Fantasy Baseball: Chasing saves after the MLB trade deadline

5. Brad Ziegler – BOS

Craig Kimbrel is by no means in jeopardy of a demotion in the bullpen, but he has looked a bit shaky since returning from his left knee injury that required surgery.

He was supposed to miss 3-6 weeks and made it back onto the field at the lower end of taht time table, but may have rushed it. Kimbrel was pulled from a save opportunity on August 9 after walking four batters while recording only two outs against the Yankees.

The Red Sox traded for Brad Ziegler at the deadline for insurance. If Kimbrel ends up back on the DL, Ziegler will be next in line with Koji Uehara also on the shelf for the time being.

Even still, Kimbrel has not been his normal dominant self in Boston this year. Having recorded ERA’s of 2.10, 1.01, 1.21, 1.61 and 2.58 dating back to 2011, this is the first time in the right-handers career it looks like his mark will be above 3.00 at the end of the regular season. Welcome to the American League East, Mr. Kimbrel.

If manager John Farrell wants to rest Kimbrel and his knee on occasion, you could see Ziegler get some save chances in the near future. The clubs confidence in him has to be high. He’s posted a 0.87 ERA in 11 appearances since coming over from Arizona.

Next: Number 4