Outlook Anthony Bender
Anthony Bender is thriving in a high-leverage role, providing elite ratios and valuable holds.
Bender has been spectacular recently, posting a perfect 0.00 ERA and a tiny 0.43 WHIP over his last seven days while picking up a win and two saves. The fourth-place Marlins are riding a four-game win streak, and with key setup man Andrew Nardi sidelined on the 60-day injured list, Bender has fully established himself as the primary high-leverage setup option in Miami's bullpen.
While our season projection expected a 3.98 ERA and 1.30 WHIP, Bender is completely rewriting his 2026 outlook with a stellar 1.67 ERA and a microscopic 0.37 WHIP over his last 30 days. Backed by a strong 11.67 K/9 rate and nearly flawless control, this run is no fluke, though some minor regression toward his career 3.41 ERA is to be expected over the summer.
Looking at the remaining games this week, Miami finishes a home series against Arizona before heading to Pittsburgh for three games, including a tough matchup against Paul Skenes. Tight games should keep Bender busy in late-inning situations, and our weekly model projects him to contribute key holds and healthy strikeouts. Verdict: Start.
Updated 1 day ago
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Outlook Kevin Kelly
Kevin Kelly Shines in High-Leverage Role for Division-Leading Rays
Kevin Kelly is locking down late innings for the first-place Rays, who sit atop the AL East with a 40-25 record and a three-game win streak. Over his last 9.8 innings, Kelly has been superb, posting a 1.84 ERA and a 1.02 WHIP. With veteran Craig Kimbrel currently sidelined on the injured list with a wrist strain, Kelly has stepped forward as a primary late-inning setup option, even securing a clutch save earlier this week.
This strong run represents a major bounce-back from his difficult 2025 campaign. Our data suggests this turnaround is legitimate, closely aligning with his career-best 2024 season. While his 7.92 K/9 rate keeps him from being an elite strikeout source, his excellent control and current 2.88 ERA make him a highly sustainable asset for ratios and holds.
For the remainder of the week, the Rays travel to face a struggling Angels team. The favorable matchups should yield multiple high-leverage opportunities for the Tampa Bay bullpen. Expect Kelly to be busy protecting leads, making him an excellent option for managers in holds leagues this week. Verdict: Start.
Updated 1 day ago
