Paul’s Call to the ‘Pen: September 23 – Saves Edition

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  • By Paul Williamson

    Last Updated on September 23, 2025 9:57 pm by Paul Williamson | Published: September 23, 2025

    First, let me repeat what I said last week –

    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!!!

    For the final Call to the ‘Pen of 2025, I am going to do something different as I will look to revamp the article for 2026.

    First change – I will break it up between saves and holds with two different articles.In this piece, This piece will focus on the closers (saves-only)

    The Holds portion of the article will come out Wednesday.

    Next – Instead of going team-by-team, I will rank names in the following tiers –

    Must-roster – they should be rostered in all leagues.

    Solid play – They are 12-team viable

    Fringe-play – I wouldn’t only roster them in 12-team leagues if I was starved for saves or holds

    Deep league play – I’m only using them in deeper than 12-team leagues

    Dart throw – Are you desperate?

    NOTE – All stats in article do not include what happened Tuesday.

    MUST ROSTER

    Carlos Estevez – 1.04 ERA in his last 8.2 innings Royals get Halos and A’s s to finish off so good shot at saves.

    Jhoan Duran – 12.27 K/9, 0.82 BB/9 in last 11.0 innings. Phils have outside shot at No. 1 seed so not nothing to play for.

    Cade Smith – 16.20 K/9, 0.00 BB/9 in last 13.1 innings – Guards are surging.

    Aroldis Chapman – 1.93 ERA over last 9.1 innings. What a season he has had! Boston fighting for their playoff lives with surging Guards 1.0 game back.

    Andres Munoz – 1.74 ERA over last 10.1 innings. M’s find themselves 3.0 games back of first overall, I’m just sayin’

    Raisel Iglesias – Awesome turnaround to his season continues. 0.84 ERA over last 10.2 innings. Faces Nats and Pirates. Score!

    Robert Suarez – 10.13 K/9, 1.32 BB/9 over last 13.1 innings, team 2 games back of NL West, so something to play for.

    David Bednar – He has run away with the closer’s role in the Bronx. ChiSox then O’s this week. NICE!

    Emilio Pagan – Pitching better than his 4.35 ERA (2.57 FIP) in last 10.1 IP with 10.45 K/9. Reds, tied with Mets, 1.0 game up on DBacks (they’re still in it????). Get Twins and Fish. NICE!

    Bryan Abreu – Walks have been the problem but four straight scoreless outings and just two BBs in 4.1 innings. Astros face A’s and Angels.

    Jeff Hoffman – Hasn’t allowed run in all but one outing over his last 10, Jays are 6-4 last ten, might have some concern if they lock up the no.1 seed too early.

    Solid Play – *Everyone here is a ‘must-roster’ holds league dude.

    Ryan Walker – 4.50 ERA over last 8.0 innings but Giants get Cards and the Rockies. Sneaky good play here.

    Tanner Scott – I know it has not been great but he has six of seven scoreless outings, including a save in his last outing. He’s the favorite arm for the ninth, for the Dodgers. He just can’t be benched.

    Abner Uribe – Team may clinch too quick plus a possible Trevor Megill activation on Sunday push out of ‘must-roster.

    Edwin Diaz – The Met’s won’t be this bad for the final week? They gotta be good for some dubs… right?

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    September 23, 2025, 9:55 pm