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Well, here we are folks. For most fantasy leagues, this is it. This is the last week that counts, the wrap up week in roto leagues and the championship matchup in head-to-head leagues. This is everything you've been working for all season and I am so proud of you. Oh, me? Yeah, I had either the most points scored or the best won-loss record in all three of my leagues! (Disregard the fact that I was knocked out of the playoffs in each one. Regular Season Champion? Can we make that a thing?)
This week, the best team in baseball finally made a ninth inning change, a committee re-formed after it looked like one guy was taking over, and two former left-handed closers pitched in the same bullpen for a division winner. Also, an injured closer came back and went right back to the ninth inning, another guy you've never heard of got a save for the Rays, and two teams are now within one save of making baseball history. That's a lot to cover, so let's go!
Be sure to also keep an eye on our RotoBaller Fantasy Baseball Closers and Saves Bullpen Depth Charts. They're updated daily, or sometimes even more often in this wild 2022 baseball season.
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Los Angeles Dodgers - Bullpen and Closers News
The Dodgers have approximately 350 wins this season, but they have not been without their flaws. The biggest, at least most noticeable one, has been their ninth inning. Craig Kimbrel is closing in on the 400th save of his career and will without a doubt go down as one of the most dominant relief pitchers of this generation.
But this season? Kimbrel has a 4.02 ERA, five blown saves, and seven losses. While some underlying numbers show that Kimbrel has been unlucky, the Dodgers didn't want to wait to see if that luck would continue in the playoffs.
With Kimbrel removed from the closer's role now combined with some earlier mixing and matching this season, the Dodgers are now one two teams with 12 different players who have earned saves this season. The major league record is 13, held by (of course) the Tampa Bay Rays. For now, Evan Phillips, Alex Vesia, and Tommy Kahnle seem like the trio for the LA ninth inning, but David Price was just activated and could mix in as well.
For anyone curious, here's the list of every Dodgers pitcher to earn a save so far in 2022: Craig Kimbrel, Daniel Hudson, Brusdar Graterol, Evan Phillips, Chris Martin, Alex Vesia, Yency Almonte, Andre Jackson, David Price, Jake Reed, Tommy Kahnle, and Justin Bruihl.
Risers: Evan Phillips, Alex Vesia, Tommy Kahnle
Fallers: Craig Kimbrel
New York Yankees - Bullpen and Closers News
The other team with a dozen different relievers earning a save this season? The Yankees! They are also one more save away from tying the Rays record of 13.
For now, Clay Holmes is still leading the Yankees committee, but amid reports that the team was considering designating Aroldis Chapman for assignment, he's touching 101 mph on the radar gun and pitching clean innings.
Zack Britton has also rejoined the Yankees bullpen, but he's struggled to throw strikes so far. Contributions from Chapman and Britton would be huge for the Yankees bullpen heading into the playoffs. For now though, Holmes, Scott Effross, and Jonathan Loaisiga are the best bets for saves.
Here are the 12 Yankees with saves this season: Clay Holmes, Aroldis Chapman, Wandy Peralta, Lucas Luetge, Clarke Schmidt, Scott Effross, Michael King, Jonathan Loaisiga, Chad Green, Lou Trivino, Manny Banuelos, and Ryan Weber.
Risers: Clay Holmes, Scott Effross
Fallers: Zack Britton?
Short Relief - Other Bullpen News
-Don't worry, the Rays aren't too far behind the Dodgers and Yankees. They have 11 different relievers with saves this year, including "Calvin Faucher" with his first one this week.
-The Cubs looked like they were starting to lean on Brandon Hughes, but Manuel Rodriguez has made his way into the hierarchy and the two look like co-closers at this point.
-David Bednar is back and closing for the Pirates, although he might not pitch back-to-back games for now.
-Mark Melancon got his first save since being removed from the closer's role, but Reyes Moronta still looks like the leader of the desert committee.
-Matt Barnes is good again? He had two saves this week for the Red Sox.
-Dylan Floro is pretty much set as the Marlins closer until the end of the season.
-Albert Pujols is the only relief pitcher ever to hit 700 home runs.
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