Fantasy baseball bullpen report featuring Steven Cruz and Edwin Díaz

Although the focus may be on the impending trade deadline, fantasy managers entering the final weekend before it must monitor two situations of interest. First, in Arizona, Paul Sewald has been removed from the closer role after his latest blown save, during which he allowed two home runs while ceding a three-run lead in Pittsburgh. Torey Lovullo mentioned a matchup-based approach could ensue with Jonathan Loáisiga and Brandyn Garcia in the mix for saves, but prefers Juan Morillo in the fireman role, used at the highest-leveraged moments, not reserved for save situations in the ninth inning.

There has not been anything official from the Royals, but Steven Cruz has worked himself into a larger leverage role and a potential share of saves for the team through the end of the season. His hot stretch coincides with recent struggles by Alex Lange, who has a 1-2 record while converting 3-of-6 save chances in July. Here are their statistics since the All-Star break:

• Alex Lange: 5 games, 4.2 IP, 7:2 K:BB (22.7 K-BB%), two saves, three blown saves, 1.71 WHIP
• Steven Cruz: 8 games, 7.2 IP, 6:1 K:BB (17.2 K-BB%), two saves, two holds, 0.91 WHIP

Last, but not least, Edwin Díaz made his first appearance since April 19, securing his fifth save. He did allow two doubles, resulting in an earned run, but averaged 96.9 mph, throwing eight four-seam fastballs, and maxing out at 98.9 mph against Seattle. His velocity and workload should be monitored, but he’s back atop his team’s pecking order in the bullpen moving forward.

As for the reliever market ahead of the trade deadline, it may have narrowed. It seemed like a reach that Mason Miller would be traded, and the team’s recent surge makes this even less likely. He could still be moved this winter, but the uncertainty surrounding the potential lockout may delay any moves before 2027 games occur. Entering game play on July 30, these relievers who lead their respective teams in saves could be traded, but nothing is assured:

The Mets may benefit from Miller’s potential unavailability and move Luke Weaver for a strong return in their retooling for next season. He and Jeff Hoffman are two relievers with closer experience, if a team will take on their contracts. Otherwise, there will be depth deals, like the most recent one, with Chase Silseth going to Texas as a setup reliever in a weak leverage ladder. Relievers on expiring contracts will be moved, but their potential impact as closers remains minimal. A surprise can happen, and if it does, our bullpen report on the day after the trade deadline will reset the hierarchies across the fantasy landscape.

This segues nicely into our leverage pathways, which try to provide accurate team approaches for procuring saves despite the multitude of confusing usage patterns throughout the league. Each team will receive one of the following labels:

• Mostly linear: This is a more traditional approach, with a manager preferring one reliever in the seventh inning, another in the eighth, and a closer (when rested) in the ninth. There are shades of gray, but it usually follows a predictable pattern in high-leverage situations.
• Primary save share: The team prefers one reliever as the primary option for saves. However, the player may also be used in matchup-based situations, whether dictated by batter-handedness or batting order, especially in the late innings, providing multiple relievers with save chances each series or week throughout the season.
• Shared saves: Typically, two relievers share save opportunities, often based on handedness, rest or recent usage patterns that keep them fresh. While these situations typically involve a primary and ancillary option, others may be used. Some teams also prefer a matchup-based option, which creates fluid save opportunities.
• Fluid: The manager has not named a closer, and usage patterns regarding the leverage roles remain unclear.

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American League leverage pathways

Save streamers (ancillary)

Save stashes

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Notes

Save streamers (ancillary)

• Mason Montgomery (PIT)
• Jonathan Loáisiga (ARI)
• Erik Miller (SF)

Save stashes

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Leaderboards

Saves

Holds

SOLDS

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My rankings are a blend of in-season performance and rest-of-season expectations. If you feel strongly about a player, by all means, roster him.

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Ratio relievers

*Multi-inning or bridge relievers who can vulture wins and help protect ratios. 

• Garrett Whitlock (BOS)
• Brent Headrick (NYY)
• Juan Morillo (ARI)
• Huascar Brazobán (NYM)
• Samy Natera Jr. (LAA)

Statistical Credits: FanGraphs, Baseball-Reference.com, Baseball Savant, BrooksBaseball.net. Check out my work at Reliever Recon and Closer Monkey for daily updates.