Astros: Chris Devenski gives you pitching versatility

The Astros bullpen is solid up and down the roster. While the closer position is locked down, Chris Devenski is eating up innings as a middle reliever.

The Houston Astros have a special weapon in the bullpen that is starting to pick up steam. Unless something changes, the closer depth chart is locked. However,  middle relievers have value in deeper leagues. That special pitcher in the Astros bullpen is Chris Devenski. If you are looking for low ratios and holds, pick him up now.

Many fantasy leagues don’t cater to middle relievers. They focus on the 24 or 25 consistent closers and maybe a few set-up men. Yet, there is value to be found deeper in the bullpens. Devenski is lighting up the stat sheets.

He has a 0.82 ERA, 0.46 WHIP, 21 strikeouts and one walk in 11 innings. Devenski is pitching in all parts of the game and pitching for multiple innings. His first two appearances of the season lasted four innings with seven strikeouts each.

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In his most recent outing, Devenski threw two shutout innings, struck out four and recorded his first hold. With this kind of versatility, he will be getting opportunities throughout the season.

Ken Giles sit atop the Astros bullpen as the closer. Luke Gregerson is the set-up man. Will Harris and Michael Feliz are the seventh-inning guys.

Devenski is the only one without a clear role and that benefits him. Manager A.J. Hinch has used him in games with less than a three-run differential three of his four games. Having a pitcher that can strike out Mike Trout on three straight pitches is valuable.

Another benefit of owning Devenski is that he is eligible as both a starting and relief pitcher. If you play in a league with a starts limit, then slotting Devenski there will help you in the long-term. He will fill one of your SP spots without recording a start.

There are a handful of relief pitchers that can reach 100 strikeouts for the season. Andrew Miller and Dellin Betances come to mind. Now, add Devenski to that list.

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Devenski’s value will come in deeper leagues. Standard 10-teamers have enough relief depth on the waiver that Devenski will be easily available. Though, his low ratio stats and high strikeout potential may attract a few more eyeballs. His ownership is already up 18 percent over the last week.