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 4

By Keith Allison on Flickr (Original version) UCinternational (Crop) [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

David Marcillo looks at Week 4 closer performances around MLB, including bullpen changes. He identifies fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups and adds for saves.

Week 3 gave us a flurry of bullpen moves so naturally, week 4 was mostly quiet, with nothing Earth-shattering really going down in any team's bullpen.

There were still a few important things happening, and of course there were some great performances to discuss, so let's carefully jump in so we can avoid the DL.

Let's get to it.

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

 

Bullpen News for Week 4

Washington Nationals

Just like last week, we'll start off Bullpen News with some Nationals chatter. Last week, Blake Treinen officially lost his job and was replaced by a committee headed by Koda Glover and Shawn Kelley. This week, the picture got a little clearer. With Glover heading to the disabled list with a left hip impingement, Kelley will have the ninth inning all to himself for a while. Even though Glover doesn't expect to miss much time, saying he should be ready to return once his requisite 10 days are up, this could give Kelley enough time to cement himself as the closer in D.C. Manager Dusty Baker is certainly the kind that would prefer a clear-cut closer over a committee, and this is the best opportunity Kelley has had so far to prove himself. Kelley's fantasy owners should be thrilled about the way things have developed in the Nationals bullpen. Glover's owners, on the other hand, are likely a bit disappointed. Still, it's no guarantee that Kelley thrives in his suddenly full-time role, so Glover is worth a DL spot until we see what happens when he comes back.

 

Los Angeles Angels

There has been plenty of hype for Angels closer Cam Bedrosian coming from me and from many others. He pitched 6 2/3 scoreless innings, striking out nine without walking a batter and allowing only six hits while converting three saves. But, then he landed on the DL. Bedrosian was placed on the disabled list with a right groin strain. He never had to be lifted from a game, so it's unclear just when he suffered the injury. It's also still unclear just how much time Bedrosian will miss. Hopefully for the Angels and for Bedrosian's fantasy owners, he will be able to return soon after his 10 days are up. Veteran Huston Street just started a throwing program this week, but he's on the 60-day disabled list and still several weeks away from being any kind of a factor. In the meantime, manager Mike Scioscia hasn't named an official closer, instead opting for a committee while Bedrosian is on the shelf. Despite that official stance, Bud Norris has already received and converted three save opportunities. He is the arm to own in the Angels bullpen while Bedrosian is out. In 11 2/3 innings so far this year, Norris has allowed four runs on eight hits and four walks while striking out 14. Bedrosian's owners looking for a quick replacement could do worse than looking at Norris as a temporary add.

 

Texas Rangers

Rangers Opening Day closer Sam Dyson was legendary in his awfulness to start the season. He allowed 13 runs on 14 hits and five walks in just 4 1/3 innings, compiling an 0-3 record despite only six appearances. His 27.00 ERA and 4.38 WHIP killed fantasy owners in the first couple of weeks. He was placed on the disabled list with a "right hand contusion" which was almost certainly code for "take 10 days off and get your head on straight, Sam." Those days are up now, and Dyson is ready to be reinstated from the DL on Friday. He will not return to his ninth inning role, however. New Rangers closer Matt Bush will keep his job, with Dyson making a few low-leverage appearances before presumably working his way up to a setup role. Bush has 12 strikeouts in 7 2/3 innings, allowing just two runs on one walk and four hits. He'll remain the closer for the rest of the season unless he gets hurt or goes full Dyson. In that case, Jeremy Jeffress would likely be next in line before Dyson gets another chance. Bush is a must-own in all formats, while Dyson can certainly be dropped in all leagues.

 

Roster Moves of the Week

Adds:

Shawn Kelley, Washington Nationals- Kelley is currently only owned in 45% of mixed leagues, but he should absolutely be owned across the board. Now the unquestioned closer for one of the best teams in baseball, Kelley will have plenty of fantasy value for the rest of the season.

Matt Bush, Texas Rangers- Any concern that Bush would lose his job or become a member of a committee disappeared this week as he was confirmed as the team's closer even with Opening Day closer Sam Dyson on his way back. Bush in only owned in 48% of mixed leagues right now, so take a look at that waiver wire.

Bud Norris, Los Angeles Angels- Norris would only be a temporary add, as Cam Bedrosian is certain to get the ninth inning back when he returns from the DL. Still, a temporary source of consistent saves has value in fantasy, and Norris seems like he'll get the majority of ninth innings until Bedrosian returns.

Hector Neris, Philadelphia Phillies- Hector Neris has been the Phillies "closer of the future" for a while now. It seems like the future may have finally arrived. The Phillies started the season with Jeanmar Gomez working their ninth innings. That failed spectacularly, as predicted by pretty much everyone, so the team went with veteran Joaquin Benoit. After that didn't go so great, they've officially gone to a closer by committee, but Neris has been getting some of those chances. He's the best pitcher in the Phillies bullpen, so it is quite possible he takes command of the ninth inning before long.

