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David A Marcillo's fantasy baseball closers and saves to pick up or monitor on the Week 5 waiver wire. These are the most intriguing bullpen situations around MLB.
The best closer in baseball last year is done for the year, but he's been replaced by a guy who looks like he could be the best closer in baseball this year. Must be nice. One of the best closers of this generation finally looked a little more like himself this week, but is it enough for his manager to trust him with a close lead?
One of the most consistent relievers in the game will now be a starter, a role in which he hasn't excelled in the past. One of the bullpens that was expected to be the most solid in the game, even after losing its closer, is seeing even more turmoil now. In other words, there was a lot this week. So let's get started.
Take a look at our Closer Depth Chart, which is updated daily. Let's jump in and take a look at what's been going on in the bullpens around baseball.
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Bullpen News for Week 5
San Diego Padres
Kirby Yates was the best closer in baseball last season by almost any metric. He never looked right this year, though. He struggled out of the gate and now he's done for the year due to an elbow injury that required surgery. In steps Drew Pomeranz, which means the Padres may have 2020's "Best Closer in Baseball" even after losing 2019's. Pomeranz is nearly unhittable out of the bullpen and should step into Yates' ninth inning role. Emilio Pagan will be around for the occasional save, but it should be Pomeranz more often than not.
UPDATE: Drew Pomeranz is dealing with shoulder tightness, right when he was given the chance to take over the closer's role full time. There doesn't seem to be a ton of concern, but any shoulder issue with a pitcher could quickly become a big deal. Emilio Pagan and Craig Stammen figure to fill in for Pomeranz in the meantime.
New York Mets
The Mets had a bit of a mess in their bullpen earlier this season, with Edwin Diaz struggling out of the gate. He's been much better lately and seems to have inspired confidence in the Mets. Seth Lugo, who was closing games while Diaz struggled, will be moved to the rotation, leaving Diaz as the favorite for saves once again. The Mets also have Dellin Betances and Jeurys Familia in their bullpen, but the job would seem to be Diaz's to lose once again.
Chicago Cubs
The Cubs have not gotten much out of Craig Kimbrel in a Chicago uniform, but he's quietly strung together three excellent appearances, punctuated by a save in which he struck out all three batters he faced. It was his first save of the year. After the game, the Cubs refused to give Kimbrel anything like a vote of confidence, but with all the chances they've given him, it feels safe to assume he'll get another chance at the ninth as long as he keeps pitching well. Rowan Wick has been heading the Cubs committee with Jeremy Jeffress involved as well, but Kimbrel is one of the best closers of this generation even if he has barely even been a shell of himself as a Cub.
St. Louis Cardinals
No one really knew what to expect from the Cardinals once they returned from their forced vacation, but it looks like Andrew Miller may have emerged as the top closing option. He's already struggled through an outing though, so we may end up seeing a full-on committee in St. Louis. Giovanny Gallegos will certainly be involved, and Ryan Helsley should be back in the mix once he's able to get back on the field.
Colorado Rockies
The Rockies seemed ready to go with Jairo Diaz in their ninth innings, but he's struggled and the team decided they wouldn't be naming an outright closer, instead going with matchups. Another classic committee. Diaz will still be involved, along with Carlos Estevez and the brand new and improved Daniel Bard. Bard may be the higher upside option here, but Diaz is the safer bet, still.
Short Relief
- Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman has struggled but is still expected to replace Zack Britton soon. That timeline may be expedited, as Britton is being evaluated for a hamstring injury and could be forced to miss time.
- Daniel Hudson hasn't been great as the Nationals closer, while Tanner Rainey has been incredible as the Nationals setup man. If Hudson continues to struggle, a change could come sooner than expected.
- Taylor Rogers has struggled in Minnesota, and with Sergio Romo's experience backing him up, we may start seeing Romo in the ninth inning a bit more often pretty soon.
- Trevor Gott has really struggled, and he has his manager to thank for giving him more opportunities to struggle. The Giants bullpen should be a full blown committee pretty soon if it isn't already.
Roster Moves of the Week
Adds
Drew Pomeranz, San Diego Padres- Pomeranz has a legitimate chance to be the best closer in baseball this season, so he of course needs to be owned in absolutely every format imaginable. (Keep an eye on his shoulder though, and potentially switch this to Emilio Pagan instead.)
Craig Kimbrel, Chicago Cubs- There's still work to be done for Kimbrel to be Kimbrel again, but there were good signs this week and it's no secret that the Cubs want to get the most out of their investment. This is a speculative add for now.
Edwin Diaz, New York Mets- Diaz returns to the closer's role and if he's been dropped in your league, now might be the time to snag him back up. There's always risk with Diaz, but the potential reward is enormous.
Seth Lugo, New York Mets- This is usually a bullpen article, but I honestly think Lugo can be a very good big league starter. If he gets dropped in your league by someone thinking he's only a worthy fantasy asset out of the bullpen, pick him up and be patient as he stretches out into a starting role.
Drops
Kirby Yates, San Diego Padres- Yates won't pitch again this year, so anyone owning him in redraft formats can go ahead and let him go.
Trevor Gott, San Francisco Giants- Gott has hurt your fantasy team enough at this point, it's time to let him go.
Best of the Week
Liam Hendriks, Oakland Athletics - 3 IP, 3 SV, 4 K, 0.00 ERA
A's closer Liam Hendriks had an excellent week, saving every game he appeared in while striking out four batters and not allowing a run.
Kenley Jansen, Los Angeles Dodgers - 2 1/3 IP, 3 SV, 4 K, 0.00 ERA
Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen matched the numbers Hendriks put up, but only needed 2 1/3 innings to do it.
Craig Kimbrel, Chicago Cubs - 3 IP, 1 SV, 7 K, 0.00 ERA
Shoutout to Kimbrel here, who used to be a fixture on the Best of the Week list. He only saved one game, but he struck out seven of the 11 batters he faced. This week could have been the turning point we've all been waiting for in Kimbrel's game.
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