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Since taking over Arizona's closing role, Kevin Ginkel has been 3-for-5 in save conversions while also picking up a win. He has a 3.68 ERA and seven strikeouts over his last 7.1 innings. Paul Sewald has thrown a couple of times in the bullpen over the past week, putting him on track to face batters and begin a rehab assignment over the next few days. Ryan Thompson extended his shutout run to 7.2 innings with no walks, five strikeouts, and three holds.

Raisel Iglesias has a save in five consecutive outings, with four coming over the previous week. His only poor showing came on 4/9 when he allowed two runs and three baserunners over one inning. A.J. Minter has been sharp over his nine appearances (no walks, three hits, and 11 strikeouts over 9.0 innings), leading to a 2.00 ERA and 0.333 WHIP. He has three wins, a blown save, and one hold on the year. Joe Jimenez improved his scoreless streak to 6.1 innings with three hits, no walks, and seven strikeouts.

Based on command (no walks and 14 strikeouts) over his first eight innings of work, Craig Kimbel looks poised to be a difference-maker closer in 2024. He has four saves in five chances with three wins, a 1.13 ERA, and 0.375 WHIP. Yennier Cano allowed two runs, eight baserunners, and one home run with five strikeouts over his last five innings, but he remains next in line to finish games for the Orioles. Other than a home run allowed to Boston, Danny Coulombe has been almost perfect over his first 7.0 innings (two hits, two runs, one walk, and nine strikeouts).

The magic in the Red Sox bullpen was waning over the past week. Justin Slaten saw his shutout string end at 7.2 innings when he allowed a run and two hits over 2.2 innings on April 14th with one strikeout. His overall success (0.87 ERA and 0.387 WHIP) is trending toward impactful innings late in games. Kenley Jansen continues to battle his command (eight walks over 6.2 innings with nine strikeouts), but he has been successful in four of his five save tries. Over his last two outings, Jansen gave up two runs and six baserunners with two strikeouts. A shoulder issue led to Chris Martin only pitching twice from April 4th to April 15th. He allowed four runs, six baserunners, and four strikeouts over two innings over this span. Greg Weissert gave a run in four of his last five appearances, but three of his five runs were unearned.

Despite success in ERA (3.12) and WHIP (1.269), Adbert Alzolay has three blown saves in his six closing opportunities. Over his last three appearances, he allowed a run, five baserunners, and three strikeouts over three innings with two saves and a blown save. Hector Neris rebounded over the past week (no runs over 2.1 innings with one strikeout) but issued five walks (seven over six innings on the year). He can’t be a threat for saves without throwing more strikes. Mark Leiter extended his shutout run to 10.0 innings with seven baserunners and 11 strikeouts.

Michael Kopech pitched well over three appearances (no runs, two baserunners, and six strikeouts over four innings) last week, leading to his second save in as many tries on the year. An ill-advised first-pitch fastball to Salvador Perez on Wednesday landed in the seats, giving Kopech a blown save and a loss. Jordan Leasure has not allowed a run over his first 7.1 innings of his major league career while picking up seven strikeouts. For anyone rostering Kopech for saves, I view Leasure as almost a must-handcuff if your league/team offers enough bench space to carry him. Kopech isn’t a free agent until 2026, but he still could be an attractive bullpen arm in the MLB trade market this summer.

The Reds went 3-4 over the last week, but all of their wins came by five runs or more, leading to only two appearances by Alexis Diaz (no runs and one hit over 2.1 innings with a walk and four strikeouts). Diaz has two saves in his three tries. Fernando Cruz continued to pile up strikeouts (15 over 7.1 innings) in Cincinnati’s bullpen. He tossed three shutout innings over his last three appearances with one walk and seven strikeouts.

