Summarize and humanize this content to 2000 words in 6 paragraphs in EnglishFantasy managers seek edges on the margins, and the saves ecosystem provides constant volatility. There have been some pathway adjustments based on performance, role changes and injuries. Plus, there are relievers in the minors — David Bednar, Jason Foley — who may be on the precipice of returns after losing their roles, which would provide a domino effect in their team’s bullpen structure. Hopefully, this week’s report can help you stay ahead of the competition.Recognizing how a manager prefers handling high-leverage innings can create a competitive advantage. Here are 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, he may also be used in matchup-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.Matchup-based: Usually, two relievers split save opportunities, sometimes, based on handedness, rest or recent usage patterns to keep them fresh. While these situations typically rely on a primary and ancillary option, others can also become involved. Some teams also prefer a matchup-based option, assigning pitchers a hitter pocket for a series, which creates fluid save opportunities.In-flux: The manager has not confirmed the projected closer based on past struggles or rough spring appearances.Access The Athletic’s guide for abbreviations used in fantasy baseball. American League leverage pathways
TeamLeverage PathwayCloser (Primary)Stopper/HLRStealth/AncillaryMostly LinearFélix BautistaYennier CanoSeranthony DomínguezPrimary Save ShareAroldis ChapmanJustin SlatenGarrett WhitlockMatch-up BasedJordan LeasureCam BooserPenn MurfeeMostly LinearEmmanuel ClaseCade SmithHunter GaddisMatch-up BasedTommy KahnleWill VestTyler HoltonMostly LinearJosh HaderBryan AbreuBryan KingMostly LinearCarlos EstévezLucas ErcegDaniel Lynch IVMostly LinearKenley JansenBrock BurkeRyan ZeferjahnPrimary Save ShareJhoan DuránGriffin JaxCole SandsMostly LinearDevin WilliamsLuke WeaverMark Leiter Jr.Mostly LinearAndrés MuñozTrent ThorntonGabe SpeierMostly LinearPete FairbanksEdwin UcetaMason MontgomeryMostly LinearLuke JacksonChris MartinRobert GarciaMostly LinearMason MillerTyler FergusonJosé LeclercMostly LinearJeff HoffmanYimi GarcíaChad Green
Notes and ObservationsBaltimore Orioles: Félix Bautista will have his workload closely managed. We will monitor when he first makes an appearance on consecutive days. Until then, plan on using him for save chances when he’s available.Boston Red Sox: With Liam Hendriks nearing his return, how he slots into the leverage ladder will be intriguing. He should be eased into save situations. But can he usurp Justin Slaten, or will the former closer slot into a set-up role in the seventh inning? Velocity may play a large part in this decision process:
Splits by 4-seam velocity for Liam Hendriks since 2021 SpeedPitchesSwStr%Whiff%K%BB%K-BB%BAbipxBAxSLGxwOBABBEHH%>= 96 m.p.h.127916.729.327.84.922.90.2810.2220.4170.2922074211814.42714.37.17.20.250.2910.5440.3772152.4
Chicago White Sox: Although he never received a save chance, the team designated Mike Clevinger for assignment, and the White Sox are the only franchise without a save through April 16. There has been no rhyme or reason to the leverage roles, making this a bullpen that fantasy managers should avoid at all costs.Cleveland Guardians: For Emmanuel Clase, it’s a fine line with cutter placement, even at 99 miles per hour. Last year, he benefited from a career-low .195 batting average on balls in play, but this year it’s at .467 through his first eight innings. This will stabilize, and getting closer to his career .256 BABIP seems more reasonable. Remain patient with the saves leader since 2021.Detroit Tigers: Through 18 contests, Brant Hurter leads the team with two saves. There are rumblings that Foley may be promoted soon, making him a stash candidate for those seeking saves on the waiver wire. He posted a 0.15 WHIP with nine strikeouts against zero walks in five scoreless appearances spanning 6.2 innings at Triple-A.Kansas City Royals: The Royals placed Hunter Harvey on the injured list with a teres injury. This gives Daniel Lynch IV a more significant role as a set-up reliever. It also exposes the leverage ladder as the team seeks a reliable right-handed reliever before deploying Lucas Erceg and Carlos Estévez.Los Angeles Angels: The Angels placed Ben Joyce on the 15-day injured list, and Ryan Zeferjahn will replace him in the short term. However, if Joyce suffers a setback and Robert Stephenson’s rehab gets delayed, this would put more pressure on Kenley Jansen.Minnesota Twins: Griffin Jax, one of the best relievers in baseball last year, has struggled with quality of contact early this season. An inflated .435 BABIP and a 60% hard-hit rate have resulted in a bloated ERA, though his 2.13 SIERA aligns with last year. He’s also recorded a 27 K/BB% with a 20% swinging-strike rate. Producing more ground balls and commanding his pitches better should solve his early struggles, but fantasy managers should monitor this closely.New York Yankees: Devin Williams recorded his first clean outing with his new team and must command his pitches better moving forward. He’s been through many changes over the past year, and, health provided, he will rebound toward past results as a closer on the precipice of free agency.Seattle Mariners: Although Andrés Muñoz leads all American League relievers with seven saves, the bridge relievers before him continue to evolve. Gregory Santos was demoted after struggling with his command, and Matt Brash may return soon, which would be a stabilizing force on this leverage ladder.Tampa Bay Rays: One of the reasons the team’s bullpen thrived after the All-Star break last year was Edwin Uceta. However, he’s recorded a 1.50 WHIP with only a 3.6 K/BB% through his first seven appearances. He’s already matched last year’s barrel total (three) in a much smaller sample, and he must resolve this issue, or he will be working in lower-leveraged situations.National League leverage pathways