 

Best of the Week

Brad Brach, Baltimore Orioles- 5 IP, 3 SV, 3 K, 0.00 ERA, 0.60 WHIP

Orioles fill-in closer Brad Brach did his best Zach Britton impression this week, saving three games while striking out three and not allowing a run to score. He only gave up a walk and two hits on the week. With Britton starting a rehab assignment Friday, Brach's days as closer are nearing an end. He'll slide back into his role as an elite setup man.

Seung Hwan Oh, St. Louis Cardinals- 3 IP, 5 K, 3 SV, 0.00 ERA, 1.00 WHIP

After a slow start to the season, "The Final Boss" seems to be settling into his ninth inning. This week, he saved every game he appeared in, allowing just two hits and a walk while striking out five. The re-ascendance of Trevor Rosenthal may have had Oh's fantasy owners worried for just a second, but Oh is set in his role and should hang onto it all season, barring injury.

Brandon Maurer, San Diego Padres- 3 IP, 5 K, 2 SV, 0.00 ERA, 0.00 WHIP

Padres closer Brandon Maurer was on the hot seat just a week ago, sending fantasy owners scrambling to see who his replacement might be. This week, he was perfect. In three games, he saved two and struck out five without allowing a single batter to reach base. That should buy him some more time in the San Diego ninth inning role.




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

Kareem Hunt

Scores Twice in Monday Night Win Over Washington
George Springer

Pulled Early in Game 3 With Side Injury
Terry McLaurin

Questionable to Return in Week 8 After Aggravating Quad Injury
Baltimore Orioles

Orioles Finalizing Deal to Hire Craig Albernaz as the Next Manager
William Byron

Dominates at Martinsville and Advances to the Championship Round
Kyle Larson

Advances to the Championship Round After Top-Five Finish
Ryan Blaney

Falls Short of the Victory and Title Contention at Martinsville
Chase Elliott

Eliminated From 2025 Title Contention Despite Strong Martinsville Run
Daniel Gafford

Remains Out Versus OKC
Dereck Lively II

Out on Monday Evening
Josh Giddey

Set to Suit Up Monday
Jaylen Brown

Available Against Pelicans
William Nylander

Questionable for Tuesday
Caris LeVert

Sidelined Again on Monday
Rasmus Sandin

to Miss Third Straight Game
Lamar Jackson

Ravens Expect Lamar Jackson to Play on Thursday Night
Jalen Johnson

Available Versus Chicago
Kristaps Porzingis

Back on Monday Night
Dylan Strome

Ruled Out for Tuesday
Marcus Sasser

Unavailable Monday
Zion Williamson

Ruled Out on Monday Night
Brad Marchand

Won't Play on Tuesday
Alexey Toropchenko

Returns to Blues Lineup
Jake Neighbours

Unavailable Versus Penguins
Robert Thomas

Out on Monday
Michael Carter

Cardinals Release Michael Carter on Monday
Jaxson Hayes

Sidelined Again on Monday
Carson Wentz

to Undergo Season-Ending Shoulder Surgery
Marcus Smart

Out Against Portland
Gabe Vincent

Sidelined on Monday
Chet Holmgren

Available for Monday Night Tilt
Jaylen Brown

Questionable for Monday Night
Yves Missi

Back in Action Monday Night
CFB

Behren Morton Will Start Against Kansas State
Zion Williamson

Questionable Monday vs. Celtics
Nico Collins

Trending Toward a Week 9 Return
Dereck Lively II

Doubtful for Monday's Matchup
Egor Demin

to Miss Monday's Tilt
Puka Nacua

Expected to Practice Wednesday, Play in Week 9
Dereck Lively II

Doubtful for Monday's Matchup
Egor Demin

Won't Suit Up Monday
Caris LeVert

Considered Questionable on Monday
CFB

Lane Kiffin Says Money Won't Impact his Decision-Making
Tony Pollard

Reportedly Available for Trade
CFB

Arch Manning in Concussion Protocol, Misses Practice Monday
Brian Thomas Jr.

Jaguars Not Planning on Trading Brian Thomas Jr.
Justin Fields

Jets Non-Committal on Justin Fields as the Starter Going Forward
Christopher Bell

Eliminated From Championship 4 After a Too Conservative Season
Joey Logano

Lack of Championship-Caliber Speed Leads to Elimination
Chase Briscoe

Finishes Last at Martinsville
Denny Hamlin

Don't Think Denny Hamlin's Engine Failure Affects his Championship Prospects
Cam Skattebo

