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

Yordan Alvarez

Likely to Return on Tuesday
Jacob deGrom

to Start on Monday
Kyle Tucker

Homers Twice in Win
Chris Sale

Likely to Return Next Weekend
Brian Robinson Jr.

to be RB2
Najee Harris

to be Ready Week 1?
De'Von Achane

Making Good Progress
Jaylen Wright

Considered "Week-to-Week"
Marcus Semien

Placed on Injured List
Jackson Merrill

Heads to 10-Day Injured List
Jordan Love

Says He'll Play in Week 1
Brice Turang

Absent on Saturday, "Touch-and-Go" With Wrist Injury
Chase Elliott

Despite Being Winless at Daytona, Chase Elliott is Probably the Best DFS Option
Ryan Blaney

Will Likely Lead a Lot at Daytona
Kyle Larson

a Poor DFS Option at Daytona
Christopher Bell

Consistent Enough to Consider for DFS
Chris Buescher

Now Must Win His Way Into Playoffs
Ryan Preece

Being One of the Slowest-Starting Fords Makes Ryan Preece a Strong DFS Option
Ross Chastain

Leads a Lot on Drafting Tracks
Daniel Suarez

Now in Desperation Mode With his Career on the Line
Chase Briscoe

Tendency to Finish Better Than He Runs May Reap Dividends at Daytona
Lamar Jackson

Should Practice on Monday
Carson Hocevar

Hard to Forecast Since He's Rarely Given 100 Percent at Daytona
Michael McDowell

has a Solid Drafting Record
AJ Allmendinger

A.J. Allmendinger Arguably Starting Too Well for Place-Differential Points
Austin Dillon

Will Likely Be Too Conservative for DFS Consideration
Noah Gragson

Has Place-Differential Potential as One of the Lowest-Starting Fords
Todd Gilliland

Poor Starting Position and Ford's Drafting Speed Make Todd Gilliland a Viable Option
Zane Smith

Probably Starting Too Well for DFS Play
Justin Haley

has Strong Pass-Differential Potential
Cole Custer

Daytona 500 Speed Makes Him a Solid Play
Austin Hill

Qualifies Poorly Enough for DFS Consideration
Matt Chapman

Activated and Starting on Saturday
Moses Moody

Warriors Not Interested in Trading Moses Moody
Kevin Durant

Rockets Expected to Agree on New Contract
Trey Murphy III

Warriors, Spurs Interested in Trey Murphy III
Zack Wheeler

to Undergo Season-Ending Surgery
Kyle Busch

Facing a Must-Win Situation at Daytona
Ricky Stenhouse Jr

. Could Be a Risky Pick at Daytona
Yoán Moncada

Yoan Moncada Hits a Pair of Home Runs on Friday
Willy Adames

Belts Two Solo Home Runs on Friday
CAR

Luke Kunin Joins Panthers on One-Year Deal
Auston Matthews

Says His Health is "Good" Before Start of Season
Roope Hintz

"Feeling Good" Ahead of New Season
Matthew Tkachuk

Recovering From Surgery
Marco Rossi

Wild Re-Sign Marco Rossi to Three-Year Deal
Bubba Chandler

Records Four-Inning Save in Debut
Walker Buehler

Officially Moving to Bullpen
Adolis García

Adolis Garcia to be Activated on Saturday
Tanner Scott

Activated on Friday
NBA

Malik Beasley Now Drawing Interest from Teams
Jacob Wilson

Reintated and Starting on Friday
Marcus Semien

Could be Out All Weekend, IL Stint Possible
Evan Carter

Could Miss Rest of Season With Fractured Wrist
Brian Robinson Jr.

