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

MLB Closers and Saves Report - Week 10

David Marcillo looks at Week 10 closer performances around MLB, including bullpen changes. He identifies fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups and adds for saves.

This was an interesting week in the world of bullpens, as no closers outright lost their jobs, but a couple of teams saw the beginning of what might lead to a significant changing of the guard.

Also, Craig Kimbrel is incredible and on an ever better pace (by most markers) than Eric Gagne was in his Cy Young season.

That's intriguing enough, but let's dive into some bullpen and closer news for week 10.

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

 

Bullpen News for Week 10

Pittsburgh Pirates

Pirates closer Tony Watson hasn't been good this season. He started off the year pitching poorly according to advanced metrics, but "getting the job done" according to back-of-the-baseball card stats. He was saving games, and his ERA was nice and tidy. However, a monster lurked below, as his strikeout-to-walk ratio and BABIP numbers led to high FIP and SIERA values, both of which pointed to sharp regression. That regression came, and it came with a vengeance.

After two straight rough outings, Watson's ERA stands at 4.44 and he has now blown five saves. Even that 4.44 ERA is generous, as his 5.76 FIP shows even more regression yet to come. Watson has been given an extremely long leash by manager Clint Hurdle, but soon he'll need to realize that enough is enough and make a change. Almost certain to take over the ninth inning once Watson is removed is fellow lefty Felipe Rivero.

"We've talked at length since Felipe got [here] that one day he'll close," manager Clint Hurdle said. "He shows you that stuff." Rivero has a 0.58 ERA and a 34:6 strikeout-to-walk ratio. He'll make an excellent closer once inserted in the role and is already worth picking up in mixed leagues since it's only a matter of time until he starts picking up saves.

Philadelphia Phillies

The Phillies bullpen, much like the Phillies Baseball Team, has been a mess. They started with Jeanmar Gomez as their closer, which everyone but Jeanmar Gomez thought was a bad idea. They removed Gomez, and things have barely been better. Hector Neris, the fantasy darling in the Phillies bullpen, has struggled enough that manager Pete Mackanin has removed him from a ninth inning save situation in two of his last three appearances.

Most recently, veteran Pat Neshek closed out an inning Neris started and earned his first save since 2015. Neshek is having an incredible season so far, posting a 0.82 ERA to go with a 21:4 strikeout-to-walk ratio. On Wednesday, Mackanin said that Neshek would have closed the game out if there had been a save situation.

It might be a bit of a closer-by-committee situation for a bit, but with the trade deadline coming up next month, the Phillies will want to put Neshek in as many high leverage situations as possible in an attempt to increase his trade value. Neshek is worth an immediate pickup in deep mixed leagues, and is someone to keep a close eye on in standard leagues.

Los Angeles Angels

The Angels were supposed to get veteran reliever Huston Street back already. He experienced a setback in his rehab assignment as he was diagnosed with right triceps tendinitis and shut down from throwing once again. The reliever who opened the season as the Angels closer, Cam Bedrosian, was also supposed to be back this week, but he also experienced a setback in his recovery, informing the team that he still felt soreness in his groin, which is what landed him on the disabled list in the first place. So what does this all mean?

Bud Norris gets to live his closer life for another day. The longer Norris spends as closer (as long as he continues to pitch well), the better chance he has to hold off Street and Bedrosian when they're healthy. Bedrosian is a better pitcher than Norris and Street combined at this point, but if Norris and manager Mike Scioscia get comfortable with the current ninth inning set up, Bedrosian may end up working in a role similar to Andrew Miller of the Indians or Archie Bradley of the Diamondbacks.

 

Roster Moves of the Week

Adds

Felipe Rivero, Pittsburgh Pirates- Rivero was here in the "Adds" section last week, and he shows up here again this week, only with an even stronger push to be added. Current Pirates closer Tony Watson is holding onto his job by a silk thread, and manager Clint Hurdle has basically already said Rivero is next in line. He should be closing by the end of the month at the latest.

Pat Neshek, Philadelphia Phillies- The Phillies closing role has been messy, and will likely continue to be messy all season. It seems like veteran Pat Neshek is taking over for now, but he's almost certain to be traded this season, and the team may not wait until the trade deadline to start moving veterans. Still, Neshek should be a source of saves for at least a few weeks, and that makes him worth adding in most formats.

Drops

Tony Watson, Pittsburgh Pirates- Not an outright drop just yet, but Tony Watson is a guy owners should be trying to sell for any remotely decent return at this point. He's going to lose his job soon, and almost certainly won't get it back this season. Watson's owners should look to move him immediately, before an official announcement is made.

 

Best of the Week

Corey Knebel, Milwaukee Brewers- 5 IP, 4 SV, 10 K, 1.80 ERA, 1.20 WHIP

Brewers closer Corey Knebel wasn't perfect this week- far from it, in fact. He allowed a run on two hits and four walks in his five innings of work, even blowing a save along the way. But...he was the only closer to record four saves and the only closer to record double digit strikeouts this week. That's more than good enough for a mention in the "Best of the Week."

