Pirates Tony Watson removed from closer role: Fantasy Fallout

By Brad Kelly | Jun 9, 2017

Jun 7, 2017; Baltimore, MD, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Tony Watson (44) reacts after giving up a home run in the ninth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports /

Tony Watson is in the middle of a brutal slump for the Pirates, forcing them to remove him from the closer role. What is the fantasy fallout from the move?

Being a reliever in MLB is a volatile profession. Entering the season, Tony Watson was one of the best relievers over the last handful of seasons for the Pirates. Thrust into the closer role after the exit of Mark Melancon, Watson did notch 15 SV in 2016. He seemed like a nice option heading into drafts this season as a late-round option.

But, things have gone south big time lately.

He got off to a great start going 10 for 11 in SV chances. But, since May 9, he has surrendered 12 runs while blowing five saves. His last two outings were the last straw, as he managed to blow back to back saves against the Orioles.

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The team announced that he would be stripped of the role, meaning the team would move forward with a combo of Felipe Rivero and Juan Nicasio to finish games.

From a fantasy perspective, the man to own is Rivero. The fireballer lefty emerged for the Nationals as a potentially dominant reliever. He was dealt to the Pirates in 2016 for Melancon, and he was solid for the team over his 27 innings with the Buccos last season. His stuff has never been the question, 95+ mph fastball and a wipeout breaking ball, but the command was always a wildcard.

But, those woes have been all but put to rest this season. Rivero currently holds a 0.58 ERA/ 0.74 WHIP/34 K/6 BB line over 31 innings. The stuff and command appear to have finally come together and he has been one of the best relievers in baseball. Whether he is used in a matchup role or just as the closer, he has to be owned.

Juan Nicasio is another converted starter and in the middle of his best season as a major leaguer. While he may not have the consistent stuff to go back to the rotation, he has been a weapon for the Pirates this season. He holds a 1.35 ERA/1.05 WHIP/25 K line over 26 innings.

Those looking for SV anywhere they can, Nicasio is worth an add in deep leagues just because he lacks the upper tier K numbers that Rivero offers. Watson will still see high leverage situation and for those in HLD leagues, he should still be rostered.

Next: Mariners Mike Zunino on a tear at the plate: Waiver Add?

The Pirates are struggling, but they have enough talent to offer owners plenty of SV chances. Rivero is the best fantasy add and could be a huge performer if he sticks as the closer.

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