It is down to the final month of the trade deadline. There is a big change this year in that August waiver trades are no more, so teams must make their big splashes by July 31. With their recent bullpen struggles, the Colorado Rockies will be looking for bullpen help. Wade Davis has struggled again this season, with an ERA of 5.26 in 28 appearances. His issues have caused Manager Bud Black to shuffle and make some different arrangements. If the Rockies are to make the postseason for the third consecutive season, they will need to look for bullpen help. Here are three relievers that will be looking to make a move at the deadline.
Shane Greene
Shane Greene has been amazing on a rebuilding Tigers team. He’s saved 22 games in 23 opportunities this season, his ERA is an incredible 0.87, and he has 32 strikeouts in 31 appearances. He has pretty much been lights out in minimal appearances for Detroit this season. He signed a one-year deal in January, and is arbitration eligible after this season, but won’t hit free agency until the 2021 season. Greene would fit nicely in the Rockies bullpen with Scott Oberg as the setup man. Given the Tigers current rebuilding status, a move would require young prospects, which the Rockies have. This a move that would help the Rockies bullpen.
Ken Giles
Like Greene, Ken Giles is another closer who is pitching remarkably well for a team out of playoff contention. The Blue Jays are 21 games under .500, and look to be sellers at the trade deadline. Along with starter Marcus Stroman, Giles is another player who could be on the move. He is 28 years old, and is under team control until the 2021 season. Giles has 49 strikeouts in 28 innings of work. He has 12 saves and a 1.29 ERA. Giles is another closer that the Rockies should be giving consideration to in making a trade deadline deal.
Will Smith
The Giants are also out of playoff contention, and they too look to be sellers at the deadline. Will Smith is perfect in save opportunities this season with 21. He has thrown 33.1 innings this season with a 2.16 ERA and 51 strikeouts. He’s also allowed zero inherited runners to score. He has great numbers against National League West teams this season. Against Arizona, he has 14 strikeouts and two runs scored. The Padres have also scored one run as well in four games. The Dodgers have zero runs against Smith with nine strikeouts. One of the few bright spots on the Giants pitching staff, Smith would be a rental for the Rockies this season has his contract expires at the end of the season. If the Rockies are determined to make the playoffs this season, then using Smith as a rental should be a no-brainer.
Scott Oberg
If the Rockies choose not to make a deal at the deadline, then Scott Oberg would be the ideal choice to take over as the team’s closer. Currently the setup man in the bullpen, Oberg filled in nicely when Wade Davis went in the injured list. He’s 3-for-3 in save opportunities this season, and has an ERA of 1.99. He’s made many clutch pitching performances for Colorado this season, and was the winner in the Wild Card game against the Cubs in 2018. A swap of Oberg as closer and Davis as setup man could save the team prospects and money down the road. Should the Rockies want to move up to the next level, a trade with one of the candidates above and Oberg as the setup makes the most sense.
Featured image courtesy of the AP
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