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Fantasy baseball: 25 players you need to claim

By Brad Weiss

May 18, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Zach Wheeler (45) throws during the second inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
May 18, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Zach Wheeler (45) throws during the second inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 2, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Fernando Rodney throws in the ninth inning against the San Francisco Giants during opening day at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 2, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Fernando Rodney throws in the ninth inning against the San Francisco Giants during opening day at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Fernando Rodney

RP, 

As was the case with Brandon Kintzler, anytime there is a closer available, you have to grab them. In the case of Fernando Rodney, you know what you are getting, as he has been doing this for a long time. He is the new closer for the Arizona Diamondbacks, and while he has had his struggles in the past, he should get plenty of opportunities to nail down saves for a team that should be much improved over last season.

Rodney saved 48 games back in 2014, which is only three seasons ago. Last year, he bounced around between the Miami Marlins and San Diego Padres, but he was still able to notch 25 saves. He has already finished two games for the Diamondbacks this season, which is a good indication that they plan to use him early and often in 2017.

The Diamondbacks will likely win around 75-80 games this season, so Rodney, if he is the closer the entire season, will likely rack up around 30 saves. That is good production from a player who is highly-available in leagues right now. People are most likely afraid of his up and down past, but if Rodney puts a good season together, it could go a long way towards how your team ends up in the standings in fantasy baseball.

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