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

Closers and Saves Report - Week 6 Waiver Wire

David Marcillo's fantasy baseball closers and saves to pick up or monitor on the Week 6 waiver wire. These are the most intriguing bullpen situations around MLB.

Some pretty important moving and shaking went on this week in the bullpens across the league. Craig Kimbrel is still looking for somebody to love him (Queen reference in intro: ✔), and I'm still recommending anyone holding him in fantasy leagues without an NA spot lets him go. Thought it would be good to get that clear off the top.

Diving into more current news, the Braves went into a full committee, the Twins dipped their toes in the committee pool, the A's escaped a bullpen disaster, and the Cubs descended into chaos. The Red Sox bullpen might be figuring itself out, and the Marlins lost a potential save candidate to an injury this week as well.

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.

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

 

Bullpen News for Week 6

Atlanta Braves

A.J. Minter pitched in the seventh inning of a game the Braves were losing, in case you were wondering where he is in terms of the closer-by-committee in Atlanta. Even worse, his manager said the lefty was likely headed to the minors to work things out. He's not even a consideration for the ninth inning at this point. Luke Jackson seems like the choice here despite a tough outing on Thursday, but Dan Winkler should get some chances and Minter could work his way back into more important innings eventually. Owners desperate for saves can snag Jackson off the waiver wire if they have an open roster spot, but he's probably not worth dropping anyone you've been starting this season.

Minnesota Twins

It really looked like Blake Parker was taking over the closer's role in Minnesota and not looking back but then he...looked back at Taylor Rogers and saw him earning saves. At first, Rogers was only given save situations when Parker was unavailable, but this week, Rogers was on the mound while Parker waited patiently in the bullpen. What looked like Parker's ninth inning is back to being a committee, although it seems more like a platoon with the righty Parker and the lefty Rogers. That means Parker should still get most of the save chances, but he won't have the numbers of a full-fledged closer as long as Rogers sticks around.

Oakland A's

The A's have one of baseball's best closers in Blake Treinen and a lot of A's fans and fantasy owners of Treinen were rightfully worried when Treinen was deemed unavailable due to "right elbow discomfort", but he was able to avoid a trip to the injured list and returned on Wednesday night with two scoreless innings. Crisis averted in Oakland.

Chicago Cubs

Speaking of crises, there's one in the Chicago bullpen. Pedro Strop, already closing in place of the injured Brandon Morrow, is now on his way to the IL as well. Strop hurt his hamstring and was placed on the injured list, leaving the closer's role likely to some mix of Steve Cishek, Brandon Kintzler, and Brad Brach. Lefty Kyle Ryan might get a chance or two when the situation calls for it as well. There's no real must-own in this bullpen right now, but the best bet would be Cishek for owners trying to replace Strop from within.

Texas Rangers

The Rangers demoted closer Jose Leclerc after a difficult start to the season and were going with Chris Martin and Shawn Kelley for a bit. On Thursday, Kelley wound up on the IL with an infection and the ninth inning seems to be Martin's for now. He's not a high-strikeout guy, but he should be able to provide a couple of saves a week and can be picked up in most formats as a temporary source of bullpen help.

 

Short Relief

  • The Marlins bullpen has been interesting this season, with expected-to-be-good guys like Drew Steckenrider and Adam Conley being awful and expected-to-be-wait-who-even-is-that guys Nick Anderson and Tyler Kinley being solid. "Steck" had to return to Miami for testing on his elbow and will miss some time. That and the awful start to the season by Conley should propel Anderson and Tayron Guerrero into more significant innings going forward.
  • Ryan Brasier has been struggling for the Red Sox lately and is only further proving that Matt Barnes is the superior talent. Barnes is currently being used as the fireman in the Boston bullpen, but he may start seeing some more traditional save chances if Brasier keeps blowing it.
  • The Angels activated Cody Allen from the injured list, but he doesn't seem like a late-inning factor for now. Ty Buttrey is getting the fireman treatment in Anaheim, with Hansel Robles looking like the designated ninth inning arm. Buttrey needs to be owned in all holds leagues, and Robles could be an option for owners struggling to get saves.

 

Roster Moves of the Week

Adds

Taylor Rogers, Minnesota Twins - Rogers puts up excellent rate stats and piles up the Ks. Now that he's part of the ninth inning committee, he's worth picking up in deeper standard formats and should already be owned in all holds leagues.

Chris Martin, Texas Rangers - Martin wasn't a recommended add when he was sharing the closer's role with Shawn Kelley, but now that Kelley's on the injured list, Martin should get the bulk of the save chances until Leclerc is deemed ready to return. Martin won't blow away hitters and isn't a huge strikeout arm, but he's solid enough to provide a save or two here and there, and that always means fantasy value.

