Chicago Cubs closer Adbert Alzolay blew his fourth save of the season and took the loss on Saturday in a 3-2 defeat by the Marlins in Game 1 of their doubleheader. Alzolay allowed a single to Luis Arraez and then a two-run go-ahead home run to Bryan De La Cruz before retiring the final two batters in the inning. It has been a rollercoaster ride for the 29-year-old, as he's collected three saves to along with the four he's blown, allowing five earned runs on 10 hits and four walks while striking out nine over 10 IP. The righty's ERA now stands at 4.50 and WHIP at 1.40. Fellow reliever Hector Neris recorded the save in Game 2 and could earn more opportunities if Alzolay continues to falter, although Neris' numbers so far this season don't exactly inspire confidence either, with a 3.86 ERA and a whopping 1.86 WHIP in seven innings pitched.

Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Adbert Alzolay was called upon to hold a one-run lead against the Seattle Mariners on Sunday. The right-hander struck out the first two batters he faced before allowing a single to Cal Raleigh. The Mariners decided to use Julio Rodriguez as a pinch-runner in this spot. Unfortunately for the Mariners, Rodriguez was picked off first base to end the ballgame. Alzolay has a 2.35 ERA and a 9/1 K/BB in 7 2/3 innings this season.

Adbert Alzolay recorded his second save of the season on Saturday as the Chicago Cubs beat the Seattle Mariners 3-1. Alzolay entered the game in the bottom of the ninth and got Dylan Moore to ground out to lead off the inning, before getting Dominic Canzone to fly out. After Cal Raleigh had a single, Alzolay struck out JP Crawford to end the game and get his second save of the season. The right-hander is now 1-1 with a 2.70 ERA this season, while 2-for-4 on save opportunities.

Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Adbert Alzolay was handed the ball with a two-run lead against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday. The right-hander gave up two singles to begin the inning. Luckily for fantasy managers, Alzolay was able to retire the next three batters and record his first save of the season. He's allowed one run in four innings this season and should be rostered in most fantasy formats where saves matter.

Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Adbert Alzolay picked up the win during Wednesday's 9-8 victory over the Colorado Rockies, throwing a scoreless ninth inning on one hit with two strikeouts to close out the victory. Although Alzolay was granted a win in the box score following the game on a technicality, fantasy managers are just glad he rebounded from blowing an Opening Day save in the walk-off loss to the Texas Rangers last Thursday. There were murmurs during spring training that manager Craig Counsell would let Chicago's bullpen hierarchy play out organically rather than assign roles himself, but setup man Hector Neris has struggled to a 6.75 ERA and 2.25 WHIP across his first three appearances. Alzolay, on the other hand, has given up just one run with four punchouts over his first three innings and is quite clearly first in line for the Cubs' save chances going forward.

Chicago Cubs closer Adbert Alzolay has made two Cactus League appearances this spring, allowing no runs with two strikeouts in two innings pitched. The 29-year-old emerged as a fantasy asset last season, earning 22 saves with a 2.67 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, and 26.5% strikeout rate. The Cubs did sign Hector Neris this off-season and he brings closer experience with him. However, it seems that Alzolay will have a shot to continue his role as closer to start the 2024 season, particularly if he pitches well this spring. Fantasy managers should monitor both Alzolay and Neris over the next couple of weeks.

Chicago Cubs closer Adbert Alzolay (forearm) threw 20 pitches in a live batting practice session to Jeimer Candelario on Wednesday. Alzolay was placed on the injured list in the middle of September with a right-forearm strain, but he's making good progress and could return to the Cubs bullpen before the end of the 2023 regular season this Sunday. The Cubbies are currently in the final wild-card spot in the National League entering play on Wednesday, so they can use all the help they can get to try to get into the postseason. With Alzolay sidelined, the team's last two saves have gone to Julian Merryweather and Jose Cuas, but Alzolay should return to the primary closing role once he's activated.

Chicago Cubs closer Adbert Alzolay (forearm) will throw a touch-and-feel bullpen session on Friday. Alzolay is trying to make it back before the end of the regular season after suffering a right-forearm strain, but he's running out of time. However, if the Cubbies secure a wild-card spot in the National League, the 28-year-old right-hander should be available to serve as the team's closer in the postseason. He is eligible to return from the injured list on Sept. 26. Alzolay has been great for Chicago in a high-leverage bullpen role in 2023, posting a 2.71 ERA (3.01 FIP), 1.02 WHIP, a career-high 22 saves, 12 walks and 66 strikeouts in 63 relief innings. Until he's able to return, Julian Merryweather figures to remain the Cubs' primary option for saves.

Chicago Cubs right-hander Adbert Alzolay (forearm) played catch on Saturday before his club's game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, according to MLB.com. The 28-year-old was placed on the injured list earlier this week with a right forearm strain. There's a chance Alzolay can return to the Cubs before the end of the regular season, though. Over 63 innings out of the pen, he's produced the best numbers of his career, posting a 2.71 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, and 26.4% strikeout rate with 22 saves. Fantasy managers should expect Alzolay to slot right back into the closer role once he's activated.

The Chicago Cubs placed relief pitcher Adbert Alzolay (forearm) on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to Sept. 10) on Monday with a right-forearm strain and activated right-hander Michael Fulmer (forearm) from the injured list in a corresponding move. Alzolay had been serving as the Cubs' primary closer, but he'll now miss at least the next two weeks and may not be able to help fantasy managers the rest of the way. If this is the end of the 28-year-old Venezuelan's season, he'll finish with a 2.71 ERA (3.01 FIP), 1.02 WHIP, a career-high 22 saves, 12 walks and 66 strikeouts in 63 relief innings over 57 appearances. Julian Merryweather picked up the save for Chicago on Sunday and should be the priority addition for those seeking saves in fantasy the rest of the way.

