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MLB Closers and Saves Report Week 19

After a flurry of news coming around the trade deadline, this was a much quieter week. There were saves, holds, blown saves, wins, and losses, but there weren't bullpen-significant trades.

Some new closers have solidified their roles, some committees are forming and others are dissolving. We're hitting the home stretch in fantasy leagues, with playoffs looming.

Let's take a look at what went on this week and what may go on for the next few weeks.

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Bullpen News for Week 19

Los Angeles Angels

After what has to be considered a surprisingly successful season, Angels reliever Bud Norris has hit a wall, allowing 13 runs over his last 4 2/3 innings pitched. He was pulled from the closer's role last night, with manager Mike Scioscia saying it was time to "take a step back" from Norris. Cam Bedrosian earned the save on Thursday night and should be considered the head of the committee until anything happens to change that impression. Bedrosian should be owned by any owners lacking in saves.

Minnesota Twins

Matt Belisle isn't an elite relief pitcher. He has a 4.34 ERA and doesn’t strike out a batter an inning (7.88 K/9). Still, he seems to have solidified the closer’s role and that gives him some fantasy value. In his most recent outing, Belisle struck out the side for his third scoreless inning in four games. More impressively, he’s now working on 16 straight appearances without allowing an earned run. He’s likely on a lot of waiver wires, and he’s worth a roster spot for any teams looking for a quick source of saves.

Glen Perkins is finally working his way back onto the mound, but he’s been off the field for so long, he won’t be taking save chances from Belisle for a while. He’s a name to keep an eye on more for next season than for the remainder of this one.

Texas Rangers

Fantasy darling Keone Kela landed on the disabled list yet again, this time with “shoulder soreness.” Manager Jeff Banister has already stated that if Kela returns this season, it likely won’t be as the team’s closer. Meanwhile, Alex Claudio seemed to be leading the committee in Texas, but Banister said he wanted “flexibility” in how and when he would use Claudio. Jose Leclerc and Matt Bush have also been working in the later innings and may see save chances if Banister sticks with using Claudio in different situations.

Oakland Athletics

The A’s are still in committee mode much like their fellow AL West Rangers. One of the newer A’s, Blake Treinen, seems to be taking control of the role, but hasn’t been officially named closer by the team just yet. For two games in a row, Santiago Casilla pitched the eighth inning and Treinen got the ninth. He worked scoreless innings both times. A few more outings like that (especially with Casilla working before him) and Treinen will end up being a guy who will return solid value in mixed leagues.

 

Odds and Ends

Trevor Rosenthal has taken the Cardinals ninth inning and run with it. His main competition for a while seemed to be Brett Cecil, but he’s been working in long relief recently. With Seung Hwan Oh settling into a setup role, Rosenthal has become a must-own.

Andrew Miller is still on the disabled list and won’t be activated right away when his 10 days are done. He won’t be too far behind though, and should be back in the Indians bullpen in about a week.

Roster Moves of the Week

Adds

Blake Treinen, Oakland Athletics- The A’s have been working with a committee in their ninth inning since before they traded away two of their better relief pitchers. They’re still in a committee for now, but Treinen seems to be taking over. He’s worth an add for owners in search of saves.

Cam Bedrosian, Los Angeles Angels- With Bud Norris out of the ninth inning, Cam Bedrosian should be back in the closer's role where he started the season. He's a high upside guy who should be owned by all players looking for saves.

Drops

There aren’t any urgent drops this week, unless you were still holding onto Keone Kela.

 

Best of the Week

Craig Kimbrel, Boston Red Sox- 4 IP, 9 K, 3 SV, 0.00 ERA, 0.75 WHIP

The Red Sox closer had an excellent week, striking out nine of the 12 batters he got out. He picked up three saves and allowed just three hits throughout the week. Kimbrel remains one of the best closers on the mound and in fantasy lineups.