After their 17 games, the Guardians have the second-best bullpen (6-2 with a 2.24 ERA, 11 saves, and 81 strikeouts over 72.1 innings). Emmanuel Clase blew his last two save chances when he allowed two runs and three baserunners over two innings. He is 4-for-6 in save conversions with a win. Hunter Gaddis (no runs over 8.2 innings with 12 strikeouts and three holds) has been a beast so far in Cleveland’s bullpen. Scott Barlow pitched better over the past week (no runs over 2.2 innings with no walks, three strikeouts, and a win).

Peter Lambert allowed a run over his last 8.2 innings, with three walks and eight strikeouts. The Rockies continue to use him in longer outings (2, 2, 3, and 1.2 innings), and he has issued a walk in all but one of his appearances this year. Victor Vodnik improved his shutout streak to 12.1 innings with seven hits, six walks, and 11 strikeouts. He doesn’t have a hold or save chance this year, but he appears to be moving closer to the ninth inning. Colorado has one save (Jake Bird) over their first 18 games. Nick Mears tossed 2.1 shutout innings over the past week with one strikeout. The closing job for the Rockies is wide open, with all options having some downside risk in ERA and WHIP, especially at home.

Jason Foley remains a waiver-wire darling after starting the season with nine shutout innings while picking up two wins and five saves. He has a save in back-to-back games. Shelby Miller served up a home run on 4/13, ending his scoreless string at seven innings and six strikeouts. He already has three wins. Despite not allowing a run over his last 1.2 innings, Alex Lange gave up five unearned runs. Detroit leads the majors in bullpen ERA (1.70) with eight wins, six saves, and 65 strikeouts over 63.2 innings.

In the world of fantasy baseball, it’s easy to become a player hader when someone fails to play up to expectations. The Astros only have one save while starting the season with a 6-14 record. Josh Hader has been a losing investment in the fantasy market and for Houston. Nine games into his Astros’ career, he has an 8.31 ERA and 1.500 WHIP over 8.2 innings with 14 strikeouts. Hader is 0-2 while converting one of his two save chances. Ryan Pressly allowed a run or more in four of his eight appearances (9.45 ERA and 2.250 WHIP). Bryan Abreu has also been a bust over nine games (six runs, 17 baserunners, and three home runs over nine innings).

Since taking over the closing job for the Royals, James McArthur pitched 6.2 shutout innings with nine strikeouts, one win, and four saves. Will Smith struggled over his two appearances (one run, four hits, and one home run over two innings) over the last week. John Schreiber improved his shutout streak to 8.2 innings with seven strikeouts.

LA climbed from 29th in bullpen ERA (6.43) to 22nd (4.83) over the last week. Carlos Estevez blew his first save in four ties on Tuesday night, allowing two runs and three hits over one inning with one strikeout. He has no walks over his first six innings. Matt Moore gave up two runs and two hits over four innings over the previous week. Adam Cimber has a 0.00 ERA over eight innings in April, with five strikeouts. Robert Stephenson has a setback in a rehab outing, and he is out for the rest of the season.

Evan Phillips pitched two shutout innings over the last week with two saves and no strikeouts. He remains perfect in his five closing opportunities. Daniel Hudson hasn’t issued a walk over nine innings with 12 strikeouts, leading to a 2.00 ERA and 0.666 WHIP.

Despite blowing up on 4/14 (three runs, three hits, and one home run over one inning), Miami wheeled out Tanner Scott for their next save chance (converted). His demise continues to be his walks (12 over 8.2 innings). Despite his struggles, Scott is 2-for-3 when asked to close games. Anthony Bender was a popular pickup this week in the high-stakes market, but he gave up a run or more in four of his seven appearances in April, leading to a 7.50 ERA and 1.833 WHIP over six innings with eight strikeouts. Bryan Hoeing (1.54 ERA and nine strikeouts over 11.2 innings) has been the Marlins’ best reliever after 18 games.

