Soroka is on track to rejoin the Chicago Cubs after shoulder strain, flashing a 96.6 mph fastball in a Triple-A Iowa rehab appearance. Initial return could lean bullpen-ward as Chicago manages workload, with a longer runway if needed. Palencia is sidelined by a right shoulder strain, while Kyle Tucker battles calf issues. Suzuki is ill and Ballesteros replaced him as DH. Soroka arrived in a deadline deal with Washington, as the Cubs prep for a Tampa Bay series and gauge bullpen depth.

Week 24 waiver targets lean into saves depth and hot bats. Chicago's Andrew Kittredge steps into ninth-inning duties after Palencia went on the IL, giving managers a workable closer option in Chicago. Immediate opportunties also surface from Jordan Leasure and Chase Meidroth, while Connelly Early and Sal Stewart offer upside as late-season sleepers. The article flags William Contreras' forearm bruise and other late-season injuries to watch as rosters churn through daily moves in daily-move leagues.

RoTOBALL’s top-100 waiver rankings for hitters and pitchers (Sept. 8–14) guide priorities, emphasizing proximity to promotions and hot streaks. With a couple weeks left, these pickups are designed to anchor championship runs in leagues that allow frequent adds, and staying vigilant on lineups and injury reports remains crucial.

Daniel Palencia's breakout season is derailed by a right shoulder strain, forcing the Cubs into a closer-by-committee next week. Keller and Kittredge are the early names to monitor for saves in Chicago.

Will Vest in Detroit should inherit the bulk of ninth-inning chances with Finnegan sidelined, though the Tigers bullpen may rotate save opportunities depending on matchups and usage.

Muñoz leads a cadre of high-end closers with 34 saves and elite ratios, while Díaz, Suárez, Iglesias and Jansen remain pivotal across the league. Chapman’s late-season surge for Boston stands out amid a chaotic closer landscape, with Pagán and Megill among the other notable late-inning arms vying for holds or saves.

Daniel Palencia's right-shoulder strain lands him on the IL, forcing Chicago to rework the ninth. Keller and Kittredge are in the mix as the Cubs scramble for late-game chances. Will Vest should soak up most Detroit saves with Finnegan sidelined, though the Tigers’ bullpen remains volatile.

Aroldis Chapman, Andrés Muñoz, Jhoan Duran, Edwin Díaz and Robert Suárez anchored top-tier closers this week, delivering key saves amid injuries and heavy workloads across the league. The flurry of bullpen shuffles underscores why fantasy closers must constantly monitor usage and matchup-driven opportunities.

Kyle Tucker finally snapped at Wrigley, belting a go-ahead three-run homer off Joey Wentz to lift Chicago to a 4-3 win over Atlanta. Shota Imanaga turned in six solid frames as the Cubs withstood a Braves rally, and Daniel Palencia closed it out. Tucker departed in the sixth with left calf tightness, adding another wrinkle to his injury-plagued season. The Cubs’ win showcased lineup depth, plus a defensive shuffle with Willi Castro spilling into right in the seventh.

With Tucker's health uncertain, address the Cubs' outfield depth and potential platoon options, especially Castro and Eli White, who contributed to the late-out effort. The injury history—finger issues and a hairline fracture—keeps Tucker on the fantasy radar for remaining weeks, but risk management becomes essential as Chicago navigates upcoming road trips and possible lineup tweaks.