Monkey Bytes, April 11: Minnesota’s hierarchy remains fluid, Kimbrel nails down his second, Scott holds on for his first, Game Recaps, and more

Wednesday’s split slate provided some high-leverage events of interest, including a frustrating one by the Twins bullpen, but without Jhoan Durán, it’s apparent Griffin Jax will be the HLR (highest-leveraged reliever), not the primary save share, plan accordingly.

Minnesota Twins – Recording his first major league save, Steven Okert navigated around a one-out pinch-hit single by Will Smith during a scoreless ninth while striking out one. He threw 16 pitches (9 strikes – 56.3 Strike%) and induced four whiffs (25 SwStr%). He entered with two left-handed hitters in the scheduled 7-8-9 lineup pocket, but the Dodgers countered with two right-handed hitters. Griffin Jax fired a clean eighth, matching up with the 4-5-6 batters, striking out the side on 16 pitches (10 strikes – 62.5 Strike%) and producing three whiffs (18.8 SwStr%) during his third hold. Brock Stewart tossed a scoreless seventh, yielding a hit and a walk for his first hold.

Updated hierarchy: *Griffin Jax | *Brock Stewart | *Steven Okert

* =closer-by- committee

Baltimore Orioles – Locking down his second save, Craig Kimbrel fired a clean bottom of the ninth, recording two strikeouts. He threw 13 pitches (9 strikes – 69.2 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (23.1 SwStr%). He owns a 0.25 WHIP with seven strikeouts versus zero walks through his first four innings. Keegan Akin notched his second hold, tossing two scoreless frames, walking one, and striking out four. Mike Baumann collected his first win, turning in a scoreless sixth, yielding a hit and striking out three.

Hierarchy remains: Craig Kimbrel | Yennier Cano | Danny Coulombe

Miami Marlins –  Battling his command issues again, Tanner Scott weathered another traffic-infused outing and recorded his first save this year. He took over in the eighth with a runner at second and issued a walk before retiring the next two hitters. In the ninth, he allowed a one-out single, then issued consecutive two-out walks before inducing a game-ending fly-out by Aaron Judge. Scott threw 34 pitches (14 strikes – 41.2 Strike%) and produced one whiff. He’s posted a 1.94 WHIP with six strikeouts against nine walks over 5.2 innings. Anthony Bender gave up a hit, an earned run, and a walk while striking out one in one-third of the eighth for his third hold. Andrew Nardi fired a clean seventh, striking out one for his second hold.

Hierarchy remains: Tanner Scott | Andrew Nardi | Anthony Bender

American League (Game Recaps from April 10)

Boston Red Sox – Taking over a shutout in the sixth, Isaiah Campbell turned in a sideways outing, giving up four hits and three earned runs. Chris Martin suffered his first loss and second blown save, giving up two hits, four runs (three earned), and a walk while striking out two. He threw 27 pitches (15 strikes – 55.6 Strike%) and produced five whiffs (18.5 SwStr%). Brennan Bernardino logged two scoreless frames, yielding a hit and striking out three.

Hierarchy remains: Kenley Jansen | Chris Martin | Isaiah Campbell

Cleveland Guardians – Although he let the “place” runner score in the top of the tenth, Eli Morgan collected his first win courtesy of a walk-off rally in the bottom of the frame. He allowed a hit, an unearned run, and recorded two strikeouts. Emmanuel Clase somehow navigated around a lead-off double and a sacrifice bunt with the hitter reaching on his error, with a scoreless ninth, preserving the tie. He induced a double-play grounder and an inning-ending groundout. Tyler Beede worked a scoreless eighth, giving up a hit and striking out two. Cade Smith turned in a scoreless seventh, yielding a hit and striking out one.

Hierarchy remains: Emmanuel Clase | Scott Barlow | Tyler Beede

Chicago White Sox – Suffering his first loss and first blown save, Bryan Shaw gave up three hits, two runs (one earned), and an intentional walk in the bottom of the tenth against his former team, Cleveland. Steven Wilson fired a clean ninth on an efficient seven pitches (85.7 Strike%) and has been scoreless through four outings this month.