It’s been over two weeks since Abner Uribe earned his third save in as many chances. Over his last five appearances, he allowed four runs, 14 baserunners, and six strikeouts, leading to two wins, a loss, and two blown leads. The window for him to close appears to be shut for now. Joel Payamps hasn’t allowed a run or walk over his last four innings, with three strikeouts and a save. His command points to the Brewers giving him their next closing chance (successful vs. the Padres). Trevor Megill has two shutout innings under his belt at AAA, putting him on track to return to Milwaukee later this week. I don’t see a closing pedigree based on allowing more hits (123) than innings pitched (105.1) in his time in the majors.

The Twins expect Jhoan Duran to face batters this weekend, putting him on pace to start a rehab assignment over the next 10 days. The game of Griffin Jax for saves has been nonexistent since March 28th. He saw his six-inning scoreless streak end on 4/14 when Jax blew the lead against the Tigers (one run and two hits over two-thirds of an inning). Jax also gave up a game-losing homerun on Wednesday (4/17) to the Orioles. Brock Stewart hasn’t allowed a run over 8.1 innings with 11 strikeouts. Cole Sands (1.17 ERA and 12 strikeouts over 7.2 innings) has the last save for Minnesota, coming in a long relief outing.

Edwin Diaz has a save in each of his last four appearances. His right arm has been on point over his first seven innings (1.29 ERA, 0.571 WHIP, and 12 strikeouts). Adam Ottavino improved his no-hit shutout string to five innings with no walks and nine strikeouts. He has yet to issue a free pass in 2024 (seven innings). Reed Garrett has been impressive over his first four appearances (no runs over 8.2 innings with three walks and 17 strikeouts).

The Yankees still lead the majors with 10 saves while moving to fourth in bullpen ERA (2.62). Clay Holmes hasn’t allowed a run over nine innings with six strikeouts. He is 7-for-8 in save chances. Ian Hamilton made two appearances (3.1 shutout innings with three strikeouts) over the past week. Nick Burdi needs eight more outs to set a career-high for a season in the majors. He’s pitched 6.1 shutout innings for New York with eight strikeouts and a win.

Mason Miller has been electric over his last eight innings (no runs, six baserunners, 16 strikeouts, and four saves). He has a save in four consecutive outings while featuring a triple-digit fastball. Dany Jimenez started to fade over his last three appearances (three runs and six baserunners over 2.2 innings with two strikeouts). Lucas Erceg didn’t give a run or hit over his previous four innings, with one walk and five strikeouts. Austin Adams hasn’t allowed a run over 6.2 innings with 10 strikeouts, ranking second in the bullpen for saves.

Despite not allowing a hit or run over his previous 6.2 innings with four walks and seven strikeouts, Jose Alvarado appears to be getting squeezed out of the closing role for the Phillies heading into Wednesday night (4/17). His last save chance came on April 6th before earning his third save in shutout innings vs. the Rockies. Philadelphia has gone 7-4 since that date (4/6) with two other saves (Gregory Soto and Jeff Hoffman). Hoffman has two wins, a save, and a blown save over his last five games while allowing two runs and eight baserunners over 4.2 innings with three strikeouts. Orion Kerkering pitched a shutout inning with one walk and one strikeout since being activated from the injured list. He is the future closer for this team with buy-and-hold value.

In his two appearances over the past week, David Bednar gave up three runs and three baserunners over 1.2 innings, earning him his second save in five tries. He has a 13.50 ERA over his first 6.0 innings, with two walks and nine strikeouts. Aroldis Chapman lost his command over his last three outings, leading to three runs, seven baserunners, and three strikeouts over 1.1 innings.

Robert Suarez is 6-for-6 in save chances, allowing one run over 8.2 innings with eight strikeouts. He tossed 2.2 shutout innings over the previous week with no strikeouts, a win, and two saves. Yuki Matsui has a .90 ERA and 1.100 WHIP over his first 10.0 innings with the Padres, but he doesn’t have a save chance with only six strikeouts.

