Bullpen Report: September 30, 2015

• He allowed a two-run homer to Lucas Duda, but Ken Giles otherwise held on for his 14th save of the year. Giles was a top tier non-save relief option last year and he’s kept it up this season while accumulating saves. His K% dropped to 29.6% from a ridiculous 38.6% last year but a 30% strikeout rate is still elite and although he’ll continue to close on the Phillies, Giles should be a prime target in 2016.

• Speaking of prime targets, David Robertson continued his excellent year for the White Sox, closing his 33rd game. A 66.5% LOB% has inflated his ERA a bit to 3.23 which puts a damper on his overall ranking this year but a 2.36 xFIP and 28.5 % K-BB% are both top five in the league and Robertson should remain a top tier closer this year and next.

• Although the Braves have been one of the worst teams in the league, one bright spot has been Arodys Vizcaino in the ninth inning. Vizcaino saved his 8th game on the year last night and now supports a 1.74/2.46/3.47 ERA/FIP/xFIP pitching line with 35 strikeouts in 31 innings pitched. He might only get one more save for the rest of the season but could provide nice value in next year’s fantasy drafts. Vizcaino’s 9.2% BB% is above league average but he’s displayed better control in the lower minors and it wouldn’t surprise me to see him improve in that area moving forward.

• Quick Hits: Brad Boxberger has seemingly been on a roller coaster this year but he now has an impressive 39 saves. Jake McGee will still be around to swipe a few saves but Boxberger’s done enough to likely be the main guy again in 2016. Shawn Tolleson allowed two hits but still threw a scoreless ninth for his 34th save. The Rangers and Tolleson have been on fire in the second half with Tolleson pitching to a 2.25 ERA and 21 saves since the break. Francisco Rodriguez and his 2016 salary kept him on the Brewers but he closed his 38th door last night. K-Rod’s transition from flame thrower to change-up artist (throws 41.8% change-ups) has been impressive and he should continue to rack up save totals next year whether or not he stays in Milwaukee.

Closer Grid:

[Green light, yellow light, red light: the colors represent the volatility of the bullpen order.]