RADIO
It was a nice and quiet week for most of the world's bullpens this week, a welcome change in a season that has experienced almost non-stop relief pitching turmoil. With the fantasy playoffs approaching rapidly for most and already arriving for some, every save, hold, strikeout, and ERA fraction could be the difference between a win and a loss.
A closer got a vote of confidence and proved his manager right. Another closer is on his way back from an IL stay that sure did seem like as much a mental break as it did a physical one. A team recorded a save this week that had not recorded a save all month. All that and more, served warm and fragrant right to your screens, next.
Take a look at our Closer Depth Chart, which is updated daily. Let's jump in and take a look at what's been going on in the bullpens around baseball.
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Bullpen News for Week 22
Miami Marlins
The Marlins got a save! Ryne Stanek, who was acquired at the deadline from the Rays, earned the Marlins first save for the month of August this week. The team seems to be trying hard to use him as their closer, even though the results haven't been great so far. Still, it seems he's moved close to the top of the committee. For now. Jose Urena, Marlins opening day starter and Atlanta Braves Super Villain, will reportedly return from the IL in a relief role and the team wants to try him out as a closer. He hasn't ever really been a good starter, but he does seem to maybe have the "stuff" to succeed in a shorter role. He throws hard and tends to fare decently enough the first time through a batting order. He's more than likely a showcase piece for the Marlins, who will hope to move him this winter.
Washington Nationals
Nationals closer Sean Doolittle struggled for a stretch and ended up on the IL with a diagnosis of right knee tendinitis. While that could certainly have been an issue that caused his struggles, the IL stint came at a great time for Doolittle to get a needed mental rest as well. He should come back stronger down the stretch and once again be one of the top left-handed relievers in the game. Roenis Elias is also on his way back from the IL and should strengthen the Nationals bullpen leading up to Doolittle's ninth inning.
Colorado Rockies
The Rockies bullpen has been...well, Rocky. not great this season. Wade Davis failed miserably in his second chance after Scott Oberg was forced to the IL. It seems a committee made up of Jairo Diaz, Carlos Estevez, and Bryan Shaw has formed in Denver, and Diaz looks like he has the slightest edge for now. It could be a true committee and lefty Jake McGee might mix in as well, but for now owners completely starved for saves and willing to take a chance on a Colorado reliever should target Diaz.
Short Relief
- Keynan Middleton is back on the Angels roster after a successful recovery from Tommy John Surgery. He won't close, but he could be used in some high-leverage innings and might develop value in holds leagues.
- Nick Goody looks like he's worked his way to the second spot in the Cleveland bullpen. He's been the main setup man for closer Brad Hand and should have holds league value.
- Speaking of Brad Hand, he's out of his extended slump and back to dominating ninth innings.
- Edwin Diaz is allegedly using a new grip: Jacob deGrom's slider grip is now in Edwin Diaz's hands. He struck out the side on Wednesday after a few days off, and maybe it's a sign of good things to come.
Roster Moves of the Week
Adds
Jose Urena, Miami Marlins- Urena is by no means a must-add, but he should be coming back as the closer and he's likely available in most leagues. If you're desperate for saves, he'll at least have the chance to earn a few.
Sean Doolittle, Washington Nationals- Some owners thought his injury was season-ending and dropped him. Probably not in most leagues, but if he's available in yours, snatch him up before someone else does.
Jairo Diaz, Colorado Rockies- Only for those most desperate for saves, Diaz looks like he may be atop the Colorado committee and could pick up a save or two now and then.
Drops
Nationals Relievers Not Named Sean Doolittle, Washington Nationals- Doolittle should be back from the IL and in his closer's role. The committee is done in the capital, and Doolittle will again be the only reliever worth owning in standard formats.
Best of the Week
Brad Hand, Cleveland Indians- 3 IP, 3 SV, 2 K, 0.00 ERA, 0.67 WHIP
Brad Hand was BAD for a while, but he got a vote of confidence from his manager and has been excellent since then. He saved three games this week while allowing just two hits.
Archie Bradley, Arizona Diamondbacks- 2 2/3 IP, 3 SV, 2 K, 0.00 ERA, 0.75 WHIP
Diamondbacks closer Archie Bradley locked down three games this week, allowing just a walk and a hit while recording eight outs.
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