Although the focus may be on the impending trade deadline, fantasy managers entering the final weekend before it must monitor two situations of interest. First, in Arizona, Paul Sewald has been removed from the closer role after his latest blown save, during which he allowed two home runs while ceding a three-run lead in Pittsburgh. Torey Lovullo mentioned a matchup-based approach could ensue with Jonathan Loáisiga and Brandyn Garcia in the mix for saves, but prefers Juan Morillo in the fireman role, used at the highest-leveraged moments, not reserved for save situations in the ninth inning.There has not been anything official from the Royals, but Steven Cruz has worked himself into a larger leverage role and a potential share of saves for the team through the end of the season. His hot stretch coincides with recent struggles by Alex Lange, who has a 1-2 record while converting 3-of-6 save chances in July. Here are their statistics since the All-Star break:
Alex Lange: 5 games, 4.2 IP, 7:2 K:BB (22.7 K-BB%), two saves, three blown saves, 1.71 WHIP
Steven Cruz: 8 games, 7.2 IP, 6:1 K:BB (17.2 K-BB%), two saves, two holds, 0.91 WHIP
Last, but not least, Edwin Díaz made his first appearance since April 19, securing his fifth save. He did allow two doubles, resulting in an earned run, but averaged 96.9 mph, throwing eight four-seam fastballs, and maxing out at 98.9 mph against Seattle. His velocity and workload should be monitored, but he’s back atop his team’s pecking order in the bullpen moving forward.
