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

Closers and Saves Waiver Wire Report for Fantasy Baseball - Week 18

Seranthony Dominguez - Fantasy Baseball Rankings, Closers, Saves, Draft Sleepers. Waiver Wire

Fantasy baseball closers, saves, and bullpen waiver wire pickups for July 28, 2023. David's relief pitcher and bullpen updates, and potential closers to add.

The trade deadline is just a couple of days away and with a lot of teams in the race (or at least a lot of teams who think they're in the race) we could be looking at one of the more active deadlines in a while. It already got started with some bullpen moves, like the Aroldis Chapman trade a couple of weeks ago and a few more this week.

While bullpens around the league will certainly look different by this time next week, we still had the current bullpens work their way into saves, holds, blown saves, wins, and losses this week. So let's take a look at some bullpen-relevant trades and other reliever news for this final week of July.

Be sure to also keep an eye on our Fantasy Baseball Closer Depth Charts for saves, holds, and bullpens. They will be updated daily or sometimes even more often throughout the 2023 baseball season. 

Be sure to check all of our fantasy baseball lineup tools and resources:

 

Miami Marlins - Bullpen and Closer News

The Marlins have made two notable bullpen trades already, with them and the Twins agreeing on a rare 1-for-1 reliever deal. Miami sent Dylan Floro to Minnesota in exchange for Jorge Lopez. Both pitchers have been solid in the past but have mostly struggled this year. Floro figures to work in middle relief for the Twins while Lopez likely slots into a similar spot in Miami. The Marlins reportedly see something in Lopez that they hope to unlock to get him back to his All-Star form from last season.

The Fish also picked up one of the better relievers available on the trade market, grabbing David Robertson from the Mets late on Thursday night. Robertson was working as the Mets' closer, saving 14 games and posting a 2.05 ERA. With the recent struggles of A.J. Puk, Robertson figures to move right into the Marlins' closer role, with Puk and Tanner Scott working in setup roles. Meanwhile, Adam Ottavino should close for the Mets, but he could be traded before the deadline as well.

Risers: David Robertson, Adam Ottavino
Fallers: A.J. Puk

 

Philadelphia Phillies - Bullpen and Closer News

Since Craig Kimbrel established himself as "so back" this season, the Phillies have been using a mostly traditional bullpen approach, saving their closer for the ninth inning. That changed this week, as Kimbrel was deployed in the eighth inning of a game to face the opponent's 3-4-5 hitters. Gregory Soto then came in for the ninth inning and earned his second save of the year.

This type of "leverage" move was certainly an excellent one in terms of giving the Phillies the best chance to win, but is it a sign of new bullpen usage in Philadelphia or just a one-off situation? We'll have to wait and see since any trade acquisitions could mix in as well, along with Seranthony Dominguez, who was just activated off the IL. Still, Kimbrel has been good enough that he's almost sure to keep his job as closer.

Risers: none (Kimbrel is very good)
Fallers: none (Seranthony Dominguez and Gregory Soto are both good holds options)

 

Arizona Diamondbacks - Bullpen and Closer News

The Diamondbacks are currently in the thick of the National League Wild Card race, despite their team leader in saves (Andrew Chafin) having just eight. It's been a struggle all season for Arizona relievers, and that was very evident this week as well. Chafin, Scott McGough, and Miguel Castro are all still being used for high-leverage innings, but it's Kevin Ginkel who has emerged as the new committee leader in the desert.

Ginkel doesn't have typical "closer stuff" as he doesn't miss a ton of bats (22.5 K%), but he's been good at preventing runs this season, posting a 2.31 ERA in 39 innings. His fantasy value seems temporary, however, as the Diamondbacks are certainly one of the teams most likely to make a trade for a closer before Tuesday's deadline. For now, Ginkel can probably help some teams in save-only formats.

Risers: Kevin Ginkel
Fallers: Andrew Chafin, Scott McGough

 

TRADES - Bullpen and Closer News

The Twins picked up Dylan Floro from the Marlins. He's been struggling lately after a solid start to the season, but he hasn't been able to get lefty batters out in a while. He'll likely pitch in middle relief in the Twins bullpen, severely limiting his already dwindling fantasy value.

