Below you’ll find a roundup of notable reliever-related news from April 6-12 , organized by team (not every team will have notes).

You can also view the Closer Depth Chart for a full picture of bullpen hierarchies.

American League

Chicago White Sox

John Brebbia’s injury has cleared the way for Michael Kopech to be the undisputed closer. Pedro Grifol would ideally like to use him in one-inning stints but he’s often had to be deployed as a fireman as the White Sox try to eke out some wins.

Kansas City Royals

Will Smith continues to get hit around, and James McArthur has put his early-season struggles behind him. It sure looks like the latter is the closer and the former may pitch in lower leverage—as he did Friday—to work out the kinks.

Los Angeles Angels

Robert Stephenson is set to start a rehab assignment Sunday; Carlos Estévez is expected to remain the closer but Estévez, Stephenson, and Matt Moore should form a good back-end troika once Stephenson is ready for his Angels debut.

Minnesota Twins

Jhoan Duran threw a bullpen session on Friday and will throw another before hopefully departing on a rehab assignment within the week. The Twins have a staggering seven relievers on the IL, and getting their closer back will go a long way towards idealizing the full-strength bullpen that was projected as the league’s best before all the injuries hit.

Oakland Athletics

Still no back-to-backs for Mason Miller, and frankly I’m not sure he’ll ever be green-lit for pitching on consecutive days this year. That makes earnings saves hard to line up, but pitch for pitch he looks like the most dominant arm in baseball.

Tampa Bay Rays

Since getting destroyed in Colorado and blaming the baseballs from the humidor, Pete Fairbanks looks back on track. His command will always come and go but the stuff looks great and his velocity is normal for him.

Texas Rangers

José Leclerc pitched in lower leverage on Friday and while he didn’t give up any runs, his command is still erratic. My guess is he’ll stay there for a bit, with David Robertson and Kirby Yates handling the eighth and ninth.

Toronto Blue Jays

Chad Green, Trevor Richards, and Yimi García have all performed admirably as substitutes, but it’s great for the Blue Jays that Erik Swanson and Jordan Romano both started rehab assignments on Friday. Romano should regain his closing role right away, with Swanson helping set him up.

National League

Cincinnati Reds

Alexis Díaz hasn’t looked quite right—and really he hasn’t since the first half of last year—but there’s no inkling that he’ll be moved out of the closer’s role. Lucas Sims and Fernando Cruz are the only Reds relievers pitching particularly well anyway.

Colorado Rockies

The ninth is an absolute mess for Colorado, with Jake Bird recording their only save of the season and presumed co-closers Justin Lawrence and Tyler Kinley both pitching terribly. Keep an eye on Nick Mears, who throws hard and—although he’s got control issues—has allowed just two earned runs in 6.1 innings thus far.

Miami Marlins

I’m starting to get concerned with Tanner Scott, whose control has been awful. He’s walked 30% of the batters he’s faced (nine out of 20), landing just 53% of his pitches for strikes. But he’s been effectively wild, keeping runs off the board so far. It probably helps his case that the Marlins aren’t going anywhere and Anthony Bender isn’t exactly pushing for saves.

Philadelphia Phillies

As has been the case with Rob Thomson’s bullpens, a flexible closer-by-committee situation is brewing. José Alvarado, Jeff Hoffman, and Gregory Soto have all recorded saves, and Seranthony Domínguez may get more leverage if he can shake off the early-season rust. Matt Strahm and Yunior Marte have both pitched excellently as well.

Pittsburgh Pirates

I’m really not liking what I’m seeing with David Bednar, whose command just looks off, with a lot of misses high and to the glove side. Fortunately, the stuff looks just fine and Derek Shelton gave him a vote of confidence, even with Aroldis Chapman starting his Pirates tenure incredibly well.

St. Louis Cardinals

Not sure how long it’ll last, but it’s interesting to see Ryan Helsley transforming into a workhorse in the early going, pitching in eight of the Cardinals’ first 14 games. Him being more available than in years past will limit save chances for Giovanny Gallegos and JoJo Romero.

Washington Nationals

Similarly to Bednar, Kyle Finnegan just doesn’t look quite right, and his top setup man (Hunter Harvey) is pitching quite well. Still, there’s no sign of a change in the offing.

