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Another week of baseball, another week of bullpen news. With now nearly all fantasy leagues playing games that count (catch up, tardy turtles!), we'll have our weekly Closers and Saves Report to make sure we help you fully keep up with all the latest bullpen moves and all the latest waiver wire guys who could make a difference on your team.
This week, we learned more about some committees, found out more about some injured closers, and saw how a bullpen we thought might be a committee might actually not be. All that and more, coming right up!
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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Atlanta Braves - Bullpen and Closers News
The Braves planned on having Raisel Iglesias close games for them this season. Before the season even began, Iglesias landed on the injured list due to a shoulder injury. There was talk of the Braves working with a committee in the meantime, but A.J. Minter has more or less operated as a traditional closer in the early going and figures to continue in that role.
Meanwhile, Iglesias still hasn't started throwing again. It could be Minter's ninth inning for a while. He'll keep being set up by Joe Jimenez, Collin McHugh, and Kirby Yates.
Risers: A.J. Minter
Fallers: Raisel Iglesias
Los Angeles Angels - Bullpen and Closer News
The Angels signed Carlos Estevez this offseason and most folks expected him to be the team's closer. While it still seems like that could be the case, only Tucker Davidson and Jose Quijada have earned saves so far. Manager Phil Nevin did say that Estevez was only not pitching in a save situation because he was trying to avoid using his top arms early on in the season. So Estevez is likely still the closer, but it's clear he won't be on the mound for every Angels save situation.
Risers: Jose Quijada
Fallers: none
Arizona Diamondbacks - Bullpen and Closer News
The Diamondbacks bullpen was pretty much always expected to be a committee and it seems like it's going to be just that. Scott McGough may have had a chance to claim the ninth all to himself, but a rough start to the season has knocked him back into the committee at best.
Kevin Ginkel has been pitching later innings but in lower-leverage situations. If he pitches well, he could make his way into save chances sooner than later. Andrew Chafin and perhaps Miguel Castro could be seen closing out games, too. At least until someone stands out from the pack.
Risers: Andrew Chafin, Kevin Ginkel
Fallers: Scott McGough
Washington Nationals - Bullpen and Closers News
Kyle Finnegan is the Nationals' closer. Finnegan has been talked up by his manager as a guy who can be used in a "fireman" role and might not always be saved for just the ninth inning. He has a 27.00 ERA (in just 2 1/3 innings, but still...) and has walked three and allowed six hits while still looking for his first strikeout.
All of these can be true, as can be the fact that Finnegan's role as the ninth-inning guy for the Nationals could be in jeopardy. Carl Edwards Jr. and Hunter Harvey have both been pitching well and could see some save chances if Finnegan keeps struggling.
Risers: Carl Edwards Jr.
Fallers: Kyle Finnegan
Short Relief - Other Bullpen News
-Michael Fulmer is looking like the slight favorite to take the "bigger half" of the Cubs' closer committee job over Brad Boxberger.
-Reynaldo Lopez looks great on the mound but the results haven't been there yet. It's too early to worry, but the White Sox and all of baseball are hoping to see Liam Hendriks back on the mound sooner than later.
-Pierce Johnson looks like he's locked up the role as the Rockies' closer, at least until Daniel Bard (anxiety) is able to return. Johnson is worth rostering in most leagues for now.
-Most of the Phillies' closer options have pitched poorly so far, which could allow for someone like Connor Brogdon to sneak into fantasy relevance. More likely though, they'll continue with a committee that won't allow anyone much consistent fantasy value.
-Andres Munoz seems like the slight favorite in the Mariners' bullpen. They're unlikely to name one specific closer, especially after sticking with an effective committee for most of last season.
-William Smith got the first save of the season for the Rangers and could make up the left-handed committee side of the Texas ninth alongside Jose Leclerc.
-The Dodgers have stuck with their committee approach so far. Brusdar Graterol is dealing with a tight back, so Phil Bickford has found his way into the late innings and Evan Phillips remains the favorite.
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