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Fantasy Baseball Closer Report for Week 24: Giovanny Gallegos is now the guy

The talented Cardinals reliever is now the ninth-inning man on his team.

By aecu13
Cincinnati Reds v St. Louis Cardinals Photo by Michael B. Thomas/Getty Images

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

This week, Giovanny Gallegos has taken over the closer’s role in St. Louis and won’t look back.

Arrow Up:

Giovanny Gallegos, St. Louis Cardinals

We have a new closer in St. Louis, and it’s Gio Gallegos. Always considered a talented strikeout artist, he ascends to the role because the Cardinals want to use Alex Reyes in a multi-inning relief role. Reyes had been struggling, and the Cards would like him to start next year, so the move makes sense.

Since August 30, Gallegos has earned five saves, three of which came this week. He allowed four runs in an outing on September 5, but outside of that, he has been pretty reliable all year long. For the season, he has a 3.33 ERA in 63 games, with a fantastic 0.87 WHIP and 82 strikeouts.

Chicago White Sox v Oakland Athletics Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Andrew Chafin, Oakland Athletics

Yes, Chafin allowed a go-ahead homer on Saturday, but in a time in which usually reliable guys like Lou Trivino and Sergio Romo have struggled mightily, he has been by far the most consistent bullpen contributor.

Chafin is currently the most (only?) trusted late-inning reliever in Oakland, even though he can’t be considered the clear-cut closer yet. He saved a game on Thursday and another one on August 29, so not too long ago.

For the year, the left-hander has a 1.78 ERA, 57 strikeouts, and a brilliant 0.82 WHIP.

Arrow Down:

Ian Kennedy, Philadelphia Phillies

Although he has three saves and a 1/11 BB/K ratio in his last seven games, Philadelphia Phillies’ closer Ian Kennedy also has a 6.14 ERA over that span. To be honest, he has been struggling for a while, evidenced by his 6.59 ERA in his last 15 contests.

He had an ugly loss on Thursday against the Rockies, allowing four hits and three runs in 0.2 innings. Simply put, Kennedy is not reliable right now, and could really mess up your ratios at the worst possible time.

Situations to monitor

Pittsburgh Pirates

Chris Stratton converted his fourth save of the season, and David Bednar, who has looked good as the Pirates’ closer, hasn’t pitched in four days. It’s a puzzling situation.

Seattle Mariners

Drew Steckenrider saved Friday’s game. The Mariners don’t appear to have a set ninth-inning guy, and Steckenrider, Paul Sewald, and Diego Castillo are equally likely to get the next chance.

Boston Red Sox

Left-hander Josh Taylor earned the save for Boston on Saturday, and Hansel Robles did so on Wednesday. The bullpen, as of right now, doesn’t have a go-to closer.

Closer Chart:

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