Below you’ll find a roundup of notable reliever-related news for the season so far, organized by team (not every team will have notes). This is the first update of the season and this will run every Saturday.

You can also view the Closer Depth Chart for a full picture of bullpen hierarchies.

American League

Baltimore Orioles

Craig Kimbrel’s velocity is down (93 mph on average), but he’s not concerned. He tends to add velocity as the season goes on and has struck out four of the seven batters he’s faced despite the lower velo.

Chicago White Sox

John Brebbia looks headed to the IL with a calf strain (a recurrence of the injury from Spring Training), though Michael Kopech appears to be the closer right now anyhow. That said, Kopech has run some high pitch counts and has walked five hitters in 5.1 innings, so he may be unable to work back-to-backs until he’s more efficient. Steven Wilson is the likeliest backup and Jordan Leasure has two scoreless appearances to start his career.

Detroit Tigers

A.J. Hinch won’t name a closer, but Jason Foley is definitely his most trusted arm. But Hinch won’t limit Foley to the ninth; he pitched a tie game against a tougher part of the order on Friday, for example, with Andrew Chafin trying for the save before Alex Lange had to bail him out. Shelby Miller and Tyler Holton have also excelled in what could be a sneaky-good, flexible bullpen.

Kansas City Royals

Even though both are running high ERAs in the very early going, it looks like Will Smith and James McArthur are co-closers, depending on matchups (Smith is lefty, McArthur a righty) and John Schreiber and Chris Stratton will help get the ball to them. Angel Zerpa also got a couple holds as a situational lefty and could sneak a save or two if Smith’s unavailable and the matchups work out.

Los Angeles Angels

Carlos Estévez is definitely the closer—and will be when Robert Stephenson returns sometime this month—but beyond that is a bit of a mess. Matt Moore has been conventionally used as a setup man, with José Soriano pitching in high leverage, but for two-plus innings. He could make some spot starts, which pushes Adam Cimber up the depth chart.

Minnesota Twins

Griffin Jax has gotten the Twins’ only save with Jhoan Duran on the IL with an oblique strain; he’s throwing from 150 feet with no pain but his timetable remains up in the air. Both Jax and Brock Stewart have looked good and we’ll assume they’re splitting closing duties until Minnesota has a few more saves in the books.

Oakland Athletics

No saves yet for the A’s, and while Mason Miller is far and away their most talented arm—reliever or otherwise—he didn’t work back-to-back days all Spring, nor has he this season; two of his three appearances have been for multiple innings. Lucas Erceg could be the next-best option if a save chance comes the day after Miller pitches, with T.J. McFarland the top lefty.

Seattle Mariners

Scott Servais has never been afraid to use Andrés Muñoz for multiple innings, or a single inning earlier than the ninth. Ryne Stanek will pick up a save here and there as that happens (as he did on Monday), and Matt Brash and Gregory Santos could do the same when they’re off the IL.

Tampa Bay Rays

Pete Fairbanks has been off with his command and his velocity is down 1.5 mph compared to last year. But it’s early, and the Rays will likely stick with him for at least a little bit. Jason Adam is next in line.

Texas Rangers

The Rangers don’t yet have a save, and both José Leclerc and David Robertson have finished games. Robertson has out-pitched Leclerc but is also likelier to get 4+ outs, which could actually lead to Leclerc getting more saves.

Toronto Blue Jays

Closer Jordan Romano and setup man Erik Swanson should be back from injury in fairly short order, with the Blue Jays taking a “cobble things together” approach to the ninth inning in their absences. Chad Green has the team’s one save, but Yimi García and Trevor Richards have pitched in high leverage as well.

National League

Chicago Cubs

Craig Counsell hasn’t named a closer officially, but it’s very clear based on usage that Adbert Alzolay is the guy, as if there was any doubt.

Los Angeles Dodgers

The Dodgers, ravaged by pitching injuries (seven pitchers on the IL, including key relievers Brusdar Graterol and Blake Treinen) have turned to Daniel Hudson as their top setup man with Joe Kelly struggling. He earned a save on Sunday and could get a few more if Dave Roberts deploys Evan Phillips earlier, as he’s wont to do.

Miami Marlins

Tanner Scott’s control has been atrocious dating back to Spring Training, but the slumping Marlins don’t necessarily have anyone better to go to right now. Anthony Bender has looked good but there may not be much sense in going away from Scott just yet, either.