The Angels said they weren't trading Shohei Ohtani because they planned on being buyers and they proved it this week by picking up Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo Lopez from the White Sox. Lopez has had an up-and-down season but has great swing-and-miss stuff and could end up as one of the primary setup arms in the Angels' bullpen. Meanwhile, the White Sox bullpen is likely to continue to lose relievers, but for now, Gregory Santos and Keynan Middleton see their holds league value rise a bit.

The Braves made two bullpen trades, picking up Pierce Johnson from the Rockies and Taylor Hearn from the Rangers. Both will be middle relievers in Atlanta with little fantasy value, but Johnson moving from Colorado puts Brad Hand back into the holds league conversation (at least until he hs traded).

Risers: Gregory Santos, Keynan Middleton, Brad Hand, Reynaldo Lopez (maybe)
Fallers: Dylan Floro, Pierce Johnson

 

Short Relief - Other Bullpen News

-Clay Holmes seems to have risen to the top of the Yankee committee and is now either the outright closer or at least the head of the committee with a significant lead over his competition.

-Similar trajectory for Adbert Alzolay in the Cubs bullpen. It seems like he's become the closer on most nights at the very least.

-A.J. Puk has been struggling and got a vote of confidence and then struggled some more, so keep an eye on the Marlins bullpen: Tanner Scott would be next in line, but they may go out and get someone before the deadline as well.

-A few setup guys proved themselves to be the "next man up" just in case anything happens to their team's closer. Andres Munoz, Bryan Abreu, and Lucas Sims all picked up saves this week on days that their team's closers (Paul Sewald, Ryan Pressly, and Alexis Diaz) weren't available.



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy baseball app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, sleepers, prospects & more. All free!



More Fantasy Baseball Advice




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

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Aliaksei Protas

Traveling With Capitals
Gabriel Vilardi

Still Out On Thursday
Max Pacioretty

Set To Join Maple Leafs Lineup For Game 3
Bryan Woo

Picks Up Third Win, Strikes Out Eight On Thursday
Cade Cavalli

Moving Rehab Assignment To Double-A
Paul DeJong

Having Surgery On His Nose
Royce Lewis

Starting His Rehab Assignment On Friday
Tyler O'Neill

Out On Thursday With Sore Neck
Cole Ragans

Pulled Early On Thursday With Groin Tightness
Jackson Holliday

Retreats To Bench Against Southpaw
Jake Mangum

Rays Place Jake Mangum On 10-Day Injured List With Groin Strain
José Tena

Jacob Young, Jose Tena Sitting Out On Thursday
Kyle Gibson

Dealing With Minor Back Tightness
Triston Casas

Small Mechanical Tweak Working For Triston Casas
Tyler Lockett

Titans Likely To Use Tyler Lockett In The Slot
CJ Abrams

Reinstated From 10-Day Injured List
Washington Commanders

Commanders Trying To Trade Back From No. 29 Pick

Colston Loveland Could Be First Tight End Selected
Eli Morgan

Shut Down From Throwing For 2-3 Weeks

Jaguars Could Be Eyeing Trade Up For Travis Hunter
Javier Assad

Heading To Chicago To Be Examined
Jake Bauers

In Starting Lineup Against Giants

Jayden Higgins A Potential First-Round Pick?
Brandon Marsh

Starting Rehab Assignment On Thursday
Brendan Donovan

Expected To Return On Friday
Breece Hall

Available For Trade?
Patrick Bailey

Getting Breather In Series Finale
William Contreras

Jackson Chourio, William Contreras, Caleb Durbin All Sitting On Thursday
Trent Grisham

Activated From Paternity List
Cleveland Browns

Greg Newsome, Ogbo Okoronkwo Could Be Available Via Trade During The Draft
Tobias Myers

