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The playoffs are coming! The playoffs are coming! Well, not the real playoffs, yet. We still have some time before those. But fantasy playoffs are starting up in some leagues next week while others are already in their first playoff week, so every single little statistic starts to matter more and more. Head to head leagues, rotisserie leagues, any league. Every stat is magnified when one hit, one RBI, one hold, or one save could be the difference between advancing or playing in a consolation bracket.
This week, we saw some committees restructure, had one committee finally find a leader, and had some new members join some other committees. We saw how a couple of bullpens that removed their closers handled save chances this week, and had a reliever emerge as a must-add in all formats all of a sudden. Since we're at the point where one save could be the difference between a playoff win or a loss, make sure to read this report and keep an eye on the depth charts!
Be sure to keep an eye on our RotoBaller Closers and Saves Bullpen Depth Charts. They're updated daily, or sometimes even more often in this wild 2021 baseball season. With that being said, here are the closers, saves, and bullpen waiver wire pickups to consider for Week 23 - September 6 through September 12.
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Bullpen News For The Week
St. Louis Cardinals
The Cardinals removed Alex Reyes from the closer's role after an atrocious August (which was predictable given most of the peripheral stats despite his early success). The team said they would be "re-evaluating" their ninth inning options, but it's been Giovanny Gallegos every time there has been a save chance since Reyes was removed. With the Cardinals in the thick of the wild card race, they can't afford to get cute and try new things in the ninth inning. They've gone with the reliable veteran and should continue to do so, making Gallegos a must-add in all formats. The Cardinals might mix Reyes in for a chance if Gallegos is unavailable, but as long as Gallegos pitches well, it's hard to see the Cardinals moving away from him.
Risers: Giovanny Gallegos
Fallers: Alex Reyes
Texas Rangers
The Rangers have been addressing their save situation with a committee approach since Ian Kennedy was traded to the Phillies, but Joe Barlow seemed to be separating himself from the pack before he landed on the injured list. As soon as he came off though, he was immediately put in a save situation and converted for his third save of the season. The next day though, he gave up five runs and blew his first save of the year. It still seems like he's the head of the committee, though Spencer Patton and Josh Sborz will likely see some ninth inning work as well.
Risers: Joe Barlow
Oakland A's
The A's saw enough of Lou Trivino's struggles in the ninth inning and moved him to some lower leverage work, at least for now. In the meantime, Sergio Romo and lefty Andrew Chafin have both earned saves, and Jake Diekman is pitching significant high leverage innings as well. Romo may be the best best for just saves right now, and since he and Chafin have similar strikeout upside, Romo is the better arm to roster in most formats. The team stands by their earlier comment about wanting Trivino to work his way back, so those with roster room and patience may want to stick him in a bench spot to see what happens.
Risers: Sergio Romo, Andrew Chafin
Fallers: Lou Trivino
Short Relief
-Brad Hand, who was just acquired at the trade deadline, was designated for assignment by the Toronto Blue Jays this week. It's Jordan Romano's bullpen, with Adam Cimber and Tim Mayza around to help out.
-Adam Ottavino, as expected, has been the main beneficiary of Matt Barnes taking some time away from the Red Sox closer role.
-Cleveland sent James Karinchak down to Triple-A to work on things. The fantasy darling was excellent in the first half, but had an 8.40 ERA since the All-Star Break.
-Alex Colome has fully taken over the closer's role in the Minnesota bullpen. He has seven saves since the trade deadline.
-As expected, Daniel Bard has been officially replaced by Carlos Estevez in the Colorado bullpen. He's worth a roster spot in deeper formats.
-Craig Kimbrel finally got a save for the other Chicago team, but Liam Hendriks is still the preferred reliever to roster in all formats from the White Sox bullpen.
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