TeamLeverage PathwayCloser (Primary)Stopper/HLRStealth/AncillaryMatch-up BasedJustin MartinezA.J. PukShelby MillerMostly LinearRaisel IglesiasDaysbel HernándezDylan LeeMostly LinearRyan PresslyPorter HodgeJulian MerryweatherPrimary Save ShareEmilio PagánTony SantillanGraham AshcraftMostly LinearSeth HalvorsenVictor VodnikTyler KinleyMatch-up BasedTanner ScottBlake TreinenKirby YatesMostly LinearCalvin FaucherAnthony BenderRonny HenriquezMostly LinearTrevor MegillAbner UribeJared KoenigMostly LinearEdwin DíazA.J. MinterRyne StanekMatch-up BasedJosé AlvaradoOrion KerkeringJordan RomanoMatch-up BasedDennis SantanaCaleb FergusonJustin LawrenceMostly LinearRyan HelsleyPhil MatonJoJo RomeroMostly LinearRobert SuarezJason AdamJeremiah EstradaMostly LinearRyan WalkerCamilo DovalTyler RogersMostly LinearKyle FinneganJose A. FerrerLucas Sims
Notes and ObservationsArizona Diamondbacks: Fantasy managers prefer clarity, but it’s tough arguing with the early results by Torey Lovullo’s two-headed matchup monsters of Justin Martinez and A.J. Puk. Martinez has recorded two saves and two holds with nine strikeouts against zero walks (37.5 K/BB%) and a 0.45 WHIP through 6.2 innings. Puk has secured three saves and two holds with 11 strikeouts versus one walk (29 K/BB%) with a 1.29 WHIP across seven innings.Atlanta Braves: With the set-up relievers scuffling at times and lacking experience, there will be some rocky outings leading up to Raisel Iglesias’ save opportunities.Chicago Cubs: Following a slow start, Ryan Pressly has registered three consecutive scoreless appearances, including clean outings in his past two. Hopefully, the veteran reliever is finding his groove. If not, Porter Hodge represents a viable replacement.Cincinnati Reds: Despite Alexis Díaz being activated, Terry Francona said Emilio Pagán will remain the primary option for saves. Plan accordingly.Los Angeles Dodgers: Through 20 games, Tanner Scott leads the team with six saves, which puts him on a pace for 49, which will not happen, but 25 to 30 remain well within his reach. If he reaches 30+ saves, his price point in preseason drafts will have been misguided.Miami Marlins: It appears that Calvin Faucher has regained the closer role. Keep tabs on Ronny Henriquez; he may emerge with the preferred save share by June.Milwaukee Brewers: Suffering a setback with a minor shoulder issue this spring, Trevor Megill underwent an MRI on his knee but was not placed on the injured list. He’s already allowed three barrels in his first 13 batted ball events (23.1 barrel percentage) and is working with reduced velocity compared to last year. Stash Abner Uribe if bench space allows.New York Mets: Fantasy managers should continue to watch Edwin Díaz’s velocity. It was better in his last outing, but he’s still averaging 96.4 miles per hour through his first 6.2 innings.Philadelphia Phillies: José Alvarado has been terrific early, but he will be used at the game’s highest leverage moment, making him the HLR (highest leveraged reliever), not the closer the fantasy community prefers. Rob Thomson uses a “floating closer” concept, making any of his top four relievers capable of securing a save on any given day.Relievers on the RiseJeff Hoffman (TOR): Along with Mason Miller, he’s one of two relievers with at least four saves, a WHIP below 1.00 (0.68), a SwStr% of 19 or better, and a K/BB percentage over 35%. He’s stabilized an underrated Blue Jays bullpen (Brendon Little in particular) and is emerging as the closer we thought he could be, if used in that role in Philadelphia.Emilio Pagán (CIN): Whether I trust this or not, he changed his diet in the offseason and has surged as his manager’s preferred option for saves. Pagán has converted all four save chances with seven strikeouts versus one walk (21.4 K/BB%) and a minuscule 0.36 WHIP through his first 8.1 innings. However, his 1.08 ERA is accompanied by a 3.23 xERA and a 4.16 SIERA, which suggest a return toward the mean. For now, ride the wave, but keep a close eye on his outings.Justin Sterner (ATH): Combining his strong start with the early struggles of José Leclerc, Sterner could gain a more prominent leverage role, resulting in more holds or SOLDS. He has a 0.96 WHIP with 14 strikeouts against five walks (25 K/BB%) and an 18.1 SwStr%. His 0.00 ERA is backed by a 1.35 xERA and a 2.55 SIERA, confirming the strong start.► Updated Tiered Rankings for Saves and SOLDS2025 Leaderboards
Saves leaders through April 16
SOLDS leaders through April 16
Holds leaders through April 16
Save stashes
Graham Ashcraft (CIN)
David Bednar (PIT
Abner Uribe (MIL)
Jason Foley (DET)
Ancillary save options
Blake Treinen (LAD)
Yennier Cano (BAL)
Orion Kerkering (PHI)
Matt Strahm (PHI)
Jordan Romano (PHI)
Justin Slaten (BOS)
Ratio Relievers*Multi-inning or bridge relievers who can vulture wins and help protect ratios.
Garrett Whitlock (BOS)
Ben Casparius (LAD)
Hayden Birdsong (SF)
Louis Varland (MIN)
Statistical Credits (through games played on April 16): Fangraphs, Baseball Reference, Baseball Savant, Brooks BaseballCheck out my work at Reliever Recon and Closer Monkey for daily updates.(Photo of Tanner Scott: Emilee Chinn / Getty Images)