Activated Off Injured List, Starting On Thursday
Arizona Cardinals

Paris Johnson Jr. Completely Healthy This Offseason
Carolina Panthers

Derrick Brown Expected To Be Ready For Start Of Season
Denver Broncos

Broncos Fielding Calls For No. 20 Pick In NFL Draft

Browns, Giants Both Like Jaxson Dart

Kevin Stefanski Thinks Travis Hunter Can Succeed As Two-Way Player
Linus Ullmark

Attempts To Overcome Playoff Struggles Thursday
Anthony Cirelli

A Game-Time Call Thursday
Logan Thompson

Comes Up Big In Game 2
Connor McMichael

Strikes Twice In Wednesday's Win
Anze Kopitar

Tallies Four Points In Game 2 Victory
Adrian Kempe

Notches Two Goals, Two Assists In Wednesday's Win
Tyler Seguin

Gives Stars Series Lead With Overtime Winner
Gabriel Landeskog

Delivers Six Hits In First Game Since 2022
NFL

Browns, Giants, Patriots Receive Calls For Picks Nos. 2-4
Tyler Herro

Scores Game-High 33 Points In Wednesday's Loss
Donovan Mitchell

Fires In 30 Points In Game 2 Win
Paolo Banchero

Notches 32 Points In Game 2 Loss
Jaylen Brown

Posts 36-Point Double-Double Wednesday
Jalen Green

Erupts For 38 Points In Game 2 Victory
Brandin Podziemski

Limited To 14 Minutes Wednesday
Jimmy Butler III

Set For MRI Thursday
George Kittle

Wants To Be Highest-Paid Tight End
Tyler Lockett

Joining The Titans

Will Shedeur Sanders' Game Translate To The NFL?
Las Vegas Raiders

Raiders Could Go With Offensive Lineman At No. 6 Overall
NFL

Jaguars, Raiders Looking To Trade Up In First Round
New Orleans Saints

Saints Won't Pick Up Fifth-Year Option On Trevor Penning
Nick Chubb

Not Interested In Retirement
George Pickens

Drawing Trade Interest
Brandin Podziemski

Upgraded To Available
Cam Davis

Looking For Better Fortunes At TPC Louisiana
Michael Porter Jr.

Listed As Questionable For Game 3
Adam Svensson

Making Third Apperence At Zurich Classic
Davion Mitchell

Moves Into Starting Lineup Wednesday
Brandin Podziemski

Picks Up Questionable Tag
Al Horford

Starts Game 2
Michael Porter Jr.

Practices On Wednesday
Jayson Tatum

Out On Wednesday
Isaiah Stewart

May Miss Another Game Thursday
NYI

Cal Clutterbuck Announces Retirement
Pavel Zacha

Recovering From Small Procedure
Nikolaj Ehlers

To Miss At Least Two More Games
Miro Heiskanen

Still Out On Wednesday
John Klingberg

Enters Oilers Lineup For Game 2
Evander Kane

To Make Season Debut Wednesday Night
Gabriel Landeskog

Likely To Play In Game 3
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Posts Team-High 26 Points In Tuesday's Loss
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Notches 27 Points Despite Poor Shooting
Max Greyserman

Aiming For Similar Success At TPC Louisiana
Pascal Siakam

Scores Team-High 24 Points In Game 2 Win
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Posts Big Double-Double In Game 2 Loss
Lee Hodges

A High-Upside Player In New Orleans
PGA

Nico Echavarria Looks To Ride Off Of Elite Putting In New Orleans
Julius Randle

Leads Timberwolves In Scoring In Game 2
Gary Woodland

A Player Worth Watching In New Orleans
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Nets 31 Points In Lakers Win
Max McGreevy

Returns To The Zurich Classic Of New Orleans
Rasmus Hojgaard

In Search Of Consistency Ahead Of Zurich Classic
Sam Stevens

A Boom-Or-Bust Candidate In New Orleans
Nicolai Hojgaard

Looking To Turn Season Around At Zurich Classic
John Tavares

Collects Two Points In Overtime Win
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

Looks To Sway A Hot Putter In Teams Favor At Zurich Classic
Frederik Andersen

Posts 40th Postseason Win
Akshay Bhatia

Looking To Bounce Back At TPC Louisiana
Carson Young

Looks To Turn Things Around At TPC Louisiana
Kirill Kaprizov

Leads Wild To Valuable Road Win
Erik Van Rooyen

Looking For Momentum In Louisiana
Andrew Novak

Making Start At TPC Louisiana After Near Miss At Harbour Town
Ben Griffin

Making Third Career Start At Zurich Classic
Taylor Moore

Competing With A New Teammate In New Orleans
Wyndham Clark

Making Return To New Orleans
Kurt Kitayama

Teeing It Up Again In New Orleans
Collin Morikawa

Back At Zurich Classic For Fifth Time
Thomas Detry

Making Third Appearance At New Orleans Team Event
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF