Latest fantasy baseball reliever updates
The Twins, who won only three of their first 13 September games, placed fill-in closer Justin Topa (oblique) on the IL on Sept. 12. Expect a closer-by-committee arrangement, including Cole Sands, Kody Funderburk, Michael Tonkin and Genesis Cabrera, in Topa's stead. (September 15)
With Daniel Palencia (shoulder) on the injured list, the Cubs will probably turn to Andrew Kittredge, who saved two games in August and has a 1.54 ERA in his past 12 appearances, to close. Brad Keller could also get a look in the ninth. (September 8)
The Diamondbacks have had a record 16 different relievers save games in 2025, but four are now on the injured list, one has since been traded, three are in the minors and one is in their rotation. Andrew Saalfrank is probably the leading choice for traditional save chances, though manager Torey Lovullo could really choose most anyone on a given night. (September 3)
Team-by-team fantasy baseball bullpens
Each pitcher's roster percentages in ESPN leagues is listed in parentheses. Those who have been "heavily worked" over recent days have their names bolded and italicized. Pitchers who are thus labeled as "tired" are less likely to pitch in today's games and, therefore, less likely than normal to earn wins, holds or saves today. Our formula for deeming a reliever to be tired generally requires that he meets at least two of the following criteria: At least 25 pitches thrown the previous day; at least 35 pitches thrown over the last three days; appearances in both of the prior two days.
ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS
Closer-by-committee: Andrew Saalfrank (1.4%)
Closer-by-committee: Jake Woodford (0.2%)
Closer-by-committee: Kyle Backhus (0.0%)
Primary setup: Ryan Thompson (0.3%)
THE ATHLETICS
Closer-by-committee: Sean Newcomb (0.8%)
Closer-by-committee: Michael Kelly (0.1%)
Closer-by-committee: Hogan Harris (0.3%)
Closer-by-committee: Elvis Alvarado (0.0%)
ATLANTA BRAVES
Closer: Raisel Iglesias (77.1%)
Primary setup: Tyler Kinley (0.7%)
Secondary setup: Dylan Lee (0.8%)
Middle relief: Pierce Johnson (0.5%)
BALTIMORE ORIOLES
Co-closer: Keegan Akin (1.9%)
Co-closer: Yennier Cano (1.8%)
Primary setup: Dietrich Enns (0.2%)
Secondary setup: Kade Strowd (0.1%)
BOSTON RED SOX
Closer: Aroldis Chapman (86.4%)
Primary setup: Garrett Whitlock (6.2%)
Secondary setup: Justin Slaten (0.4%)
Middle relief: Justin Wilson (0.2%)
CHICAGO CUBS
Co-closer: Andrew Kittredge (9.9%)
Co-closer: Brad Keller (7.1%)
Secondary setup: Caleb Thielbar (1.9%)
Injured: Daniel Palencia
CHICAGO WHITE SOX
Co-closer: Jordan Leasure (3.2%)
Co-closer: Mike Vasil (0.7%)
Primary setup: Grant Taylor (0.6%)
Secondary setup: Brandon Eisert (0.0%)
CINCINNATI REDS
Closer: Emilio Pagan (44.0%)
Primary setup: Tony Santillan (7.5%)
Secondary setup: Connor Phillips (0.1%)
Sleeper: Graham Ashcraft (0.3%)
CLEVELAND GUARDIANS
Closer: Cade Smith (37.3%)
Primary setup: Hunter Gaddis (9.9%)
Secondary setup: Erik Sabrowski (0.2%)
On leave: Emmanuel Clase
COLORADO ROCKIES
Closer: Victor Vodnik (2.9%)
Primary setup: Juan Mejia (0.0%)
Secondary setup: Jimmy Herget (0.1%)
Injured: Seth Halvorsen
DETROIT TIGERS
Closer: Will Vest (24.7%)
Primary setup: Rafael Montero (0.1%)
Secondary setup: Tommy Kahnle (3.4%)
Injured: Kyle Finnegan
HOUSTON ASTROS
Closer: Bryan Abreu (30.5%)
Primary setup: Bryan King (4.1%)
Secondary setup: Steven Okert (0.5%)
Injured: Josh Hader
KANSAS CITY ROYALS
Closer: Carlos Estevez (65.3%)
Primary setup: Lucas Erceg (27.3%)
