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Hot take: The World Baseball Classic was a lot of fun. That really shouldn't be a hot take, but apparently, it is. But now that the World Baseball Classic is done until 2026 and we're back to regular Grapefruit and Cactus League games, Opening Day rosters are starting to take shape. We're a week away from the first MLB games that count!
We've already seen a key injury to a key closer, and there's been plenty of movement in bullpens around the league. With the season pretty much here, Closers and Saves Report will be back on its usual weekly schedule. So let's dive into this week's news, and then we'll see you all again next week!
Be sure to also keep an eye on our RotoBaller Fantasy Baseball Closers and Saves Bullpen Depth Charts. They will be updated daily, or sometimes even more often throughout the 2023 baseball season.
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New York Mets - Bullpen and Closers News
Of course, the biggest bullpen story of the past few weeks was Mets closer Edwin Diaz doing his best Kendrys Morales impression by getting hurt during a celebration at the World Baseball Classic. Tests determined he had torn the patellar tendon in his right knee and he underwent surgery to repair the damage.
The top-tier closer is expected to miss all of the 2023 season, leaving Adam Ottavino and David Robertson, both with previous closing experience, as the likely ninth-inning options for the Mets. For now, the Mets' bullpen is a wait-and-see in saves-only leagues, but fantasy managers in holds leagues can confidently draft either or both Ottavino and Robertson.
Risers: Adam Ottavino, David Robertson
Fallers: Edwin Diaz
Atlanta Braves - Bullpen and Closers News
Another National League East team is dealing with an injured closer, as Raisel Iglesias will begin the season on the injured list due to low-grade shoulder inflammation. He's going to be shut down from throwing for a week, and then the Braves will reevaluate at that point. For now, it doesn't seem like he'll miss extended time, but shoulder injuries can be tricky.
Luckily for the Braves, they have a deep and experienced bullpen. Lefty A.J. Minter and righty Joe Jimenez are likely to share save situations while Iglesias recovers. Minter has the higher upside and should be rostered in most formats right now, but he's an absolute elite option in holds leagues.
Risers: A.J. Minter, Joe Jimenez
Fallers: Raisel Iglesias
Chicago Cubs - Bullpen and Closers News
The Cubs' bullpen is still a pretty open competition, but it seems Michael Fulmer and Brad Boxberger have risen to the top and are the most likely candidates for saves. Brandon Hughes may have had a chance to mix in as well, but a knee injury has forced him off the mound for a bit.
Fantasy managers in deep holds leagues can look for either Fulmer or Boxberger, but in standard leagues where only saves count, most teams might be better off leaving Cubs relievers on the waiver wire.
Risers: Michael Fulmer, Brad Boxberger
Fallers: Brandon Hughes
Short Relief - Other Bullpen News
-The Marlins bullpen looks like another committee, with all of A.J. Puk, Tanner Scott, Dylan Floro, and Matt Barnes probably pitching in close and late situations.
-With Edwin Diaz and Raisel Iglesias hurt, the top tier of fantasy closers in 2023 might consist of just two guys: Emmanuel Clase in Cleveland and Devin Williams in Milwaukee. Josh Hader in San Diego is coming off the worst season of his career, but showed some positive signs at the end of the season and could make his way back into the top tier soon.
-The second tier includes guys like Jordan Romano in Toronto and Ryan Pressly in Houston. With more and more teams going to committee approaches for their closer roles, relief pitcher is becoming a very top-heavy fantasy position without much depth in standard leagues.
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