As the MLB trade deadline approaches, the landscape for fantasy baseball closers is about to change dramatically. Several top-tier relief pitchers are rumored to be on the trading block, including Emmanuel Clase, David Bednar, Kenley Jansen, Jhoan Duran, and Raisel Iglesias. Their potential movement could significantly impact their fantasy value and role in the bullpen. With the uncertainty surrounding these closers, savvy fantasy managers should consider stashing promising setup men who could step into the closer role if their counterparts are moved.

Players like Hunter Gaddis of the Cleveland Guardians and Randy Rodriguez of the San Francisco Giants are noteworthy stashes. Gaddis has shown promise, especially if Clase is traded, while Rodriguez boasts an impressive 0.69 ERA and could easily step up if a closer spot opens. Furthermore, Griffin Jax of the Minnesota Twins and Bryan Abreu of the Houston Astros are solid backups with high strikeout rates, making them potential value picks as we head into the second half of the season.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto faced a challenging start against the Milwaukee Brewers, marking the shortest outing of his MLB career after a tough first inning. The game began with Sal Frelick's leadoff double, followed by a costly walk to Willson Contreras. The inning spiraled out of control when Andrew Vaughn, in his first game with the Brewers, launched a three-run homer off Yamamoto, who struggled with his command throughout.

Despite a stellar road ERA prior to this game, Yamamoto failed to find his rhythm, allowing five runs in just 0.2 innings. The Dodgers’ lineup, missing key players like Teoscar Hernández and Tommy Edman due to injuries, faltered against Brewers pitcher Freddy Peralta, managing only a single run in a 9-1 defeat, extending their losing streak to four games.

The Los Angeles Dodgers face a challenging season as their pitching staff continues to struggle with injuries, having deployed 34 different pitchers to date. Notably, Michael Kopech has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to knee inflammation, marking his second stint on the IL this season. He missed the first part of the season with a shoulder impingement but has shown promise with a stellar 0.00 ERA in his seven appearances.

Manager Dave Roberts is optimistic about Kopech's recovery, indicating that the team is cautious in managing his return to ensure he remains healthy for the postseason push. Despite these setbacks, the Dodgers maintain a commanding seven-game lead in the NL West, demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto faced a brutal outing against the Milwaukee Brewers, marking the shortest start of his MLB career. The Dodgers' ace struggled early, giving up a three-run home run to Andrew Vaughn and following it with a series of unfortunate events, including a defensive error by Mookie Betts that extended the disastrous first inning. By the time manager Dave Roberts called for a reliever, Yamamoto had thrown 41 pitches and conceded five runs. The Dodgers, already missing key players like Teoscar Hernández and Tommy Edman due to injuries, could not muster a comeback, ultimately losing 9-1.

The Dodgers' lineup looked frail, managing only five hits against Brewers' Freddy Peralta, who delivered six innings of shutout ball. With their roster stretched thin, the Dodgers are hoping for a quick recovery for their injured players as they embark on a crucial road trip.

Tyler Glasnow, now in his tenth MLB season, is poised to return to the Los Angeles Dodgers' rotation after being sidelined with right shoulder inflammation. Acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays, Glasnow's initial season with the Dodgers included an All-Star selection, but he missed the 2024 World Series run due to injuries. This season, he has a 4.50 ERA and aims to replicate his impressive 2024 numbers of a 3.49 ERA with 168 strikeouts over 134 innings. As the Dodgers lead the NL West, Glasnow's comeback is viewed as a significant boost to their playoff aspirations.