Jordan Romano's struggles continued as the Phillies barely held on to an 11-10 victory against the Miami Marlins. Despite Romano's confidence, hitting a blistering 99.8 mph on a fastball, he allowed six runs in a disastrous ninth inning, which saw the Marlins nearly complete a comeback. Charged with six runs in just two outs, Romano's ERA skyrocketed to 15.26 this season. Manager Rob Thomson indicated that the team would investigate whether Romano's mechanics are tipping pitches.

Romano, an All-Star closer with a solid track record of 105 saves and a 2.90 ERA with the Toronto Blue Jays, was signed by the Phillies to a one-year, $8.5 million contract after they declined to re-sign other valuable relievers. As he adjusts his mechanics, Romano remains optimistic about turning around his performance.

As we dive into Week 3 of the 2025 MLB season, several players are raising eyebrows among fantasy managers. Lane Thomas of the Cleveland Guardians has had a dismal start, hitting just .167 and battling a wrist injury, casting doubt on his stolen base potential. Meanwhile, Jordan Romano of the Philadelphia Phillies is struggling, with a 10.50 ERA and decreased fastball velocity, making him a risky hold in fantasy leagues.

On the other hand, Tanner Houck and Walker Buehler from the Boston Red Sox are worth keeping an eye on, despite not being dominant thus far. Houck's ground-ball rate remains promising, and Buehler's recent bounce back suggests he is finding his rhythm post-Tommy John surgery. Lastly, rookie Dylan Crews of the Washington Nationals is on the hot seat, showcasing speed but lacking consistency at the plate. Patience might be needed with him.

This week's Closer Report highlights key changes in the fantasy baseball landscape. Jordan Romano's recent struggles have led him to step back from high-leverage situations, potentially opening the door for other closers to emerge. On the other hand, Andrés Muñoz has proven himself as an elite closer, maintaining a dominant start with multiple scoreless appearances, making a strong case for inclusion in the top tier of closers. Meanwhile, Emmanuel Clase's early season form raises questions about his reliability, as he just recorded his first save after some initial struggles.

Among the rising stars, Randy Rodríguez is gaining attention due to his impressive performance as a middle reliever, showcasing the potential to become a closer. The fantasy baseball community is closely monitoring changes in bullpens, especially with players like Mason Miller and Josh Hader also in the spotlight for their recent performances that solidify their positions in the top tier. The evolving situations for these pitchers could greatly impact fantasy lineups, making it crucial for managers to stay updated.

As the 2025 fantasy baseball season kicks off, managers are eager to navigate through evolving bullpen situations and identify potential saves from the waiver wire. The Philadelphia Phillies have yet to register a save, but Jordan Romano currently leads the save hierarchy. Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Pirates have optioned David Bednar, raising speculation about Colin Holderman as the next closer, though his early-season struggles add uncertainty.

In Boston, Aroldis Chapman was thought to be a new closer, but Justin Slaten unexpectedly secured a save, positioning him as a name to watch. The Detroit Tigers are in turmoil with their relief corps, and potential candidates include Beau Brieske and Tyler Holton.

Across the league, many teams are experiencing closers by committee, with managers distributing save opportunities. Managers are encouraged to stay vigilant for under-the-radar relievers with elite strikeout ratios that can bolster their fantasy teams without relying solely on saves.

The National League has seen significant offseason shifts as teams finalize their rosters ahead of Opening Day. The Atlanta Braves are navigating a right field platoon with Bryan De La Cruz and Jarred Kelenic while awaiting Ronald Acuña Jr.'s return from knee surgery. Meanwhile, the addition of Alex Verdugo complicates their lineup, as he may take time to adjust after signing late.

The Miami Marlins are facing uncertainty in their closer role with Calvin Faucher struggling during spring training. In contrast, the New York Mets have found a promising second base option in Brett Baty, who has impressed amidst Jeff McNeil's injury. The Philadelphia Phillies are also in a similar boat, with Jordan Romano performing well but no official closer named. As teams finalize their rotations and address injuries, fantasy managers should keep a close eye on these evolving situations.