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With another week of injuries, committees, and blown saves behind us, fantasy managers are starting to see more and more how important having a good bullpen can be. Having the right relievers on a fantasy roster can make up for a somewhat subpar starting rotation, and ensuring you knock all pitching categories out of the fantasy park can even cover up for a rough week from your offensive lineup.
There were a few surprising changes in committees this week, a solid locked-in veteran closer landed on the injured list, and an exciting young potential closer returned from injury. Things are going to change drastically in a bunch of bullpens by the end of July thanks to the trade deadline, but for now we have several pens hitting their stride while others are still trying to set roles.
Be sure to keep an eye on our RotoBaller Closers and Saves Bullpen Depth Charts. They're updated daily, or sometimes even more often in this wild 2021 baseball season. With that being said, here are the closers, saves, and bullpen waiver wire pickups to consider for Week 12 - June 14 through June 20.
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Bullpen News For The Week
Texas Rangers
The Rangers have had one of the most consistent ninth innings in baseball this season despite the team only winning 24 games. Ian Kennedy (hamstring) has 12 saves in 13 opportunities to go with a 2.53 ERA and a 29.8 K%. He's been really, really good, and he's made sure the few times the Rangers take a close lead into the ninth, they escape with a win. Kennedy is on a one-year deal and is fully expected to be traded before the trade deadline, and he might end up as a setup man at that point. Still, even with that on the horizon, Kennedy had been providing fantasy managers with plenty of value.
A hamstring strain put a stop to all that, as Kennedy landed on the injured list this week. It's being reported as a "mild hamstring strain" so the hope is that he won't miss too much time, but someone will need to step in for however long he's gone. Joely Rodriguez figures to get the first crack at it, but Michael King and Josh Sborz could mix in as well. Keeping in mind that the Rangers have just two wins over the last 17 days however, there's a real chance there won't even be a save opportunity until after Kennedy has fully healed.
Risers: Joely Rodriguez (mostly), Michael King, Josh Sborz
Fallers: Ian Kennedy (for now)
Tampa Bay Rays
Remember when we thought we had the Rays bullpen figured out? Imagine the audacity to think anyone could have figured it out, the hubris! J.P. Feyereisen looked like he was quickly taking over the ninth inning for Tampa Bay after being acquired from the Brewers and we quickly listed him as the head of the committee and had him as an immediate must-add in all formats. Well. It's the Rays.
All of a sudden, Diego Castillo is right back up there as seeming head of the committee. Castillo earned two saves this week while Feyereisen just couldn't find the strike zone at all. The best way to approach the Rays bullpen may be to just get a spinning dart board and blindfold yourself before choosing which reliever to go with. Sources say that might be how Kevin Cash does it in the dugout.
Risers: Diego Castillo, dart board sales in the Tampa/St. Pete area
Fallers: J.P. Feyereisen, those who appreciate routine
Detroit Tigers
Another team where the bullpen looked like it was starting to figure itself out was the Tigers. Michael Fulmer (shoulder) was pitching well and earning more and more significant innings, eventually landing as the head of the committee in Detroit. But then he became a full-time member of the injured list due to a strained shoulder. There have been positive signs with Fulmer's injury though, and he's not expected to miss too much time.
Still, in the meantime since he's out of the ninth inning picture, the Tigers seem to be back to a two-person committee. Gregory Soto and Jose Cisnero will work any save chances, but Cisnero has earned the first two opportunities and converted them both. That's enough to paint him as the head of the committee, at least.
Risers: Jose Cisnero, Gregory Soto
Fallers: Michael Fulmer (temporarily)
Short Relief
-It looked like the A's might be settling on Jake Diekman in the ninth, but Lou Trivino has worked his way back into the inning and may actually be atop the hierarchy right now.
-Kendall Graveman is on a rehab assignment and should be able to rejoin the Mariners bullpen soon. The assumption is that he'll return to a closer's role, or at least the head of the committee once he's back up to speed.
-Josh Staumont is back from his stint on the injured list and should be back in the ninth inning before long in Kansas City.
-The Twins bullpen is in full committee mode, with Tyler Rogers and Hansel Robles both earning saves this week.
-Lucas Sims looks to be taking hold of things in the Reds bullpen. It's still looking like Cincinnati won't settle on just one closer, but Sims has advanced to the head of the committee at this point.
-Hunter Harvey is back from his IL stint that began before the season did. He immediately makes the Orioles bullpen better and should pitch in high leverage situations soon.
-Andrew Miller is back in the Cardinals bullpen, and could work his way back into the late innings once he puts a few good outings together. He was off to a rough start before getting hurt.
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