Closer & Bullpen Report: Save Situations To Watch Right Now

Los Angeles Dodgers — Scott Steps Back In For Diaz

Edwin Diaz's disaster of a Dodgers debut season just took another turn. Los Angeles placed him on the 15-day IL for the second time this year with neck inflammation, and the results leading up to it were ugly — he'd blown three of his last five save chances and allowed 11 runs in just 5.2 innings since returning from elbow surgery in late July, with diminished fastball velocity to boot. For the season he's carrying an 11.85 ERA, easily the worst of his career.

Tanner Scott takes back over as closer, a role he handled well during Diaz's first, lengthier absence. Scott has been excellent this season, sporting a 2.20 ERA with a 33% strikeout rate and a sparkling 5.9% walk rate over 49 innings, and manager Dave Roberts has all but confirmed he's the primary option. Alex Vesia is the next man up if needed, but the Dodgers' bullpen behind those two remains thin, so treat Scott as a clear, standalone closer for now.

Add priority: Tanner Scott (must-own), Alex Vesia (speculative handcuff)

Baltimore Orioles — Wells Holding Steady, Helsley Not Close

Ryan Helsley's second elbow issue of the season has been dragging on, and there's still no clear return date. Helsley's move to the 60-day IL locks him out until at least August 29, and the O's have leaned primarily on Tyler Wells since, with the veteran picking up saves in a loose committee that's also included Andrew Kittredge and Rico Garcia at times. Wells has quietly been excellent in the role, running a 2.96 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, and a strong 47:11 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 45.2 innings, with a phenomenal July (1.10 ERA, 13:4 K:BB) validating the trust.

He's the only Orioles reliever with more than one save since the All-Star break, and while manager Craig Albernaz has stopped short of naming him the outright closer, the workload and results say he's first in line as long as Helsley remains out.

Add priority: Tyler Wells (priority add in all formats), Andrew Kittredge (deep-league handcuff)

Los Angeles Angels — Joyce Taking Over

Ben Joyce has emerged as the Angels' top choice to close, picking up saves in each of their past three chances and riding a six-game scoreless streak since returning from the IL. He gives the Angels a legitimate power arm at the back of the pen, and while the club hasn't made a long-term declaration, the recent workload says he's the primary option for saves right now.

Add priority: Ben Joyce (add in all formats needing saves)