X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

Bullpen Report: Late-Inning Changes and Long Relievers to Stream

Michael Florio reviews bullpens that have changed, closers you can add off the waiver wire and relief pitchers who are useful for fantasy baseball heading into Week 3.

The only constant in life is change. Those are wise words by a Greek philosopher named Heraclitus. What not enough people realize is, that quote was said about bullpen usage and trying to figure them out for fantasy purposes. Ok, maybe it wasn’t, but it should be given all the changes that occur in major league pens. 

This week was no different as we have more pens that have changed their late-inning usage and even more that we are still trying to figure out. Those are the situations where you can grab a closer for cheap off the fantasy baseball waiver wire. For all the talk about paying for early saves in drafts, there has sure been a lot of cheap save fliers to grab off the waiver wire and we are not even a month into the season. 

Every week, this article gives you the latest on the pens with late inning changes, as well as some potential closers in waiting you can take a flier off of, as well as those elite relievers who will give you innings, strikeouts and ratios, but not saves. Those relievers are becoming more and more valuable as more teams go to full blown committees. Along with our fantasy baseball closers and saves depth charts, his is your one-stop shop for all your bullpen information!

Be sure to check all of our fantasy baseball lineup tools and resources:

 

Changing Pens for Fantasy Baseball

There has been a lot of speculation on who the Orioles closer would be this season, but it seems like that can be put to bed. Jorge Lopez is their closer, at least until he pitches poorly enough to lose the job. At this point, he has probably earned some trust and I would not imagine there would be a quick change even if he  had a bad outing or two. Lopez has picked up all four of the Orioles saves this season, including one in each of his last three outings. He has been by far their best arm out of the pen pitching to a 2.00 ERA, 1.57 xERA, 2.23 xFIP with a 35 percent strikeout rate and a 1.11 WHIP. Meanwhile, other closer candidates Paul Fry and Dillon Tate continue to struggle. If you added Lopez, you should feel very good about it moving forward. 

It was a fun week trying to figure out who would get the saves for the Astros in Ryan Pressly’s absence, but he has looked good throwing live BP and is expected to be activated off the IL and immediately step back into the closer role in Houston. He remains a must-start option when healthy. No one got a save chance in his absence. 

Update: Pressly's activation is not imminent after all. The Astros may have him throw another bullpen session. For now, we have to proceed without him. We saw the Astros get a save chance on Wednesday night, and it went to Ryne Stanek with Hector Neris pitching the eighth. Stanek can be added as a speculative save arm, but do not spend much with Pressly looming.

The A’s had to make a change in their late inning approach after Lou Trivino landed on the Covid-IL. In his absence Dany Jimenez has picked up three saves, more than Trivino now has on the year (two). Jimenez has pitched to a 0.00 ERA, 3.54 xERA, 2.83 xFIP with a 1.14 WHIP and 31 percent strikeout rate. Every single number mentioned is better than Trivino has posted this year. When Trivino returns, the expectation is he will retake his ninth inning role, if for no other reason than to build up trade value, but Jimenez could push to make it more of a committee like we saw in Oakland last year. He also could take over if and when Trivino is dealt. He is worth holding onto, for ratios alone, if you nabbed him off the waiver wire. 

The Rangers finally picked up their first save of the season and it went to Matt Bush, who was a popular streamer for saves in this bullpen. However, he is not the closer moving forward. Manager Chris Woodward has named Joe Barlow as the Rangers closer moving forward. Barlow has pitched to a 3.38 ERA with a 7.26 xERA, 2.65 xFIP, 1.13 WHIP and a 35 percent strikeout rate. Barlow is worth rostering solely for the save chances, but the strikeout rate and ratios do not hurt. The hope is that the Rangers can actually get his some opportunities moving forward. Bush is next in line and a speculative stash in 15-team or AL-only formats. 

The Giants may not like to name one official closer, but their actions indicate otherwise. While Jake MeGee has two saves and Dominic Leone added one of his own, the bulk of the opportunities have gone to Camilo Doval. He has picked up the last two Giants save chances and consistently remains the most trustworthy option in this bullpen. It is always risky to trust Gabe Kapler, so things can certainly change here, but for the time being, I have seen enough to say trust Doval moving forward. MeGee is a deep league streamer who can add a save here and there. 

