Angels Fantasy Baseball Closer: Would You Rather Hansel Robles or Ty Buttrey

By Kevin Nardone
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim v Kansas City Royals
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim v Kansas City Royals / Ed Zurga
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Cover Photo: Getty Images

The Los Angeles Angels continue to have uncertainty at the back end of their bullpen. Cody Allen, who was signed this offseason to be the team's closer, had a 6.00 ERA before getting put on the injured list on Friday, April 26.

After losing Allen, Angels manager Brad Ausmus said he would go with a closer-by-committee approach, but the team has since used Ty Buttrey in the eighth inning and Hansel Robles in the ninth on back-to-back occasions.

This suggests that Robles could be in line to receive more save opportunities and, if he performs well, could potentially remain in the closer's role.

Robles has pitched well overall this season, with a 3.21 ERA while striking out 17 batters in 14 innings pitched. He's also gone 2-for-2 in saves chances as well as holds with the Angels in 2019. However, it's good to remember that the reliever has a 3.87 ERA and more blown saves (9) than he has saves (5) in his career.

Buttrey, on the other hand, hasn't yet notched a save this season, but has the best numbers in the team's pen. With a 1.29 ERA and 19 Ks in 14 innings, Ausmus continues to use Buttrey to get through the meat of other team's orders while leaving the ninth up to Robles.

With Robles' recent role in the bullpen, he could offer fantasy owners instant save potential, but it's not likely a long-term solution. If you don't trust Robles, adding Buttrey could be a positive move, both now and in the future, as he would be next in line for saves, plus his career numbers are superior to his bullpen-mate.

As saves are always at a premium, your best move might be to add both, as a handcuff, and see how this one plays out in the coming weeks.


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