Kevin Jepsen: New Closer in Town?
By Bill Pivetz
The closer position is the most shallow in the league. While there are 30 to choose from, not all of them are effective. Though, the help (in a sick way) of injuries can pave the way for a better relief pitcher to take over the closer role. That’s the exact case with the Minnesota Twins, so there seems to be hope for you just yet. The Twins have been giving recent saves opportunities to Kevin Jepsen. If you need closer help, then he is the guy for you.
Throughout his career, Jepsen has a 3.73 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and just 12 saves. He was a decent reliever with the Los Angeles Angels. He was then traded to the Tampa Bay Rays in December. With the Rays, 46 games, Jepsen had a 2.81 ERA and 1.30 WHIP with five saves. The Rays have been going with a committee approach this season, so he wasn’t going to reach 20 saves.
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The Twins then made a trade at the Trade Deadline to acquire Kevin Jepsen. In his first appearance, Jepsen pitched just 0.1 innings, allowing two runs on two walks. The good thing is that he hasn’t allowed an earned run since then.
Jepsen has been primarily the set-up man for Twins closer Glen Perkins. However, Perkins is dealing with a bulging disk in his back. He received a cortisone shot Wednesday and made his first appearance since August 17, pitching a scoreless 11th inning. In his absence, Kevin Jepsen picked up two saves in back-to-back games against the Baltimore Orioles.
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Whether it’s a short-term thing or something that lasts for the rest of the season, Jepsen should be owned in more leagues. Since that poor first appearances in Minnesota, Kevin Jepsen has pitched 10.1 shutout innings while allowing just four hits, two walks and struck out nine batters.
There are very few options left on the waiver wire this late into the season. If you are in a Roto league, an extra save or two could make the difference. In head-to-head leagues, Jepsen’s 0.00 ERA and 0.58 WHIP over the last three weeks can help you win those categories.
The Twins have not confirmed that Perkins will take back the closer role. So, Kevin Jepsen becomes an attractive option in deeper leagues, and standard leagues too. He’s already been picked up in a few leagues, 12.5 percent in ESPN.com leagues to be exact. Act now before it’s too late.