Baseball fantasy world: Relievers can make up for poor starters

Where can fantasy owners turn when their back-of-the-rotation starters are getting knocked around; killing their earned-run average and WHIP categories in the process? The bullpen, that’s where. Staff writer Tim Hubbard looks at some set-up guys, not closers, who have provided owners a better option than trotting out another stiff starter.

David Robertson

RP | New York Yankees

Currently dealing with a sore shoulder, Robertson (four victories, two saves, 2.24 ERA, 1.06 WHIP) has put up his usual solid numbers. But the right-hander’s value will really skyrocket next year if he’s asked to fill the spikes of the retiring Mariano Rivera.

Trevor Rosenthal

RP | St. Louis

The young flame thrower recently set a Cardinals record for strikeouts in a season by a reliever, and his 97 strikeouts are second in MLB by a non-starter. Unfortunately, Rosenthal has picked up only two victories and has been unsuccessful in each of his four save opportunities.

Luke Hochevar

RP | Kansas City

After leading the majors in earned runs given up last season as a starter, Hochevar has been nearly unhittable out of the Royals bullpen, posting a 1.70 ERA and striking out 72 in 632/3 innings. He has four victories and two saves.

Tyler Clippard

RP | Washington

In 2010, Clippard won 11 games for the Nationals, tied for the third-most by a reliever since 2000. After taking over as the team’s closer last year, Clippard is back to his familiar set-up role and has responded with six victories to go with a 2.18 ERA and 0.82 WHIP.