Milwaukee Brewers

Abner Uribe got touched up on Friday but looks to be the sole closer regardless, even as Pat Murphy said he’d play matchups with Devin Williams out half the year with a back injury. Trevor Megill is currently on the concussion IL and Joel Payamps hasn’t pitched well, so Uribe should have a strong hold on the job.

New York Mets

Edwin Díaz has also had a downtick in velocity, but he’s touched 98-99 and has pitched in some cold-weather games. I’m not sounding the alarm bells just yet, and his slider is in good form.

Pittsburgh Pirates

David Bednar looks recovered from a back injury that led to some unavailability at the start of the season, though he’s yet to work back-to-back games. Aroldis Chapman could still get a save here and there if Bednar’s still ramping up a bit.

Washington Nationals

Kyle Finnegan‘s earned both Nationals saves this year, but Hunter Harvey’s been a lot sharper. Tanner Rainey, coming off Tommy John surgery (he made just one appearance at the end of last season) has been erratic, with a 25% walk rate and without his usual velocity.

The Relief Pitcher episode of the Beat the Shift Podcast – a baseball podcast for fantasy baseball players.

Guest: Greg Jewett

Strategy Section

• General closer player pool observations
• What price points should you purchase closers at?
  • General strategy
• Is purchasing closers through FAAB a good investment?
• What skills or information should you look at to speculate on closers in waiting?
• Stay away from closers on bad teams?
• When is it worthwhile to roster a closer handcuff?
• Should you worry that a closer will be traded mid-season (enough to affect a buying/rostering decision)?

Closer Situations

• Discussion of all 30 MLB team closer situations

Read the rest of this entry »

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The 2023 version of the Bullpen Report includes five different sections, as well as the closer chart, which can be found at the bottom of the page.

We will always include a link to the full Closer Depth Chart at the bottom of the Bullpen Report each day. It’s also accessible from the RosterResource drop-down menu and from any RosterResource page. Please let us know what you think.

1. Notable Workloads: Primary closers or valuable members of a closer committee who have been deemed unavailable or likely unavailable for the current day due to recent workload.
2. Injury News
3. Outlier Saves: Explanation for a non-closer earning a save during the previous day.
4. Committee Clarity: Notes on a closer committee that clarify a pitcher’s standing in the group.
5. Losing A Grip: Struggling closers who could be on the hot seat.

The “RosterResource” link will take you to the corresponding team’s RosterResource depth chart, which will give you a better picture of the full bullpen and results of the previous six days (pitch count, save, hold, win, loss, blown save).

Click HERE to view the full Closer Depth Chart.

Read the rest of this entry »

The 2023 version of the Bullpen Report includes five different sections, as well as the closer chart, which can be found at the bottom of the page.

We will always include a link to the full Closer Depth Chart at the bottom of the Bullpen Report each day. It’s also accessible from the RosterResource drop-down menu and from any RosterResource page. Please let us know what you think.

1. Notable Workloads: Primary closers or valuable members of a closer committee who have been deemed unavailable or likely unavailable for the current day due to recent workload.
2. Injury News
3. Outlier Saves: Explanation for a non-closer earning a save during the previous day.
4. Committee Clarity: Notes on a closer committee that clarify a pitcher’s standing in the group.
5. Losing A Grip: Struggling closers who could be on the hot seat.

The “RosterResource” link will take you to the corresponding team’s RosterResource depth chart, which will give you a better picture of the full bullpen and results of the previous six days (pitch count, save, hold, win, loss, blown save).

Click HERE to view the full Closer Depth Chart.

Read the rest of this entry »

The 2023 version of the Bullpen Report includes five different sections, as well as the closer chart, which can be found at the bottom of the page.

We will always include a link to the full Closer Depth Chart at the bottom of the Bullpen Report each day. It’s also accessible from the RosterResource drop-down menu and from any RosterResource page. Please let us know what you think.

1. Notable Workloads: Primary closers or valuable members of a closer committee who have been deemed unavailable or likely unavailable for the current day due to recent workload.
2. Injury News
3. Outlier Saves: Explanation for a non-closer earning a save during the previous day.
4. Committee Clarity: Notes on a closer committee that clarify a pitcher’s standing in the group.
5. Losing A Grip: Struggling closers who could be on the hot seat.

