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 13

David Marcillo looks at Week 13 closer performances around MLB, including bullpen changes. He identifies fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups and adds for saves

Another rather busy week in bullpens this week, as the Angels stayed confusing, the Giants made a strange decision, and the Rays and Cardinals showed a possible changing of the guard.

While all of baseball takes a moment to spare a thought for Bartolo Colon, whose career might be over after nine teams and two families, games kept happening, saves kept being locked down or blown.

Let's take a look at what went on in the middle and late innings in week 13.

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

 

Bullpen News for Week 13

San Francisco Giants

The Giants signed Mark Melancon before the season began and they thought he would help lock down the ninth inning and save the team from the awful bullpen issues they suffered through all of last season. Melancon has struggled when he's been on the mound, saving 11 games, but posting a 4.35 ERA after finishing three of the past four seasons with ERAs below 2.00 (and 2.23 in the other). He's spent plenty of time injured though, either on the disabled list or pitching through pain. He's appeared in 22 games and this week landed back on the 10-day disabled list with an elbow injury.

Knowing that Melancon will be out until at least after the All-Star Break, the team has decided to go with former Ranger Sam Dyson as their closer until Melancon returns. That's the same Sam Dyson with a 9.00 ERA and a 1-7 record. He'll be closing, so he's bound to have some fantasy value, but owners know better than to drop any currently useful players to make room for him.

Los Angeles Angels

The Angels got Cam Bedrosian back. Cam Bedrosian got a save opportunity. Cam Bedrosian blew that save. While he should eventually earn the full time closer role back, he certainly didn't do great in his first chance to take the ninth and roll with it. Because of his blown save, the Angels will keep rolling with a committee of Bedrosian, David Hernandez, and Bud Norris (who is coming off the DL). Bedrosian is the best pitcher of the group in terms of strikeouts and rate stats, but Norris may end up picking up more saves in the short term. There is no must-own in this bullpen just yet.

St. Louis Cardinals

Cardinals closer Seung Hwan Oh was simply amazing last season, but he's been a lot less impressive in 2017. So far, he blown three saves and converted 16, pitching to a 3.75 ERA. Metrics show he may actually be lucky to have an ERA below four, as his FIP sits at 4.53. On Wednesday night, Trevor Rosenthal picked up the save, although he did not make it easy on himself, allowing a run on a hit, two walks, and two wild pitches. He left the tying run on third base and just barely escaped with a win for the Cardinals. Before the game, manager Mike Matheny said he'd like to keep his options open in the ninth inning, and he did just that, inserting Rosenthal for the save, but getting Oh up in the pen as soon as Rosenthal began to struggle.

For now, it seems like the Cardinals ninth inning will be handled by a committee made up mostly of Oh and Rosenthal. Rosenthal has been the better pitcher this season, with a 4.25 ERA set to go down as shown by his 2.36 FIP. He also strikes out far more batters than Oh does. Owners of Oh may want to try to make a roster spot for Rosenthal on their roster just in case the switch becomes permanent. Any fantasy owners looking for saves and strikeouts should check the wire for "Rosey" right away.

Tampa Bay Rays

Rays closer Alex Colome has also seen his numbers dip in 2017, as his four blown saves are already more than he had all of last season. His strikeouts are down (11.28 to 8.15 K/9) and his ERA is up (1.91 to 3.57). Still, his job seemed mostly safe until Tommy Hunter grabbed a save this week after another rough outing by Colome. Manager Kevin Cash said he won't be reading much into his closer's struggles, but with Brad Boxberger finally coming off the disabled list, Cash will have several options to call on for save opportunities. For now, Colome is still the guy in Tampa Bay, but that may not be the case for long if he continues to struggle.

 

Roster Moves of the Week

Adds

Trevor Rosenthal, St. Louis Cardinals- Seung Hwan Oh isn't officially out as closer in St. Louis, but Rosenthal has been the better pitcher all season and will now start getting save chances. He's a must-own for all Oh owners as excellent insurance, and he's worth a roster spot in most mixed leagues as well. While he's not the full time closer just yet, he's a high-upside guy who should be able to keep the role for himself if given the chance.

Sam Dyson, San Francisco Giants- That sound you heard was the dry heaving from Rangers and Giants fans all over. Sam Dyson has been named the closer for the Giants while Mark Melancon spends another few weeks on the disabled list. Dyson is by no means a must-own, but owners looking for saves who have an open spot or an easy drop on their roster could take a chance on Dyson and hope for the best.

