Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
This year in the fantasy baseball playoffs, there are several big time closers that are struggling. This is the most important time of the year and when you want your closer to be perfect, but some of them have self-destructed over the last week.
Here some big name closers that have struggled to make a difference in the fantasy playoffs this season.
Addison Reed, Chicago White Sox – Reed is having an outstanding season this year, despite playing for a White Sox team that is 56-83. He has 36 saves on the year and an impressive 1.01 WHIP. Over the last week in a half, though, Reed has been practically non-existent and he has only seen three appearances (three innings) in the fantasy playoffs. He does have one save, but he also earned a loss after giving up two earned runs in a game versus the Houston Astros.
Edward Mujica, St. Louis Cardinals – Mujica came out of nowhere this season and has been one of the most reliable closers all fantasy season long. He is ranked third in the National League with 35 saves, but he is another All-Star closer that has not pitched well in fantasy playoffs though. Mujica only has one save in three appearances and he has allowed an earned run in each of his last two starts, including one blown save.
Joe Nathan, Minnesota Twins – Nathan currently has 38 saves and is on the verge of his fourth 40-save season of his career. However, he hasn’t helped his cause much lately. Nathan has also only been used three times since last Monday and he only has one save to show for it. He has struck out five batters, but the lack of innings has been a serious hindrance to fantasy owners in the playoffs this season.
Grant Balfour, Oakland Athletics – Balfour has shockingly racked up four saves throughout the fantasy playoffs this year. However, his four-run blown save in the first round no doubt caused more than a couple owners to end their season early.
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Adam McGill is the Senior Fantasy Sports Writer at Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @adammcgill83, like him on Facebook, or add him to you networks on Google here or here.