 

Speculative Save Situations for Fantasy Baseball

The Red Sox have had four different pitchers pick up a save this year with none having more than one. So yeah, you can say this has been a big headache to start the season. But, there have been context clues to read into the usage. Matt Barnes picked up a save last week but his next outing he was used in the seventh and could not get out of it. He is pitching with diminished velocity, so he does not have full trust yet, but it seems like in a perfect world he would be the Red Sox closer.

Hansel Robles is another option, who has closer experience and is consistently used in the late innings. But the usage of the other two options make me think they are not the preferred options. Jake Diekman is a lefty, who has been used in the fireman role, coming in when the matchups are best or simply coming in to get out of a big jam. His lone save chance came against the heart of the Yankees lineup. Garrett Whitlock also picked up a save and may be the best arm of the bunch, but he can be used to go multiple innings and that is a valuable role. Boston is not likely to give that usage up just to save Whitlock for the ninth. Due to that, Barnes and Robles seem like the best bet to lead this bullpen in saves. I lean Robles as I think he is the better pitcher of the two at this bunch, but both are worth taking a flier on here. 

The Reds bullpen never stops changing. But we did see Lucas Sims return this past weekend and get a save immediately. Sims was the projected favorite to lead this pen in saves in the preseason but an injury sidelined him to start the year. In his absence, we saw Art Warren and Tony Santillan each get a save, but there was no rhyme or reason to how the Reds would deploy them on a given night. Sims remains the best bet to lead this team in saves moving forward and is the reliever to roster in Cincy. 

The Marlins were using Anthony Bender for save chances, but he was unavailable this weekend due to hip soreness. In his absence, the Marlins turned to Tanner Scott, who has been absolutely filthy and easily the best arm in their bullpen. But, before we get too excited about him, preseason favorite to lead this pen in saves, Dylan Floro should be returning this week. This is a bullpen that we will have to monitor closely, especially if all three options are available at the same time. While Floro seems like a good bet to get save chances, I would not drop Bender just yet. Also, Scott is the wild card here and is definitely a pitcher that can provide elite ratios and strikeouts, even if he is not getting the save chances. 

The Mariners may be the toughest bullpen to predict in the early part of the season. So far, three different pitchers have picked up a save for the Mariners, but no one has multiple. We have seen Drew Steckenrider saved for the ninth inning, which leads me to think he is the preferred option. But the Mariners have yet to use him on back-to-back days and when they had a save opportunity the day after he picked up his save, they turned to Diego Castillo. We have also seen Andres Munoz pick up a save, but we have seen him pitch in a set up role as well. He provides the most strikeouts and best ratios of the trio. We are definitely still figuring this bullpen out, but for now, I would rank them Drew Steckenrider, Diego Castillo, Andres Munoz in terms of likeliness to get the next save chance. 

The White Sox have a set closer in Liam Hendriks, but he has struggled a bit as of late and is now dealing with back tightness. I do not want to make a big deal about this just yet, but more so to point out that they have another elite, proven closer in their bullpen in Kendall Graveman. He is worth rostering for ratios and strikeouts alone, but the back tightness for Hendriks only adds to his value. 

 

Elite Ratio and Strikeout Relievers

Daniel Hudson has yet to allow a run and pitched to a 1.48 xERA, 1.16 xFIP with a 0.53 WHIP and a 38 percent strikeout rate. Not only does he provide elite numbers, but he is next in line for save chances on arguably the best team in baseball. 

Jalen Beeks has yet to allow a run this season while sporting a pretty 2.32 xERA, 1.59 xFIP with a 0.55 WHIP and a 44 percent strikeout rate. Also, he pitches for the Rays, meaning he could get some save chances at any point. The ratios alone are worth rostering, but that only adds to his value. 

Keegan Thompson leads all relievers with 13.2 innings pitched, while pitching to a 0.00 ERA, 1.37 xERA, 2.75 xFIP with a 0.66 WHIP and a 30 percent strikeout rate. Those are elite ratios and strikeouts and he pitches nearly as many innings a week as a starting pitcher. There is certainly value in a reliever of this caliber.

Will Crowe is very similar to Thompson. He has pitched 13.1 innings, while posting a 0.00 ERA, 1.67 xERA, 2.86 xFIP, 0.83 WHIP and a 31 percent strikeout rate. Again, relievers who give you starter innings with great strikeouts and ratios are especially useful in deeper formats. You can start them over fringe starting pitchers. 

