Read on for The Game Day’s Week 4 Fantasy Baseball Closers: Depth Chart News, Saves Tips & Bullpen ReportSee which MLB relief pitchers are locked in to save chances and which are in jeopardy with their job security. Keeping up with bullpen depth charts is vital for fantasy baseball teams. See which sleepers for saves and closers on the rise should be on your radar.
See our full 2021 Fantasy Baseball Closer Rankings & Depth Charts for every MLB bullpen.
Week 4 Fantasy Baseball Closers: Depth Chart News, Saves Tips & Bullpen Report
Seattle Mariners
- Closer: Kendall Graveman
- Committee Member: Rafael Montero
The assumption after Rafael Montero blew two saves was that Kendall Graveman would take on the closer role in Seattle. Graveman has been a stud this season as a converted reliever whose velocity is at a career-high. His stuff is playing up to snuff and he has not allowed a run in 7 2/3 IP.
However, in the most recent Mariners game, Graveman pitched 1.2 innings in the 7th/8th while Montero appeared in the 9th to shut the door. Graveman came in with two runners on in the 7th and did his job while not allowing a walk or hit.
While Graveman should be considered a closer option moving forward, Montero is not out of a job just yet. It seems as if this will be a full-blown committee with Graveman pitching against the better parts of the order when they arrive last in games or as a fireman to clean things up. Montero, given the fact that Seattle traded for him as a closing option, will still see save opportunities. Both should be rostered.
Kendall Graveman has joined Rafael Montero in the Seattle Mariners’ closer committee. He’s worth a fantasy baseball waiver wire pickup. (Image: USA TODAY Sports)
Arizona Diamondbacks
- Closer: Stefan Crichton
- Backups: Yoan Lopez, Kevin Ginkel, Joakim Soria (IL)
The Diamondbacks are a mess as a whole but especially when it comes to their bullpen. Joakim Soria was planned to be the guy there to close. but he injured his calf after 2/3 of an inning. He threw a bullpen session recently and could be set to return soon.
Meanwhile, Stefan Crichton picked up a save over the weekend, and while Yoan Lopez may be best suited as a closer due to his improvements this season, Arizona seems to prefer him as a high=leverage option and opt to utilize him earlier in games.
The best bet here is just waiting on Soria and not picking anyone else up given the lack of talent overall.
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Minnesota Twins
- Closer: Alex Colome
- Backups: Hansel Robles, Taylor Rogers, Tyler Duffey
Alex Colome has been mediocre this season, but the Twins have stuck to him. He possesses a 5.68 ERA and 1.58 WHIP in 6.1IP but with 2 saves and an extended history as closer, the leash seems longer than some may like.
Taylor Rogers looked extremely capable of the role last season but Minnesota wants him as a lefty-killer/high-leverage option. Rogers should be in-line for saves throughout the season sporadically if the opposing batting order is lefty-heavy in the 9th.
Hansel Robles has looked more like his 2019 self despite a recent blow-up and could usurp Colome if his struggles persist.
Tyler Duffey is the right-handed in-house option most would have assumed could take on the closer role if Colome struggled but Duffey is another reliever that Minnesota seems to prefer in earlier high-leverage situations given his talent and lack of history in the 9th. Duffey has been out-of-whack to start the year with 5 walks in 4IP.
Robles is the speculative closer to add with his history saving games with the Angels and rejuvenated velocity but Colome has solid peripherals at the moment and could just end up keeping the job all year. If anything, trade for Colome on the cheap.
More Fantasy Baseball Closer News
- Los Angeles Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen was hitting 97 mph in his most recent save outing and shut the door with 2 K’s and no runners allowed. He might be back to his elite form.
- With San Francisco Giants closer Jake McGee on the COVID-IL, expect a committee of Tyler Rogers and Wandy Peralta to alternate the 9th this week based on lefty-or-righty-heavy batting orders that approach.
- Cesar Valdez has fully asserted himself as The Guy in Baltimore. Anyone holding onto Tanner Scott can let go for anyone else.