Traded to 49ers
Samuel Basallo

Inks an Eight-Year Extension With the Orioles
Zhang Mingyang

Set For UFC Shanghai Main Event
Johnny Walker

In Dire Need Of Victory
Brian Ortega

An Underdog At UFC Shanghai
Aljamain Sterling

Set For UFC Shanghai Co-Main Event
Waldo Cortes-Acosta

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Sergei Pavlovich

A Favorite At UFC Shanghai
Kevin Borjas

Set for UFC Shanghai Main-Card Bout
Sumudaerji

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Kiefer Crosbie

Set To Open Up UFC Shanghai Main Card
Taiyilake Nueraji

Set For His UFC Debut
Jesús Sánchez

Jesus Sanchez Tallies Five Hits
Yandy Díaz

Yandy Diaz Dealing With Low-Grade Hamstring Strain
Connor Ingram

Clears Player Assistance Program
Frank Nazar

Inks Seven-Year Extension With Blackhawks
COL

Victor Olofsson Signs One-Year Deal With Avalanche
Tee Higgins

has Injury Scare on Thursday
Dallas Cowboys

Micah Parsons Expected to Play in Week 1
Chris Godwin

Expected to be Activated from the PUP List
Dru Smith

Aims to Be Healthy for Training Camp
Jayson Tatum

Provides Injury Update
RJ Barrett

Considered a Trade Candidate
Golden State Warriors

Warriors "Remain Very Confident" About Signing Al Horford
Jahmir Young

Agrees to Deal With Heat
Devaughn Vele

Traded to Saints
Demarcus Robinson

Issued Three-Game Suspension
Lamar Jackson

Dealing With Minor Foot Injury
Lamar Jackson

Suffers Apparent Hand Injury
Hideki Matsuyama

Looks to Bounce Back at Tour Championship
Corey Conners

Looking to Reverse Struggles at East Lake
Joe Mixon

Could Begin Season on PUP List
Cameron Young

Stays Hot Ahead of Tour Championship
Harris English

Aims for Complete Game at East Lake
Sepp Straka

Back in Action at East Lake
Ben Griffin

a Strong Value Play at East Lake
Rory McIlroy

Chasing Another Win at East Lake
Patrick Cantlay

Finishes Tied for 30th at BMW Championship
Ludvig Aberg

Finishes Tied For Seventh at BMW Championship
Collin Morikawa

Finishes Tied for 33rd at BMW Championship
Keegan Bradley

Finishes Tied for 17th at BMW Championship
Robert MacIntyre

Finishes Second at BMW Championship
J.J. Spaun

Finishes Tied for 23rd at BMW Championship
Scottie Scheffler

Wins BMW Championship
Brian Robinson Jr.

Not Expected to Play for Commanders This Year
Rashee Rice

Could be Facing 4-6 Game Suspension?
Harry Hall

Hot at the Right Time for Tour Championship
PGA

Sungjae Im Wants to Rebound at Tour Championship
Jacob Bridgeman

has One Weakness Heading to Atlanta
Nikola Vučević

Nikola Vucevic Not Expecting to Be Moved Before the Season
Nick Taylor

a Long Shot to Win Tour Championship
Josh Giddey

Bulls Not Interested in Sign-and-Trade Deal Involving Josh Giddey
Brian Harman

Trying to Crack Top 20 at Tour Championship
Andrew Novak

Attempts to Bounce Back in Atlanta
Oscar Tshiebwe

Signs New Two-Way Deal With Jazz
Justin Rose

Seeks Even More Success at Tour Championship
Washington Wizards

Alondes Williams Joins Wizards for Training Camp
Washington Wizards

Wizards Add Skal Labissiere for Training Camp
A.J. Brown

on Track to Play in Week 1
CBJ

Brendan Smith Joins Blue Jackets on Tryout Deal
STL

Milan Lucic Joins Blues for Tryout
DET

Red Wings Pick Up Travis Hamonic
Jalen McMillan

Could be Out Through Week 9 Bye
Indiana Pacers

Pacers Coach Rick Carlisle Agrees to a Multiyear Contract Extension on Tuesday
Washington Wizards

John Wall Retires After 11 NBA Seasons
Daniel Jones

Named as Colts Starting Quarterback
Jalen McMillan

Will Not Be Ready for Season Opener
Collin Sexton

Hornets Have High Hopes for Collin Sexton
Rui Hachimura

Likely to Start Season Without Contract Extension
Jaime Jaquez Jr.

Hopes to Bounce Back in 2025-26
Stephen Curry

Ready to Go for New Season
Orlando Magic

Lester Quinones Agrees to Deal With Magic