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Fantasy baseball bullpen report

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8 months ago

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Fantasy baseball bullpen report

Although it’s only been one week of regular-season game action, the high-leverage landscape has changed drastically since my last preseason article. Things have been particularly challenging for Alexis Díaz and David Bednar. In 2023, they combined for 76 saves, but a closer’s performance can be erratic from year to year. Díaz was placed on the injured list before the season began with a hamstring issue. Bednar was demoted after a slow start, and he had a rough spring and lost the closer role last August.

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In Texas, fantasy managers believed Chris Martin would be the preferred save option, but Luke Jackson has emerged in the role instead. Liam Hendriks also opened the season on the injured list after experiencing soreness in his surgically repaired elbow, resulting in Aroldis Chapman being the closer in Boston (unless matchups dictate otherwise).

I’ll touch on these topics and more below, but first …

Recognizing how a manager prefers handling high-leverage innings can create a competitive advantage. Here are our high-leverage pathway identifiers. 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’s usually a predictable leverage pathway.
  • Primary save share: The team prefers one reliever as the primary option for saves. However, the player may also be used in match-up-based situations, whether dictated by batter-handedness or batting order pockets in the late innings. This provides multiple relievers with save chances each series or week throughout the season.
  • Match-up-based: Usually, two relievers split save opportunities, sometimes based on handedness, rest, or recent usage patterns. While these situations usually rely on a primary and ancillary option, others can get into the mix. Some teams also prefer a match-up-based option, assigning pitchers a hitter pocket for a series, causing fluid save opportunities.
  • Closer competition: This team’s manager has not decided on his preferred closer option. Each league’s quick synopsis will highlight these situations.
  • In flux: His manager has not confirmed the projected closer based on past struggles or rough spring appearances.

Link: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/2HTVI/2/

Notes and Observations

Baltimore Orioles: Command has been a slight issue for Félix Bautista, who is returning from Tommy John surgery. It’s a limited sample, but he’s posted three strikeouts against three walks with a 49% strike rate. Better days lie ahead for “The Mountain,” but with a managed workload, his initial projected save total may have been too aggressive.

Boston Red Sox: As referenced above, Chapman was named the preferred save share but made his first appearance of the year facing Corey Seager’s lineup pocket in the bottom of the eighth, not as a traditional closer. Justin Slaten secured the save in that contest, which represents the ancillary save option for those in deeper formats.

Chicago White Sox: This team has not produced a save chance, but Mike Clevinger has made both of his relief appearances in the eighth inning. He was mentioned as an option for closing, but until usage patterns form, it’s all speculation.

Detroit Tigers: Tommy Kahnle converted the team’s first save chance in the ninth inning of a win in Seattle. Will he remain atop the hierarchy? Last year’s saves leader (Jason Foley) began the season in Triple A, and the save leader from 2023 (Alex Lange) continues his rehab after being designated to the 60-day injured list, but he could be a factor later this season. Until clarity emerges, it’s reliever roulette with manager A.J. Hinch.

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Kansas City Royals: A truncated spring may affect Carlos Estévez early on, but he opened the season as the preferred option for saves, with Lucas Erceg being the highest-leverage reliever (HLR).

Texas Rangers: One of the most challenging parts of projecting saves is volume, which can fluctuate. Luke Jackson has already converted three of four save opportunities. Can he be this year’s iteration of Kirby Yates for manager Bruce Bochy? Time will tell, but he’s earning a longer leash with each appearance.

Link: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/0i606/2/

Notes and Observations

Arizona Diamondbacks: A.J. Puk has the team’s first two saves, but Justin Martinez remains a leverage factor. Martinez was electric on Tuesday, striking out the side against the Yankees’ 3-4-5 hitters, including Aaron Judge. Without a closer being named, these two will share save chances based on lineup pockets in the late innings.

Atlanta Braves: Not addressing the leverage ladder’s depth this offseason may have been a mistake. Raisel Iglesias will continue being a trusted closer, but getting leads to him in the ninth will be an adventure unless someone emerges as a trusted option with Joe Jiménez out because of knee surgery.

Chicago Cubs: It’s early, but Ryan Pressly has not endeared himself to his new franchise’s fan base, though he has recorded two saves. However, his -15 K/BB percentage and 2.75 WHIP across his first four innings represent cause for concern. He’s leaning into his curve and throwing fewer four-seam fastballs. Will this be his path forward? If not, Porter Hodge awaits as a viable replacement. Stay tuned.

Cincinnati Reds: Díaz and Terry Francona did not feel like a match made in heaven before the former’s hamstring injury. The team has spun positivity about the closer finding his form, but Díaz’s command remains the primary concern for fantasy managers. Emilio Pagán has posted the only save through the Reds’ first six games, but the savvy long-term play may be Graham Ashcraft.

