Fantasy baseball managers can never get too complacent when it comes to the fantasy baseball closer position. Injuries to two key 2025 MLB closers came at the worst time, as fantasy baseball managers are gearing for their final stretch run as they try to lock down a fantasy baseball title. 

The news hasn’t been all that bad for fantasy baseball managers seeking saves, because the Los Angeles Dodgers finally got a big boost to their bullpen as the reliever who started the season as their 2025 MLB closer finally returned from the IL. 

We’ve got lots more bullpen usage-related news to cover, and we’ll point out some late-inning high-leverage relievers who could potentially help you in saves plus holds leagues in this week’s Fantasy Baseball Bullpen Report.

 

 

 

Milwaukee Brewers

The Brewers are the best team in baseball, and a big part of their success has been their closer, Trevor Megill. Like the majority of the Brewers’ starting lineup, Megill wasn’t highly sought after in preseason drafts, but with 30 saves and a 2.54 ERA, he has been a fantasy baseball star. Unfortunately, Megill was placed on the IL due to a flexor strain. He’s downplaying the severity of the injury, but there’s a chance that he’ll miss the rest of the regular season. Luckily, the Brew Crew has a deep bullpen, and while they’re likely to use a bullpen by committee approach to manage the ninth inning, Abner Uribe is the late-inning high-leverage reliever to target on the waiver wire. Uribe did have a short and unsuccessful tryout as the Brewers’ closer back in 2023, but he has really turned his career around this season. Entering Wednesday’s action, he has a 1.71 ERA and 1.058 WHIP. He also leads all relievers with 35 holds. Jared Koenig and Shelby Miller would probably be next in line behind Uribe.

Los Angeles Dodgers

Tanner Scott has finally been reinstated from the IL, and although the Dodgers’ bullpen is somewhat fluid, Scott does sit at the top of their bullpen depth chart. As of Wednesday morning, he had only appeared in two games since coming off the IL, but he did pick up his 20th save on Tuesday night. The Dodgers also got another late-inning high-leverage reliever back from the IL in Kirby Yates, and Michael Kopech should also soon return from the IL. If you are in the market for a reliever who can be a good resource for holds, keep an eye on Dodgers reliever Edgardo Henriquez. Since being recalled from the minor leagues on August 12th, he has pitched 7.2 scoreless innings and he’s recorded a hold. The Dodgers have been using him in the sixth, seventh, and eighth innings, and with the likelihood that they’ll win a bunch of games down the stretch, Henriquez should be able to add to his hold total.

 

 

 

San Francisco Giants

Randy Rodriguez was placed on the IL on Tuesday due to right elbow soreness. The Giants revealed that Rodriguez has been dealing with elbow discomfort for quite some time, and they’ve been trying to manage his issue by not pitching him on consecutive days and resting him when they could. With Camilo Doval having been traded to the New York Yankees, Rodriguez became the team’s primary closer. With Rodriguez sidelined, Ryan Walker, who began the season as the Giants’ closer, will once again be the reliever that the Giants turn to in the ninth inning. Walker has shaved close to a run off his ERA by pitching to a 0.71 ERA in his last 12.2 IP. He also recorded saves in his most recent appearances on Tuesday and Sunday. Jose Butto would likely be next in line for save opportunities should Walker be unavailable.

Toronto Blue Jays

Toronto Blue Jays closer Jeff Hoffman has been making life difficult for fantasy baseball managers lately. Coming into Wednesday’s action, he had blown his last two save opportunities, and he’s been very susceptible to the long ball this season. Hoffman has given up 12 home runs in 58 appearances. Last season, he gave up just six in 68 appearances. Hoffman did redeem himself by converting a save opportunity on Wednesday against the Minnesota Twins, but his ERA still stands at a bloated 4.69. Hoffman does seem to have job security. Should the Blue Jays wish to give Hoffman a break from closing, they don’t have too many great choices from which to choose. Seranthony Dominguez has 40 career saves, but he’s been dealing with control issues this season (5.4 BB/9). The Blue Jays have also been using Brendon Little late in games, but he’s also giving away too many free passes (5.9 BB/9). The Jays traded for former Minnesota Twins reliever Louis Varland, and as soon as he got to Toronto, he started walking batters (4.5 BB/9). Veteran journeyman right-handed reliever Tommy Nance has pitched well for the Jays. In 16 appearances, he’s posted a 0.96 ERA and struck out 20 batters and walked just four in 18.2 IP. Nance is an extreme long shot to get save opportunities, but the Jays have been using him late in games, and he has 15 career minor league saves.

 

 

 

Boston Red Sox

We moved Red Sox closer Aroldis Chapman to the elite section of our Fantasy Baseball Closer Grid. He has been red hot and hasn’t given up a hit in his last 11.2 IP. He has converted 26 saves and posted a 1.04 ERA this season.
 

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