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Another week has gone by and we're almost through the month of April. Baseball's first month of 2023 has been exciting with some key surprises, unexpected disappointments, and of course plenty of bullpen news. This week, the cream of a committee rose to the top, what we thought was a committee might not be, and two teams in the same city (kind of) kept us guessing.
With one month in the rearview, both real-life and fantasy baseball teams are starting to realistically evaluate their teams and determine where they need help. It's early, but we can already tell that we're going to see a ton of bullpen-affecting trades this summer leading up to the deadline.
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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Philadelphia Phillies - Bullpen and Closer News
The Phillies came into the season expecting to use a committee approach in the late innings with Seranthony Dominguez, Craig Kimbrel, and Jose Alvarado. They did that for a while. As Kimbrel and Dominguez have struggled, Alvarado has been off to the best start of his career.
The lefty has allowed just one run on six hits in 11 1/3 innings, striking out 22 without allowing a walk. That's a 55% K rate with a 0% BB rate!
Alvarado has four saves and three holds. Those four saves have come in his last five appearances. It looks like the Phillies will be going with Dominguez in the seventh, Kimbrel in the eighth, and Alvarado in the ninth most days. Alvarado needs to be rostered in all formats right now, with Kimbrel and Dominguez retaining some holds league value of their own.
Risers: Jose Alvarado
Fallers (in standard leagues): Seranthony Dominguez, Craig Kimbrel
Oakland Athletics - Bullpen and Closer News
With both Dany Jimenez (shoulder) and Trevor May (anxiety) on the injured list, it was anyone's guess who would close games for the A's. Our guess was Zach Jackson, but it looks like Oakland is going with the more experienced Jeurys Familia. Familia saved two games in four days this week, so it looks like he's atop the committee for now. Jackson will likely still get occasional chances, but this remains a bullpen best left alone right now.
Risers: Jeurys Familia
Fallers: Zach Jackson
Los Angeles Angels - Bullpen and Closer News
The Angels bullpen was a planned committee, although Carlos Estevez was expected to be at the top. It seems like Jose Quijada had taken that role for a moment, but the two are likely to continue sharing the opportunities for the most part. Quijada has four saves and Estevez has five, but Quijada's 6.00 ERA looks rough next to Estevez's 1.42.
The Angels likely won't remove him from the role he earned after two bad games, but Estevez looks to be pulling ahead slightly. Estevez and Quijada are both solid options in holds leagues, but their split chances limit their value in standard formats.
Risers: Carlos Estevez
Fallers: Jose Quijada
Short Relief - Other Bullpen News
-Reynaldo Lopez has been really bad (7.59 ERA) but so have the White Sox (7-18). The Chicago bullpen is better left alone until Liam Hendriks returns. Hendriks, by the way, is preparing to start a rehab assignment and may do so as early as next week.
-Shelby Miller picked up a save this week while Evan Phillips was just back from the paternity list and got some work in an earlier inning. Phillips is still the favorite for saves in LA, but there are a lot of moving parts there.
-Dylan Floro earned a save for the Marlins. Based on this week's usage, A.J. Puk is still clearly the top choice for the ninth in Miami.
-A.J. Minter has been struggling mightily, allowing 10 earned runs over his past 3 2/3 innings. No move yet, but Nick Anderson or Joe Jimenez figure to be next in line.
-Paul Sewald still looks settled in as the Mariners' closer, but their setup group has seen Gabe Speier and Justin Topa move in. Topa has an ERA of 2.00 and Speier still hasn't allowed a run this season.
-Taylor Clarke looks like he's becoming a key part of the Royals bullpen and should be available in most holds leagues.
-Kyle Finnegan seems to be solidifying his role as the go-to guy in the Nationals pen.
-Yennier Cano made his MLB debut last season and put up an 11.50 ERA in 18 innings. That's impressively bad. Much more impressive, though? He made some mechanical tweaks and has pitched 8 2/3 perfect innings to start this season. He's become the main setup man in Baltimore.
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