The “RosterResource” link will take you to the corresponding team’s RosterResource depth chart, which will give you a better picture of the full bullpen and results of the previous six days (pitch count, save, hold, win, loss, blown save).

Click HERE to view the full Closer Depth Chart.

Read the rest of this entry »

The 2023 version of the Bullpen Report includes five different sections, as well as the closer chart, which can be found at the bottom of the page.

We will always include a link to the full Closer Depth Chart at the bottom of the Bullpen Report each day. It’s also accessible from the RosterResource drop-down menu and from any RosterResource page. Please let us know what you think.

1. Notable Workloads: Primary closers or valuable members of a closer committee who have been deemed unavailable or likely unavailable for the current day due to recent workload.
2. Injury News
3. Outlier Saves: Explanation for a non-closer earning a save during the previous day.
4. Committee Clarity: Notes on a closer committee that clarify a pitcher’s standing in the group.
5. Losing A Grip: Struggling closers who could be on the hot seat.

The “RosterResource” link will take you to the corresponding team’s RosterResource depth chart, which will give you a better picture of the full bullpen and results of the previous six days (pitch count, save, hold, win, loss, blown save).

Click HERE to view the full Closer Depth Chart.

Read the rest of this entry »

The 2023 version of the Bullpen Report includes five different sections, as well as the closer chart, which can be found at the bottom of the page.

We will always include a link to the full Closer Depth Chart at the bottom of the Bullpen Report each day. It’s also accessible from the RosterResource drop-down menu and from any RosterResource page. Please let us know what you think.

1. Notable Workloads: Primary closers or valuable members of a closer committee who have been deemed unavailable or likely unavailable for the current day due to recent workload.
2. Injury News
3. Outlier Saves: Explanation for a non-closer earning a save during the previous day.
4. Committee Clarity: Notes on a closer committee that clarify a pitcher’s standing in the group.
5. Losing A Grip: Struggling closers who could be on the hot seat.

The “RosterResource” link will take you to the corresponding team’s RosterResource depth chart, which will give you a better picture of the full bullpen and results of the previous six days (pitch count, save, hold, win, loss, blown save).

Click HERE to view the full Closer Depth Chart.

Read the rest of this entry »

The 2023 version of the Bullpen Report includes five different sections, as well as the closer chart, which can be found at the bottom of the page.

We will always include a link to the full Closer Depth Chart at the bottom of the Bullpen Report each day. It’s also accessible from the RosterResource drop-down menu and from any RosterResource page. Please let us know what you think.

1. Notable Workloads: Primary closers or valuable members of a closer committee who have been deemed unavailable or likely unavailable for the current day due to recent workload.
2. Injury News
3. Outlier Saves: Explanation for a non-closer earning a save during the previous day.
4. Committee Clarity: Notes on a closer committee that clarify a pitcher’s standing in the group.
5. Losing A Grip: Struggling closers who could be on the hot seat.

The “RosterResource” link will take you to the corresponding team’s RosterResource depth chart, which will give you a better picture of the full bullpen and results of the previous six days (pitch count, save, hold, win, loss, blown save).

Click HERE to view the full Closer Depth Chart.

Read the rest of this entry »

The 2023 version of the Bullpen Report includes five different sections, as well as the closer chart, which can be found at the bottom of the page.

We will always include a link to the full Closer Depth Chart at the bottom of the Bullpen Report each day. It’s also accessible from the RosterResource drop-down menu and from any RosterResource page. Please let us know what you think.

1. Notable Workloads: Primary closers or valuable members of a closer committee who have been deemed unavailable or likely unavailable for the current day due to recent workload.
2. Injury News
3. Outlier Saves: Explanation for a non-closer earning a save during the previous day.
4. Committee Clarity: Notes on a closer committee that clarify a pitcher’s standing in the group.
5. Losing A Grip: Struggling closers who could be on the hot seat.

The “RosterResource” link will take you to the corresponding team’s RosterResource depth chart, which will give you a better picture of the full bullpen and results of the previous six days (pitch count, save, hold, win, loss, blown save).

Click HERE to view the full Closer Depth Chart.

Read the rest of this entry »