🦃 BLACK FRIDAY - TAP TO SAVE 50% WITH CODE THANKS
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

MLB Closers and Saves Report - Week 4

By Keith Allison on Flickr (Original version) UCinternational (Crop) [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

David Marcillo looks at Week 4 closer performances around MLB, including bullpen changes. He identifies fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups and adds for saves.

Week 3 gave us a flurry of bullpen moves so naturally, week 4 was mostly quiet, with nothing Earth-shattering really going down in any team's bullpen.

There were still a few important things happening, and of course there were some great performances to discuss, so let's carefully jump in so we can avoid the DL.

Let's get to it.

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

 

Bullpen News for Week 4

Washington Nationals

Just like last week, we'll start off Bullpen News with some Nationals chatter. Last week, Blake Treinen officially lost his job and was replaced by a committee headed by Koda Glover and Shawn Kelley. This week, the picture got a little clearer. With Glover heading to the disabled list with a left hip impingement, Kelley will have the ninth inning all to himself for a while. Even though Glover doesn't expect to miss much time, saying he should be ready to return once his requisite 10 days are up, this could give Kelley enough time to cement himself as the closer in D.C. Manager Dusty Baker is certainly the kind that would prefer a clear-cut closer over a committee, and this is the best opportunity Kelley has had so far to prove himself. Kelley's fantasy owners should be thrilled about the way things have developed in the Nationals bullpen. Glover's owners, on the other hand, are likely a bit disappointed. Still, it's no guarantee that Kelley thrives in his suddenly full-time role, so Glover is worth a DL spot until we see what happens when he comes back.

 

Los Angeles Angels

There has been plenty of hype for Angels closer Cam Bedrosian coming from me and from many others. He pitched 6 2/3 scoreless innings, striking out nine without walking a batter and allowing only six hits while converting three saves. But, then he landed on the DL. Bedrosian was placed on the disabled list with a right groin strain. He never had to be lifted from a game, so it's unclear just when he suffered the injury. It's also still unclear just how much time Bedrosian will miss. Hopefully for the Angels and for Bedrosian's fantasy owners, he will be able to return soon after his 10 days are up. Veteran Huston Street just started a throwing program this week, but he's on the 60-day disabled list and still several weeks away from being any kind of a factor. In the meantime, manager Mike Scioscia hasn't named an official closer, instead opting for a committee while Bedrosian is on the shelf. Despite that official stance, Bud Norris has already received and converted three save opportunities. He is the arm to own in the Angels bullpen while Bedrosian is out. In 11 2/3 innings so far this year, Norris has allowed four runs on eight hits and four walks while striking out 14. Bedrosian's owners looking for a quick replacement could do worse than looking at Norris as a temporary add.

 

Texas Rangers

Rangers Opening Day closer Sam Dyson was legendary in his awfulness to start the season. He allowed 13 runs on 14 hits and five walks in just 4 1/3 innings, compiling an 0-3 record despite only six appearances. His 27.00 ERA and 4.38 WHIP killed fantasy owners in the first couple of weeks. He was placed on the disabled list with a "right hand contusion" which was almost certainly code for "take 10 days off and get your head on straight, Sam." Those days are up now, and Dyson is ready to be reinstated from the DL on Friday. He will not return to his ninth inning role, however. New Rangers closer Matt Bush will keep his job, with Dyson making a few low-leverage appearances before presumably working his way up to a setup role. Bush has 12 strikeouts in 7 2/3 innings, allowing just two runs on one walk and four hits. He'll remain the closer for the rest of the season unless he gets hurt or goes full Dyson. In that case, Jeremy Jeffress would likely be next in line before Dyson gets another chance. Bush is a must-own in all formats, while Dyson can certainly be dropped in all leagues.

 

Roster Moves of the Week

Adds:

Shawn Kelley, Washington Nationals- Kelley is currently only owned in 45% of mixed leagues, but he should absolutely be owned across the board. Now the unquestioned closer for one of the best teams in baseball, Kelley will have plenty of fantasy value for the rest of the season.

Matt Bush, Texas Rangers- Any concern that Bush would lose his job or become a member of a committee disappeared this week as he was confirmed as the team's closer even with Opening Day closer Sam Dyson on his way back. Bush in only owned in 48% of mixed leagues right now, so take a look at that waiver wire.

Bud Norris, Los Angeles Angels- Norris would only be a temporary add, as Cam Bedrosian is certain to get the ninth inning back when he returns from the DL. Still, a temporary source of consistent saves has value in fantasy, and Norris seems like he'll get the majority of ninth innings until Bedrosian returns.

