Fantasy baseball analyst Dalton Del Don scans for save sources and provides updates to unsettled or intriguing bullpens.
Baltimore Orioles
If fantasy managers want to look at the glass half full, the Orioles picked a good time (when Félix Bautista is unavailable for back-to-back games) to be the only team in baseball yet to record a save opportunity. Baltimore was top 10 in save opportunities last season, so this unlucky start is sure to regress soon. That said, Bautista’s velocity (97.4 mph) is down more than two miles per hour compared to when he last pitched in 2023, and his CSW ranks 222nd out of 243 relievers who’ve thrown at least 50 pitches this season. A slow buildup was expected, and maybe it’s a win just breaking camp with the team. But Bautista’s early performance is worth monitoring.
Chicago Cubs
The Cubs haven’t had a save opportunity over the last week, but Ryan Pressly remains the current favorite to close in Chicago. He hasn’t allowed an earned run over his last four appearances, but Pressly’s peripherals are scary. His -11.8 K-BB% ranks 215th out of 217 qualified relievers, and his CSW (19.7%) ranks 212th. Pressly’s 3.86 ERA comes with a 5.92 SIERA, so Porter Hodge (2.87 SIERA) continues to look like a better long-term bet. Hodge is available in more than 80% of Yahoo leagues.
Chicago White Sox
Mike Clevinger has been a disaster and rightfully dropped from most fantasy teams. The White Sox appear to be using a full-blown committee of below average relievers to close on a team with an anemic offense. Chicago has recorded zero saves so far in 2025. It’s a situation fantasy managers can ignore.
