Fantasy Baseball: Week 23 Relief Pitcher Analysis
Master the Mound: Your Ultimate Guide to Fantasy Relief Pitchers
Approaching the End of the Fantasy Season: The Shifting Focus of Waiver Relief
As the fantasy baseball regular season draws to a close, the utility of this weekly column, 'Waiver Relief', begins to diminish. Its established format and regular updates are less suited for the intensified environment of the fantasy playoffs, where immediate game-day impacts and streaming options overshadow long-term projections. Consequently, this edition marks the second-to-last installment for the 2026 season, with a final wrap-up scheduled for next week.
Significant Bullpen Changes: Key Developments for the Season's Final Stretch
Despite the season's impending conclusion, several important bullpen developments over the past week warrant attention, as their significance will carry through the remaining games. This update will summarize the latest news concerning closers and present revised waiver rankings for saves, holds, and SPRPs. These rankings are particularly notable this week, as new faces have emerged at the top of each category. (All statistics are current as of Thursday, August 27th).
Arizona Diamondbacks: Martinez's Return to the Closer Role
The Arizona Diamondbacks saw two pitchers, Juan Morillo and Kevin Ginkel, secure saves this week, though neither is currently featured in my closer rankings. This is primarily due to Justin Martinez's recent return from the injured list. On Tuesday night, Martinez made his first ninth-inning appearance since his return. Despite the team trailing 4-3, this outing strongly suggests Martinez is poised to reclaim his previous closing duties. He has demonstrated exceptional form, reaching speeds over 102 mph, indicating no lingering effects from his time off. While Morillo and Brandyn Garcia remain potential options, Martinez stands out as the top choice for saves for the rest of the season among D-backs relievers.
Oakland Athletics: Alvarado's Resurgence as the Primary Closer
Elvis Alvarado, a favored player in 'Waiver Relief', has re-entered my closer rankings this week. Alvarado successfully recorded a save in each of his last three appearances, including consecutive nights on Tuesday and Wednesday. In contrast, his main competitor, Hogan Harris, continued to exhibit inconsistent performance, while Alvarado remained exceptionally focused. Over 11 appearances in August, Alvarado boasts 13 strikeouts and has allowed only two earned runs, earning him three holds and a win in addition to his recent saves. Crucially, he surrendered only one home run during this period, addressing the issue that previously cost him the closer role. It is highly probable that Alvarado will handle the majority of the Athletics' save opportunities for the remainder of the season.
Chicago Cubs: The Unsettled Closer Situation
Daniel Palencia was activated from the injured list last Friday. In my previous column, I mentioned that Palencia's return as closer was uncertain due to Jacob Webb's stellar recent performance, which included four saves and two wins in his preceding six appearances. Palencia has since been deployed in the seventh and eighth innings in his two outings, including a challenging three-run appearance on Tuesday where he was replaced by Webb. However, Webb's recent effectiveness appears to have waned, as he delivered his second disappointing outing in a row, giving up the game-winning two-run home run to Ryan Waldschmidt in the ninth. Consequently, while Palencia does not yet seem ready for the ninth inning, Webb has also failed to solidify his position there. Both pitchers are currently on my watchlist, though Webb holds a slight advantage until Palencia receives a genuine opportunity.
Kansas City Royals: Pearson Emerges as the Top Reliever
Another week passed with Nate Pearson delivering strong performances, while Steven Cruz continued to struggle. Cruz has been in a slump for several weeks, having allowed 4 earned runs and 8 baserunners over his last 4.1 innings. In contrast, Pearson has rapidly ascended the Royals' bullpen hierarchy. Although Cruz's most recent outing was in a save-like situation (leading 5-1 in the ninth), his subsequent difficulties (3 hits, 2 ER) should prevent him from future high-leverage opportunities. I anticipate Pearson will take over the primary closer role for Kansas City as the season progresses. (It is worth noting that Craig Kimbrel also recorded a save this week, matching Pearson, but we will not delve into that further.)
Miami Marlins: Fairbanks' Injury and the Looming Committee
Marlins closer Pete Fairbanks was placed on the 15-day injured list on Tuesday due to nerve irritation. This is an unfortunate recurring issue for Fairbanks over the past few years. It is expected that the Marlins' save opportunities will now be distributed among Calvin Faucher, Michael Petersen, and Josh Ekness. Faucher, with his greater experience, is likely to have an edge in this committee. However, this is a bullpen situation that fantasy managers should generally avoid unless in the most dire circumstances.
Top 10 Saves Leaders: Rising Stars for Your Roster
Notable risers among closers this week include Justin Martinez, Elvis Alvarado, and Nate Pearson. Here are the top 10 ranked players (<=60% rostered in Yahoo leagues):
- Mason Montgomery– PIT (27%)
- Tanner Scott– LAD (54%)
- Ben Joyce– LAA (23%)
- Yoendrys Gómez – MIN (38%)
- Justin Martinez– ARI (8%)
- Elvis Alvarado– ATH (5%)
- Jordan Romano – COL (13%)
- Grant Taylor– CHW (33%)
- Dylan Smith– SF (2%)
- Nate Pearson – KC (3%)
Top 10 Holds Specialists: Key Players for Middle Relief
Rising names among setup men this week include Bradgley Rodriguez, Jack Dreyer, and Edgardo Henriquez. Here are the top 10 ranked players (<=10% rostered):
- Erik Miller– BOS (5%)
- Juan Morillo– ARI (7%)
- Tyler Wells– TB (9%)
- Jonathan Bowlan– PHI (3%)
- Bradgley Rodriguez– SD (4%)
- Jack Dreyer– LAD (5%)
- Edgardo Henriquez– LAD (1%)
- Dylan Dodd– ATL (5%)
- Tyron Guerrero– BOS (5%)
- Nate Lavender– NYM (3%)
Top 10 SPRPs (Starting Pitcher Relief Pitchers): Versatile Arms for Your Team
Rising names among SPRPs this week include Jack Dreyer, Sean Newcomb, and Hagen Smith. Here are the top 10 ranked players (Yahoo-eligible):
- Mason Montgomery – PIT (27%)
- Jacob Latz– TEX (70%)
- Grant Taylor– CHW (33%)
- Didier Fuentes– ATL (12%)
- Tyler Wells – TB (9%)
- Bradgley Rodriguez– SD (4%)
- Jack Dreyer– LAD (5%)
- Yoendrys Gómez – MIN (38%)
- Sean Newcomb– CHW (4%)
- Hagen Smith– CHW (2%)