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Fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups for closers, saves, and bullpen arms for Week 23 (2024). David's relief pitcher and bullpen updates, and closers to add.
More and more teams, both in real baseball and fantasy baseball, are starting to recognize that this could be their year, while plenty more are starting to see that it's probably not. We're at the point in the season where every save counts, every hold counts, and even every strikeout could be a game-changer.
This week was an eventful one in a few bullpens. Injuries, ineffectiveness, and a (somewhat) surprising DFA have led to a couple of new committees and some new fantasy targets. We'll take a look at those and catch up with all the other bullpen news in this week's article. Check it all out below!
Be sure to also keep an eye on our Fantasy Baseball Closer Depth Charts for saves, holds, and bullpens. They will be updated daily or sometimes even more often throughout the 2024 baseball season.
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Sunday Quick Hit Closer Updates
-Bryan Abreu had been really good lately. He was...not so good on Friday.
-Camilo Doval has rejoined the Giants bullpen. Ryan Walker is still expected to retain the closer's role, but now he has more competition.
-Raisel Iglesias perfect streak was snapped but he got his third win on a 10th inning walk off.
-Seranthony Dominguez had a nice bounce back outing after two rough ones, picking up his fifth save of the season (fourth with the Orioles).
-The Angels tried Ben Joyce as a fireman in the eighth inning, and that part worked well enough, but then Roansy Contreras couldn't handle the ninth inning, resulting in another Angels loss.
-Michael Kopech continues his tear as a Dodger, he now has put together 10 scoreless outings since the trade deadline, with 15 strikeouts and just one walk.
Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickups for Saves
Edwin Uceta and Manuel Rodriguez, Tampa Bay Rays (22% and 2% Rostered in Fantasy Leagues)
The Rays had uncharacteristically stuck with one closer for most of this season, with Pete Fairbanks earning 23 saves and no one else on the team having more than four. But Fairbanks had to be placed on the injured list this week due to a right lat strain, leaving the Rays back with a committee for their closer role.
Edwin Uceta seems to have the slight lead for saves now, but Manuel Rodriguez will certainly be involved as well. Even Garrett Cleavinger could end up seeing some ninth innings coming up. Uceta has the best stuff of the group and the most upside, but knowing the Rays, he's unlikely to hold the closer's role for himself.
Edwin Uceta, Disgusting 88mph Changeup. 🤮 pic.twitter.com/UnLy91QuXn
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) August 10, 2024
Porter Hodge and Jorge Lopez, Chicago Cubs (15% and 18% Rostered in Fantasy Leagues)
The Cubs went with Hector Neris in their closer role almost all season despite consistently concerning underlying statistics. He ended up with 17 saves, five blown saves, and an 8-4 record. He was designated for assignment this week and has since been acquired by the Houston Astros, where he'll pitch in middle relief.
In place of Neris, the Cubs will go with a committee of their own, featuring Porter Hodge and Jorge Lopez as the top two relievers. Drew Smyly, Tyson Miller, and Julian Merryweather could find their way into significant innings as well, but Hodge and Lopez are the two guys to roster in most leagues.
Porter Hodge, closer.
pic.twitter.com/0CJSgFo4l5— CubsPS+ Podcast - Mike Waller (@CubsPSPlus) August 21, 2024
Tyler Kinley, Colorado Rockies (Rostered in 6% of Fantasy Leagues)
The Rockies bullpen is generally a fantasy "avoid" but Victor Vodnik had developed a decent role as a closer in Colorado. Right bicep inflammation landed him on the injured list, though, so the Rockies will need someone else on the mound for the rare occasion when they have a lead in the ninth.
Tyler Kinley has the second-most saves on the team, with just six. His 5.88 ERA is far from impressive, but he's been much better lately: 11 of his past 12 outings have been scoreless, with 14 strikeouts and just three walks. He's available pretty much everywhere and could earn a save a week for desperate fantasy managers.
Tyler Kinley, K'ing the Side. pic.twitter.com/80sIZszIUj
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) August 9, 2023
More Bullpen and Closer News
Baltimore Orioles
The Orioles officially moved on from a struggling Craig Kimbrel and gave their closer's role to an ascending Seranthony Dominguez. Well, just like that: Dominguez has allowed three home runs in his past four outings and has been on the mound for two straight walk-off losses.
There isn't likely a change coming right away, but if Dominguez can't get right, Yennier Cano would likely step back into the role.
I love Seranthony Dominguez. Another walk-off! pic.twitter.com/5gfoK5vrAz
— Aaron Yorke (@AaronPYorke) August 21, 2024
Short Relief - Other Bullpen News
-Mason Miller became the third Oakland rookie ever with 20 or more saves. He joins Andrew Bailey and Huston Street on that list.
-Raisel Iglesias is on an absolute tear lately, not allowing a baserunner over his last 11 innings. He's retired 13 of 33 batters by striking them out.
-Tyler Holton has a 0.29 ERA in 30 2/3 innings since June 29 and has the lowest ERA (2.28) since 2023 among pitchers with 150 or more innings pitched.
-Devin Williams had his first really bad outing this week, walking in two runs on eight consecutive pitches out of the strike zone. He'll be fine, this is still basically his spring training.
-Ben Joyce threw three fastballs in a row that went 105 mph, 105 mph, and 103 mph. He's so fun to watch.
-Hunter Harvey experienced a setback and was shut down for a few days. He will attempt to continue his rehab from a back injury this weekend.
-Ryan Helsley has taken back the saves lead to himself with 38 while Emmanuel Clase lags one behind at 37. Kyle Finnegan's 31 is next on the list.
-There's a new holds leader, as Bryan Abreu has taken the top spot with 31. Andrew Kittredge follows with 30, then JoJo Romero and Yennier Cano are at 29 each.
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