Latest news with #saves
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Fantasy Baseball Closer Report: Dodgers lose Tanner Scott to elbow injury
In this week's Closer Report, how do the Dodgers handle the ninth inning after losing Tanner Scott to the injured list with left elbow inflammation? And Trevor Megill's clean-inning streak moves him into the elite tier. That and more as we run down the last week in saves. Fantasy Baseball Closer Rankings Tier 1: At the Top Josh Hader - Houston AstrosAndrés Muñoz - Seattle Mariners Hader tossed two innings in a non-save situation against the Mariners on Saturday, then worked around two walks to convert his 26th save against the Diamondbacks on Monday. With Hader getting the day off, Bryan King stepped in for a save on Tuesday before Hader came back Wednesday for another save. Hader holds a 2.31 ERA, 0.86 WHIP, and a 68/13 K/BB ratio across 46 2/3 innings. Muñoz joins Hader at the top with a 1.42 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, and a 50/17 K/BB ratio across 38 innings after picking up his 22nd save Tuesday against the Brewers. Tier 2: The Elite Edwin Díaz - New York MetsAroldis Chapman - Boston Red SoxJhoan Duran - Minnesota TwinsEmmanuel Clase - Cleveland GuardiansRobert Suarez - San Diego PadresTrevor Megill - Milwaukee Brewers Díaz is approaching the top tier. He blew a save and fell in line for a win Sunday against the Reds, then bounced back with a save Monday, striking out the side against the Angels. The 31-year-old right-hander then converted a four-out save with two strikeouts on Wednesday for his 21st of the season. In Boston, Chapman made one appearance this week, striking out one batter in a scoreless inning against the Phillies on Monday. Duran worked a scoreless inning against the Rockies in Colorado on Sunday, then closed out the game against the Dodgers on Tuesday with a five-run lead. He surrendered a two-run homer to Shohei Ohtani, his first home run allowed all season. The 27-year-old right-hander has posted a 1.94 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, and a 51/16 K/BB ratio across 46 1/3 innings while converting 15 saves. Clase picked up three saves this week, working scoreless innings against the Athletics and Orioles. The 27-year-old right-hander is up to 23 with a 2.74 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, and a 47/10 K/BB ratio across 46 innings. Meanwhile, Suarez worked a scoreless inning against the Marlins on Monday for his MLB-leading 29th save. It's time Megill joins the elite tier with another excellent week on the mound. He's tossed five straight perfect innings, picking up two more saves. The 31-year-old right-hander is up to 23 saves with a 2.27 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, and a 43/15 K/BB ratio across 35 2/3 innings. Tier 3: The Solid Options Mason Miller - AthleticsDevin Williams - New York YankeesFélix Bautista - Baltimore OriolesWill Vest - Detroit TigersEmilio Pagán - Cincinnati RedsDavid Bednar - Pittsburgh PiratesDaniel Palencia - Chicago CubsCamilo Doval - San Francisco GiantsRyan Helsley - St. Louis CardinalsPete Fairbanks - Tampa Bay RaysJeff Hoffman - Toronto Blue JaysCarlos Estévez - Kansas City RoyalsKenley Jansen - Los Angeles Angels Not much action for Miller. He tossed just three pitches to record one out in his only appearance this week against the Rangers. In New York, Williams gave up runs in back-to-back outings against Atlanta this week. He held on for the save Sunday before converting his 15th with a scoreless inning against the Blue Jays on Tuesday. Behind Williams, Luke Weaver is getting back on track with four straight scoreless outings after giving up two runs in three consecutive appearances early this month. Bautista walked three batters and gave up a run before holding on for the save against the Rays on Sunday. The 30-year-old right-hander will be a name to watch at the trade deadline with 19 saves and a 2.60 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, and 50/23 K/BB ratio across 34 2/3 innings. Vest recorded four outs on Sunday, striking out two batters for his 16th save of the season. Behind Vest, Tommy Kahnle has struggled this month with nine runs allowed over his last four appearances and likely won't factor