Week 22 fantasy closer updates center on clear saves and opportunistic pickups. Dennis Santana locksthe Pirates’ ninth inning, turning in two saves and shrugging off a midseason stumble as his job looks safe for fantasy purposes. Jose A. Ferrer stepped in for Washington with three saves in four appearances, signaling a likely closer-by-committee trend at the Nationals down the stretch. Randy Rodriguez still carries upside in San Francisco, showing the ceiling for saves when the Giants can run his arc. Victor Vodnik has grabbed two saves in Colorado, offering a viable late-inning option in the Rockies bullpen.

Deeper-league intrigue runs through Reid Detmers in Los Angeles, JoJo Romero in St. Louis (alongside Riley O’Brien sharing ninth-inning duties), and Calvin Faucher in Miami as Anthony Bender’s season-ending tibia injury clears room for late-inning opportunities. Raisel Iglesias posted five saves on the week, a reminder that the closer role can swing fast. Hunter Gaddis and Tanner Scott emerge as hot-handed back-end options, while bullpen dynamics in Texas and Arizona intensify as teams chase late wins and playoff positioning.

Week 21 closes the door to steady saves but opens multiple holds and bullpen plays. Dennis Santana remains the Pirates closer, with a chance at multiple save chances in a week. Jose A. Ferrer grabbed his first Nationals save and looks locked into late-inning work, even if not a high-volume shooter. Houston’s Bryan Abreu steps into the closer role while Josh Hader recovers, creating immediate fantasy value for saves. Randy Rodríguez lands in a true closer role with the Giants, and Phil Maton is the Rangers’ late-inning option, both solid adds in holds leagues and possible saves. Keegan Akin and Yennier Cano inherit ninth-inning chances in Baltimore, while Justin Topa and Cole Sands offer speculative saves in Minnesota. Michael Kelly and Sean Newcomb give Athletics and Boston some late-game leverage, and JoJo Romero and Riley O’Brien share ninth-inning duties for St. Louis. Kenley Jansen tops the saves leaders this week, with Matt Strahm handling holds for Philadelphia, and Detroit’s closer scene showing a committee with Kyle Finnegan and Will Vest. The Rockies’ bullpen era sees Seth Halvorsen in late-inning scenarios with potential saves, while Victor Vodnik lurks in the back of the bullpen. In short, plan for more one-off saves and a handful of holds as teams navigate post-deadline roles and injuries.

This week's waiver wire is particularly intriguing as MLB teams maneuver through post-trade deadline adjustments. New closers are stepping into the spotlight while others falter in their new roles. Dennis Santana of the Pittsburgh Pirates, despite a rough start, remains the primary option for saves following David Bednar's trade. Jose A. Ferrer is poised to be the Nationals' go-to closer after Kyle Finnegan's departure, while the San Francisco Giants’ Randy Rodriguez could also become an elite closer given his strikeout potential. Phil Maton of the Texas Rangers is stepping into a lead role as the team’s bullpen undergoes changes. In deeper leagues, Blake Treinen and Alex Vesia of the Dodgers are sharing save opportunities, while the Orioles' Keegan Akin and Yennier Cano are both vying for ninth-inning duties. With various committees forming, fantasy managers should stay alert.

The recent MLB trade deadline has significantly altered the landscape for fantasy baseball, creating new opportunities for saves from a variety of relief pitchers. With many teams reshuffling their bullpens, several closers have emerged as valuable pickups for fantasy managers looking to enhance their rosters.

Dennis Santana of the Pittsburgh Pirates has stepped into the closer role after the departure of David Bednar to the Yankees, despite a rocky start in his new position. In Cleveland, Cade Smith is now filling in for Emmanuel Clase, who is on paid leave due to a betting investigation, while Kevin Ginkel has taken over closing duties for the Arizona Diamondbacks. Other notable mentions include Jose A. Ferrer for the Washington Nationals and Randy Rodriguez for the San Francisco Giants, both of whom have shown promise in their new responsibilities.

The Washington Nationals have decided to call up Robert Hassell III in response to injuries plaguing their outfield, specifically affecting Dylan Crews and Jacob Young. Hassell, initially drafted by the San Diego Padres as the eighth overall pick in 2020, has faced numerous physical setbacks, including a broken hamate bone. However, he has shown promising recovery in the Triple-A league, where he recently posted impressive batting statistics with a .365 average, four home runs, and 16 RBIs in just 15 games. This call-up marks Hassell's first opportunity at the major league level, and the Nationals are optimistic about his potential contribution to the roster.

This call-up also highlights the Nationals' ongoing recovery from the significant trade made in August 2022 involving Juan Soto, which brought in several young talents, including Hassell. With the franchise still in the rebuilding process, the performance of these young players will be crucial for the Nationals as they look to compete in the coming seasons.