Out for the Season With Dislocated Ankle
Nick Schmaltz

Stretches Point Streak to Seven Games
Ciryl Gane

Fight With Tom Aspinall Ends In No-Contest
Kirill Kaprizov

Records Three Assists in Losing Effort
William Eklund

Has Three Points in Sunday's Win
Brock Boeser

Totals Three Points Sunday
Ciryl Gane

Tom Aspinall Vs. Ciryl Gane Ends in No-Contest
Warren Foegele

Exits Early Sunday
Ilya Mikheyev

Exits With Injury Sunday
Virna Jandiroba

Suffers Unanimous-Decision Loss
Quinn Hughes

Day-to-Day With Lower-Body Injury
Mackenzie Dern

Wins Vacant Strawweight Title
Mario Bautista

Gets Outclassed
Umar Nurmagomedov

Gets Back In The Win Column
Jailton Almeida

Drops Decision
Alexander Volkov

Wins Split Decision At UFC 321
Azamat Murzakanov

Remains Undefeated
Aleksandar Rakic

Suffers First-Round Knockout
Tucker Kraft

Dominates With 143 Yards, Two Touchdowns on Sunday Night
Troy Franklin

Explodes for Two Touchdowns Against Cowboys
J.K. Dobbins

Breaks 100 Yards Again but Doesn't Find the End Zone
Bo Nix

has a Season-Best Four Passing Touchdowns
Jalen Hurts

Matches Career High With Four Touchdown Passes in Week 8
RJ Harvey

R.J. Harvey Breaks Out With Three Touchdowns in Week 8
Marvin Mims Jr.

Enters Concussion Protocol
Tua Tagovailoa

Throws Four Touchdowns in Win
Breece Hall

Records Three Touchdowns
Patrick Kane

to Remain Out on Tuesday
Spencer Rattler

Benched in Week 8
Brett Pesce

Ruled Out for Road Trip
Jason Dickinson

Expected Back on Sunday
Tyler Bertuzzi

Skips Sunday's Action
Marcus Foligno

Out Sunday
Roope Hintz

Unavailable Versus Predators
Rickard Rakell

Undergoes Hand Surgery
Chris Buescher

Is Chris Buescher A Playable DFS option for Martinsville?
Ryan Preece

is an Intriguing DFS Option For Martinsville
Daniel Suarez

May be Worth Rostering in DFS for Martinsville
Austin Dillon

Is Austin Dillon Worth Rostering in DFS for Martinsville This week?
Christopher Bell

Kyle Larson Should Advance to Championship 4
Joey Logano

Don't Expect Joey Logano to Significantly Contend for Championship 4
William Byron

A DFS Must-Start Due to Lap-Leader Points
Ross Chastain

Hail Melon Nostalgia Masks Ross Chastain's Martinsville Mediocrity
Josh Berry

a Top Contender for DFS Place-Differential Points
Brad Keselowski

an Intriguing Martinsville Option
Shane Van Gisbergen

Now Competent on Ovals, but Don't Start Him Here
Kyle Busch

Qualifies Well but Probably Won't Have Staying Power
Carson Hocevar

Lack of Finesse Makes Him a Risky Martinsville Pick
Bryce Harper

Phillies Aren't Planning to Trade Bryce Harper
Bo Bichette

Starting at Second, Batting Cleanup in Game 1 of World Series
Bo Bichette

Makes World Series Roster
Ciryl Gane

Scheduled For A Title Fight
Tom Aspinall

Set for First Official Title Defense
Mackenzie Dern

Can Become The New Strawweight Champion
Virna Jandiroba

Set For UFC 321 Co-Main Event
Mario Bautista

Aims To Extend His Win Streak
MMA

Umar Numagomedov A Favorite At UFC 321
Jailton Almeida

Hopes To Get A Title Shot With A Win
Alexander Volkov

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Azamat Murzakanov

Looks To Remain Undefeated
Aleksandar Rakic

In Dire Need Of Victory
CFB

Texas Tech QB Will Hammond Will Start vs. Oklahoma State Saturday
CFB

Kansas State RB Dylan Edwards Out For Sunflower Showdown
CFB

Arizona State WR Jordyn Tyson Will Not Play In Week 9
Zack Wheeler

Could be Ready for Opening Day in 2026
William Contreras

Could Need Finger Surgery
CFB

Utah QB Devon Dampier Listed as Questionable on Big 12 Injury Report
San Francisco Giants

Tony Vitello Named New Manager of the Giants
Francisco Lindor

has Elbow Surgery, Expected to be Ready for Spring Training
PGA

Alex Noren is a Smash Play at Bank of Utah Championship
Maverick McNealy

Look Out For Maverick McNealy This Week in Utah
Justin Lower

Unlikely to Flip The Script at Bank of Utah Championship
Stephan Jaeger

Looking for Repeat Performance in Utah
CFB

Behren Morton Will be Listed as Questionable on Wednesday
Max McGreevy

a Longer Shot to Contend in Utah
Jackson Suber

on the Bubble for the PGA in 2026
Greyson Sigg

Improving at the Right Time This Fall
Seamus Power

Hopes to Make More Birdies This Week
Patton Kizzire

May Struggle Once Again in Utah
Beau Hossler

Up and Down Heading to Bank of Utah Championship