into the saves mix any time soon. Pagán worked around a hit and a walk, striking out one batter in a scoreless frame against the Mets on Saturday for his 21st save to go with a 2.83 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, and a 51/14 K/BB ratio across 41 1/3 innings. Meanwhile, in Pittsburgh, Bednar made three consecutive scoreless appearances, converting two saves against the Tigers to bring his total to 15. Palencia worked a clean inning for his 13th save against the Red Sox on Friday, then pitched a scoreless frame in a non-save situation against the Royals on Tuesday. With no save chances this week, Doval got some work in on Tuesday in a blowout victory over the Braves, striking out two batters in a scoreless inning. And it was similar duties for Helsley, who pitched a scoreless frame against the Diamondbacks on Sunday in a non-save situation. Fairbanks gave up a run against the Orioles on Saturday before holding on for the save. He then tossed a clean inning against the White Sox on Tuesday for his 17th save. Meanwhile, Hoffman converted two saves this week before giving up a solo homer to take a loss on Tuesday in his fourth outing in five days. The 32-year-old right-hander is up to 24 saves with a 4.78 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, and a 60/11 K/BB ratio across 43 1/3 innings. Estévez surrendered two runs to blow the save and take the loss against the Marlins on Friday, then bounced back with his 26th save of the season Sunday, recording the final out in the ninth against Miami. And in Anaheim, Jansen worked a perfect ninth for a save against the Phillies on Friday. Tier 4: Here for the Saves Kirby Yates/Alex Vesia - Los Angeles DodgersMatt Strahm/Orion Kerkering - Philadelphia PhilliesKyle Finnegan - Washington NationalsRobert Garcia - Texas Rangers The Dodgers were dealt a significant blow to their bullpen on Tuesday when they put closer Tanner Scott on the 15-day injured list with left elbow inflammation. An MRI revealed no ligament damage, and he's confident he can pitch again this season. In his absence, Yates and Vesia could work in a matchup-based committee in the ninth inning. Yates converted the team's save Monday against the Twins. Blake Treinen is on track to return from the injured list by the end of the month and could be in the saves mix once he's activated. No saves out of Philadelphia this week, with Kerkering and Strahm working in tandem. The Phillies could be a team that acquires someone to solidify things in the ninth by the trade deadline. Finnegan has seen his ERA balloon over his last several outings, giving up 10 runs over his last four appearances. However, he did get a save in, striking out two in a scoreless frame against the Padres on Saturday for his first save since June 6. Garcia converted a save on Friday, striking out two against the Tigers for his seventh on the year. He then converted his eighth against the Athletics on Wednesday. Tier 5: Bottom of the Barrel Kevin Ginkel - Arizona DiamondbacksAnthony Bender/Ronny Henriquez - Miami MarlinsGrant Taylor - Chicago White SoxSeth Halvorsen/Victor Vodnik - Colorado Rockies Relievers On The Rise/Stash Candidates While Adrian Morejon isn't necessarily next in line for saves in San Diego, his usage is making him incredibly valuable. The 26-year-old left-hander recorded five outs against the Marlins on Monday to fall in line for his eighth win of the season to go with a pair of saves. Morejon was named a 2025 All-Star for the first time and boasts a 1.76 ERA, 0.78 WHIP, and a 45/9 K/BB ratio across 46 innings. Another reliever catching my attention is Cleveland's Erik Sabrowski. The 27-year-old left-hander impressed in his MLB debut last year, striking out 19 batters over 12 2/3 scoreless innings. After a setback with an elbow injury, he's returned to the Guardians roster and has allowed just two runs with 15 strikeouts over 9 1/3 frames, picking up where he left off, flashing that elite strikeout ability.
Yahoo
21-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Robertson worth a stash in return to Phillies
Eric Samulski details what to expect from David Robertson in his return to the Philadelphia Phillies and why he should be in-play for saves for those looking to stash the veteran.
