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We did it, folks! We've (pretty much) made it to the end of the 2023 regular season. Only a few head-to-head fantasy leagues still had meaningful matchups this week, and everyone in rotisserie leagues is seeing things wrap up as well. For those leagues still playing though, one save, one K, or one relief win could be it. It could be the difference.
This week, a bullpen heading into the postseason seemingly got a new committee leader. Another bullpen fighting for its team's playoff life might get their closer back soon. A team well outside of the playoff picture might have a new closer, and finally, a previously well-established playoff-bound bullpen has been turned into a committee approach. All that and more, coming up!
Be sure to also keep an eye on our Fantasy Baseball Closer Depth Charts for saves, holds, and bullpens. They will be updated daily or sometimes even more often throughout the 2023 baseball season.
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Philadelphia Phillies - Bullpen and Closer News
The Phillies have relied on veteran closer Craig Kimbrel for most of the season. He has 23 saves in 28 chances and a 3.36 ERA. His strikeouts are up and his walks are down from last year. But in September? Kimbrel has just two saves while Jose Alvarado has three.
Heading into the playoffs comfortably in the top Wild Card spot, it looks like the Phillies have a committee in their closer's role. Matchups will certainly play a big role, as Alvarado is a lefty and Kimbrel is a righty. Despite the saves totals skewing Alvarado's way in September, Kimbrel would probably be the better Philly reliever to roster for any playoff fantasy leagues. Still, Alvarado will have a key role and has shown the ability to get righties out as well:
Risers: Jose Alvarado
Fallers: Craig Kimbrel
Kansas City Royals - Bullpen and Closer News
So the Royals season hasn't been all that exciting (105 losses and counting), but Bobby Witt Jr. has been an absolute force on offense and defense. Now at the end of the season, they may have found their closer of the future. James McArthur has three saves in three chances and has overall looked really good in just over 20 big league innings. His ERA is a little tough to look at (5.31), but that's mostly all from the seven runs he gave up in the first inning of his career earlier this season.
McArthur has solidified himself as the Royals' closer for this final week of the season and seems to be the early favorite for Kansas City saves next year as well. He doesn't have huge strikeout numbers, but he's shown excellent control which makes for strong ratios and a very low WHIP (0.98), especially when compared to his bloated ERA.
Risers: James McArthur
Fallers: Carlos Hernandez
Short Relief - Other Bullpen News
-Tanner Scott was placed on the paternity list earlier this week, leading to an Andrew Nardi save out of the Marlins bullpen. Scott was reinstated before Thursday's game.
-Jose Leclerc looks to be back in the Rangers' closer role, or at least atop the committee that includes Aroldis Chapman and William Smith.
-Adbert Alzolay is expected to rejoin the Cubs bullpen for this weekend's series after spending some time on the IL. He'll slide right back into his closer role, as the Cubs bullpen has been struggling without him.
-Dallas Keuchel was one out away from a two-inning save this week. While that's likely not relevant in any fantasy league, it seemed interesting enough because it's Dallas Keuchel in 2023.
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