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  • Bronze 585 (-2)
    Fantasy Baseball Levels
    Ratings and Levels measure your performance against your opponents, based on your gameplay in Head-to-Head Leagues only.
    Level Rating Percentiles
    diamond level Diamond 900+ 99th
    platinum level Platinum 800-899 95th-98th
    gold level Gold 700-799 81st-94th
    silver level Silver 600-699 60th-80th
    bronze level Bronze 0-599 0-59th
  • 22-33-5 9th Place
    • Nabs win in extras
      Kimbrel (4-1) picked up the win in Saturday's 5-4 extra-innings victory over the Diamondbacks, striking out one in a scoreless 11th inning.

      Advice: He hit Christian Walker with his first pitch of the frame, but Kimbrel quickly escaped the jam by fanning Jake McCarthy and then inducing a double-play grounder from Eugenio Suarez. The veteran reliever then got rewarded when Jordan Westburg walked it off in the bottom of the inning. Yennier Cano worked the ninth inning at home in a tie game -- usage normally reserved for a team's closer -- while Danny Coulombe handled the 10th, so Kimbrel may not be back in the top spot in the O's bullpen just yet, but efforts like this should help him get there. Rotowire.com Saturday, 9:06 pm
       
    • Orioles remove Craig Kimbrel from closer role
      Orioles manager Brandon Hyde told reporters Saturday that he’s not sure when Craig Kimbrel will return to the closer role.

      Advice: Kimbrel pitched the seventh inning on Friday against the Diamondbacks and it certainly appears that the Orioles are set on giving him some lower-leverage situations to get back on track before they consider putting him back in the ninth inning role. For now, it seems like Yennier Cano will handle any save chances that arise, while Danny Coulombe and Jacob Webb could also be in the mix. Rotoworld Saturday, 11:26 am
       
    • Collects third hold
      Kimbrel struck out one in a perfect seventh inning Friday to record his third hold of the season in a 4-2 win over the Diamondbacks.

      Advice: The 35-year-old reliever didn't exactly get deployed in the highest-leverage spot, as he faced Arizona's 8-9-1 hitters, but Kimbrel got the job done on an efficient 12 pitches (eight strikes). He topped out at 94.5 mph with his fastball -- he averaged 95.9 mph last season -- and it was only the second time in Kimbrel's last seven appearances that he avoided giving up a run. Yennier Cano got the save in the ninth inning, and that figures be the arrangement for a while until Kimbrel demonstrates his struggles are behind him, although other relievers like Danny Coulombe could also be in the saves mix. Over those last seven appearances, Kimbrel has a 10.13 ERA, 3.19 WHIP and 8:9 K:BB in 5.1 innings. Rotowire.com Saturday, 6:29 am
       
    • Craig Kimbrel pitches perfect seventh for hold
      Craig Kimbrel protected a one-run lead in the seventh inning Friday against the Diamondbacks, striking out one in a perfect inning.

      Advice: This wasn’t exactly a low-pressure situation for the struggling Kimbrel, but the Orioles did manage to get him in against the bottom of the Arizona lineup. Kimbrel retired Blaze Alexander, Kevin Newman and then leadoff man Ketel Marte in order. One or two more similar outings might get him another chance in the ninth. Rotoworld Friday, 8:32 pm
       
    • Available Friday
      Garcia (back) is available for Friday's game against the Twins, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

      Advice: Garcia hasn't pitched in a game since April 28 but is ready to take the mound this weekend versus Minnesota. The right-hander has been dominant this season with a 0.68 ERA, 0.53 WHIP and 16:3 K:BB across 13.1 innings, and he should continue to serve as the setup man to closer Jordan Romano. Rotowire.com Friday, 1:36 pm
       
    • Nails down first save
      Sewald earned the save in Thursday's 5-4 win over the Reds, striking out two in a perfect ninth inning.

      Advice: After allowing a home run to Tyler Stephenson in his season debut Tuesday, Sewald looked much better in his first save chance Thursday, striking out Will Benson and Stephenson to close out the one-run victory. The 33-year-old Sewald is expected to step back in as Arizona's primary closer after missing the first month of the season with an oblique injury. He recorded 34 saves last year while pitching to a 3.12 ERA in 60.2 innings between Arizona and Seattle. Rotowire.com Thursday, 3:58 pm
       
    • Paul Sewald picks up first save against Reds
      Paul Sewald threw a scoreless inning to pick up a save Thursday against the Reds.

      Advice: Sewald has his first save of the season after missing the first month-plus of the season with an oblique strain. The right-hander looked good while picking up the save with two strikeouts, no hits allowed and 8-of-11 offerings landing for strikes. Sewald should see the bulk of save chances for Arizona now that he’s back healthy. Rotoworld Thursday, 1:29 pm
       
    • Might return Friday
      Garcia (back) didn't get used in Wednesday's win over the Phillies but could be available Friday against the Twins, MLB.com reports. "He's feeling better," Blue Jays manager John Schneider said after Wednesday's game. "Hopefully he'll be ready to roll on Friday."

      Advice: The right-hander hasn't pitched since April 28 due to back soreness, but the Jays didn't elect to place him on the IL. Garcia has been the team's most effective reliever this season, posting a 0.68 ERA, 0.53 WHIP and 16:3 K:BB with a win, two saves and four holds in 13 appearances. Rotowire.com Thursday, 8:00 am
       
    • Not available Wednesday
      Sewald wasn't available to pitch Wednesday, when Joe Mantiply picked up the save in a 4-3 win over the Reds, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

      Advice: Fresh off a six-week stay on the injured list due to an oblique injury, Sewald returned Tuesday and threw 15 pitches in his season debut in a non-save situation. He was then bypassed for a save opportunity Wednesday, as manager Torey Lovullo stuck with Kevin Ginkel, then Mantiply after Ginkel allowed a walk and two singles. Lovullo is bringing Sewald back at a measured pace. Rotowire.com Thursday, 5:01 am