Michael King is another reliever who fits this mold. He’s gone 10.2 innings and has pitched to a 0.84 ERA, 2.78 xERA, 0.62 xFIP with a 1.03 WHIP and a whopping 44 percent strikeout rate. He is a great source of strikeouts for those looking to stream. 

Make sure to follow Michael on Twitter, @MichaelFFlorio



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy baseball app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, sleepers, prospects & more. All free!



More Fantasy Baseball Advice




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Tom Hoge

Sputtering into Bank of Utah Championship
Sahith Theegala

On the Upswing Heading into Utah
Andrew Putnam

Looks to Find Form in Utah
Matt McCarty

Looks to Defend Title in Utah
Ben Kohles

a Strong Value Play at Bank of Utah Championship
Max Homa

Trending Up Entering the Bank of Utah Championship
Nick Dunlap

Searching for Spark at Bank of Utah Championship
Quade Cummins

Struggling to Find Form Ahead of Bank of Utah Championship
Gabe Vincent

Starting on Tuesday Night
Maxx Crosby

Raiders Won't Trade Maxx Crosby
Jimmy Butler III

Officially Good to Go Versus the Lakers
Jonathan Kuminga

Officially Available on Tuesday Night
Anthony Edwards

Uncertain for the Opener
De'Aaron Fox

Sidelined For Spurs Season Opener
Jonathan Marchessault

Remains Absent Against Ducks
Darcy Kuemper

Available Tuesday
Corey Perry

Makes Season Debut Tuesday
Matt Duchene

Misses Tuesday's Action
Kevon Looney

Unavailable For Season Opener Versus Memphis
Alexander Romanov

Unavailable Versus Sharks
Brock Boeser

Remains Out Tuesday
Jared McCann

Out on Tuesday
Daniel Gafford

Not Expected to Play Versus San Antonio
Darius Garland

Unavailable For Wednesday
Kel'el Ware

Questionable for Wednesday Night
OG Anunoby

Likely Available on Wednesday Evening
Mitchell Robinson

Out Of Action For Knicks Season Opener
Karl-Anthony Towns

Questionable for the Opener
Josh Hart

Unavailable For Knicks Season Opener on Wednesday
Jaylen Brown

Questionable for Celtics Season Opener
Tari Eason

Not Signing His Rookie Extension with the Rockets
Maxi Kleber

Sidelined at Least Two Weeks
Jason Day

Making a Spot Start at Bank of Utah Championship
Luke Clanton

Looks to Build on Momentum This Week in Utah
Los Angeles Angels

Kurt Suzuki to be the Angels' Next Manager
Bo Bichette

Plans to be Ready for World Series
Tyrod Taylor

Aaron Glenn "Moving Toward" Naming Tyrod Taylor the Starting QB
Zach Charbonnet

Finds the End Zone Twice on Monday Night
Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Continues Elite Production
Dorian Finney-Smith

Officially Out for Season Opener
Chris Godwin

Bucky Irving May Not Play This Week
Isaiah Joe

Out Tuesday
Michael Penix Jr.

Expected to Be "Good to Go" for Sunday
Alex Caruso

Good to Go for Season Opener
Darius Garland

"Ahead of Schedule" But Unlikely to Play Against Knicks
De'Andre Hunter

Questionable for Season Opener
Nick Foligno

Back With Blackhawks
Pierre-Luc Dubois

Remains Sidelined Tuesday
Alexander Romanov

a Game-Time Call for Tuesday
Niko Mikkola

Cleared for Tuesday
Matt Duchene

Probable for Tuesday's Game
Adin Hill

Suffers Lower-Body Injury Monday
Nico Collins

Ruled Out Late on Monday Night With Concussion
Nico Collins

Suffers Head Injury on Monday Night
Jahmyr Gibbs

Blows Up For 218 Total Yards, Two Touchdowns in Win
Mike Evans

to Miss Most of the Year With Broken Clavicle
Brandon Woodruff

Expects to Be Ready for Opening Day
Mike Evans

Ruled Out Monday With Concussion, Shoulder Injury
Mike Evans

Making his Return in Primetime Against Detroit
Emeka Egbuka

Officially Active on Monday Night
Patrik Laine

Remains Out Monday
Jared McCann

Out Against Flyers
Carson Soucy

Ready to Return Monday
Zach Bogosian

Unavailable Against Rangers
Marco Rossi

Misses Monday's Action
Shayne Gostisbehere

Sits Out Monday's Game
Mark Stone

Out Week-to-Week
Michael Penix Jr.