Secondary setup: John Schreiber (0.7%)
Middle relief: Angel Zerpa (0.1%)
LOS ANGELES ANGELS
Closer: Kenley Jansen (32.7%)
Primary setup: Luis Garcia (0.2%)
Secondary setup: Brock Burke (0.1%)
Middle relief: Robert Stephenson (0.0%)
LOS ANGELES DODGERS
Closer: Tanner Scott (57.4%)
Primary setup: Blake Treinen (3.5%)
Secondary setup: Alex Vesia (6.9%)
Middle relief: Edgardo Henriquez (0.2%)
MIAMI MARLINS
Closer-by-committee: Calvin Faucher (4.0%)
Closer-by-committee: Ronny Henriquez (10.2%)
Closer-by-committee: Tyler Phillips (0.2%)
Closer-by-committee: Lake Bachar (0.1%)
MILWAUKEE BREWERS
Closer: Abner Uribe (31.1%)
Primary setup: Jared Koenig (2.8%)
Secondary setup: Nick Mears (0.2%)
Injured: Trevor Megill
MINNESOTA TWINS
Closer-by-committee: Cole Sands (0.8%)
Closer-by-committee: Kody Funderburk (0.0%)
Closer-by-committee: Michael Tonkin (0.1%)
Injured: Justin Topa
NEW YORK METS
Closer: Edwin Diaz (95.2%)
Primary setup: Tyler Rogers (9.6%)
Secondary setup: Brooks Raley (0.2%)
Middle relief: Ryan Helsley (65.3%)
NEW YORK YANKEES
Closer: David Bednar (52.1%)
Primary setup: Luke Weaver (25.5%)
Secondary setup: Devin Williams (62.2%)
Middle relief: Fernando Cruz (3.1%)
PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES
Closer: Jhoan Duran (89.0%)
Primary setup: Matt Strahm (5.6%)
Secondary setup: David Robertson (1.2%)
Middle relief: Orion Kerkering (3.3%)
PITTSBURGH PIRATES
Closer: Dennis Santana (12.1%)
Primary setup: Isaac Mattson (0.2%)
Secondary setup: Dauri Moreta (0.0%)
Middle relief: Kyle Nicolas (0.0%)
ST. LOUIS CARDINALS
Closer-by-committee: JoJo Romero (9.7%)
Closer-by-committee: Riley O'Brien (0.8%)
Closer-by-committee: Kyle Leahy (1.2%)
Primary setup: Matt Svanson (1.0%)
SAN DIEGO PADRES
Closer: Robert Suarez (92.8%)
Primary setup: Mason Miller (90.5%)
Secondary setup: Adrian Morejon (7.2%)
Middle relief: Jeremiah Estrada (10.4%)
SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS
Closer: Ryan Walker (63.1%)
Primary setup: Joey Lucchesi (0.1%)
Secondary setup: Joel Peguero (0.2%)
Middle relief: Jose Butto (0.3%)
SEATTLE MARINERS
Closer: Andres Munoz (96.0%)
Primary setup: Matt Brash (4.5%)
Secondary setup: Eduard Bazardo (0.8%)
Middle relief: Gabe Speier (1.5%)
TAMPA BAY RAYS
Closer: Pete Fairbanks (36.1%)
Primary setup: Bryan Baker (0.7%)
Secondary setup: Garrett Cleavinger (1.7%)
Middle relief: Griffin Jax (14.9%)
TEXAS RANGERS
Closer: Shawn Armstrong (8.3%)
Primary setup: Robert Garcia (3.0%)
Secondary setup: Phil Maton (3.3%)
Middle relief: Chris Martin (2.6%)
TORONTO BLUE JAYS
Closer: Jeff Hoffman (79.1%)
Primary setup: Seranthony Dominguez (1.3%)
Secondary setup: Yariel Rodriguez (0.7%)
Middle relief: Tommy Nance (0.1%)
WASHINGTON NATIONALS
Closer: Jose Ferrer (13.6%)
Primary setup: Clayton Beeter (0.8%)
Secondary setup: P.J. Poulin (0.1%)
Middle relief: Konnor Pilkington (0.0%)
KEY: "Closer" is either that team's officially designated closer, or the pitcher most likely to get the team's next save chance. Teams can be listed with "Co-closers" or "Closer-by-committee." "Primary setup" is the pitcher next-most likely to take over if something happens to the closer, the top holds-getter and the one who might get any save chances on the closer's nights off. "Secondary setup" is the pitcher third-in-line to close and a good candidate for holds. "Middle relief" covers any other pertinent relievers from that team's bullpen. "Sleeper" is another reliever who could provide a decent number of holds or eventually graduate into the closer role.