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David A Marcillo looks at Week 12 closer performances around MLB for 2018, including bullpen changes. He identifies fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups and adds for saves.
This week was a much quieter one than last week, at least as far as bullpens around baseball are concerned. While last week saw committee members take over their bullpens at the same time as other committees formed in other cities, this week mostly saw more of the same. The guys who did well last week generally did well again this week. Some heads of committees solidified their places at the top of the food chain while others continued to work their way up.
The biggest news of the week was a perennial All-Star closer getting back on the mound. An unsettled bullpen in New York made some waves this week as well. It was one of those weeks where not a ton happened, but the few items that happened could be important things going forward.
All that and more in this week's Closers and Saves Report, so let's dive into the news, the best performers, and any suggested moves for your fantasy team this week:
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Bullpen News for Week 12
Baltimore Orioles
The big news of the week, the news that impatient fantasy owners have been waiting months for, finally came out of Baltimore. Zach Britton made his way back onto the mound after missing most of the past two seasons due to injury. While he won't immediately pitch the ninth inning, it's expected that he'll ascend the bullpen ranks quickly. The Orioles have already openly stated that they will be showcasing Britton in an attempt to increase his trade value as we head toward the July 31st trade deadline. Britton is a legitimately elite closer when he's healthy, so contrary to a lot of closers who are sold at the deadline, we can expect Britton to continue as closer on whatever team he gets traded to. He's worth activating from the disabled list in all formats, although owners should expect few save chances coming from the Orioles this season.
New York Mets
Coming into the season, A.J. Ramos and Jeurys Familia were reportedly battling it out for the closer role in New York. Familia ultimately won the role, with Ramos settling into a primary setup role. Ramos struggled mightily and is now hurt and on the disabled list. Familia followed him there this week, and the Mets were left without either of the two guys they planned on having as closers. Anthony Swarzak seems to have risen to the challenge, however. He's spent most of the season on the disabled list, but he appears healthy now and seems to have his manager's trust. He should get the majority of the save chances the Mets provide while Familia is on the DL.
Houston Astros
Just when you think you know what the Astros are doing, manager A.J. Hinch reminds you that being unpredictable can sometimes be one of the keys to success. Hector Rondon saved three games in just five days, immediately leading to pickups throughout the world of fantasy baseball. A full time closer for one of the best teams in baseball? Who wouldn't want that guy on their fantasy roster? But just as quickly as Rondon appeared, the Astros popped in with another surprise. Ken Giles came in and saved his 11th game in 11 chances on Tuesday. For all the flak Giles has received this season, he's a perfect 11-for-11 in save chances and has yet to allow a run in those opportunities. It may have simply been a case of Rondon being unavailable due to his work load, but Giles proved to his manager that he can be counted on to protect a close lead. It looks like the Astros will remain a committee, and for now Rondon sits at the head of the table, but Giles recognizes his old chair and wants to get Rondon out of it (metaphors!)
Roster Moves of the Week
Adds
Anthony Swarzak, New York Mets- Swarzak looks set to serve as the closer for the Mets while Jeurys Familia recovers from a sore shoulder. There doesn't seem to be a ton of concern revolving around Familia, so Swarzak likely won't hold the role for long, but he should still be a solid source of strikeouts and the occasional save over the next two weeks or so.
Hector Rondon, Houston Astros- While he was probably quickly scooped off the waiver wire in most leagues after collecting three saves in five days, there are still plenty of leagues where Rondon is still available. He doesn't seem to have the ninth inning locked down without competition, but he's the head of the committee at least for now.
Drops
Nate Jones, Chicago White Sox- Jones was a somewhat popular add as a guy who was potentially stepping up into a closer's role a few weeks ago, but he failed miserably while his main competition (Joakim Soria) excelled. Add to that the fact that Jones landed on the DL this week, he makes for a guy who can be dropped in just about every format.
Best of the Week
Edwin Diaz, Seattle Mariners- 4 1/3 IP, 6 K, 4 SV, 0.00 ERA, 0.92 WHIP
Mariners closer Edwin Diaz had the best week of any reliever, saving four games while striking out six batters in 4 1/3 innings. He allowed four hits and helped keep the Mariners rolling.
Joakim Soria, Chicago White Sox- 3 1/3, 3 K, 4 SV, 0.00 ERA, 0.90 WHIP
White Sox closer Joakim Soria needed just 10 outs to record four saves this week. He struck out three batters and gave up just two hits and a walk. Soria has risen to the challenge and should be owned in way more than the 37% of leagues he's currently rostered in.
Brad Hand, San Diego Padres- 4 IP, 3 K, 3 SV, 0.00 ERA, 0.00 WHIP
Padres closer Brad Hand had a perfect week, facing 12 batters and retiring all 12, three on strikeouts. He picked up three saves and a hold in his four games and has steadily been working his way toward elite closer status.
