Outlook Rico Garcia
Rico Garcia continues to thrive in high-leverage spots for the Orioles
Rico Garcia has been spectacular for the fourth-place Orioles (31-35), pitching to a 1.73 ERA and 0.96 WHIP over his last five appearances. With Ryan Helsley currently sidelined on the injured list, Garcia has stepped up as the primary option in the ninth inning, cementing his high-leverage role in Baltimore's bullpen.
While our season projection expects regression toward a 4.50 ERA and 1.36 WHIP, Garcia's actual 2026 performance is stellar, boasting a 1.12 ERA and 0.70 WHIP with 31 strikeouts over 24.2 innings. His elite high-leverage success makes him an excellent source of ratios and holds even if his save opportunities decrease later on.
The Orioles play seven home games this week, facing Seattle for four contests before a three-game series against San Diego. Matchups against tough Seattle arms like Logan Gilbert and George Kirby suggest plenty of close games, maximizing Garcia's opportunities for saves or holds, making him a solid weekly Start.
Updated 1 day ago
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Outlook Alex Lange
Alex Lange is surging into a premium co-closer role in Kansas City's bullpen
Alex Lange is locked in, delivering 4.0 scoreless innings with seven strikeouts, three saves, and a hold over his last seven days. Operating out of the bullpen for the fourth-place Royals, who sit at 27-39, Lange has seized high-leverage duties with Carlos Estevez and James McArthur sidelined on the injured list. While Lucas Erceg remains on the roster as a closer option, Lange's recent surge makes him a vital co-closer in late-game situations.
Lange's overall 4.35 ERA and 1.49 WHIP reflect early-season speed bumps, but his outstanding 0.85 ERA over the last 30 days shows he is rediscovering his signature high-strikeout form. Our models project a rest-of-season 3.83 ERA and 1.38 WHIP. If he continues limiting walks, his excellent swing-and-miss stuff will sustain his current high-leverage success.
The Royals host Texas and Houston for six games this week. Our weekly projection highlights 2.2 expected innings with a projected 2.03 ERA and 1.20 WHIP. With Kansas City facing several beatable starters like Tatsuya Imai (5.24 ERA) and Mike Burrows (5.77 ERA), close-game save opportunities should be plentiful. Start Lange with confidence in all formats.
Updated 1 day ago