Hector Neris, Philadelphia Phillies- Hector Neris has been the Phillies "closer of the future" for a while now. It seems like the future may have finally arrived. The Phillies started the season with Jeanmar Gomez working their ninth innings. That failed spectacularly, as predicted by pretty much everyone, so the team went with veteran Joaquin Benoit. After that didn't go so great, they've officially gone to a closer by committee, but Neris has been getting some of those chances. He's the best pitcher in the Phillies bullpen, so it is quite possible he takes command of the ninth inning before long.

 

Best of the Week

Brad Brach, Baltimore Orioles- 5 IP, 3 SV, 3 K, 0.00 ERA, 0.60 WHIP

Orioles fill-in closer Brad Brach did his best Zach Britton impression this week, saving three games while striking out three and not allowing a run to score. He only gave up a walk and two hits on the week. With Britton starting a rehab assignment Friday, Brach's days as closer are nearing an end. He'll slide back into his role as an elite setup man.

Seung Hwan Oh, St. Louis Cardinals- 3 IP, 5 K, 3 SV, 0.00 ERA, 1.00 WHIP

After a slow start to the season, "The Final Boss" seems to be settling into his ninth inning. This week, he saved every game he appeared in, allowing just two hits and a walk while striking out five. The re-ascendance of Trevor Rosenthal may have had Oh's fantasy owners worried for just a second, but Oh is set in his role and should hang onto it all season, barring injury.

Brandon Maurer, San Diego Padres- 3 IP, 5 K, 2 SV, 0.00 ERA, 0.00 WHIP

Padres closer Brandon Maurer was on the hot seat just a week ago, sending fantasy owners scrambling to see who his replacement might be. This week, he was perfect. In three games, he saved two and struck out five without allowing a single batter to reach base. That should buy him some more time in the San Diego ninth inning role.




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

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Isiah Pacheco

Targeting a Return on Thursday
Shohei Ohtani

to Play for Team Japan in 2026 World Baseball Classic
Patrick Williams

Available Monday vs. Pelicans
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Cleared to Play Against Denver
Kevin Huerter

