Steven Cruz

Three saves since July 22, 2.25 ERA since June 1. The ability to handle multi-inning appearances keeps Cruz relevant even when Pearson handles the ninth. Speculative add in deeper formats; in standard leagues he's best left on the wire unless you're desperate for saves.

2.25 ERA over 28 IP since June 1, three saves since July 22. Cruz looked like he was taking over after Alex Lange imploded, but Pearson's arrival split duties again. Both are streamable if you need saves; neither is a set-and-forget option.

Cruz has earned two of Kansas City's last three save opportunities, with manager Quatraro skipping Alex Lange again last Sunday after Lange's consecutive blown saves. Cruz converted cleanly with two strikeouts in his most recent outing. His peripheral numbers are cleaner than Lange's (who ranks 146th of 173 qualified relievers in K-BB rate this season), and the manager has shown he trusts Cruz in pressure spots. In deep leagues (14+), Cruz is the priority add in KC — Lange is still on your radar as a vulture if things flip back.

Cruz earned his second save of the season on July 27 when manager Quatraro bypassed Alex Lange for the save opportunity — a direct signal of confidence after Lange's consecutive blown saves. Cruz has 2 saves in his last 3 opportunities and cleaner peripheral numbers than Lange. This is now a committee situation, with Cruz holding the slight edge going forward. In deep leagues (14+), Cruz is the priority add in Kansas City.