Drops

There are no instant drops this week, but if Seung Hwan Oh is completely removed from the closer role, he can be let go in most formats. Same goes for everyone in the Angels bullpen except for the closer as soon as one is named. Keep an eye on both bullpens this week.

 

Best of the Week

A.J. Ramos, Miami Marlins- 3 1/3 IP, 3 SV, 2 K, 0.00 ERA, 0.60 WHIP

Marlins closer A.J. Ramos finally got a few save chances this week and converted all three, striking out two and allowing just two hits in the process. He's been frustrating his owners all season with few save chances and poor performances in non-save appearances, but he's a solid closer with nice upside who should have a much better fantasy second half.

Kenley Jansen, Los Angeles Dodgers- 3 IP, 2 SV, 2 K, 0.00 ERA, 0.33 WHIP

Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen continued his ridiculous season this week, saving both games he appeared in and tossing multiple innings in both. He only struck out two, but also only allowed one batter to reach base. That batter reached base on a walk- Jansen's first of the season to go with 52 strikeouts. That's a 0.28 BB/9 and a 14.33 K/9. That'll play.

Justin Wilson, Detroit Tigers- 2 1/3 IP, 2 SV, 5 K, 0.00 ERA, 0.00 WHIP

Tigers closer Justin Wilson recorded two saves this week along with five strikeouts. He did not allow a base runner in his 2 1/3 innings of work, and he continues to be an excellent fantasy closer. The only concern with Wilson is the possibility that he will be traded at the deadline and move to a team that uses him as a setup man.

 

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

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Denny McCarthy

Looking For Another Solid Finish at RSM Classic
Si Woo Kim

Looking To Use Current Momentum to Flip Script at RSM Classic
Zion Williamson

Considered Questionable for Wednesday
Bam Adebayo

Could Return to Action Wednesday
Mackenzie Hughes

a Good Bounce Back Candidate at RSM Classic
Jalen Brunson

Questionable for Wednesday
Jerami Grant

Picks Up Late Questionable Tag
Kyle Anderson

Cleared for Action Against the Lakers
Harris English

Making 14th Start at This Week's RSM Classic
Jrue Holiday

Ruled Out Tuesday
Taylor Hendricks

Returning on Tuesday
Kyle Filipowski

Won't Suit Up Versus the Lakers
LeBron James

Will Play on Tuesday Night
Luke Clanton

Looking For a Solid Finish in Year's Final Event
Daniel Berger

Making Start in Season Finale at This Week's RSM Classic
Konnor Griffin

Could Compete for Starting Shortstop Job in 2026
Keegan Murray

Expected to Make Season Debut Thursday
Gleyber Torres

Accepts Tigers Qualifying Offer
Alexandre Sarr

Uncertain for Wednesday's Game in Minnesota
Ausar Thompson

Returning Versus Atlanta
Cade Cunningham

Active on Tuesday Night
Jabari Smith Jr.

Questionable with Knee Issue Ahead of Meeting Versus Cleveland
Domantas Sabonis

to Miss Wednesday's Game
Paul George

Won't Play Wednesday Night
Onyeka Okongwu

Available on Tuesday
Joel Embiid

Listed as Doubtful for Wednesday
Jalen Suggs

Available Tuesday
Zaccharie Risacher

Ruled Out With Hip Contusion vs. Pistons
Odell Beckham Jr.

Officially Reinstated by NFL Commissioner
Kristaps Porzingis

Ruled Out on Tuesday Night
Matt Murray

to Miss Six Weeks With Lower-Body Injury
Ilya Lyubushkin

Out on Tuesday
Jamie Benn

Makes Season Debut Tuesday
Evgenii Dadonov

on Track to Return Tuesday
Dougie Hamilton

a Game-Time Call Tuesday
Anthony Cirelli

Expected to Return Against Devils
Victor Hedman

Questionable for Tuesday
Auston Matthews

to Miss at Least Two More Games
C.J. Stroud

Expected to Return in Week 13 Against Colts
C.J. Stroud

to Miss Another Game
Joe Mixon

Uncertainty Remains Around Joe Mixon's Return Timeline
Jaylen Warren

Mike Tomlin Optimistic About Jaylen Warren's Availability for Week 12
C.J. Stroud