Edwin Diaz, Seattle Mariners- 4 IP, 5 K, 4 SV, 0.00 ERA, 1.00 WHIP

Mariners closer Edwin Diaz was the only closer to pick up four saves this week. He allowed three walks and a hit, but saved three games and struck out five. Diaz had a bit of a rough patch earlier in the season where he was demoted into middle relief, but he's been great more often than he's struggled.

Fernando Rodney, Arizona Diamondbacks- 3 IP, 6 K, 3 SV, 0.00 ERA, 1.00 WHIP

He can't keep getting away with it! Fernando Rodney keeps doing it though, saving games and putting up a few amazing performances in a row before imploding for a few in a row. (Implosion likely coming soon.) Rodney has been a frustrating fantasy closer this season, but he's put up a ton of value in short spurts several times.

 

More Waiver Wire Pickups and Adds

 

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REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Malcolm Wellmaker

Suffers His Second Loss In A Row
Juan Diaz

Scores Second-Round Submission
Christian Edwards

Defeated At UFC Vegas 117
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Transfer Running Back Arnold Barnes Visiting Iowa State on Monday
Modestas Bukauskas

Gets Split-Decision Win
Jack Bech

a Dynasty Hold as New-Look Raiders Offense Takes Shape
Jaydon Blue

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Makai Lemon

a Top-Five Pick in Dynasty Rookie Drafts
George Kittle

a Dynasty Buy with League-Winning Potential
Jhostynxon Garcia

Expected to Join the Pirates on Tuesday
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Tobias Harris

Goes Cold in Game 7 Loss
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Jalen Duren

Finishes Game 7 with Quiet Line
Cade Cunningham

Endures Cold Shooting Night Sunday
Joel Eriksson Ek

Misses Second Round Due to Heel Injury
Sam Merrill

Catches Fire in Game 7 Win
Evan Mobley

Posts Versatile Double-Double in Game 7
Jonas Brodin

Sits Out Round 2 Due to Toe Injury
Donovan Mitchell

Guides Cavaliers Into East Finals
Sam Malinski

Practices Fully Sunday
Jarrett Allen

Scores 23 Points in Cavs' Game 7 Rout of Pistons
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Rejoins Practice
Kevin Huerter

Active on Sunday Night
Caris LeVert

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Max Strus Replaces Dean Wade in Starting Lineup Sunday
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Jalen Williams

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Named MVP for Second Straight Year
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Lacking Long-Term Upside for Dynasty Managers
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Jadarian Price

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Isaiah Bond

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James Cook III

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Lamar Jackson

Poised for Bounce Back Season in 2026
Bucky Irving

Expected to Be Ready for Training Camp
Kyle Williams

Deep Threat Kyle Williams Facing Uphill Battle for Playing Time
Michael Pittman Jr.

Could Receive Short-Term Value Uptick in PPR Leagues
Stefon Diggs

Chiefs, Commanders Could Make Sense for Stefon Diggs
Will Howard

Dynasty Value Dealt a Blow
Jaylen Warren

Should Benefit From Veteran QB's Return to Pittsburgh
Drew Allar

Could Continue to Hold Dynasty Value
Pat Freiermuth

Could See a Small Dynasty Bump With Veteran QB Returning
DK Metcalf

A Dynasty Sell Candidate With Veteran QB Returning?
Bones Hyland

Wants to Stay in Minnesota
Mike Conley

Hints He Will Continue Playing Next Season
Kevin Huerter

Iffy for Sunday Night
Caris LeVert

Questionable for Game 7
Duncan Robinson

Back on Injury Report Ahead of Game 7
Larry Nance Jr.