Hierarchy remains: Michael Kopech | Steven Wilson | Jordan Leasure

Seattle Mariners – After a five-run top of the 10th, there was no save chance, but Ryne Stanek worked a scoreless bottom of the frame, walking one and striking out two, preserving the win. He threw 17 pitches (10 strikes – 58.8 Strike%) with two whiffs. Andrés Muñoz worked 1.1 scoreless innings, stranding two runners in the eighth, then wriggling out of a bases-loaded situation in the ninth for his first win. He allowed a hit, a hit batter, and a walk during his outing, throwing 24 pitches (50 Strike%) while inducing three whiffs (12.5 SwStr%).

Hierarchy remains: Andrés Muñoz | Ryne Stanek | Gabe Speier

Tampa Bay Rays – Securing his second save, Pete Fairbanks tossed a scoreless bottom of the ninth, allowing a two-out single (Luis Rengifo) and recording three strikeouts. He threw 15 pitches (66.7 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (13.3 SwStr%). This represents his best outing of the season. Jason Adam worked a scoreless eighth, giving up a hit and striking out one for his fourth hold.

Hierarchy remains: Pete Fairbanks | Jason Adam | Colin Poche

Toronto Blue Jays – Taking over in the tenth, Tim Mayza suffered his first loss, allowing a hit, four runs (three earned), and two walks while recording one out. Mitch White gave up two hits, and an earned run while recording two strikeouts over his two-thirds of the tenth. Yimi Garcia fired two clean frames, striking out four, but did not factor in the decision. He threw 21 pitches (71.4 Strike%) and generated six whiffs (28.6 SwStr%). Reminder, Jordan Romano and Erik Swanson, weather permitting, will make rehab outings with Buffalo later today.

Current hierarchy: Chad Green | Yimi García | Génesis Cabrera

National League (Game Recaps from April 10)

Arizona Diamondbacks – Handed a two-run lead in the ninth, Kevin Ginkel held on for his second save, navigating around a hit and two walks, while striking out two for a scoreless outing, inducing a game-ending fly-out by Nolan Jones with the bases loaded. Ginkel threw 29 pitches (16 strikes – 55.2 Strike%) and produced five whiffs (17.2 SwStr%). He owns a 1.26 WHIP with nine strikeouts over his first 6.1 innings. Joe Mantiply collected his first win, retiring his only batter faced in the eighth, and stranding a runner.

Hierarchy remains: Kevin Ginkel | Ryan Thompson | Kyle Nelson

Colorado Rockies – Taking over a tied game in the top of the ninth against the top of Arizona’s lineup, Justin Lawrence suffered his first loss. His outing started with a lead-off walk, a high-leverage mortal sin. After recording two outs, he walked Christian Walker then allowed a go-ahead two-RBI bloop double by Eugenio Suárez before an inning-ending fly-out. Lawrence threw 25 pitches (48 Strike%) and induced two whiffs. Nick Mears escaped with a scoreless eighth, giving up a hit and a walk. Jake Bird was tagged with his first blown save, yielding two hits and an earned run in the seventh.

Updated hierarchy: *Justin Lawrence (HLR) | Nick Mears | Jake Bird

*= closer-by-committee

Philadelphia Phillies -Securing his first save, Jeff Hoffman worked around a lead-off single with a flyout and a game-ending double-play grounder. He threw seven pitches (6 strikes – 85.7 Strike%) without a whiff. He owns a 1.26 WHIP with seven strikeouts versus three walks over 6.1 innings. Seranthony Domínguez notched his third hold despite letting one of two inherited runners score on a Nolan Arenado RBI single during his one-third of the eighth. Gregory Soto recorded two outs while giving up two hits, an earned run, and a walk over two-thirds of the eighth for his third hold. Matt Strahm fired a clean seventh, striking out one for his third hold.