Associated Press
02-07-2025
- Sport
- Associated Press
Boston's Chapman lights up radar gun at age 37 and has bigger numbers in mind than his 350th save
BOSTON (AP) — At 37-years-old, Boston closer Aroldis Chapman routinely lights up the radar gun at 100 mph. He also sees a bigger number he'd like to reach. Chapman pitched a perfect ninth inning Wednesday and earned his 350th career save as the Red Sox beat the Cincinnati Reds 5-3 in the completion of a game suspended by rain a night earlier. 'My goal is to reach 400,' said Chapman through a team translator. 'I know that's not an easy task to accomplish, but I'm going to keep working hard to accomplish that goal.' Chapman, now in his 18th season in the majors, has been hurt at times during his career by wildness and knew that was something he had to fix. The left-hander has walked just 10 in 35 innings this season and converted 15 of 16 save opportunities. 'The thing I know is that during the offseason I worked very hard to get this point to be able to not walk as many guys as I did in the past because it was one of the problems I had,' Chapman said to the media in the middle of clubhouse, with sweat still dripping from his forehead. 'To be able to accomplish that is great.' On Wednesday, he struck out Elly De La Cruz, the third batter in the Reds' lineup, with a 101.3 mph sinker. Next, he got cleanup hitter Austin Hays to bounce to short before Gavin Lux also grounded to short for the final out. 'It's the same for every hitter,' he said, when asked if facing the middle of the order created any more adrenaline. 'You know that the three-four hitters are coming up against you.' The final two outs came on pitches of 99 mph or more. Chapman also finds some satisfaction in hitting that high number on the radar gun at his age. 'I won't say proud,' he said. 'But I would say happy that I'm able to get to that velocity and also that my arm is healthy and in pretty good shape.' ___ AP MLB:
New York Times
26-06-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Fantasy bullpen report: MLB trade primer, including buyers, sellers and fence-sitters
With just over a month until the trade deadline, this week, I'm including a sneak preview of bullpen needs and how teams in each league might handle looming personnel decisions. However, how teams approach their rosters over the next five weeks could dramatically change based on outcomes up to that point. Advertisement Since my last post, Will Vest returned to action but has not secured a save since his injury scare. Orion Kerkering has not recorded his second MLB save, and Dylan Lee has taken over as the preferred save option in Atlanta. White Sox rookie Grant Taylor notched his first career save on Sunday but entered Wednesday's contest during the seventh inning. I love Taylor's talent, but trusting the leverage machinations of manager Will Venable will test the patience of many fantasy managers and analysts alike, including myself. Luke Weaver made an earlier-than-expected return from the IL, only missing three weeks, and manager Aaron Boone said save situations will be shared between him and Devin Williams. In the first game with both pitchers appearing, Weaver faced the Reds' 2-3-4 lineup pocket, and Williams secured the save. Plan on Weaver going against the opponent's toughest lineup pockets regardless of the inning, which means 'Airbender' may get the majority of save chances. A 65-to-35 split could ensue for the remainder of the season. With this in mind, our leverage pathways have been updated. Here are our high-leverage pathway identifiers. Each team will receive one of the following labels: Access The Athletic's guide for abbreviations used in fantasy baseball. As promised, here are my early thoughts about how teams will handle the trade deadline, using Fangraphs' playoff odds (through June 25). Detroit Tigers: Although the team does not overpay at the deadline, it could focus on veteran relievers with playoff experience, just not likely those at the top of the market. Alex Lange could also be activated in the coming weeks — he's currently rehabbing in the minors. Houston Astros: With a closer and one of MLB's best setup relievers on the roster, plus a bevy of left-handed reliever options, getting a right-handed reliever capable of locking down the seventh inning would be a priority. But like other teams, someone within reason. Advertisement New York Yankees: Depth options for setting up Weaver and Williams will be necessary for a postseason push, and if the relievers were controllable, it would make even more sense since their two best relievers are pending free agents at the end of the season. Seattle Mariners: Having Andrés Muñoz signed with cost-effective club options and Matt Brash rounding into form provides the team with options, but it needs a reliable veteran. Think Phil Maton, if he's available. Tampa Bay Rays: Never count out the Rays, especially given how the team continually churns through its leverage ladder seeking under-the-radar arms with minor league options and controllable