FanPost

Javier Lopez and Heath Bell placed on waivers

Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reports that the Giants' Javier Lopez and Diamondbacks' Heath Bell were each placed on revocable waivers Monday afternoon, further adding to a growing group of bullpen arms to be placed on the waiver wire in recent days. Both arms could be serviceable set-up men on a contending squad, with Lopez being the more valuable of the two.

Bell signed a three year contract with the Miami Marlins during their free agent splurge in the Winter of 2012, and was subsequently traded to Arizona last offseason as part of a three-team deal with the Marlins and Athletics. After putting up a horrid 2012 campaign, he has been enigmatic this season, posting a 3.88 ERA over 55 and 2/3 innings. He is striking out well over a batter per inning and his walk rate is easily the best of his career. However, he has already allowed 10 home runs this season, nearly double his previous career-high.

The fiscal responsibility of Bell's employer will likely limit the market for his services. He will be paid $9 million next season, while the Diamondbacks also hold a $9 million club option for 2015.

Lopez, who is an impending free agent for the upcoming Winter, appears to be a much favorable option for a contender looking for help at the back of their bullpen. He has been phenomenal for the Giants this season, with a 1.99 ERA in 55 appearances. He has been relatively consistent over the years, having posted an ERA+ higher than 120 in 7 of the past 8 seasons while being a key contributor to a pair of World Series-winning ball clubs in the 2010 and 2012 Giants.

The left-hander was reportedly going to be moved at the July 31st trade deadline, but a trade with the Cleveland Indians fell through, and no further moves were made.

A variety of contenders, including the Boston Red Sox and aforementioned Indians, are seeking relief help in preparation for a September playoff run, making it likely that we see at least one of the above two pitchers moved before the end of August.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of MLBDD's writers or editors.

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