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Colorado Rockies: Victor Vodnik and Seth Halvorsen competed for the closer role all spring. Although Vodnik produced better numbers during spring training, he suffered a loss on Opening Day and worked in a set-up capacity on his second outing. Halvorsen has converted the team’s only save this season and taken over the top in our leverage chart. He has the velocity; the question is, can he command his arsenal well enough to keep his ratios manageable for fantasy managers? If not, saves may be fluid based on performance throughout the season.

Los Angeles Dodgers: There is still no clear definition of the totality of save chances for Tanner Scott. He has converted two of three opportunities but will share them with Blake Treinen and teammates throughout the season.

Miami Marlins: First-year manager Clayton McCullough indicated a save share could ensue between Calvin Faucher and Jesús Tinoco. Tinoco has been placed on the 15-day injured list, and Faucher has struggled while working with reduced velocities. Veteran Anthony Bender has recorded the team’s only save and could emerge as the preferred save share, but this remains a leverage ladder in flux.

Philadelphia Phillies: Jordan Romano and José Alvarado have presented themselves as the preferred options for save chances. However, how those chances are distributed remains unknown because of manager Rob Thomson’s “floating closer” concept during high-leverage events.

Pittsburgh Pirates: The combination of poor defense, a wild pitch and a minor-league option for Bednar have led to a demotion to Triple A for the Pirates’ erstwhile closer. It’s been a precipitous fall for the 2023 National League co-leader for saves. Can Bednar regain his confidence? In the Pirates’ first save chance since Bednar was demoted, Dennis Santana worked a scoreless ninth. He represents the likely short-term replacement. Since July 20 of last year, he has 32 appearances spanning 35.1 innings, with 38 strikeouts against nine walks (22.5 K-BB percentage), a 2.86 SIERA, and a 0.71 WHIP.

*Note: Relievers on the Rise, Closer Concerns, and Leaderboards will debut next week when a larger sample size has been accrued.

► Updated Tiered Rankings for Saves and SOLDS

Save Stashes

  • Graham Ashcraft (CIN)

Ancillary Save Options

  • Blake Treinen (LAD)
  • Yennier Cano (BAL)
  • Chris Martin (TEX)
  • Justin Slaten (BOS)
  • Tyler Holton (DET)

Ratio Relievers

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

  • Garrett Whitlock (BOS)
  • Ben Casparius (LAD)
  • Keegan Akin (BAL)

Statistical Credits (for games played through April 2): Fangraphs.com; Baseball-Reference.com; BaseballSavant.com; BrooksBaseball.net

For daily coverage of bullpens, check out my work at Reliever Recon and Closer Monkey.

(Top photo of Graham Ashcraft: Jeff Dean / Getty Images)

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NCAA Volleyball Regional Schedule Set

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2 hours ago

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December 8, 2025

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BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – The fourth-seeded Indiana volleyball team (25-7, 14-6 B1G) will play in the Sweet 16 for just the second time in program history. The NCAA announced start times and dates for next week’s regional semifinals on Sunday (Dec. 7) afternoon. The Hoosiers will play top-seeded Texas at Gregory Gymnasium on Friday (Dec. 12) afternoon at Noon ET on ESPN.

 

Following the greatest regular season in program history, IU was awarded a top-16 national seed and the chance to host the opening two rounds of the NCAA Tournament. The Hoosiers made quick work of their first two matchups, sweeping Toledo and fifth-seeded Colorado in Bloomington to advance to the Sweet 16.

 

IU is one of five Big Ten programs remaining in the NCAA Tournament. Of the 16 schools left in the big dance, IU is one of two teams (Cal Poly) that didn’t make the big dance last year. The Hoosiers have already set a single-season program record for wins (25) and will attempt to advance to the regional final for the first time in program history.

 

The other matchup in the Austin Regional will pit second-seeded Stanford and third-seeded Wisconsin against each other. Their match will begin 30 minutes after the conclusion of IU’s. The winners of both regional semifinals will meet on Sunday (Dec. 14) afternoon for a spot in the national semifinals in Kansas City.



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Louisville volleyball NCAA Tournament bracket, Texas A&M vs UofL game

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December 8, 2025

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Dec. 6, 2025Updated Dec. 7, 2025, 6:08 a.m. ET

After defeating Marquette 3-2 in the second round of the NCAA Volleyball Tournament on Saturday night, No. 2 Louisville will travel to Lincoln, Nebraska, and take on No. 3 Texas A&M in the Sweet 16 at 7 p.m. Friday.

This will be the Cardinals’ seventh consecutive regional appearance but first with Dan Meske as head coach.

Here’s everything you need to know to keep up with the match from home:

No. 2 seed Louisville versus No. 3 seed Texas A&M will be broadcast live on ESPN or ESPN2.

Authenticated subscribers can access ESPN2 via TV-connected devices or by going to WatchESPN.com or the WatchESPN app.

Those without cable can access ESPN2 via streaming services, with Fubo offering a free trial.