years before arbitration. Would the team move Pete Fairbanks despite his club option for 2026? Everything remains on the table with this franchise. Toronto Blue Jays: Getting Jeff Hoffman into his early-season form and Yimi García healthy would drastically improve this bullpen. If those two things don't happen, Toronto may have to get into the closer sweepstakes at the deadline, a costly proposition. Boston Red Sox: If they sell, teams will be lining up for 2026 free agents Aroldis Chapman and Justin Wilson. Cleveland Guardians: It's tough imagining any significant turnover in this leverage ladder since it's a strength. However, if it's a seller's market, could Emmanuel Clase be moved? There were discussions about him this spring. Stay tuned. Kansas City Royals: The Royals are another team with limited options to trade and are more likely to retool for next year. Minnesota Twins: In a tough division, the team likely does not move any of the relievers in its leverage triumvirate. Texas Rangers: With the season in limbo and injuries throughout the roster, if they decide to sell, veterans Chris Martin, Luke Jackson and Hoby Milner would be attractive targets for contenders. All three are free agents at the end of 2025. Advertisement Baltimore Orioles: I have seen reports suggesting Félix Bautista could be moved, but I do not think it will happen. But, Seranthony Domínguez and Gregory Soto have been lights out this month, and as pending free agents, they are attractive targets for teams seeking veteran setup relievers for the playoffs. Chicago White Sox: Not only do I have no idea who will be getting save chances, but how the team handles the trade deadline will also be interesting. Tyler Alexander could be moved as a hybrid reliever for a team seeking left-handed depth options. Los Angeles Angels: Trading Reid Detmers feels like selling low, but he could be moved if the price is right. Kenley Jansen does not like being in a setup role or sharing save opportunities, so I'm not sure he can or will be moved despite being a free agent at the end of the year. The Athletics: The A's are another team with a solid left-handed reliever — T.J. McFarland — available as a pending free agent. Following the groundbreaking in Las Vegas, trading Mason Miller may not be the best look, but he could command a tremendous return from a contender seeking a flame-throwing closer. Moving to the National League, here's how I think teams may handle the trade deadline, using Fangraphs' playoff odds (through June 25). Chicago Cubs: With Daniel Palencia currently filling the closer role, the Cubs may prefer acquiring a veteran with closing experience for a deep postseason run. Ryan Pressly is not the answer. Los Angeles Dodgers: Not sure the team would target a top reliever, but adding depth after losing Evan Phillips makes sense. However, getting Blake Treinen back for the second half would significantly improve this leverage ladder. Advertisement Milwaukee Brewers: Adding a closer goes against this franchise's mantra. Perhaps a veteran reliever or another southpaw makes sense, but nothing splashy, unless injuries dictate otherwise. New York Mets: Edwin Díaz has bounced back to dominant form, but improving the pathway to him makes sense. He can opt out at the end of the season, making the team's handling of the trade deadline very intriguing. Philadelphia Phillies: With Orion Kerkering and Matt Strahm currently splitting save chances, it's apparent the team will, again, add relievers ahead of the trade deadline. However, when prospect Andrew Painter arrives, Ranger Suárez or another starter could move back into the bullpen. San Francisco Giants: Current closer Camilo Doval has been struggling this month (2.18 WHIP with 11 strikeouts against eight walks and a 4.64 SIERA through 11 innings). Offense may be a priority, but acquiring a veteran with closer experience may also be on the agenda if they are still in contention a month from now. If they do not add anyone, stashing Randy Rodríguez is advisable — he's the best reliever on this roster. Arizona Diamondbacks: Teams could do one-stop shopping in this bullpen with Shelby Miller and Jalen Beeks being free agents at the end of the season. Although the general manager maintains that the Diamondbacks plan on contending for the playoffs, the rash of injuries may force them into being sellers. Atlanta Braves: It's odd seeing Atlanta in this situation, especially given its recent hot stretch. Things can change on a dime, just ask Raisel Iglesias. He could be moved if the team sells, or he could be displaced if they add. Dylan Lee has posted a minuscule 0.37 WHIP while allowing one unearned run over his past 12 games, with 17 strikeouts versus one walk (34.8 K-BB%). He's the preferred save share, and if Dylan Dodd can handle left-handed hitting pockets in a setup capacity, it frees up Lee for the majority of save chances until the deadline. Cincinnati Reds: Cincinnati is another team in flux, but a run at the postseason could ensue if the Reds can find consistent production with