A.J. Ramos, Miami Marlins- 3 1/3 IP, 3 SV, 5 K, 0.00 ERA, 0.30 WHIP

Marlins closer A.J. Ramos has been extremely frustrating to own in fantasy leagues this season. For a while, he wasn't getting any save chances and was struggling mightily in his "get some work in" non-save outings. This week, though, he fired 3 1/3 hitless innings, allowing just a walk while striking out five and picking up three saves.

Raisel Iglesias, Cincinnati Reds- 4 IP, 2 SV, 0.00 ERA, 0.50 WHIP

Reds closer Raisel Iglesias was great this week, saving two games and picking up a win while allowing only one hit and one walk in the process. He looked like the head of a closer-by-committee situation at the beginning of the season, but as expected by many, he's taken the reins and solidified himself as a solid mixed league closer.

 

More Waiver Wire Pickups and Adds

 

Premium Tools & DFS Research

Get a free trial of our powerful MLB Premium Tools. Our famous DFS Optimizer & Lineup Generator, daily Matchup Ratings, expert DFS Lineups/Cheat Sheets, and more.

Sign Up Now!




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
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Austin Riley

Leaves Game Early on Friday With Abdominal Tightness
Kon Knueppel

Struggles in Summer League Win
Rafael Devers

Dealing With Back Inflammation
Walter Clayton Jr.

Plays Well on Friday Night
Cody Williams

Scores 21 Points in Summer League Loss
Kyle Filipowski

Leads the Way on Friday Night
Teoscar Hernández

Teoscar Hernandez Returning on Friday
Sauce Gardner

Wants to be Highest-Paid Cornerback
Rhamondre Stevenson

Heading into an Important Season
Minnesota Vikings

Josh Metellus, Vikings Have Mutual Interest in Extension
Tua Tagovailoa

2025 Could be Tua Tagovailoa's Last Season in Miami
Rashawn Slater

has "Full Confidence" a Deal Will Get Done
Byron Buxton

Returns on Friday
Isaiah Jackson

Signs Three-Year Extension
Jake Meyers

Placed on 10-Day Injured List With Calf Strain
Brandon Lowe

Placed on 10-Day Injured List With Oblique Tightness
Kodai Senga

Reinstated to Start on Friday
Alex Bregman

Officially Activated and Starting on Friday
Marvin Bagley III

Joining the Wizards
Herbert Jones

Signing Extension with Pelicans
Jacob Toppin

Returning to Hawks
Chicago Bears

Bears Extend General Manager Ryan Poles
Dalton Knecht

Avoids Serious Injury
MarShawn Lloyd

in a "Much Better Spot" Heading Into Training Camp
Javon Small

Signs Two-Way Deal
Dustin Hopkins

Browns Still Counting on Dustin Hopkins
Demarcus Robinson

Sentenced to Three Years of Probation
Jalen Nailor

In Line for WR3 Role in Minnesota
Andrew Thomas

Could Miss Start of 2025 Season
Alex Bregman

Expected to Return on Friday
Julio Rodríguez

Julio Rodriguez Won't Suit Up for Midsummer Classic
Trey Smith

Chiefs, Trey Smith Expected to Work Out Long-Term Extension
Bernhard Raimann

a Candidate for an Extension This Summer
C.J. Stroud

Could Sign Multi-Year Deal Before 2026 Season
Kyle Juszczyk

Says Christian McCaffrey Looks Healthy, Explosive
Kyren Williams

Showing Improved Explosiveness
Christian Barmore

"Dominant" this Spring
Ryan Reaves

Traded to Sharks
Vladislav Kolyachonok

Moves to Dallas
Matt Dumba

Lands in Pittsburgh
Mackie Samoskevich

Re-Signs with Panthers on One-Year Deal
Josh Manson

Inks Two-Year Extension with Avalanche
EDM

Isaac Howard Signs Three-Year, Entry-Level Contract With Oilers
Pete Crow-Armstrong

Homers Twice, Drives in Three
Brice Matthews

Joining Astros
MLB

White Sox-Guardians Postponed on Thursday
Brandon Aiyuk

Likely to Begin Season on PUP List, but Not Ruled Out for Week 1
Jameson Williams

