Fantasy Baseball Closer Hot Seat: AL | NL

Fantasy baseball closer depth charts: AL | NL

In fantasy baseball, the closer position remains volatile. Rarely does every closer hang on to the job for an entire season - injuries, poor performance and managerial decisions can cloud a team's bullpen picture.

Should you be concerned about a struggling stopper? Which relievers are climbing the depth chart? Are any injuries popping up? KFFL.com's Fantasy Baseball Closer Hot Seat keeps you informed when you're looking for saves.

Mound meetings

• Wags dinged

  The Atlanta Braves weren't able to call on Billy Wagner in the ninth Saturday because the lefty was nursing a sore left ankle. It has been bothering him since last week, though he was able to pitch with it until he aggravated it Saturday warming up. He received a cortisone shot after Saturday's game and doesn't expect to miss much time.
  Peter Moylan was the one used in the ninth to secure the Bravos' win after Takashi Saito, who started the ninth, gave up two runs. He could be your best bet in the short term for any saves, though Saito probably would be the choice once he is back on form following a DL stint. He only returned last Wednesday.
• Aaron Heilman walked only one batter in recording his second save for the Arizona Diamondbacks yesterday. He was a bit lucky, too, as a long fly ball died before it could leave the yard; if it left, it would have tied the game. On the surface, the save might tighten Heilman's grip on the job, but his skills don't suggest long-term viability.
  Chad Qualls, or possibly Sam Demel, who gave up his first two hits in a D-backs uniform yesterday, are deep mixed and NL-only options for those speculating.
• The New York Mets' Francisco Rodriguez remained in for his 17th save Friday despite having his back lock up on him. He said he has been dealing with it for awhile, but extra stretching and some treatment, including an anti-inflammatory shot, have helped him avoid taking any time off.
• Trevor Hoffman had another two scoreless appearances for the Milwaukee Brewers over the weekend. He hasn't allowed any runs since surrendering three June 1 and hasn't given up a walk or hit in his last four outings. Speculating on him in deep mixed wouldn't be out of order; Milwaukee has mentioned the Hoff could be back closing eventually.
  John Axford has yet to show many signs of shakiness as Milwaukee's closer, though. He struck out three while giving up one hit in a Sunday save.
• It wasn't a blown save, but the Los Angeles Dodgers' Jonathan Broxton gave up four runs on four hits and two walks in the ninth yesterday in the Blue's 8-6, extra-innings loss to the New York Yankees. Broxton needed 48 pitches to get through the inning, which included a borderline call on what would have been a third strike to Colin Curtis for the second out.
  You have to wonder if J-Brox will be used today. He also worked 1 1/3 innings Saturday in non-save work. Ramon Troncoso could be in line for a save if Broxton isn't available, unless matchups dictate the left-handed George Sherrill is needed.
• The San Diego Padres' Luke Gregerson saved his first game of the year yesterday. Heath Bell worked the previous two days (34 pitches) and four of the last five.

Fantasy Baseball Closer Hot Seat: AL | NL

Fantasy baseball closer depth charts: AL | NL