Fantasy Baseball Closer Report (August 23): Good Health Highlights Position
Justin Berl/Getty Images. Pictured: Josh Hader.
Some winning and losing streaks have put a damper on the closer position. Not much has changed, and we also have seen good news on the injury front since we last convened.
Locked In
Matt Barnes – Boston Red Sox
Liam Hendriks – Chicago White Sox
Emmanuel Clase – Cleveland Indians
The committee is over as Clase has each of the last six saves for Cleveland. He has also not allowed an earned run since July 16.
Gregory Soto – Detroit Tigers
Ryan Pressly – Houston Astros
Raisel Iglesias – Anaheim Angels
Lou Trivino – Oakland Athletics
Alex Colome – Minnesota Twins
Aroldis Chapman – New York Yankees
Odd choice by the Yankees to throw Chapman into the fire without a rehab appearance. It showed August 18 when he allowed an earned run (home run), walk, and strikeout in 1 2/3 of an inning pitched. I am not ready to say the Yankees will be in a committee. I will say a weekend trouncing of the Twins was welcomed as Chapman got the weekend off and more time to get ready for closing duties.
Spencer Patton – Texas Rangers
Jordan Romano – Toronto Blue Jays
Tyler Clippard – Arizona Diamondbacks
Will Smith – Atlanta Braves
Daniel Bard – Colorado Rockies
Kenley Jansen – Los Angeles Dodgers
Dylan Floro – Miami Marlins
Josh Hader – Milwaukee Brewers
Hader has allowed three of five inherited runners to score in 2021. He has only had them in three appearances.
Edwin Diaz – New York Mets
Ian Kennedy – Philadelphia Phillies
David Bednar – Pittsburgh Pirates
Mark Melancon – San Diego Padres
Jake McGee – San Francisco Giants
Alex Reyes – St. Louis Cardinals
Kyle Finnegan – Washington Nationals
Closer Committees
Cole Sulser and Tyler Wells – Baltimore Orioles
An Orioles relief pitcher has not collected a save since July 31.
Scott Barlow and Josh Staumont – Kansas City Royals
Paul Sewald and Drew Steckenrider – Seattle Mariners
Diego Castillo falls out of the closer rotation with shoulder inflammation.
Drew Rasmussen, Collin McHugh, J.T. Chargois and Andrew Kittredge – Tampa Bay Rays
If you can throw in the Rays bullpen, you could get a save. This is frustrating because one closer for this team could be extremely valuable as the fantasy season winds down.
Codi Heuer and Manuel Rodriguez – Chicago Cubs
Mychal Givens and Michael Lorenzen – Cincinnati Reds
With both options being right-handed, it is dealer’s choice each save opportunity.
Injury Opportunities
None to report.
Next Man Up Adds
Craig Kimbrel (CHW)
James Karinchak (CLE)
Kendall Graveman (HOU)
Juan Minaya and Caleb Thielbar (MIN)
I do not trust Alex Colome. I honestly do not trust much of the Twins bullpen.
Tim Mayza (TOR)
Health and consistency are the name of the game for Toronto’s bullpen, and Mayze is healthy and the next best option behind Romano.
Blake Treinen (LAD)
Anthony Bass (MIA)
The other Anthony – Bender – has been an adventure throughout August, and I would not be surprised if Bass gets the next look for a save when Floro is unavailable.
Luke Jackson (ATL)
How would you rate this article?
Follow Us On Social