Luke Jackson, Atlanta Braves - If Jackson is still available, he should be a somewhat solid source of saves for the next few weeks. A.J. Minter should be able to work his way back into the ninth inning, but for now it seems like Jackson's job to lose.

Steve Cishek, Chicago Cubs - Cishek should get most of the save chances for the Cubs while Pedro Strop recovers from his hamstring injury. Cishek won't light the world on fire and will likely share the role with other Cubs relievers, but he could provide a save or two per week.

Drops

No immediate drops this week, unless you're still holding out hope for Craig Kimbrel and have him in an active roster spot. Also, if you're out of IL spots, Pedro Strop doesn't need to be held onto for too long, since he might end up returning to a committee role anyway.

 

Best of the Week

Josh Hader, Milwaukee Brewers - 3 2/3 IP, 3 SV, 10 K, 0.00 ERA, 0.82 WHIP

Hader was the only closer with three saves this week, but even if he'd had fewer, he'd be in the top spot with 10 strikeouts in 3 2/3 innings and no runs allowed. He gave up just three base runners, a hit and two walks.

Felipe Vazquez, Pittsburgh Pirates - 3 IP, 2 SV, 5 K, 0.00 ERA, 0.67 WHIP

Vazquez had a solid week, striking out five in his three innings and picking up two saves. He allowed two hits this week without giving up a walk.

Aroldis Chapman, New York Yankees - 1 1/3 IP, 2 SV, 2 K, 0.00 ERA, 0.75 WHIP

Chapman was barely on the mound this week, getting just four outs, but he was still able to secure two saves and two strikeouts while allowing only one hit.

More 2019 Fantasy Baseball Advice


Check out RotoBaller's entire fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups and sleepers list, updated daily!




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

Chase Claypool

Eager to Get Back on the Field
Wyatt Langford

Activated, Playing on Saturday
Jay Huff

on the Move to Indiana
Cam Whitmore

Wizards Acquire Cam Whitmore from the Rockets
Corey Heim

Does Not Qualify for Cup Race at Chicago Street Course
LaJohntay Wester

Stands out on Special Teams
Clarke Schmidt

Likely to Undergo Tommy John Surgery
Nolan Arenado

Scratched from Saturday's Lineup
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Starting on Saturday
Corbin Carroll

Activated from 10-Day Injured List
Cincinnati Bengals

Shemar Stewart, Bengals Continue Contract Talks, No Progress Made
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Potential Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade may not Happen Until "August, September"
Ha-Seong Kim

Removed Early During Season Debut
ARI

Christian Fischer Retires From NHL at 28
NHL

Spencer Martin Moves to Russia
WAS

Anthony Beauvillier Re-Signs With Capitals for Two Years
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Sitting Out With Foot Issue
Isaiah Neyor

