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Fantasy baseball closers, saves, and bullpen waiver wire pickups for April 21, 2023. David's relief pitcher and bullpen updates, and potential closers to add.
They say baseball is in full swing, but for pitchers, they're hoping it's in full swing and miss. Get it? Do you get it? Alright, if you're still reading, thank you and we apologize. Baseball is in full swing and teams are getting their bullpens more and more set for the long season ahead.
Injuries were the bigger news this week, but some committees gave a little more clarity, and some confusing bullpens got even more confusing. That being said, at least one bullpen seems to have settled in. That's a lot less confusing, so we appreciate that here at RotoBaller.
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.
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Colorado Rockies - Bullpen and Closer News
Daniel Bard worked his way back from the injured list and was activated on Wednesday. He got a chance to pitch in the eighth inning, but the Rockies were up by 11, so it was a very low-pressure situation. Still, he shouldn't need more than maybe one more outing before resuming his role as the team's closer.
That will leave Pierce Johnson back in a setup role. He'll remain worthy of a roster spot in deeper holds leagues, but can be dropped in most saves-only formats. Bard, meanwhile, should be added anywhere he's available.
Risers: Daniel Bard
Fallers: Pierce Johnson
Oakland Athletics - Bullpen and Closer News
The Athletics bullpen has been a mess so far this season. The recent Vegas news probably won't help, but neither will offseason signing Trevor May (anxiety) being placed on the injured list alongside Dany Jimenez (shoulder).
It's hard to trust any A's reliever, especially knowing that they won't have too many ninth-inning leads. Fantasy managers desperate for potential saves can look for Zach Jackson, who should be the favorite to close for now.
Risers: Zach Jackson
Fallers: Dany Jimenez, Trevor May
Philadelphia Phillies - Bullpen and Closer News
The Phillies have only had two saves this season. The first one went to Craig Kimbrel on April 7 and the second one came this Wednesday to Jose Alvarado. Kimbrel, Seranthony Dominguez, and Alvarado have been the back end of the Phillies bullpen so far.
Alvarado has been by far the most impressive of the trio, posting a 1.08 ERA and recording 18 strikeouts out of the 22 outs he's gotten this season (62.1 % K%!) without issuing a single walk yet. This will likely be a committee bullpen this season, but Alvarado has to be at the top at least while he's pitching this well.
Risers: Jose Alvarado
Fallers: none
Kansas City Royals - Bullpen and Closer News
The Royals signed veteran closer Aroldis Chapman this offseason, but he started as a setup man despite his 316 career saves. Scott Barlow and his 44 career saves got the ninth, but it hasn't gone well. Barlow has allowed seven runs in his past four outings, sporting a 9.45 ERA in the early going.
Meanwhile, Chapman has compiled seven scoreless innings with a 52% strikeout rate. While there has been no official word from the team yet, it's hard to imagine Barlow holding off Chapman much longer for the closer's role.
Risers: Aroldis Chapman
Fallers: Scott Barlow
Short Relief - Other Bullpen News
-An early contender for best news of the season: White Sox closer Liam Hendriks announced that he is cancer free! It might take him a bit to get ramped back up, but he'll be closing for Chicago before long, and will certainly get an emotional ovation once he does.
-Evan Phillips was placed on the paternity leave list, so the Dodgers will likely use Brusdar Graterol for any save situations in the next couple of games.
-The Marlins' closer is A.J. Puk. There's no committee there anymore, it's Dylan Floro in the eighth and Puk in the ninth.
-Matt Bush got a save this week in a game where Devin Williams was unavailable, solidifying Bush as the primary setup guy in Milwaukee.
-The Mets will continue with their two-headed closer approach. Adam Ottavino and David Robertson each recorded two saves in a span of five days.
-Carlos Estevez is probably still the committee leader for the Angels. Jose Quijada, who has yet to allow a run this season, is closing in.
-Chris Martin landed on the IL for the Red Sox, leaving Ryan Brasier to earn a save this week when closer Kenley Jansen was unavailable.
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