With the start of the season comes a lot of uncertainty, specifically when it comes to bullpen usage around the league. Some teams are more transparent than others, but others won’t tip their hand until the games actually mean something. These reliever lists will be fairly volatile for the first month or so until situations become more clear. For now, these are the top 90 names who I feel could contribute in holds leagues early on in the season, with the back half being one big glob of question marks.
- The Andrew Miller worry is starting to get real, as his struggles with command, especially his slider, have carried over from spring training. I don’t see him regaining his 2014-2017 form any time soon, and while this group of relievers at the top is fairly wide open, I’m swapping him with someone who carries more upside. A.J. Minter is returning from the IL today and should be in the mix for saves right of the bat. The ranking may be aggressive but everyone in this upper tier has their flaws.
- Lou Trivino has probably taken over the eighth inning job from Joakim Soria, who has been brutal to begin the year. Trivino, on the other hand, has been great to start the season with a 7:1 K:BB ratio and just one hit allowed over six innings.
- Steve Cishek has been the Cubs’ best reliever so far this season and may be pushing Pedro Strop for save opportunities soon. At the very least, he has pushed Carl Edwards Jr. down in the pecking order. Edwards still continues to have command issues and can’t be trusted right now. He’s probably the best reliever equivalent to a Cherry Bomb out there.
- I’m pleasantly surprised to Joe Biagini used as a high leverage reliever in front of closer Ken Giles as he has the stuff to be effective in the role. He’s shown well so far with a 7:1 K:BB ratio and zero hits over 3.1 innings to go along with a hold.
- As tempting as it may be, I’d stay away from the Dodgers middle relievers for now. Pedro Baez and Joe Kelly are both off to shaky starts and aren’t necessary to own outside of the deepest formats.
