Saves and Steals: 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, 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.

Rising Stars: Fantasy Baseball Standouts in the NL East

In the early stages of the 2024 fantasy baseball season, several under-the-radar NL East players have emerged as potential difference-makers. Among them are pitchers Zack Littell and Reed Garrett, as well as infielder Luis García Jr. Littell, a former starter who transitioned to a relief role last season, has impressed with his strikeout potential and consistent performances. Garrett, a veteran journeyman, has established himself as a high-leverage option for the Mets with his dominant strikeout-inducing arsenal. García, a rising star for the Nationals, has shown significant improvement in hard contact and stolen base attempts. These players offer fantasy managers a chance to add valuable depth and potential impact to their rosters.

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