Paul’s Call to the ‘Pen: September 17

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  • By Paul Williamson

    Last Updated on September 17, 2025 9:11 pm by Paul Williamson | Published: September 17, 2025

    OK, let’s discuss end of season bullpen strategy.

    First, in head-to-head playoffs, start your week like normal.

    But if you get to Friday and you are way behind/ahead in Ks and Ws, consider going reliever heavy for the weekend to help lockup your ratios and win the saves/holds category (of course keeping an eye on those innings pitch minimums or start minimums.).

    If you are in a roto league – check those category rankings! If you’re not in a competitive race for wins or Ks, why don’t you drop most, if not all your starters, for all relievers (by now you should have already met or are  real close to hitting a season-long innings minimum) and move up the saves and/or holds category for more roto points? This also could help keep your ratios stable as other managers throw starts up on the wall and may let you pass them as they try to get Ks/Ws.

    Just keep an eye on the categories, y’all. Don’t chase stats that you don’t need!!!

    Throughout the article, I will name relievers that should be added for saves by managers that opt to take that approach to end 2025. 

    So, let’s get into it.

    I dive into all 30 teams and tell you how to evaluate them.

    The closers I will label in the following tiers (I’ve added a fourth tier from last year and modified my definition of ‘weak’*)

    Strong – they are definitely the closer.
    Probably – they look to be the closer, for now.
    Weak – there is a good chance they don’t get the next save chance*
    Committee – We just don’t know who will get the ball in the ninth. Shrug.

    Rangers

    Closer – Shawn Armstrong – Probably

    Armstrong got two saves to Phil Maton’s one.

    Maton finished off the ninth after Armstrong pitched the eighth, got one out and walked someone in the ninth before Maton came in.

    Armstrong remains the priority add but Maton’s usage here suggests he might get another save and can be added in leagues that go reliever heavy or in deep leagues.

    Holds

    Robert Garica got two holds with Armstrong, Hoby Milner, Maton and Luis Curvelo getting one.

    Garcia is the only ‘must-roster’ dude with Maton creeping back up into fantasy trust with 4.0 scoreless innings this week. Add him if you really need holds.

    Milner can be a deep league add and we will ignore Curvelo.

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    September 17, 2025, 9:11 pm