inning Tuesday ahead of Shelby Miller finishing a four-run game. Shelby Miller should have the ninth inning to himself for as long as Justin Martinez remains out of the picture.

For his part, Martinez is set to start throwing again later this week. He’s a definite hold as it appears his absence may not extend too far beyond the minimum 15 days. In other injury news, A.J. Puk will not require surgery and will only be shut down for another few weeks. He’ll need longer to build back up once he’s throwing again, but the Diamondbacks may have a formidable bullpen later this summer if everyone returns healthy.