Buy Louisville volleyball tickets here

After defeating Marquette, UofL will play Texas A&M in the Lincoln, Nebraska, Regional Friday at 7 pm. Here’s a look at the tournament schedule:

  • First and second rounds: Dec. 4-6
  • Regionals: Dec. 11-14
  • Semifinals: Dec. 18 at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri
  • Championship: Dec. 21 at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri



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The Omaha World-Herald’s Nebraska All-Class volleyball teams

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December 8, 2025

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Men’s T&F Opens Season at Diplomat Open

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6 hours ago

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December 7, 2025

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Lancaster, PA (December 6, 2025) – The DeSales University men’s track & field team opened the 2025-26 indoor T&F season competing at the Diplomat Open at Franklin & Marshall College on Friday.

The Bulldogs posted 10 MAC qualfying times/marks in the meet.

Among the qualifying times were junior Bryce Guthier taking second in the 400-meters with a time of 52.08. It is the fifth fastest time in indoor history.  Senior Davis Trump also qualified in the 5K with a time of 16:20.32.

In the field events, DSU posted eight qualfying marks. Junior Weston Simak qualified for the MAC Championships in both the long jump (6.52m) and triple jump (13.72m). His triple jump mark was the second best in team history.  First-year Luke Heimann also qualfied in the triple jump (11.86m).

Junior Jonathan Castronovo took home first place in the long jump with a mark of 6.58m, the second best long jump in team history.

First-year John Amoretti qualified in the shot put (12.33m), seniors Jonathan Eudja and Giovanni Wellington qualified in the weight throw with marks of 14.85m and 14.23m. First-year Ryan Rodriguez also quallified in the weight throw (11.89m).

The Bulldogs won’t return to action till the New Year at the Blue and Grey Invitational on Jan. 17th.

 



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Women’s Track & Field Turns in Multiple High Marks to Begin Season at Cornell

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6 hours ago

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December 7, 2025

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RESULTS

ITHACA, N.Y. –

The Ithaca College women’s track & field team opened its 2025-26 season over the weekend as the Bombers made the short trip across town to compete in the Greg Page Relays hosted by Cornell University on December 5-6.

Lola Gitlin posted a time of 10:25.57 in the 3000-meter run to finish third overall.

Rachel Larson was a fourth place finisher with a time of 8.58 seconds in the 60-meter hurdles. That time is currently No. 1 in Division III after the opening weekend of the season.

Aynisha McQuillar took fifth in the 200-meter dash in a time of 26.61 seconds. McQuillar also ran in the 60-meter dash and posted the 11th fastest time in DIII during the prelim with a performance of 7.78 seconds.

Lyla Powers was fifth in the 500-meter dash with a time of 1:21.75.

Lily Seyfert claimed fifth in the shot put with a heave of 12.78 meters, which is currently ninth in the nation.

Bree Boyle and Erin Eastwood each cleared 3.54 meters in the pole vault, which is tied for 11th on the Division III performance list.

Alexis Brown turned in a leap of 11.02 meters in the triple jump for the 17th best mark in the country.

Ithaca is off for the remainder of 2025 and will return to Cornell on January 10 for the Southern Tier Invitational.

 



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Men’s Track & Field Opens Indoor Season at Cornell Greg Page Relays

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December 7, 2025

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RESULTS

ITHACA, N.Y. –

The Ithaca College men’s track & field team opened its 2025-26 season over the weekend as the Bombers made the short trip across town to compete in the Greg Page Relays hosted by Cornell University on December 5-6.

Anik Vossschulte claimed third in the 200-meter dash in a time of 23.32 seconds, while Jacob Antilety was seventh at 23.71 seconds.

Matt Lokshin posted a time of 8.65 seconds in the 60-meter hurdles to place third in the event. Aidan Irwin took fourth in the high jump with a mark of 1.70 meters.

Quinten Lewis posted a mark of 13.73 meters in the triple jump to place fourth and Sebastien-Oliver Lacrete was sixth at 12.68 meters, while Evan Cherry secured fifth in the long jump with a leap of 6.84 meters.

IC’s 4×400-meter relay team of Damian Simmonds, Griffin Lupes, Noah McKibben and George Nilson placed sixth in 3:34.49.

Luke Ellor finished sixth in the shot put with a mark of 14.40 meters.

Three Bombers finished within the top eight in the 500-meter dash as Brad Kellogg was sixth in 1:09.73, Peter Tysiak followed in seventh with 1:10.74 and Matthew DeJulio was next at 1:11.59.

Kaiden Chandler and Luke Ferrer posted times of 4:41.29 and 4:53.44 in the mile to finish in seventh and eighth.

Raf Campanile was seventh in the pole vault with a clearance of 4.25 meters.

Ithaca is off for the remainder of 2025 and will return to Cornell on January 10 for the Southern Tier Invitational.

 



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