Here are the latest fantasy baseball closer updates from the past week of action.
With September baseball in full swing and playoff races heating up, Kev Mahserejian looks at the fantasy baseball picture as it pertains to closers around the league. Which reliever should get your confidence for saves during the final weeks of the fantasy baseball season?
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Week 26 Fantasy Baseball Closers: Depth Chart News, Saves Tips & Bullpen Report
Seattle Mariners
- Closer: Drew Steckenrider
- Backups: Paul Sewald, Diego Castillo, Yohan Ramirez
Drew Steckenrider has had an odd career trajectory from the potential future closer of the Miami Marlins, to out of the league in 2020 after a horrendous 2019, to the new closer of the Seattle Mariners? As of now, the role seems to be his after notching his ninth save of the season on Monday.
Steckenrider has not pitched as well as his 2.11 ERA would suggest. Adding a changeup to his repertoire has been beneficial, but his 4.25 xFIP and 3.84 SIERA are questionable for someone in his role.
Rather, he seems to be benefitting from Seattle’s defense and pitching-friendly home park. His wOBA allowed is much lower at home despite a slightly higher ERA, and he’s struggled against left-handed hitting while performing well against the right side.
There’s no guarantee Steckenrider holds onto this role with the Mariners still in the playoff hunt, but perhaps he can continue to luck out for a few more weeks. Paul Sewald will get his chances here and there, but he’s more of a fireman.
That said, keep an eye on Diego Castillo, who has been excellent since his return from the IL on September 4. Castillo has 10 strikeouts in six innings with no walks and just one run allowed on a solo homer. He is worth rostering for the Ks, ERA/WHIP, and potential of earning the job back.
- Check out our Fantasy Baseball Closer Rankings and Depth Charts.
Tampa Bay Rays
- Closer: Andrew Kittredge
- Backups: Everyone
The Tampa Bay Rays don’t respect the norm of baseball. They are the organization that revolutionized pitching with openers and bulk pitchers taking over traditional outings.
They also don’t care about closers, or at least the singular role of a closer. For most of this season, Tampa Bay has had a medley of relievers handling the role, even while Diego Castillo was around. But since his departure, the ninth inning has been the Wild West.
Finally, we have some clarity as to who will pitch at the end of games, and that is Andrew Kittredge. He has now accrued seven saves on the season while posting a 1.57 ERA that is backed by stellar peripherals.
Kittredge is 100% the guy to own here, and even if he doesn’t get every save for Tampa Bay at least his strikeouts and ERA/WHIP boost can help.
Thanks for reading our Week 26 Fantasy Baseball Closer Updates! For more fantasy baseball tips, check out our Top Week 26 Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickups.
