Call to the pen
Fansided

Five Closers to Pick Up in Fantasy Baseball Leagues

By Anthony Sosa

April 8, 2017; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels relief pitcher Cam Bedrosian (32) throws in the ninth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
April 8, 2017; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels relief pitcher Cam Bedrosian (32) throws in the ninth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 7, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Minnesota Twins relief pitcher Brandon Kintzler (27) reacts after the final out against the Chicago White Sox after the ninth inning at Guaranteed Rate Field. Minnesota defeats Chicago 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 7, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Minnesota Twins relief pitcher Brandon Kintzler (27) reacts after the final out against the Chicago White Sox after the ninth inning at Guaranteed Rate Field. Minnesota defeats Chicago 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

Brandon Kintzler – Twins – Owned in 30.3 percent of ESPN fantasy leagues

Minnesota Twins’ closer Glen Perkins underwent shoulder surgery in the offseason and is currently on the 60-day DL. Perkins earned All-Star Game appearances in 2013, 2014 and 2015. But due to an injury-plagued 2016 season, Perkins pitched in just two games.

The Twins used Brandon Kintzler in 20 save situations last season. He converted 17 of the 20 opportunities. Flash forward to 2017 and Kintzler remains the closer for Minnesota.

The 32-year-old is a perfect three-for-three in saves so far this season. On Sunday, Kintzler converted a four-out save against the Chicago White Sox. He’s yet to allow a run in his appearances.

Before closing games for the Twins, Kintzler pitched in relief for the Milwaukee Brewers. His best season with the Brewers occurred in 2013. In a career-high 77 innings pitched, he posted career bests in ERA (2.69), FIP (2.54), WHIP (1.065), ERA-plus (144) and strikeouts (58).

In their first six games, the Twins are surprisingly 5-1. If the Twins can continue to win games, Kintzler should get plenty of save opportunities. With 69.7 percent of leagues not owning Kintzler, he’s a great closer to pick up for your fantasy team right now.

Get as many points and saves out of Kintzler as you can right now. When Perkins returns, he might get the closers’ role back or the Twins could use a closer by committee situation.

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