Josh Hader's shoulder strain sidelines him from the ninth for now, forcing Bryan Abreu into Houston's closer role and shifting the Closer Rankings in a meaningful way for fantasy managers.

The Closer Report still highlights Muñoz, Díaz, Duran, Suárez, and Chapman as the top tier across MLB, with megastars juggling saves in a season defined by bullpen volatility. Orion Kerkering's late-week save for Philadelphia adds a compelling element for Phillies saves and deeper formats.

Fantasy takeaways: Abreu's proven track record (1.64 ERA, 55 IP, 81 K, 25 BB) supports a temporary elite role, but monitor Hader's timeline and bullpen usage. Expect committee possibilities elsewhere and opportunistic saves as teams navigate rest days and late-season schedules.

The Philadelphia Phillies are gearing up for a strong postseason run, with Orion Kerkering emerging as a pivotal late-inning option for manager Rob Thomson. The 24-year-old has already notched two saves, showcasing his composure under pressure. Kerkering reflects on his nerves during games, especially contrasting a high-stakes postseason appearance against his first major league save. He reveals that the adrenaline is palpable when stepping into the closer's role, often thinking about the entrances that iconic closers like Edwin Díaz have made.

Kerkering's journey has been influenced by Roy Halladay, who coached him in his youth, emphasizing a focus on sticking to personal strengths. This mindset has helped develop his unique sweeper pitch, which he recognized as a game-changer during his teenage years. He aims to balance fun with professionalism in the bullpen, channeling a youthful energy to engage his older teammates, further enhancing the camaraderie as they prepare for a potentially thrilling postseason.

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 MLB season is heating up, and several players are making impactful strides, becoming essential additions for fantasy managers. Agustin Ramirez, a rookie catcher for the Miami Marlins, has emerged with an impressive 11 home runs, placing him among the top catchers in the league. His power and keen batting skills warrant a spot on more fantasy rosters.

St. Louis Cardinals' Alec Burleson is also on the rise, showcasing a significant increase in his batting average and hard-hit rate. Houston Astros rookie Cam Smith is generating buzz with a .354 batting average over his last 12 games, while Atlanta Braves' Jurickson Profar returns strong, expected to hit in a prime lineup spot. Meanwhile, pitchers Quinn Priester and Jacob Lopez are showcasing solid performances, making them intriguing options for rotation spots. Lastly, Orion Kerkering's role as a potential closer for the Phillies adds depth to any fantasy bullpen.

Week 13 of the fantasy baseball season presents some intriguing waiver wire options. Michael Toglia of the Colorado Rockies has returned from Triple-A after a rough season start, showcasing power with three home runs in his first three games back. However, his high strikeout rate raises concerns about his overall fantasy viability.

Brady House, recently called up by the Washington Nationals, brings promising power but has struggled with contact and chase rates in the past. His limited speed may hinder his fantasy impact. Lastly, Orion Kerkering of the Phillies has emerged as a closer but his declining strikeout rates and control issues could limit his effectiveness moving forward.