Not Expected to Play on Thursday Night
Aaron Rodgers

Won't Need Surgery on Fractured Wrist, Could Play in Week 12?
Davis Mills

Prepping for Third Straight Start in Week 12?
CFB

Sam Leavitt Set to Enter Transfer Portal?
Mason Rudolph

Could Make His First Start of 2025 in Week 12
Brock Wright

Sets Career-High in Targets; Lined Up for More Work?
Kimani Vidal

Struggles Again and Faces Role Uncertainty After Bye
Dak Prescott

in Full Command Monday Night With Four Touchdown Passes
Quentin Johnston

Posts Zero Catches During Offensive Collapse
George Pickens

Erupts for 144 Yards, Touchdown in Monday Night Win
CeeDee Lamb

George Pickens Benched for First Drive
Jose Altuve

Undergoes Foot Surgery
Alex Singleton

Broncos Optimistic Patrick Surtain, Alex Singleton Will Return After the Bye
Trey Hendrickson

Doubtful Again in Week 12
Shedeur Sanders

Expected to Make First Career Start in Week 12
Josh Jacobs

Dealing With Knee Contusion
Mikael Granlund

Unavailable Monday
Alex Bregman

Red Sox Going for Either Alex Bregman or Pete Alonso?
Conor Garland

Misses Monday's Game
Eetu Luostarinen

Out on Monday
Drake London

Considered "Week-to-Week"
Drew Doughty

Listed as Week-to-Week
Ja'Marr Chase

Being Suspended for One Game for Unsportsmanlike Conduct
John Carlson

a Game-Time Call Monday
Viktor Arvidsson

Out Week-to-Week
Charlie McAvoy

Out Against Hurricanes
CFB

James Franklin to be Virginia Tech's Next Head Coach
CFB

Fernando Mendoza the Clear Heisman Trophy Favorite?
CFB

Beau Pribula Has Chance to Face Oklahoma on Saturday
Mitchell Marner

Establishes Vegas Record Sunday
Mats Zuccarello

Logs Two Assists in Overtime Victory
Lucas Raymond

Leads Red Wings to Victory at MSG
Quinn Hughes

Delivers Four Assists in Sunday's Win
Conor Garland

Limited to Handful of Minutes Sunday
Ryan Hartman

Suffers Lower-Body Injury
Jack Della Maddalena

Gets Dominated
Islam Makhachev

Claims UFC Welterweight Belt
Zhang Weili

Gets Outclassed
Valentina Shevchenko

Wins Unanimous Decision At UFC 322
Sean Brady

Suffers First-Round TKO Loss
Michael Morales

Remains Unbeaten
Leon Edwards

Suffers Second-Round Knockout Loss
Leon Edwards

Carlos Prates Becomes The First Man To Knock Out Leon Edwards
Beneil Dariush

Suffers Brutal First-Round Knockout Loss
Beneil Dariush

Benoit Saint Denis Knocks Out Beneil Dariush In 16 Seconds
Josh Naylor

Mariners Finalizing Five-Year Contract
CFB

Jeremiah Smith, Carnell Tate Not Dealing With Long-Term Injuries
CFB

Virginia Tech Close To Naming James Franklin As Head Coach
CFB

Garrett Nussmeier Doubtful vs. Arkansas On Saturday
Edwin Díaz

Blue Jays Interested in Signing Edwin Diaz?
Jacob deGrom

Named AL Comeback Player of the Year
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Wins NL Comeback Player of the Year Award
Aroldis Chapman

Named AL Reliever of the Year
Edwin Díaz

Edwin Diaz Named NL Reliever of the Year
Justin Thomas

Will Miss Start Of 2026 After Undergoing Back Surgery
Islam Makhachev

Set For UFC 322 Main Event
Jack Della Maddalena

Set For His First Title Defense
Zhang Weili

Can Become The New Women's Flyweight Champion
Valentina Shevchenko

Set For UFC 322 Co-Main Event
Michael Morales

Looks To Remain Undefeated
CFB

Mario Craver a Game-Time Decision for Week 12
Sean Brady

Set For Title Eliminator Bout
Carlos Prates

A Favorite At UFC 322
Leon Edwards

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Benoît Saint Denis

Benoit Saint Denis Set To Open Up UFC 322 Main Card
Beneil Dariush

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
CFB

Virginia's Chandler Morris Trending Toward Facing Duke on Saturday
Edwin Díaz

Edwin Diaz Says There's a "50-50" Chance he Returns to Mets
Shohei Ohtani

Wins his Fourth MVP Award
Aaron Judge

Wins AL MVP Award Again
Raisel Iglesias

Dodgers Interested in Signing Raisel Iglesias
Pete Alonso

Orioles Could be in the Mix to Sign Pete Alonso