Not in the Team's Long-Term Plans?
Tallison Teixeira

Set For His First UFC Main Event
Micah Parsons

Plans to be Present for Start of Training Camp
Derrick Lewis

Set To Headline UFC Nashville
Ikem Ekwonu

Next Up for Extension in Carolina?
Gabriel Bonfim

Looks For His Third UFC Win
Stephen Thompson

Returns At UFC Nashville
Steve Garcia

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Calvin Kattar

In Dire Need Of Victory
Morgan Charrière

Morgan Charriere A Favorite At UFC Nashville
Nate Landwehr

Aims To Bounce Back
MMA

Austen Lane Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Vitor Petrino

Set For His Heavyweight Debut
Tuco Tokkos

Set To Open Up UFC Nashville Main Card
Junior Tafa

Set For Light-Heavyweight Bout
Alex Bregman

Will Return to Red Sox This Weekend
Chris Sale

Braves Won't Consider Trading Chris Sale
Clarke Schmidt

to Undergo Season-Ending Elbow Surgery on Friday
Jalen Williams

Signs Contract Extension With Thunder
Alijah Martin

Agrees to Two-Way Deal With Raptors
Tristan Vukcevic

Set to Return to Washington
Byron Buxton

Sitting Thursday
Anfernee Simons

Celtics Are "Actively Trying to Trade" Anfernee Simons
NBA

Alex Ducas Heading to Australia
Dominick Barlow

Inks Two-Way Deal With 76ers
Jordan McLaughlin

Spurs Re-Sign Jordan McLaughlin to One-Year Deal
Dylan Harper

Out Thursday, Expected to Play Saturday
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Homers Twice on Wednesday
Mike Trout

Homers Twice in Win Over Rangers
Jazz Chisholm Jr.

Leads Yankees to Victory
Salvador Perez

Crushes Two Homers in Win
VJ Edgecombe

Diagnosed with a Sprained Thumb
Devin Booker

Agrees to Extension with Phoenix
Walter Clayton Jr.

Leads Jazz to Summer League Win
Gary Woodland

Looking to Find Rhythm at Scottish Open
Aaron Rai

Brings Consistent Play to Scottish Open
Maverick McNealy

a Solid Value Play at Scottish Open
Aldrich Potgieter

Making Scottish Open Debut
Tom Kim

Looks to Rebound at Scottish Open
Brian Harman

a Safe Option at Scottish Open
Luke Clanton

a Sneaky Value Play at Scottish Open
Sam Burns

Looking to Stay Hot at Scottish Open
Nicolai Hojgaard

May Feel More at Home in Europe
Harry Hall

Showing Fine Form Heading to Scotland
Ryan Fox

Playing Well Since Early Spring Struggles
Max Greyserman

has Solid History at the Genesis Scottish Open
Harris English

Aims High for Scotland Next
Corey Conners

Primed for the Genesis Scottish Open
Daniel Brown

Attempts the Scottish Swing Again
Jacob Bridgeman

Needs Putter to Work at Genesis Scottish Open
Scottie Scheffler

Headlines Field at Genesis Scottish Open
Rory McIlroy

a Smart Play for Scottish Open
Adam Scott

Looking to Build on History at The Renaissance Club
NASCAR

Sepp Straka Not Likely to Find Momentum at Scottish Open
Justin Rose

Hopes Month Hiatus Helps Him Bounce Back at Scottish Open
NHL

Tyler Johnson Retires After 13 NHL Seasons
Jack McBain

Inks New Five-Year Deal with Mammoth
Cam York

Re-Signs with Flyers for Five Years
Jake Knapp

Fits the Mold for Success at The Renaissance Club
Ty Gibbs

Finishes Second at Chicago and Advances in In-Season Challenge
Alex Bowman

Defeats Bubba Wallace in In-Season Challenge, but Not Without Controversy
Alex Bowman

Bubba Wallace Wrecked by Alex Bowman Again, Putting Playoffs in Doubt
Michael McDowell

Throttle Failure Ends Michael McDowell's Chances to Win at Chicago
Austin Hill

Earns First NASCAR Cup Series Top Ten at Chicago
Tyler Reddick

Scores a Strong Third-Place Run at Chicago
Kyle Busch

Matches his Best Career Finish At Chicago on Sunday
Denny Hamlin

Fights his Way to a Top-5 Finish at Chicago
William Byron

has his Worst Weekend of the Season at Chicago
Sonny Milano

on Track to Be Ready for Training Camp
Jakub Dobes

Signs Two-Year Deal with Canadiens
NHL

Hendrix Lapierre Signs One-Year Deal with Capitals
Carson Hocevar

Should DFS Players Consider Carson Hocevar for Chicago Lineups?
Tye Kartye

Kraken Re-Sign Tye Kartye for Two Years
Ross Chastain

May be A Decent DFS Option for Chicago Lineups
Dmitri Voronkov

Signs Two-Year, $8.35 Million Extension with Blue Jackets
Ryan Preece

Should DFS Players Roster Ryan Preece at Chicago?
Austin Dillon

Is Too Great of A Risk to Add to Chicago Lineups
Zane Smith

Is A Value Play Worth Rostering At Chicago
Austin Hill

is A Favorable Value Option for Chicago DFS Lineups
Ty Dillon

Is Ty Dillon A Decent Driver to Add For NASCAR DFS At Chicago?
William Byron

Qualifying Crash Makes William Byron a Likely DFS Must-Have
Alex Bowman

Should Finish Well, but Probably Costs Too Much for Serious DFS Consideration
Joey Logano

Has Been Relatively Mediocre on Road Courses Lately
Ryan Blaney

Doesn't Really Fit Neatly into Optimal DFS Lineups