Hierarchy remains: *José Alvarado | *Jeff Hoffman | *Gregory Soto

* = closer-by-committee

Quick Hits from April 10

Los Angeles Angels – Getting in work during a loss, Carlos Estévez fired a clean top of the ninth, striking out one on 10 pitches (70 Strike%) and inducing one whiff. Matt Moore logged two clean frames, recording three strikeouts.

Adjusted hierarchy: Carlos Estévez | Matt Moore | Adam Cimber

Texas Rangers – Pressed into action during the top of the eighth, David Robertson stranded two runners while retiring his only batter faced (Seth Brown) via strikeout on six pitches.

Hierarchy remains (for now): José Leclerc | Kirby Yates | David Robertson

Vulture Save Option, Thursday April 11

KCR: If the team provides James McArthur with extra rest, it would be Will Smith or John Schreiber for the save chance in their match-up with Houston.

MIN: It’s limited today because of the small slate, but Stewart has pitched on consecutive days, and if Jax works in the seventh or eighth versus the toughest Tigers’ lineup pocket, it could be Okert again or Jay Jackson for the save chance. (This game has already been PPD, will be a doubleheader on Saturday)

Vulture Save Option, Friday April 12

MIN: If Jax and Okert do pitch today (Thursday), it would be Brock Stewart in line for the save opportunity on Friday, but weather may be a factor.

Closer Monkey’s filthy outing of the day goes to Pete Fairbanks, who recorded all three outs during his second save via strikeout, courtesy of the Pitching Ninja.

Thanks for being a part of the Closer Monkey community, stay safe and be well.

Please consider becoming a premium subscriber for a one-time $20 donation to the site, featuring full-text emails with charts, column blurbs, and ad-free analysis.

Spring Vibes, March 8: Injury Updates, Mariners Reliever “Bucket”, and Game Recaps

It was a relatively quiet day on the reliever front, with most beat writers focusing on their respective teams’ Spring Breakout Rosters. Still, news about a timetable for a veteran closer surfaced, another limited by injury completed a side session, and game recaps will receive a larger focus in today’s post.

Boston Red Sox – Citing MLB.com’s injuries and roster moves page, Kenley Jansen had a pain-free live batting practice session and is targeting March 15 as his spring debut so he’s ready for Opening Day. The veteran closer stated he feels he can appear in five games barring a setback. Monitor this closely.

Chicago White Sox – Although no reports surfaced following John Brebbia successfully completing his bullpen session on Thursday, this video surfaced, showing no signs of hesitation because of his calf issue.

During a loss on Thursday, Jordan Leasure turned in his fourth straight scoreless appearance this spring. He secured his third hold, firing a clean fourth and striking out one. After four outings, he owns a 0.75 WHIP with six strikeouts against two walks. Bryan Shaw went nuclear, allowing five hits, six earned runs, and hit a batter during his two-thirds of the fifth. He was tagged with his second loss and first blown save. 

Seattle Mariners – Intriguing tidbits of information surfaced in the Ryan Divish column about relievers emerging from “the bucket” for The Seattle Times. First, he provides notes about the team not rushing the returns of Matt Brash or Gregory Santos. Before Brash’s setback, there were two spots open on the roster for the season in the leverage ladder, but if Santos cannot be ready for Opening Day either, there’s three. It’s apparent Andrés Muñoz will be the “closer” early on, but the leverage relievers getting him opportunities may be pieced together from a group which includes Jackson Kowar, Ty Buttrey, and Carlos Vargas. (UPDATE 11:00 A.M. EST): Perhaps a reaction to this current bullpen structure, Mark Feinsand reports the Mariners have agreed on a deal with Ryne Stanek. If Brash and Santos are not ready for Opening Day, he will jump into the hierarchy in a set-up capacity. 

