Houston Astros Luke Gregerson: First in Line for Saves

Houston Astros Manager A.J. Hinch said Monday morning that Luke Gregerson will open the season as the team’s closer.

The Houston Astros traded for Philadelphia Phillies closer Ken Giles in the offseason. Many thought he would be the closer for Houston in the 2016 season, and he was drafted as such, 95.7 percent of ESPN leagues. Unfortunately, you know what happens when you assume. Astros Manager A.J. Hinch said that Luke Gregerson would be the team’s primary closer until further notice. 

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Giles pitched well last season with the Phillies, 15 saves, 1.80 ERA and 1.200 WHIP in 70 innings. Unfortunately for the fantasy owners that drafted him, his Spring Training struggles cost him the job. He allowed seven earned runs in 9.1 innings, so the move had to be made.

Luke Gregerson pitched great as the Astros’ closer last season, recording 31 saves with a 3.10 ERA and 0.951 WHIP. So, the team went with who they know. With his success, I’m surprised the Astros went after Giles. It is nice to have bullpen depth, but similar to the Toronto Blue Jays, why bring in a closer who isn’t going to close?

However, Giles is not completely shut out from pitching in the ninth inning. Hinch did not rule out the possibility that could get some save opportunities. If you own Giles, don’t panic just yet. While he won’t be earning you saves, he will definitely more than help your ratio stats.

In the meantime, if you need closer help, especially if you drafted Drew Storen, then get to the waiver wire now. As of this writing, Gregerson is only owned in 28.6 percent of ESPN leagues. That number will continue to increase, so don’t be shut out from another available closer.

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It’s only been one day, and there’s already a lot going on. I said, and will continue to say, that saves can be found late. Just look at this current situation. Luke Gregerson, as long as he stays healthy and doesn’t perform poorly, should record between 30 to 35 saves.