Impresses at Minicamp
Houston Rockets

Jock Landale Waived by Rockets
Bo Bichette

Back in Blue Jays Lineup
Jonas Valančiūnas

Jonas Valanciunas Considering Returning to Europe
Miles Sanders

Works With Starters During Mandatory Minicamp
Jabari Walker

Signs Two-Way Deal With Sixers
Chimere Dike

Titans Could Move Chimere Dike Inside
Keandre Lambert-Smith

KeAndre Lambert-Smith not Guaranteed Roster Spot
Anthony Bradford

Working Hard to Win Back Starting Job
Byron Young

Still Improving?
Cody Simon

Jonathan Gannon has Been Impressed With Cody Simon
SirVocea Dennis

has Impressive Offseason
Trevor Penning

Could Still Have a Role in New Orleans
Jonathan Kuminga

Warriors Decline Recent Offer for Jonathan Kuminga
Orlando Magic

Moritz Wagner, Magic Agree to One-Year Deal
Clarke Schmidt

Placed on Injured List
José Soriano

Jose Soriano Throws Gem Against Braves
Robbie Ray

Earns Ninth Win in Complete Game
T.J. Watt

Likely to Reset the Edge-Rush Market
George Springer

Blasts Two Homers, Drives in Four
James Wood

Goes Yard in Five-Hit Night
Bradley Beal

Suns Discussing Potential Buyout
Los Angeles Lakers

Jaxson Hayes Staying with the Lakers
NBA

Damian Lillard "Open" to Signing With a Team This Offseason
Max Muncy

Out at Least Six Weeks
Clarke Schmidt

Leaves Start with Forearm Tightness
Colson Montgomery

Promoted to the Major Leagues
Pittsburgh Steelers

Omar Khan, Steelers Agree to Three-Year Contract
Max Muncy

Goes on Injured List With Knee Bruise
Max Muncy

Out of Thursday's Lineup
James Wood

Joining Home Run Derby
SJ

Sharks Claim Nick Leddy Off Waivers
Max Scherzer

Cleared to Start on Saturday
SJ

Sharks Sign Dmitry Orlov to Two-Year, $13 Million Contract
CAR

Nikolaj Ehlers Joins Hurricanes on Six-Year Contract
Kodai Senga

Could be "in Play" to Return Before All-Star Break
Chau Smith-Wade

Having Stellar Offseason
Ace Bailey

Inks Rookie Contract With Jazz
Divine Deablo

Could be the Quarterback of the Defense
Isaiah Rodgers

a Likely Starter for the Vikings
Jacob Monk

Sees Plenty of Work With Starters
Avonte Maddox

has Impressed Dan Campbell
Boston Celtics

Josh Minott Inks Deal With Celtics
Chicago Bears

Ruben Hyppolite Shows Notable Improvement
Sandro Mamukelashvili

Heading to Toronto
Daron Payne

Commanders Coaches Impressed With Daron Payne
Jared McCain

Not on 76ers Summer League Roster
Dylan Harper

Unavailable for California Classic
COL

Brent Burns Inks One-Year Deal with Avalanche
STL

Blues Land Pius Suter on Two-Year Deal
Morgan Frost

Agrees to Two-Year Extension with Flames
WPG

Gustav Nyquist Moves to Winnipeg
Cody Glass

Devils Re-Sign Cody Glass to Two-Year Deal
PIT

Anthony Mantha Joins Penguins
Cleveland Cavaliers

Larry Nance Jr. Headed Back to Cavaliers
Eric Gordon

Remaining with 76ers
Los Angeles Lakers

Deandre Ayton Joining Lakers
Emil Heineman

Signs Two-Year Deal with Islanders
Simon Holmstrom

Re-Signs with Islanders for Two Years
UTA

Nate Schmidt Signs Three-Year Deal with Mammoth
UTA

Brandon Tanev Moves to Utah on Three-Year Contract
NJ

Evgenii Dadonov Joins Devils on One-Year Deal
BUF

Sabres Snap Up Alex Lyon on Two-Year Contract
Dallas Mavericks

Dante Exum Returning to Dallas
Ryan McLeod

Inks Four-Year Extension with Sabres
NAS

Predators Bring in Nick Perbix on Two-Year Deal
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Has Surgery to Repair a Turf Toe Injury
LA

Cody Ceci Moves to Los Angeles
Bud Cauley

in Great Form Ahead of John Deere Classic
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

a Player to Avoid at John Deere Classic
Jake Knapp

Riding Momentum Ahead of John Deere Classic
PGA

Sungjae Im Looking for Consistency at John Deere Classic
Ryan Gerard

a Solid Option at John Deere Classic
Rickie Fowler

Looking to Rebound at John Deere Classic
Cameron Champ

a Volatile Option at John Deere Classic
Jackson Suber

Staying Below 70 is Key to Success for Jackson Suber
Kevin Roy

Playing Better Heading into John Deere Classic
Justin Lower

Hoping for Something Positive in Illinois
Ben Kohles

a Long Shot at John Deere Classic
Stephan Jaeger

Attempts to Stop Roller-Coaster Ride
Beau Hossler

Needs a Challenge in Illinois
Harry Higgs

Has Potential at John Deere Classic
Nick Dunlap

Keeps Plugging Through Tough 2025 Season
Kevin Yu

a Near Must-Play at TPC Deere Run
PGA

J.T. Poston Returns to John Deere Classic Looking for Another High Finish
Thriston Lawrence

a Decent Fit For John Deere Classic
Tom Kim

Not Finding Much to be Happy About Ahead of John Deere Classic
Si Woo Kim

is a Prohibitive Fade at John Deere Classic
Ben Griffin

is the Appropriate Favorite at TPC Deere Run
Daniel Suarez

and Trackhouse Racing Parting Ways After 2025 Season
Ilia Topuria

Becomes The New Lightweight Champion
Charles Oliveira

Knocked Out At UFC 317
Kai Kara-France

Alexandre Pantoja Submits Kai Kara-France
Kai Kara-France

Submitted At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Extends His Win Streak
Brandon Royval

Drops Decision
Renato Moicano

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Beneil Dariush

Gets Back In The Win Column
Felipe Lima

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Payton Talbott

Bounces Back
Alex Bowman

Competitive Run Ends With Third-Place Finish at Atlanta
Erik Jones

Secures A Top-Five Finish After Adversity In Atlanta
Tyler Reddick

Collects A New Career-Best Finish At Atlanta
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF