Edwin Diaz Pitches Eighth Inning, Mason Miller Impresses
Edwin Diaz pitched the eighth inning for the New York Mets on Saturday, facing the top of the Dodgers lineup. He recorded the hold while Reed Garrett got the save chance in the ninth. Garrett has been outstanding through the first month, striking out 21 batters across 10 2/3 innings. He could be in line for more high-leverage work and should be added in holds leagues.
Emmanuel Clase of the Cleveland Guardians picked up three saves, giving him seven on the season. It’s early, but he’s missing bats closer to his 2021-2022 levels than his down year last season. He struck out the side against the Red Sox on Tuesday. Mason Miller of the Oakland A’s is up to five saves with 20 strikeouts over ten innings. He put on a show on Monday, striking out the side against the top of the Yankees order in New York.
Clay Holmes leads the American League with nine saves and has not allowed a run over 12 innings. Robert Suarez is your saves leader in the National League with nine after picking up three more for the Padres this week.
Elly De La Cruz Shines, Luis Garcia Jr. Breaks Out
Elly De La Cruz, a 22-year-old shortstop for the Cincinnati Reds, is silencing critics in the early going with an incredible start at the plate. He’s slashing .313/.412/.651 with seven homers, 23 runs scored, and 18 RBI across 97 plate appearances. He’s also swiping bases, with 15 stolen bases to lead all of baseball.
Luis Garcia Jr., a 23-year-old second baseman for the Washington Nationals, is hitting well and displaying some real growth in his fifth season. He’s slashing .314/.351/.457 with one homer, ten RBI, and five steals across 74 plate appearances.
These young players are making a name for themselves early in the 2023 season and are worth keeping an eye on as the season progresses.