Nineteen games into the season, Camilo Doval has only appeared in five games. Over his last four outings, he tossed 4.1 shutout innings with three hits, no walks, and eight strikeouts with a win and three saves. Ryan Walker lost his way in his last game (three runs and four baserunners over two-thirds of an inning with no strikeouts). Landen Roupp is trending upward in this bullpen (2.08 ERA and six strikeouts over 8.2 innings). In 2022 and 2023, he went 10-3 in the minors with a 2.41 ERA and 194 strikeouts over 138.1 innings.

The idea of Andres Munoz being a difference-maker for saves has been in question over the first three weeks of the season. The Mariners have used him in a setup role in back-to-back games, and his last save came on April 6th. His scoreless streak stands at 4.2 innings with two walks and six strikeouts. Matt Brash is scheduled to throw batting practice this weekend. With no setbacks, he should head to a rehab assignment at AAA. The usage of Munoz does open the door for Brash to finish games if his arm looks healthy. He is rostered on only 4% of NFBC main events due to not being in the free-agent pool in many leagues. I would be looking to add him if my team needed another potential out for saves. Ryan Stanek has had a couple of saves this year thanks to pitching behind Munoz in those matchups. His command (four walks) has been sketchy over his last 4.1 innings, leading to a 4.15 ERA and 1.846 WHIP. I don’t see him converting many more saves this season.

Despite the Cardinals' struggle to score runs and win games, Ryan Helsley has a win and seven saves in eight closing opportunities. He has been perfect over his previous four innings, with seven strikeouts and four saves. The wind in the sail of Giovanny Gallegos has been missing over his last three appearances (three runs, four baserunners, and two home runs over two innings), suggesting a rebound season may not be in the cards. Andrew Kittredge looks next in line to close for St. Louis after starting the year with a 1.29 ERA and nine strikeouts over seven innings.

Over his first seven innings, Pete Fairbanks walked eight batters while allowing eight hits, leading to a losing ERA (9.00) and WHIP (2.286). He is 3-for-4 in save conversions, with no improvement over the past week (two runs and five baserunners over four innings with five strikeouts). Jason Adam extended his scoreless streak to 5.2 innings with two strikeouts and five holds. Tampa Bay has the worst bullpen ERA (6.27) in the majors, partly due to issuing the most free passes (48 over 74.2 innings).

The ball dropped for Jose Leclerc closing over the past week. His seasoned started with a 14.40 ERA over his first five innings, highlighted by six walks, two losses, and a blown save. Texas pitched him in a setup role in his last two outings, where he made some progress (no runs over three innings with three baserunners and four strikeouts). The Rangers gave Kirby Yates the ball with the game on the line Monday night, and he responded by pitching a clean inning for a save. Yates hasn’t allowed a run over 7.1 innings, with only three players reaching base. Texas seems content pitching David Robertson in a setup role despite his closing experience. He has a 1.69 ERA and 1.031 WHIP over his first 10.2 innings with a win and six holds. Yates should be rostered in all formats.

Jordan Romano returned to his closing role on Tuesday night. He converted his first save chance despite allowing a run and hit. Romano issued four walks with one strikeout in his two appearances at AAA while not giving up a run over one inning. Erik Swanson (three runs and three hits over one-third of an inning in a blown save vs. the Yankees on 4/17) was also activated off the injured list this week, leading to Nate Pearson being sent back to AAA. Swanson allowed two runs and four baserunners over 2.1 innings in the minors with three strikeouts. Yimi Garcia pitched in the closer role over the past week, leading to five no-hit shutout innings with seven strikeouts, two saves, and a hold. I would try to carry him for a couple of weeks to make sure Romano doesn’t have a setback.

Kyle Finnegan is 7-for-8 in save conversions. Over his previous 6.2 innings, he didn’t give a run with four walks, seven strikeouts, and six saves. Hunter Harvey has one walk and 17 strikeouts over his first 10.0 innings as he tries to kick in the closing door for the Nationals. This week, he allowed a run and five baserunners over 4.2 innings with eight strikeouts and three holds.

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