Likely Out Sunday Due to Illness
Munetaka Murakami

Fantastic First Season Continues With Two More Homers
Cristopher Sánchez

Cristopher Sanchez Dazzles With 13-Strikeout Complete Game on Saturday
Blake Snell

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Clay Holmes

Could Miss Around Three Months
Jose Altuve

Exits After Swing
Corey Seager

Absent With Back Spasms on Saturday
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Misses Saturday's Practice
Mark Stone

Doesn't Practice Saturday
Josh Manson

Misses Practice, Considered Day-to-Day
Brent Burns

Day-to-Day Ahead of Conference Finals
Cale Makar

Considered Day-to-Day
Alex Lyon

Likely to Start Game 6 Against Canadiens
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Julian Sayin Looking To Build Off Of Strong Debut Season
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College GameDay Set for First Three Weeks
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Jeremiah Smith Aiming For Ohio State Receiving Records
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Keshaun Singleton Projects as Auburn's WR1
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Jeremiah Cobb Impresses New Auburn Staff
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Alberto Mendoza Very Likely to Start for Georgia Tech
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Charles Woodson Jr. Commits to Michigan
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Arnold Allen

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Daniel Santos

Set For UFC Vegas 117 Co-Main Event
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Dohoo Choi Returns At UFC Vegas 117
Juan Diaz

Set To Make His UFC Debut
Malcolm Wellmaker

Looks To Bounce Back
Christian Edwards

Set For His UFC Debut
Modestas Bukauskas

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Tarik Skubal

Resumes Playing Catch, Ahead of Schedule?
Lane Hutson

Contributes Two Assists in Game 5 Victory
Nick Suzuki

Amasses Three Points in Crucial Victory Thursday
Juraj Slafkovsky

Dishes Out Three Assists in Game 5 Win
Carter Hart

Stops 31 Pucks in Series-Clinching Win
Pavel Dorofeyev

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Shea Theodore

Records Two Points in Game 6 Win
Mitchell Marner

Scores Special Goal in Series-Clincher
Ryan Johnson

Takes Over as Canucks GM, Sedins Promoted to Co-Presidents
Drew Helleson

Won't Play Thursday
CFB

Virginia Tech Lands Commitment from Four-Star QB Peter Bourque
Byron Buxton

Scratched on Thursday With Hip Soreness
Cal Raleigh

Heading to Injured List With Oblique Strain
Francisco Alvarez

has Knee Surgery, Expected to Miss Eight Weeks
Cal Raleigh

Exits With Apparent Side Injury on Wednesday Night
CFB

NFL Veteran Tom Moore Joins Iowa Coaching Staff
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Can Cam Cook Dominate in Return to Big 12?
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ACC, Big 12 Support 24-Team College Football Playoff
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Anthony Colandrea Looking to Elevate Nebraska Back to National Contention
CFB

Kwazi Gilmer Set for Big Impact at Nebraska
Justin Thomas

Trending Well Ahead of PGA Championship Despite Concerning Form
J.J. Spaun

Trending Up Ahead of PGA Championship
Adam Scott

Riding Strong Form Into PGA Championship
Patrick Reed

Looking to Make Another Run at PGA Championship
PGA

Sungjae Im Looks to Build on Strong Finish at Truist Championship
Sam Burns

Must Keep Ball in Play at PGA Championship
Jordan Spieth

Looks to Complete Career Grand Slam at Aronimink
Brandt Snedeker

Not the Best Option for the PGA Championship
Rasmus Hojgaard

a Volatile Option at PGA Championship
Maverick McNealy

Seeking Better Start in Philadelphia
Harry Hall

a Boom-or-Bust Option at Aronimink
Hideki Matsuyama

Attempts to Improve Over 2025 PGA Championship
Scottie Scheffler

Looks to Defend PGA Championship at Aronimink
Nicolai Hojgaard

Wants to Keep Momentum Rolling in Philadelphia
Ben Griffin

Attempting to Bounce Back After Truist Championship
CFB

Transfer Defensive Lineman Devarrick Woods Commits to Clemson
Harris English

Will Need His Putter to Thrive at Aronimink
Akshay Bhatia

Creative Flair Could Show Itself in Philadelphia
Keegan Bradley

Knows the Aronimink Golf Club Well
Si Woo Kim

Struggles at Truist Championship
Gary Woodland

Can Continue Incredible 2026 Season at PGA Championship
Xander Schauffele

In Excellent Form Heading to PGA Championship