As the MLB season approaches its critical stretch, fantasy managers must optimize their rosters ahead of the playoffs. This week, several undervalued players can be targeted for FAAB bids, especially with a focus on Thursday leagues. Pitchers like Cade Horton and Aaron Civale have shown strong recent performances, while relief options such as JoJo Romero and Calvin Faucher have stepped into prominent roles, enhancing their fantasy value.

Players like Andrew Vaughn are on a hitting streak, indicating that they could provide consistent production down the line. The trade deadline may have passed, but impactful pickups remain available, making it essential to keep an eye on player trends and matchups to bolster teams for the upcoming playoffs.

As we enter Week 14 of the fantasy baseball season, it's crucial to keep an eye on the waiver wire for potential closer pickups and bullpen updates. The New York Yankees' Luke Weaver has shown potential, sharing closing duties with Devin Williams, who is currently on a remarkable seven-game scoreless streak. Meanwhile, the Texas Rangers' bullpen remains a mix-and-match situation, with Chris Martin and Robert Garcia both earning saves recently.

The Atlanta Braves have finally seen some saves after a month-long drought, with Dylan Lee and Raisel Iglesias each getting one, but Lee seems to be the preferred choice moving forward. The Chicago Cubs' Daniel Palencia is a must-add with an impressive 1.86 ERA and eight saves, while the Philadelphia Phillies are also worth monitoring for Orion Kerkering and Matt Strahm, who have been splitting saves. In deeper leagues, keep an eye on Calvin Faucher of the Miami Marlins and Grant Taylor from the Chicago White Sox, both showing potential for save opportunities.

The Washington Nationals faced a tough defeat against the Miami Marlins, losing 4-3 despite a spirited comeback in the final inning. However, the game also marked a celebratory moment as Bruce the Bat Dog made his much-anticipated MLB debut. After impressing during his time with the Rochester Red Wings, Bruce, a golden retriever, endeared himself to fans with his bat retrieval skills and playful demeanor. His promotion was hailed as historic by the Red Wings' GM, who emphasized Bruce's unique ability to uplift spirits. While the Nationals came close to winning, a final play with bases loaded fell short.

Week 12 of the 2025 MLB season highlights promising waiver wire pickups for fantasy baseball enthusiasts, particularly focusing on relief pitchers and potential closers. As All-Star voting begins, performances are starting to solidify, revealing which players are becoming reliable options for saves. Notably, Robert Garcia and Chris Martin of the Texas Rangers have emerged following their recent save opportunities, despite some inconsistency. Shelby Miller of the Arizona Diamondbacks, now back in a closing role due to injuries, showcases a strong scoreless streak, making him a worthwhile add. In Atlanta, Pierce Johnson and Dylan Lee are vying for saves amidst a closer committee situation. The Chicago Cubs continue to rely on Daniel Palencia and Ryan Pressly in their bullpen, while David Bednar of the Pittsburgh Pirates reestablishes himself. Meanwhile, deeper league options like Calvin Faucher from the Miami Marlins suggest a developing closer situation as well.

The fantasy baseball landscape is shifting rapidly with Week 11 of the season seeing significant changes in closer roles across the league. Camilo Doval of the San Francisco Giants is now the primary closer, having secured eight saves despite a recent setback. In Texas, Robert Garcia has replaced Luke Jackson in the ninth inning, showcasing his potential by delivering scoreless outings. The Arizona Diamondbacks are caught in a confusing bullpen dynamic, with Justin Martinez emerging as the likely closer after a string of impressive performances, while Shelby Miller remains a relevant option. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Braves face a closer crisis, with Raisel Iglesias struggling significantly this season, leading to a potential resurgence from Craig Kimbrel after his call-up from Triple-A. The Chicago Cubs have found their closer in Daniel Palencia, who has locked down five consecutive saves without allowing a run. The Detroit Tigers' bullpen features a tandem of Will Vest and Tommy Kahnle, both proving effective. Lastly, the Los Angeles Dodgers and Miami Marlins continue to grapple with murky closer situations, making strategic pickups critical for fantasy players.