Ruled Out With Pelvis Soreness
Nicolas Claxton

Cleared to Face New York
Dean Wade

Sidelined Monday
Nikola Vučević

Nikola Vucevic Unavailable Against Pelicans
Landry Shamet

Sidelined Against Nets
Tyler Herro

Making 2025 Debut on Monday
Caris LeVert

Jaden Ivey, Caris LeVert Available Versus Indiana
Kevin Love

Out Monday Versus Warriors
Grayson Allen

and Ryan Dunn Sidelined vs. Rockets
Lamar Jackson

Now Dealing With a Toe Injury
Anthony Davis

Downgraded on Monday Night
Lonzo Ball

Set to Suit Up Versus Toronto
Jake Walman

to Remain Out Tuesday
Draymond Green

Ruled Out With Foot Sprain
Sam Merrill

and Craig Porter Jr. Out Monday
RJ Barrett

Sidelined Versus Cleveland
Ridly Greig

Still Out Monday
De'Andre Hunter

Out Versus Raptors
Baker Mayfield

Dealing With Low-Grade Shoulder Sprain
Thomas Chabot

Misses Monday's Matchup
Mitchell Robinson

Under the Weather, Out Versus Brooklyn
Kirill Marchenko

Out Monday
Jarrett Allen

Out of Action Again on Monday
J.T. Miller

Unavailable Monday
Andrew Wiggins

Norman Powell Out on Monday Night
Brayden Point

Out Against Flyers
Darius Garland

Sidelined on Monday
Nikita Kucherov

Good to Go Monday
Chris Godwin

Buccaneers Plan to "Ramp Up" Chris Godwin's Usage
Colorado Rockies

Warren Schaeffer to Stick Around as Rockies Manager in 2026
Ashton Jeanty

Ankle Injury isn't Severe
Jayden Daniels

to Practice This Week, Considered a Long Shot for Week 13
C.J. Stroud

Remains in Concussion Protocol
Mike Evans

Could Return Before End of Regular Season
J.J. McCarthy

in Concussion Protocol
Tyrod Taylor

to Remain the Jets' Starting QB
Shedeur Sanders

to Make Another Start for Browns in Week 13
Tee Higgins

Won't Play on Thanksgiving
Joe Burrow

Bengals Expect Joe Burrow to Play on Thursday
Baker Mayfield

Not Being Ruled Out for Week 13
CFB

Chris Bell Out for Rivalry Matchup Against Kentucky
New York Giants

Giants Fire Defensive Coordinator Shane Bowen
Tee Higgins

in the Concussion Protocol
Scott Wedgewood

Gives Avalanche Second Consecutive Shutout
Macklin Celebrini

Makes History During Multi-Point Performance
Joey Daccord

Posts Shutout in Losing Effort
David Rittich

Keeps Kraken Quiet
Jesper Wallstedt

Picks Up Third Shutout of the Season
Rasmus Andersson

Extends Point Streak With Three Assists
Davante Adams

Catches Two Touchdowns in Sunday Night Win
Baker Mayfield

has Sprained Shoulder, Will Undergo MRI Monday
Las Vegas Raiders

Raiders Fire Offensive Coordinator Chip Kelly
Ryan Helsley

Tigers Eyeing Ryan Helsley as a Starter
Quinshon Judkins

Salvages his Day With Two Trips to the End Zone
Alvin Kamara

Dealing With MCL Sprain, Timetable Unclear
Dan Hooker

Suffers Second-Round Submission Loss
Marcus Semien

Shipped to the Mets on Sunday
Arman Tsarukyan

Gets Submission Win
Brandon Nimmo

Traded to Texas
Belal Muhammad

Loses Back-to-Back Fights
Belal Muhammad

Ian Machado Garry Outpoints Belal Muhammad
Alonzo Menifield

Suffers First-Round Knockout Loss
Volkan Oezdemir

Gets Back In The Win Column
Jack Hermansson

Gets Knocked Out
Jack Hermansson

Myktybek Orolbai Knocks Out Jack Hermansson
Shamil Gaziev

Suffers First-Round Knockout Loss
Waldo Cortes-Acosta

Shines At UFC Qatar
Tagir Ulanbekov

Suffers Third-Round Submission Loss
Kyoji Horiguchi

Makes Triumphant UFC Return
MON

Alexandre Texier Joins Canadiens
Jason Dickinson

Returns to Action Sunday
Elias Lindholm

Activated From Injured Reserve
Mikko Rantanen

Suspended for One Game
Neal Pionk

Sustains Lower-Body Injury Sunday
Jean-Gabriel Pageau

Out Week-to-Week
Alexander Romanov

Out 5-6 Months Due to Shoulder Surgery
Sidney Crosby

Records 500th Multi-Point Game
Adolis García

Rangers Non-Tender Adolis Garcia on Friday
CFB

Beau Pribula Expected to Start Against Oklahoma
Dan Hooker

An Underdog At UFC Qatar
Arman Tsarukyan

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Ian Machado Garry

A Favorite At UFC Qatar
Belal Muhammad

Looks To Bounce Back
Alonzo Menifield

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
Volkan Oezdemir

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Myktybek Orolbai

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Jack Hermansson

Makes His Welterweight Debut
Kyoji Horiguchi

Returns To The UFC
Elly De La Cruz

Played Through Partially Torn Quad to End 2025
Tarik Skubal

Tigers "Doubtful" to Trade Tarik Skubal
Raisel Iglesias

Returning to the Braves on One-Year Deal
Sahith Theegala

Looking to Continue Fall Run at RSM Classic
Stephan Jaeger

Looking to Bounce Back at RSM Classic
Tom Hoge

Looking to Regain Form at RSM Classic
Joe Highsmith

Searching for Turnaround at RSM Classic
Adam Hadwin

Looking to Build on T11 Finish in Bermuda
Austin Eckroat

Searching for Momentum at RSM Classic
Joel Dahmen

Trying to Find Form at the RSM Classic
CFB

Garrett Nussmeier Doubtful to Play Against Western Kentucky
Michael Thorbjornsen

Hopes to End 2025 Campaign With Another Solid Finish
Andrew Novak

Looks to End 2025 Season on High Note at RSM Classic
Harry Higgs

Teetering for PGA Tour Card in 2026
PGA

Nico Echavarria has the Potential to Contend at the RSM Classic
Sam Stevens

Finishing Out Year in Georgia
Seamus Power

Playing Better at the Right Time
Beau Hossler

Roller Coaster Comes to Saint Simons Island
Quade Cummins

The Time is Now for Quade Cummins in Georgia
Austin Cook

Needs a Win at the RSM Classic
Cameron Champ

on the PGA Tour Card Bubble