NCAAB
Spread

2021 Fantasy Baseball Closer News & Bullpen Updates For Week 22

Last Updated: Aug 30, 2021

Here are the latest fantasy baseball closer updates from the past week of action.

As we move into the dog days of August, Kev Mahserejian looks at the fantasy baseball picture as it pertains to closers around the league. Which reliever should get your confidence for saves in the closing months of the fantasy baseball season?


at Monkey Knife Fight to claim this offer and play user-friendly daily fantasy sports.

Learn more about Monkey Knife Fight with our hands-on review.


Week 22 Fantasy Baseball Closers: Depth Chart News, Saves Tips & Bullpen Report

Kansas City Royals

  • Closer: Scott Barlow
  • Backups: Josh Brentz, Josh Staumont

Scott Barlow has been the best reliever for the Kansas City Royals all season, but only recently has he taken some command of the closing job. Josh Staumont gave up the role long ago and has regressed while Greg Holland (shoulder) and Kyle Zimmer (neck) are both out of commission.

Earlier in the year, the Royals were clearly trying to pump up the trade value of both Holland and Wade Davis by sticking them in the 9th, but even with their previous closing experience neither was truly viable.

Barlow has closer “stuff" but was limited to a fireman role earlier in the season due to his talent and Mike Matheny‘s refusal to limit him to just the 9th. While LHP Josh Brentz might receive saves here and there based on matchups, Barlow is the guy to roster. His 20.7% K-BB% is very good and he’s already notched seven saves this season.


Seattle Mariners

  • Closer: N/A
  • Backups: Paul Sewald, Drew Steckenrider, Diego Castillo

This bullpen is quite a mess. Diego Castillo was acquired with the assumption that he’d take over the 9th inning, but he has recorded just one save in nine appearances with the Seattle Mariners. Paul Sewald has been their best reliever all season — even during Kendall Graveman‘s tenure — but his time is split between the final two innings. Meanwhile, Drew Steckenrider has emerged as a potential closing option with two saves over the past two weeks and five total on the season.

Sewald’s 34% K-BB% is as elite as it gets, while Steckenrider’s 17% is merely good. While he’s having a fantastic bounce-back season, Steckenrider is far from a shutdown closer with his 4.29 xFIP and 3.73 SIERA.

Accordingly, Sewald is the reliever to roster here given his skill set and recent activation from paternity leave, but expect a full mix of closing options in Seattle for the foreseeable future. The Mariners are doing everything in their power to frustrate fantasy managers, and it is certainly working.

Author

Kev Mahserejian

Kev Mahserejian is an NFL/NBA/MLB analyst at The Game Day, residing in Los Angeles, CA. He graduated from the University of Southern California in 2017 and began creating sports content soon after. Kev currently writes fantasy and betting pieces while also hosting his podcast The Operating Room with various guests from the sports industry to discuss topics primarily regarding fantasy. He also writes for RotoBaller and is quite active on his Twitter @RotoSurgeon.

Related articles

Promotions

Get $1,500 in Bonus Bets

5 stars

Bet $5 & Get $150 in Bonus Bets or First Bet Safety Net

5 stars

Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets

5 stars

Get A Bonus Bet Up to $1,000

5 stars

Get $200 in Bonus Bets

5 stars

Get up to $250 2nd Chance Free Bet

5 stars

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, please call 1-800-GAMBLER.

21+ and present in OH. Gambling Problem? Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER (CO, DC, IL, IN, LA, MD, MS, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY).

Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY).

Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (KS, NV), 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-270-7117 for confidential help (MI).

All betting content on TheGameDay.com is exclusively intended for audience members 21 years and older who are permitted to gamble in legal states. The Game Day may earn revenue from site visitor referrals to betting services.

Responsible Gaming: Many sportsbooks offer ways to encourage responsible gaming, including the establishment of limits to deposits, spending, and time dedicated to betting.

The Game Day is a TGD Marketing Ltd. endeavor.