Little dudes in the Little League World Series this week; big names, big news this week in baseball's bullpens. An elite closer landed on the disabled list, another guy who looked like he was heading toward elite got demoted, and another elite guy came back and looked anything but elite. Meanwhile, the White Sox laugh in the face of fantasy baseball's bullpens. The Brewers might have baseball's best reliever but he doesn't (usually) close. The Twins looked like they were figuring out their bu[...]

St. Louis Cardinals closer Bud Norris picked up his 23rd save on Wednesday, tossing a perfect ninth inning to close out a 4-2 victory over the Washington Nationals. Norris didn't issue a walk or record a strikeout, but he threw 7-of-11 pitches for strikes, inducing two fly outs. Norris dropped his ERA to 3.14 and should continue to be a solid closer down the stretch.

St. Louis Cardinals closer Bud Norris (hip) said he's been fighting right hip discomfort all year, and it's something that only bothers him when he has to cover first base or back up other bases. "It's something I really have to start monitoring," said Norris. "Some days it's good and some days it's bad. I feel it when I run. [...]

St. Louis Cardinals closer Bud Norris (hip), who is dealing with soreness in his right hip, was not used in a save situation on Tuesday night against the Nationals. Instead, relief pitcher Jordan Hicks came on to record the save -- his fourth of the year. Norris blew his fourth save of the season on Monday night and was seen limping off. It doesn't seem to be an injury that'll put him on the disabled list, but the Cardinals could choose to rest him a bit. If Hicks is available in your league a[...]

St. Louis Cardinals closer Bud Norris recorded his 22nd save of the season on Tuesday. He tossed a scoreless inning, allowing a walk and striking out one batter. Norris lowered his ERA to 2.87. He's been somewhat streaky this season, but has overall been a solid closer for most formats.

Today and every Tuesday moving forward throughout the 2018 MLB season, we will take a deep dive into some of the lesser-owned relief pitchers on the market that are worth keeping tabs on. This can be a good tool for those in deeper holds leagues, although any pitcher in a position to make a move on their respective team's closer job will get priority. Below are my relief pitchers to target for Week 18 of the fantasy baseball season, based on today's trade deadline. Let's get to it.
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The Boston Red Sox have been scouting St. Louis Cardinals relief pitchers, and closer Bud Norris and relievers Brett Cecil and Sam Tuivailala could be of interest. Norris has held lefties to a .495 OPS on the season and will be a free agent after this year. The Cardinals closer would only be setting up in Boston, so he'd lose most of his fantasy value if he's traded by Tuesday. If Norris leaves, expect Jordan Hicks to step into the ninth-inning role in St. Louis.

St. Louis Cardinals closer Bud Norris let a big win for the Cardinals slip away. Norris gave up two runs on four hits and a walk. The Cincinnati Reds were only able to get one hit in the first eight innings of play, but they roughed up Norris for a walk off win. Jordan Hicks was able to get the hold, which was his 13th of the year. Hicks may start to get some save opportunities, and if he does Norris may be losing the closer role. Hicks still has to get the chance and prove himself, but the Ca[...]

BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues OWNED IN: 22% of leagues ANALYSIS: Jordan Hicks doesn't have a ton of value right now for saves, but he has great value in leagues that count holds. Hicks has 12 thus far. He has been the setup man as Bud Norris usually gets the save opportunities for the St. Louis Cardinals. Bud Norris is only on a one year deal, and Hicks is a great position to be the closer next year. There have been talks of a rift between Norris and Hicks in the locker room. The te[...]

St. Louis Cardinals closer Bud Norris was available out of the bullpen on Thursday despite dealing with soreness lately. Jordan Hicks recorded a save on Sunday awith Norris unavailable. Norris has been great for the Red Birds this year with a 3.05 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, 17 saves and 11.7 K/9, but injuries have been a question. Hicks is next in line and is a handcuff for any Norris owners.