We've only had about 30 games per team (or way less for some), but it's already almost the trade deadline! This season's trade deadline is on Monday, August 31st, and while there have already been a few trades made, there will certainly be a flurry before Monday afternoon. One thing we as baseball fans can always rely on, even in a season as strange as this one, is an active trade deadline.
Bullpens continue to fall apart at what has to be a record pace (citation needed, maybe, but like...common sense, I think?) Pitchers keep getting injured and guys who seemingly never struggle are certainly struggling this year. We've had about as much bullpen news this season as we would have had by late August in a regular baseball season, it seems.
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 6
Detroit Tigers
The Tigers were one of the seemingly few teams with a pretty solid bullpen situation. Joe Jimenez, their closer since Opening Day, has struggled lately, posting an overall 12.10 ERA despite officially blowing only one save so far. Tigers manager Ron Gardenhire said he will use a committee to close out games, at least for now. Jimenez figures to get another chance in the ninth if he starts pitching well, but Buck Farmer, Jose Cisnero, and Gregory Soto will split those chances for now.
Tampa Bay Rays
The Rays didn't have a full-on closer, but Nick Anderson was about as close as they'd get. With Anderson now on the injured list (and Jalen Beeks joining him there), Tampa Bay will likely go right back into a rotating committee approach. Diego Castillo seems like maybe the best best, but John Curtiss and Edgar Garcia could see some ninth inning work as well. Castillo may be the one worth owning, especially for fantasy managers desperate for saves.
Colorado Rockies
The Rockies are in committee mode for their ninth innings, but Daniel Bard has risen to the top lately. It's still a revolving door, but Bard seems to be at the top of the hierarchy (ladies and gentlemen, please welcome to the stage: Mixed Metaphor!) Jairo Diaz, Carlos Estevez, and maybe even Jeff Hoffman should mix in for save chances now and then, but as long as he keeps pitching well, Bard might carve out a role as a full time closer.
"Toronto" Blue Jays
Another team in all-out committee mode seems to have a bit of clarity, as Jordan Romano has risen to the top of the Buffalo/Toronto closers hierarchy. Romano has a 0.64 ERA and misses plenty of bats. He saved two games in three days this week, and more of that will potentially lead to him taking over the ninth inning all on his own. For now, he'll lead a committee that also features Anthony Bass and Rafael Dolis.
Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pirates had their closer, Keone Kela, join late after he dealt with COVID-19 issues at the beginning of the season. He pitched just two innings before ending up back on the injured list, leaving a mess in the Pirates bullpen again. Richard Rodriguez figures to be in there for any save chances the Pirates end up with, but Chris Stratton and Geoff Hartlieb will mix in as well. Only players in the deepest leagues should consider any Pirates relievers.
Short Relief
- The Giants bullpen remains unclear after Trevor Gott struggled his way out of the closer's spot. Tony Watson, Tyler Rogers, and Jarlin Garcia are the likely arms to get ninth inning shots when the situations arise.
- Emilio Pagan has taken over in the San Diego bullpen, and he should hold down the role until Drew Pomeranz comes back. He's worth having in the lineup of most fantasy rosters.
- Giovanny Gallegos looks like he's finally worked his way up to the head of the Cardinals committee. There still doesn't look like there's a solid closer in St. Louis, but Gallegos is as close as it gets there for now.
- Trevor Rosenthal had a rough outing this week, but should still be one of the top trade targets before Monday's deadline. He may close for his new team, but he could also slide into a setup role, depending on where he ends up. Now is a good time to sell high in fantasy leagues just in case he loses his ninth inning spot at the deadline.
Roster Moves of the Week
Adds
Jordan Romano, Toronto Blue Jays - Romano has taken over as the top of the committee, and may soon take over outright. He's been excellent this season, with a high strikeout rate and a manageable walk rate. He should be owned in most formats.
Emilio Pagan, San Diego Padres - The Padres are on their third potentially-elite closer of the season. They started with Kirby Yates, who wasn't good then got hurt. Then they went to Drew Pomeranz, who was excellent but then got hurt. It's Emilio Pagan's turn, and he has the stuff to be very good as well.
Giovanny Gallegos, St. Louis Cardinals - Gallegos was expected by many to be the Cardinals closer all season, and it looks like he's finally worked his way at least into the front of the committee.
Daniel Bard, Colorado Rockies/Diego Castillo, Tampa Bay Rays - Both of these righties could be good if they keep pitching well, but they don't have a locked-in role just yet. If you're desperate for saves, they're worth an add in standard leagues now, and both should be owned in holds leagues already.
Richard Rodriguez, Pittsburgh Pirates - Only for the most desperate fantasy owners who might need a save every 10 days.
Drops
Keone Kela, Pittsburgh Pirates - Kela could be done for the year, and is at least out until past the trade deadline.
Joe Jimenez, Detroit Tigers - You might have already dropped Jimenez just based on how bad he's been this year, but now that he's been removed from the closer's role, there's no real reason to hold on.
Best of the Week
Brad Hand, Cleveland Indians
3 IP, 3 SV, 3 K, 0.00 ERA, 0 base runners allowed
Cleveland closer Brad Hand was perfect this week, facing nine batters and retiring all nine while saving three games.
Brandon Kintzler, Miami Marlins
4 IP, 3 SV, 1 K, 0.00 ERA, 4 base runners allowed
Marlins closer Brandon Kintzler doesn't get it done with strikeouts, but he gets it done most of the time. He saved three games, getting just one strikeout but not allowing any runs.
Liam Hendriks, Oakland A's
4 IP, 2 SV, 5 K, 0.00 ERA, 1 base runner allowed
A's closer Liam Hendriks allowed just one base runner this week while saving two games and striking out five.
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