Devin Williams recorded the first post-All-Star break save, and while he may not be high in the MLB closers rankings, his setup man, Luke Weaver, may find himself moving up those same rankings should he get traded ahead of MLB’s trade deadline. 

The White Sox’s bullpen has been a bit fluid these days, and Weaver would make a great addition to the team as a reliever who has closer experience. The period leading up to the MLB trade deadline is a fun time of year where we can all come up with all kinds of trade possibilities.

The trade deadline can wreak havoc with MLB closers' rankings because a relief pitcher who saved games for his old team might find himself as a setup man with his new team. We’ll adjust our fantasy baseball closer grid as trades happen, so make sure to refer to it on a regular basis.

The grid is just one of the great resources that can help you win your fantasy baseball leagues. Check out Howard Bender’s Fantasy Baseball Stock Watch for his insights on breaking news about trending fantasy baseball players. For the latest in our video content, which is also updated daily, visit the Fantasy Alarm YouTube channel.    

In the meantime, we still have lots of closer and late-inning high-leverage reliever-related news to cover in this week’s bullpen report, so please enjoy!

Relievers Getting Set To Return To Action

Edwin Diaz is progressing through his rehab assignment and is now expected to face Single-A hitters. He’s probably about up to two weeks away from being taken off the IL, but as soon as he’s activated, he’ll shoot up the MLB closers rankings and take his place as the Dodgers’ closer. 

Ben Joyce, who is coming back from right shoulder surgery, is also making progress in his rehab. He hit triple-digits in an appearance in the Arizona Complex League this week. Joyce has dealt with setbacks in his recovery, and the Angels aren’t in the mix for a playoff run, so they may be very careful when it comes to Joyce’s rehab. The Angels’ bullpen is a mess, and he’ll be in the mix for late-inning high-leverage work upon his return.

Yimi Garcia has faced setbacks in his recovery from elbow surgery, but he looks like he’s turned a corner and could be cleared to face live hitters shortly. Louis Varland has a firm grip on the Blue Jays’ closer role, but once activated, Garcia, who has 29 career saves, will have a significant role in the team’s bullpen and will likely be a good resource for holds.

 

 

 

Relievers on the Rise 

These relief pitchers caught my eye as I was updating the fantasy baseball closer grid. They’re not on the grid yet, but could be one day soon.

Jordan Hicks, White Sox

Hicks could find himself climbing up the MLB closers rankings with the way he’s been pitching lately. He’s been increasingly used in late-inning situations and hasn’t given up a run in his last eight outings heading into the All-Star break. He posted a 15:1 K:BB ratio during that time frame.

Andrew Morris, Twins

If you’re looking for holds and the occasional save, Morris is your man. He hasn’t given up a run in his last 17 IP spanning 15 appearances and has a 17:3 K:BB ratio during that time span. He has 11 holds this season, and a potential path to save opportunities should Twins closer Yoendrys Gomez be unavailable.

Jose Suarez, A’s

Suarez has a 3.09 ERA, 1.188 WHIP, and 55 strikeouts in 50.1 IP. The A’s have used him as a multi-inning reliever, and he hasn’t given up a run in his last 11 IP, spanning seven appearances.

Tyron Guerrero, Red Sox

Guerrero has a 2.33 ERA, 1.034 WHIP, and a 23:2 K:BB ratio across 19 IP. The 35-year-old who beat the odds and overcame mechanical and mental struggles made his season debut on May 22nd and already has nine holds. The Bosox have used him in late-inning multi-inning efforts, and with 43 career saves across his professional career, he could find himself being increasingly used in late-inning high-leverage situations.

Franco Aleman, Guardians

Aleman has a 1.13 ERA, 0.875 WHIP, and three holds in seven appearances as a rookie this season. He only has five strikeouts in eight IP, but he had a 13.3 K/9 in five minor league seasons, so the K’s are likely on their way. Aleman also has 26 career minor league saves.