Fantasy baseball bullpen report featuring Louis Varland, Ryan Walker and others

Another week has passed, and the delicate saves ecosystem has become even more unsettled, as if anyone thought this was possible. Since my last post, four of baseball’s top closers have landed on the injured list: Edwin Díaz (LAD) Jhoan Duran (PHI) Raisel Iglesias (ATL) Daniel Palencia (CHC) They accounted for a combined 111 saves last year. There are varying timetables for each reliever, but Díaz could miss two to three months after undergoing surgery. Each team has taken different approaches to replacing them: Atlanta Braves: With Robert Suarez signed for three years, this was an easy pivot. Chicago Cubs: Caleb Thielbar has recorded a win and two saves since Palencia’s placement on the injured list. However, Phil Maton may return soon, and Hunter Harvey has started his throwing regimen for a return. Once depth options arrive, a matchup-based approach will ensue. Los Angeles Dodgers: Reverting to past practices, Dave Roberts would not name a closer in the interim, meaning the team will deploy relievers by lineup lanes based on preferential matchups. Tanner Scott and Alex Vesia should be viable options in deeper formats. Philadelphia Phillies: Rob Thomson has used a “floating closer” concept in previous seasons, and it may return, though he hinted toward Brad Keller getting most of the save chances, unless he’s needed before the ninth inning. Rob Thomson expects Brad Keller to receive a bunch of the save opportunities. “But we may mix it up.” Jhoan Duran was put on the 15-day IL with an oblique injury. pic.twitter.com/6ntueLdXGV — PHLY Phillies (@PHLY_Phillies) April 18, 2026This is fun, right? But wait, there is more. Jeff Hoffman may need work in lower-leveraged situations after being removed from a save chance against the Angels with the bases loaded and one out. Louis Varland receives a boost in fantasy value if he’s the preferred option for saves in a revamped Blue Jays bullpen. He recorded his first career save, needing only one pitch to bail out his teammate....