David Marcillo looks at Week 8 closer performances around MLB, including bullpen changes. He identifies fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups and adds for saves.

It was a fairly quiet week for bullpens this week, especially given the frenzy of moves we've seen in the early going.

Still, a few key things did happen and there were some great performances to discuss, so let's take a look at this week's news.

Here we go.

• Fantasy baseball trade analyzer
• BvP matchups data (Batter vs. Pitcher)
• PvB matchups data (Pitcher vs. Batter)
• Who should I start? Fantasy baseball comparisons
• Daily MLB starting lineups
• Fantasy baseball closer depth charts
• Fantasy Baseball live scoreboard
• Fantasy baseball injury reports

Bullpen News for Week 8

Seattle Mariners

Mariners closer Edwin Diaz was removed from the closer's role last week and it seemed like it may be a long-term demotion. That tune changed quickly as Diaz is already seemingly on his way back to the ninth inning, with manager Scott Servais saying, "I feel very confident that if he keeps moving in [a positive] direction, he'll be back doing the ninth inning solo and we can get back to him being our anchor. That's what we're trying to get back to." So I would like to take a moment to apologize to any fantasy owners who dropped Diaz after reading my advice last week. A big old "my bad" from me, and I hope you didn't listen. James Pazos and Nick Vincent will still be around, and if Diaz struggles again, one of them may take the closer role and not give it back. Still, Diaz is once again the arm to own in the Seattle bullpen.

Washington Nationals

The Nationals, again being mentioned in this week's Bullpen News section, have finally landed on a permanent closer. Former closer-by-committee member Koda Glover has risen to the top and now has the role all for himself. Shawn Kelley is still around, but he's settled into a setup role. He'll be the next guy up if Glover struggles or ends up back on the DL. For now, there is finally be some clarity in the D.C. bullpen: Glover is the guy to own.

San Diego Padres

The Padres finally made a move at closer this week, removing Brandon Maurer from the role. Despite a strong 2.59 FIP and 23:4 strikeout-to-walk ratio, Maurer has struggled on the mound to the tune of a 6.50 ERA. So, this week, manager Andy Green made the move he had to make, removing Maurer from the ninth and giving lefty Brad Hand a save opportunity. After the game, though, Green said that Hand is not the closer, and that instead the team will “bounce guys around and utilize them the best way possible going forward right now.” So, we have another committee on our hands. Hand, Maurer, and Ryan Buchter are likely to mix in for saves for now. Hand is on the trading block and won't be in San Diego for too long, so the Padres may try to give him some quick save chances to boost his trade value. There is no "must own" in this bullpen right now, as their probable saves leader for 2017 - Carter Capps - isn't on the active roster yet.

Roster Moves of the Week

Adds

Koda Glover, Washington Nationals - Now that he'll finally have the ninth inning all to himself, Glover is a must own in all formats. The Nationals are going to win a lot of games, so he'll have plenty of save opportunities. He'll contribute nicely in strikeouts too, and won't hurt any of your rate stats. Those who have had him on their roster for a while now, your patience will be rewarded.

Edwin Diaz, Seattle Mariners - Another mea culpa here for those who dropped Diaz last week- I hang my head in shame. Check if someone in your league followed my advice and dropped Diaz, if they did, go ahead and pick him up. The Mariners want him to be their closer, so their closer he will be. Diaz may cede a few opportunities to James Pazos and Nick Vincent, but he'll be the one to own in that bullpen.

Drops

Shawn Kelley, Washington Nationals - As Koda Glover has taken the ninth inning in our nation's capital, Shawn Kelley has settled in as the primary setup man. He's still more than worthy of a roster spot in holds leagues, but in standard mixed leagues, he can be let go at this point.

Best of the Week

Dellin Betances, New York Yankees - 3 1/3 IP, 7 K, 3 SV, 0.00 ERA, 0.30 WHIP

With Aroldis Chapman on the disabled list, Betances hasn't missed a step as the Yankees closer. This week, he retired 10 batters, seven by strikeout. He allowed just one hit in his three outings. He's worth owning in all formats until Chapman returns.

Alex Colome, Tampa Bay Rays - 2 IP, 1 K, 2 SV, 0.00 ERA, 0.00 WHIP

Rays closer Alex Colome only got two innings in this week, and only struck out one batter in those innings, but he earned a save in both appearances. Also, both were perfect innings, facing six batters total and retiring all six.

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!