Quick Hits (Game Recaps from March 7)

  • Detroit Tigers – In a split-squad outing against Toronto, Alex Lange fired a clean sixth, striking out two on 16 pitches (62.5 Strike%) with one whiff. He’s made three appearances this spring, posting a 7:1 K:BB with a 2.00 WHIP. Command remains a key for his success, but the team may have him on a short leash as their preferred save option this season. This was a strong outing, but can he record them consistently?
  • Houston Astros – Making his second spring appearance, Ryan Pressly allowed two hits and an earned run while striking out two. He threw 25 pitches (72 Strike%) and produced five whiffs (20 SwStr%). Josh Hader notched his second hold, working a scoreless fifth, walking one on 13 pitches (7 strikes – 53.8 Strike%) with one whiff. He’s logged two spring outings and owns a 1.00 WHIP with one walk.
  • New York Yankees – Ian Hamilton tossed two scoreless frames, walking one and striking out five. He threw 29 pitches (18 strikes – 62.1 Strike%) and generated seven whiffs (24.1 SwStr%). Through three outings, he owns a 0.40 WHIP with a 7:2 K:BB over five innings. Clay Holmes will be the closer, but for those in leagues that value vulture wins and ancillary saves, Hamilton will fill the vacated multiple-inning relief role of Michael King.
  • Texas Rangers – Entering in the fifth, Kirby Yates navigated around a hit and a walk, while striking out one for his first spring hold. In direct competition for his leverage role, he owns a 1.33 WHIP with six strikeouts versus one walk over three innings.

Thanks for stopping by. Stay safe and be well.

Two hits for the vulture save watch and updates from playoff contenders

September 24, 2023
Pittsburgh Pirates — As the Vulture Save Watch noted, David Bednar needed a rest last night, so the 9th inning duties fell to Carmen Mlodzinski. Mlodzinski allowed a run and let the tying run reach 3rd base before an 11 pitch strikeout and a flyout stranded the runner for the first save of his career. Mlodzinski has put together an excellent season, and is a bright spot for the forward looking Pirates, but expect David Bednar to continue to hold his spot in this hierarchy for the rest of the year.

Hierarchy remains: Bednar | Mlodzinski | Borucki.

Philadelphia Phillies — Score another for the Vulture Save Watch as Jose Alvarado was summoned to protect a 2 run lead. He got the job done for his 10th save on the year. The Phillies are close to securing a wildcard spot so the last week could see some more use of Alvarado and Dominguez as they ramp up for the playoffs. 

Hierarchy remains: *Kimbrel | Alvarado | Dominguez.
* = closer-by-committee

Chicago Cubs – With a 1 run lead the Cubs turned to Julian Merryweather in the 8th inning, and although he struggled he escaped without giving up a run. This left the 9th not to Mark Leiter Jr. but to Jose Cuas who was acquired by the Cubs in a quiet trade with the Royals. The Cubs scored a pair of runs in the bottom of the 8th to make it a 3 run game, and Cuas converted the save for his first on the year. Mark Leiter has been reluctant to throw his splitter recently (by far his best pitch) and this usage suggests the Cubs don’t trust him without that pitch in his arsenal. We will bump him down for now while bringing Cuas up on the strength of his most recent save.  

Updated hierarchy: *Merryweather | Cuas | Leiter Jr.
* = closer-by-committee

Boston Red Sox — Kenley Jansen was reinstated from the COVID IL, and although he didn’t pitch yesterday, he will resume closing duties for Boston. 

Updated hierarchy: Jansen | Martin | Winckowski.

Tampa Bay Rays — Jason Adam was returned to injured list Saturday morning and will miss the rest of the regular season. Tampa Bay has locked up a playoff spot so they may be resting key parts of their bullpen anyway, but we expect Andrew Kittridge to see some more late inning looks without Adam.

Updated hierarchy: Fairbanks | Poche | Kittridge.

Chicago White Sox – Aaron Bummer took the 8th inning yesterday which left the 9th for Bryan Shaw. Shaw converted for his 3rd save on the year. We will swap these guys at the top of the hierarchy but with Santos out there is no clear cut number 1 in Chicago.

