Tigers reliever Drew Smyly is in the unique position of having dual-speculative value. On one hand, if Anibal Sanchez needs to go on the DL, Smyly could take his spot in the rotation. However, with Jose Valverde's grip on the closer job loosening a bit lately (and Jose Alvarez making the last spot start for Sanchez), Smyly could also find himself as a darkhorse closer candidate.
Two weeks ago, the Tigers adjusted Smyly's role from long relief to more late-inning short-stint work. He's pitched in the eighth or ninth inning in all five June appearances. The Tigers were reluctant to use Joaquin Benoit in save situations earlier in the year and their next-best option, Bruce Rondon, is in the minors. Smyly, meanwhile, has been solid all season, and has maintained a 2.09 ERA while striking out a batter per inning.
Smyly could end up staying in middle relief the entire season, but he's talented enough to merit a speculative add for an owner looking for value in unlikely places. Owned in 23 percent of leagues, Smyly could be a decent gamble in 14-team Roto leagues or deeper.