Dealing With Bone Bruise in Foot, Considered Day-to-Day
Jayden Daniels

Avoids Long-Term Injury, Status Unknown for Week 8
Tua Tagovailoa

Dolphins Sticking With Tua Tagovailoa as Their Starting QB
Brock Bowers

Expected Back After the Bye
Darren Waller

Week-to-Week Following MRI
Kendre Miller

Out for the Year After Suffering Torn ACL
Bryce Young

Expected to Miss Week 8
Justin Fields

to Lose Starting Job After Week 7 Benching?
Reinier de Ridder

Reinier De Ridder Suffers His First UFC Loss
Brendan Allen

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Kevin Holland

Drops Decision
Mike Malott

Wins Third Fight In A Row
Marlon Vera

Loses Third Consecutive Fight
Aiemann Zahabi

Gets A Razor-Thin Split Decision Win
Jasmine Jasudavicius

Suffers First-Round TKO Loss
Manon Fiorot

Gets Back In The Win Column
Ryan Donato

Leads Blackhawks to Victory Sunday
Davey Grant

Suffers Submission Loss
Charles Jourdain

Gets First-Round Submission Win
Matt Frevola

Gets Dominated At UFC Vancouver
Matt Frevola

Kyle Nelson Dominates Matt Frevola
George Springer

Returns to Lineup for Game 6 of ALCS
CFB

Colorado State Fires Head Coach Jay Norvell After Four Seasons
CFB

Florida Fires Head Coach Billy Napier After Four Years
Chase Elliott

Can Chase Elliott Deliver Another Clutch Win to Make Championship 4?
William Byron

Seeks First Win at Talladega to Overcome Las Vegas Crash
Chase Briscoe

Likely to Finish Worse Than he Starts
Kyle Larson

Despite No Wins on Drafting Tracks, Kyle Larson is Improving
Tyler Reddick

Despite Winning at Talladega, Tyler Reddick's Drafting Record Is Not So Hot
Ross Chastain

Poor Qualifying Makes him a Strong DFS Option at Talladega
Chris Buescher

Excellent Crash Avoidance Could Reap Dividends at Talladega
Ty Gibbs

If Ty Gibbs' Team Executes a Better Strategy, he Could Win at Talladega
Daniel Suarez

Hopes for Clutch Talladega Win to Remain in the NASCAR Cup Series
Josh Berry

Might Contend at Talladega
Austin Dillon

Doesn't Lead Enough at Talladega to Contend for Wins
Brendan Donovan

Undergoes Sports Hernia Surgery
George Springer

Exits Game 5 Early After HBP on his Knee
Jackson Chourio

Back in Game 4 Lineup Against Dodgers
Iván Herrera

Ivan Herrera Has Bone Spurs Removed From his Elbow
Brendan Allen

Set For UFC Vancouver Main Event
Reinier de Ridder

Reinier De Ridder A Favorite At UFC Vancouver
Mike Malott

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
Kevin Holland

Set For UFC Vancouver Co-Main Event
Aiemann Zahabi

Looks For His Seventh Consecutive Win
Marlon Vera

Returns At UFC Vancouver
Jasmine Jasudavicius

Looks To Extend Her Win Streak
Manon Fiorot

Looks To Bounce Back
Aoriqileng

Aori Aoriqileng Looks To Rebound
CFB

Curt Cignetti Signs Eight-Year, $11.6 Million Extension With Indiana
Carlos Rodón

Carlos Rodon Unlikely to Be Ready for Opening Day After Elbow Surgery
Anthony Santander

Removed From ALCS Roster With Back Injury
Jackson Chourio

Aggravates Hamstring, Pulled Early in Game 3 of NLCS
Aaron Judge

Will Not Need Elbow Surgery
Anthony Volpe

Won't be Ready for Start of Next Season
Gerrit Cole

Won't be Ready for Opening Day Next Year
CFB

Jermod McCoy Officially Out for Alabama Matchup
CFB

Jam Miller Questionable to Face Tennessee

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP