Justin Slaten DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Justin Slaten was called upon to hold a three-run lead during Thursday's season opener against the Texas Rangers. This is an interesting development after the organization recently said Aroldis Chapman would be the primary closer. Instead, Chapman was called upon to the face left-handed batter Corey Seager to start the eighth inning. It's worth noting that the game was tied until Wilyer Abreu blasted a three-run home run in the ninth inning. That being said, Slaten did get the save opportunity, but it wasn't like the team was planning to give him the ball in the ninth from the beginning of the contest. However, the Red Sox have made it known that they will play matchups and use Chapman earlier in the game if needed. That being said, Slaten is someone worth keeping an eye on right now.

Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Justin Slaten earned his first career save during Sunday's game against the Seattle Mariners. The right-hander was taken by the New York Mets in the Rule 5 Draft, but then was immediately traded to Boston. Slaten was fantastic during the spring and appears to have carried that over into the regular season. He threw 2 1/3 scoreless innings during Sunday's victory. Current closer Kenley Jansen (back) is nursing an injury and Chris Martin is a possible trade candidate if the season goes sideways. That being said, Slaten could be a possible late inning option for the Red Sox at some point this season.