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Fantasy Baseball Closer Report: Michael Fulmer needs your attention!

There may be a new closer for the Detroit Tigers.

By aecu13
MLB: Detroit Tigers at Kansas City Royals Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Each weekend, we discuss the saves situations for each and every one of the 30 teams in the league, with special emphasis on who is trending up and who is slipping.

This week, Michael Fulmer and Hansel Robles have seemingly entered the conversations for saves for their respective teams.

Arrow up

Michael Fulmer, Detroit Tigers

In theory, the Detroit Tigers’ bullpen is a full-blown committee between Michael Fulmer, Gregory Soto, Bryan Garcia, and Jose Cisnero. However, that’s not how things have developed in the real world in the past week or so.

Gregory Soto’s last save came on May 12, and since that day, Fulmer has three. Detroit likely won’t provide too many opportunities, but Fulmer seems to be the man to own in that bullpen right now.

Fulmer has developed into a nice little weapon for Detroit, with a 3.13 ERA and a 1.07 WHIP before Saturday’s game. If he is available in your league, go pick him up now.

Minnesota Twins v Los Angeles Angels - Game Two Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images

Hansel Robles, Minnesota Twins

Hansel Robles, who has some closing experience, has seemingly taken advantage of Alex Colome and Taylor Rogers’ combined inability to establish themselves in the role. Robles saved games on May 15th and May 20th.

The right-hander hasn’t given up any earned runs since May 6th, and while Rogers may be the better pitcher of the two, Robles will remain involved and is trending upward.

Robles made things interesting last night with the game tied (1 IP, 2 BB, 1 H, 0 R) but did not allow any runs to keep his streak alive. He may have earned a timeshare, at least.

Arrow down

Cesar Valdez, Baltimore Orioles

On May 10th, Valdez’s ERA was a steady 1.23, and he was one of the most statistically dominating closers in fantasy baseball. However, he has allowed three earned runs in his last three outings, including eight hits in just 2.1 frames, and his ERA is now 2.65 (before Saturday’s game).

It’s likely just a blip for the changeup artist, and his closer role should be safe in theory. However, it doesn’t hurt to check the box scores, game reports and Orioles’ news in case manager Brandon Hyde decides to make a change.

Situations to monitor:

Toronto Blue Jays

Rafael Dolis had an ugly blown save on Thursday against the Red Sox in his second outing back from the IL, while Jordan Romano hasn’t saved a game for 12 days now. This bullpen is a mess, with Tyler Chatwood also lurking around.

Cincinnati Reds

Tejay Antone is an enticing fantasy option just for his ratios (1.93 ERA, 0.73 WHIP with lots of strikeouts), but it appears he can also get a save occasionally, as Amir Garrett, Lucas Sims, and Sean Doolittle haven’t been able to claim the closer role.

Closer chart

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