Diamondbacks Archie Bradley: A good source for strikeouts and low ratios

With fantasy championships on the line, managing the waiver wire is more crucial than ever. Diamondbacks relief pitcher Archie Bradley is someone to target.

The Arizona Diamondbacks have managed their pitching staff interestingly over the last couple of seasons. Starter-turned-reliever Archie Bradley has found new life in the bullpen. For those owners in their league’s championship, he is someone to target in the final days.

Bradley had a lot of promise when he debuted but he didn’t live up to the expectations. After 34 starts, he had a 5.18 ERA and 1.573 WHIP with a 10-12 record. Bradley’s performance since joining the bullpen has been a complete 180.

Bradley has made 59 appearances this season. He has a 1.20 ERA, 0.931 WHIP, one save and 23 holds. As of now, he is the No. 36 relief pitcher on the ESPN Player Rater. Saves are weighted a little more, so his rank would be higher if everything was graded equal.

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Bradley also has 75 strikeouts and 18 walks in 67.2 innings. Posting a 10.0 K/9 and 2.4 BB/9 is favorable for a No. 4 relief pitcher in deeper leagues or if you are looking for a replacement at the end of the season.

If you play in a holds league, Bradley’s fantasy value is even higher. He can still help you in strikeouts and ratios but that’s only three categories compared to the four if holds were including.

He may also record a save or two if Fernando Rodney is given a day off, like he was on Sept. 10. Fantasy owners, including myself, wish he would take over that job.

Rodney hasn’t been his mid-season self when he posted a 0.00 ERA over 19.1 innings. But, that’s a topic for another day.

Back to Bradley, he has allowed just two walks and zero hits in his last 7.0 innings. He also has seven strikeouts. It’s obvious that he has better control of his pitches yet owners aren’t making any moves.

Next: Miguel Cabrera or Chris Davis in 2018?

Bradley is owned in just 20.3 percent of leagues. I get that many owners have given up and moved on to football. Though, the owners still paying attention should have more chances to pick up these difference makers, which Bradley is. As long as the Diamondbacks keep competing, he will get his opportunities.

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