Chicago Cubs closer Adbert Alzolay picked up his 22nd save of the season in Tuesday's 1-0 win over the Brewers. Alzolay entered the game to pitch the top of the ninth inning and delivered a 1-2-3 inning with a strikeout. The 28-year-old has found success in the closer's role, converting all but one save opportunity with a 2.59 ERA and a 9.61 K/9 rate. He should continue to be a fantasy asset down the stretch with the Cubs in the middle of the playoff hunt.

Chicago Cubs right-handed pitcher Adbert Alzolay closed out a 5-4 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday. Alzolay came in with a 5-3 lead in the 10th inning and allowed the ghost runner to score before picking up the save. He didn't allow a hit or walk and didn't strike out a batter. Alzolay now has four saves in the last seven days and 16 saves since July 5. He has been one of the best relief options in the second half of the season and should continue to be down the stretch with the Cubs playing at a high level.

Chicago Cubs right-handed pitcher Adbert Alzolay escaped Sunday with his 18th save in a 4-3 win over the Kansas City Royals. Alzolay hit a batter and allowed two hits which lead to a pair of runs crossing, but he managed to get out of it without blowing the lead. This also makes back-to-back saves for Alzolay. The 28-year-old revelation now has a 2.75 ERA and 0.97 WHIP with 59 strikeouts in 55 IP on the season. He is 18-for-19 in save chances and will remain the Cubs' closer as long as he continues to be effective. With the Cubs' recent success, he could get a ton of opportunities down the stretch. Alzolay should be rostered in all leagues where saves matter at this time.

Chicago Cubs right-hander Adbert Alzolay struck out one over a scoreless inning to earn the save in Saturday's 5-4 win over the Toronto Blue Jays. He entered the ninth inning of Saturday's game to protect a one-run lead. The 28-year-old tossed a perfect inning to earn his 16th save of the season. He has converted 16-of-17 save opportunities while posting a 2.39 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, and 58 strikeouts over 52 2/3 innings in 2023. Alzolay is the Cubs' primary closer and should be rostered in all league formats.

Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Adbert Alzolay continued to pick up saves, earning his 15th of the season in Tuesday's 3-2 win over the Mets. Alzolay came in to pitch the ninth inning up by one. He allowed a leadoff single, but then got the first out on a lineout and ended the game by inducing a double play. The 28-year-old has become the clear favorite for save opportunities for the Cubs and has converted all but one with a 2.49 ERA, 9.77 K/9 rate, and 1.24 BB/9 rate. With the Cubs playing better baseball lately, Alzolay is worth a roster spot in all leagues at this time.

Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Adbert Alzolay was handed the ball with a two-run lead in the ninth inning of Sunday's game against the Atlanta Braves. The right-hander tossed a scoreless ninth to record his 14th save of the season. The 28-year-old has done a nice job closing out games for the Cubs so far. It's worth noting that he has pitched in back-to-back games, so possibly Alzolay is unavailable on Monday. Regardless, he'll continue to be the primary closer for the Cubs down the stretch of the season.

Chicago Cubs left-handed pitcher Adbert Alzolay continued to cement himself as the team's primary closing option on Thursday, picking up another save against the Cincinnati Reds in a 5-3 win. Alzolay picked up the final four outs of this one, striking out a pair without allowing a baserunner. He has been terrific for the Cubs this season, pitching to a 2.27 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, and 54:7 K:BB ratio over 47 IP. The lefty hasn't allowed a run in his last six appearances and now has nine saves since July 5. He should be rostered in all leagues where saves matter and has a chance to be an impact bullpen arm in fantasy given the Cubs recent upwards trend.

Chicago Cubs right-hander Adbert Alzolay is enjoying the best season of his career up to this point, producing a 2.63 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, and 28.9% strikeout rate across 41 innings, all out of the bullpen. The 28-year-old's been rewarded for his numbers, as he's earned seven saves this season, five of which have come since the beginning of June. If Alzolay's still on the waiver wire, fantasy managers in need of saves should strongly consider adding the former prospect and hope he continues to lead the club's bullpen.

Chicago Cubs right-hander Adbert Alzolay came into Wednesday's contest in the ninth inning, trying to keep the Milwaukee Brewers quiet. He was successful, throwing a perfect inning with two punchouts to secure the 4-3 win and earn his fifth save of the season. Alzolay has thrived this year out of the bullpen, posting a 2.41 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, and 29.4% strikeout rate across 37 1/3 innings. All of the 28-year-old's saves have come since May 6, and he's the only arm on the Cubs staff with more than three saves. Fantasy managers should add Alzolay everywhere they can.

Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Adbert Alzolay threw a hitless ninth frame to preserve a 3-2 win over the Baltimore Orioles on Saturday. The 28-year-old struck out a pair of batters, netting his fourth save of the season. It seems Alzolay has usurped Mark Leiter Jr. as the Cubs reliever to roster in fantasy after earning Chicago's previous two save chances. The right-hander has assembled an outstanding 1.97 ERA, 0.87 WHIP and 33:6 K:BB over 32 total innings. Alzolay has battled several injuries since 2021, but he should see the bulk of the ninth-inning work going forward as long as he's healthy. Alzolay has only allowed two earned runs across 17 1/3 innings since May 6. It's worth noting the Cubbies are in the cellar, though, with an MLB-low 16 save opportunities in 2023.