Baseball fantasy world: Relievers can make up for poor starters
Where can fantasy owners turn when their back-of-the-rotation starters are getting knocked around; killing their earned-run average and WHIP categories in the process? The bullpen, that’s where. Staff writer Tim Hubbard looks at some set-up guys, not closers, who have provided owners a better option than trotting out another stiff starter.
David Robertson
RP | New York Yankees
Currently dealing with a sore shoulder, Robertson (four victories, two saves, 2.24 ERA, 1.06 WHIP) has put up his usual solid numbers. But the right-hander’s value will really skyrocket next year if he’s asked to fill the spikes of the retiring Mariano Rivera.
Trevor Rosenthal
RP | St. Louis
The young flame thrower recently set a Cardinals record for strikeouts in a season by a reliever, and his 97 strikeouts are second in MLB by a non-starter. Unfortunately, Rosenthal has picked up only two victories and has been unsuccessful in each of his four save opportunities.
Luke Hochevar
RP | Kansas City
After leading the majors in earned runs given up last season as a starter, Hochevar has been nearly unhittable out of the Royals bullpen, posting a 1.70 ERA and striking out 72 in 632/3 innings. He has four victories and two saves.
Tyler Clippard
RP | Washington
In 2010, Clippard won 11 games for the Nationals, tied for the third-most by a reliever since 2000. After taking over as the team’s closer last year, Clippard is back to his familiar set-up role and has responded with six victories to go with a 2.18 ERA and 0.82 WHIP.
More to Read
Get our high school sports newsletter
Prep Rally is devoted to the SoCal high school sports experience, bringing you scores, stories and a behind-the-scenes look at what makes prep sports so popular.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.