the offense. However, if they decide to sell, Emilio Pagán, a pending free agent at the end of the season, would be an attractive option as a setup reliever on many teams in contention. Advertisement San Diego Padres: Would the team entertain moving Robert Suarez? He has an opt-out at the end of the season, which may make this decision easier if they are in the playoff hunt in four weeks. St. Louis Cardinals: Despite the team remaining on the periphery of the playoff picture, it must decide whether to sign Ryan Helsley or trade him. If Helsley goes, so does Maton, and this leaves Andre Granillo as a potential fill-in at closer in August. Colorado Rockies: Jake Bird and Tyler Kinley may not move the needle from a fantasy perspective, but they would be solid targets for the sixth or seventh innings on a contending team. Miami Marlins: If the return continues the in-process rebuild, anyone should be available. Pittsburgh Pirates: This team should maximize David Bednar's recent surge, though his hometown appeal makes it difficult. He and Dennis Santana are under team control through the end of 2026, enhancing their appeal on the trade market. If they both get moved, Isaac Mattson could emerge as an option for saves. Washington Nationals: He's not sexy, but Kyle Finnegan can handle the seventh or eighth innings for a playoff contender. Brad Lord has shown flashes as a reliever and lines up as the potential fill-in if the team's closer gets moved. *Multi-inning or bridge relievers who can vulture wins and help protect ratios. Statistical Credits: and Check out my work at Reliever Recon and Closer Monkey for daily updates. (Top photo of Emmanuel Clase: Thearon W. Henderson / Getty Images)
New York Times
05-06-2025
- Business
- New York Times
Fantasy bullpen report featuring concerns for closers Devin Williams, Raisel Iglesias
Another week has passed, and volatility remains the theme for high-leverage relievers this season. Luke Weaver was placed on the 15-day injured list with a strained hamstring and could miss four weeks or more. This opens the door for Devin Williams as the preferred save option. Can he make the most of this second opportunity? Advertisement Since my last post, David Bednar has recorded his team's past three saves, so the Pirates' leverage pathway has been adjusted accordingly. Cubs manager Craig Counsell has not named a closer and could try easing Ryan Pressly back into save chances, but Daniel Palencia has made his case for an extended look as his bullpen's anchor. Tanner Scott has had some rough outings as a result of his four-seam fastball placement, which was ill-fated timing with a bevy of leverage relievers on the injured list. Reinforcements could be en route in the form of Michael Kopech and Kirby Yates. Both completed live batting practice and may be active this weekend in St. Louis. Kopech posted a 3.00 WHIP with 10 strikeouts versus 11 walks across nine appearances (6.1 innings) during his rehab assignment. With this in mind, the leverage pathways have been updated. Here are our high-leverage pathway identifiers. Each team will receive one of the following labels: Access The Athletic's guide for abbreviations used in fantasy baseball. Reid Detmers (LAA): He's amid a seven-game scoreless streak, during which he has posted four holds and one save, with a 1.142 WHIP and 10 strikeouts against three walks (25.9 K-BB%) through seven innings. Devin Williams (NYY): He converted his first save chance with Luke Weaver on the injured list but allowed an earned run on two hits against Cleveland. He has a 2.37 WHIP and a 12.10 ERA in the ninth inning across 11 games, spanning 9.2 innings, compared to a 0.78 WHIP with a 38.3 K-BB percentage through 10 appearances over nine innings in the eighth. Can he translate his recent gains as a set-up reliever to the closer role with the Yankees? Ronny Henriquez (MIA): He hasn't been scored upon in 11 of his previous 12 appearances with a 0.69 WHIP, recording 20 strikeouts against four walks (32.6 K-BB percentage) through 13 innings since May 7. Randy Rodríguez (SF): He owns a 14-game streak without allowing a run, during which he has two wins, a save and four holds with a 0.54 WHIP, tallying 23 strikeouts versus three walks (40 K-BB%) and a robust 20.3 swinging strike percentage. Advertisement Raisel Iglesias (ATL): Since May 3, he has allowed at least a run in seven of 12 appearances with a 1.63 WHIP across 12.1 innings. He has a 1.37 WHIP through his first 24 games (23.1 IP). His struggles with contact have persisted, even after ditching his slider. His current ERA (5.79) is accompanied by a 2.99 SIERA and a 5.33 xERA. There is time to turn his season around, but the pressure mounts with each sullied appearance. As his rolling graph indicates, this may be as good as it gets: *Multi-inning or bridge relievers who can vulture wins and help protect ratios. Statistical Credits (through games played on May 28): and Check out my work at Reliever Recon and Closer Monkey for daily updates. (Photo of Devin Williams: Dustin Satloff / Getty Images)