Updated hierarchy: *Shaw | Bummer | Crochet.
* = closer-by-committee

Baltimore Orioles – Yannier Cano was called in to put a fire out in the 8th inning, and with the rest of the Baltimore hierarchy resting the save chance fell to Cionel Perez. Perez converted for his 3rd save on the year. With the Orioles having locked up a playoff spot, don’t expect them to stretch their top arms too far heading into the postseason. 

Hierarchy remains: Cano | Fujinami | Coulombe.

Kansas City Royals – The Royals cannot be stopped. Having won 4 in a row and 8 of their last 9 they gave the ball to Taylor Clarke for the last 2 outs of the 8th in a 1 run game. He got out of the jam, and stuck around for the 9th to land his 3rd save on the year. James McArthur had thrown 19 pitches the day before and was resting, but everything is working for Kansas City right now. Expect this bullpen to continue to be flexible with a week remaining, but McArthur is still the best arm to own. 

Hierarchy remains: *McArthur | Hernandez | Clarke.
* = closer-by-committee

Vulture Save Watch:

  1. Shintaro Fujinami (BAL) — Yennier Cano has pitched in back to back games and may get the day off.
  2. Jordan Hicks (TOR) — Jordan Romano has gone back to back and thrown 43 pitches in that time.
  3. Aaron Bummer (CHW) — Bryan Shaw has thrown back to back and 42 pitches.
  4. Jose Soriano (LAA) — Carlos Estevez has pitched in 3 of 4, including a 19 pitch save yesterday.
  5. AJ Minter (ATL) — The Braves have a doubleheader today…
  6. Hunter Harvey (WAS) — …against the Nationals.

For Monday:

  1. Kevin Ginkel (ARI) — The Diamondbacks play a doubleheader…
  2. Tommy Kahnle (NYY) — …against the Yankees.

Gregory Santos placed on IL

September 20, 2023

Chicago White Sox – Gregory Santos’ season is over, as the righty was placed on the IL with elbow inflammation. Look for Bryan Shaw and Aaron Bummer to lead this committee through the end of the year.

Updated hierarchy: *Bummer | Shaw | Ramsey.
* = closer-by-committee

Will Smith becoming clear leader in Texas; Tigers’ roles getting murkier

August 8, 2023

Detroit Tigers – Alex Lange pitched the 8th inning last night in a game that the Tigers were losing by 8 runs, which feels like as good a time as any to highlight this AJ Hinch quote from the weekend, whereupon he gave Lange whatever the opposite of a vote of confidence is. (A vote of unconfidence?) Anyway, we’re adding the committee tag here and seeing how this plays out.

Updated hierarchy: *Lange | Foley | Holton.
* = closer-by-committee

Texas Rangers – When Aroldis Chapman showed up, Bruce Bochy was all “committee now!” and we slapped an asterisk on accordingly. But Will Smith has now gotten the team’s last six saves, with Chapman’s most recent coming more than 3 weeks ago. Obviously we’ll put this asterisk back quickly should things shift, but for now, Smith is the clear leader here.

Updated hierarchy: Smith | Chapman | Sborz.

Chicago White Sox – Veteran Bryan Shaw picked up his first save in nearly a year, posting two scoreless innings against the Yankees. Gregory Santos, on the bereavement list, should return shortly.

Hierarchy remains: *Santos | Bummer | Shaw.
* = closer-by-committee

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Gregory Soto – The Phillies have a doubleheader today…
2. Jordan Weems – …against the Nationals.
3. Reynaldo Lopez/Jose Soriano – Carlos Estevez has gone back to back and Matt Moore has gone four of five. Lopez likely gets the chance if he’s back from bereavement; if not, Soriano’s our best bet.

Tomorrow
1. Colin Holderman – If David Bednar goes today, it’s back to back and four of five.
2. Lucas Sims – If Alexis Diaz goes today, it’s back to back.
3. Tyler Rogers – Same for Camilo Doval…
4. AJ Minter – …and Raisel Iglesias…
5. Aroldis Chapman – …and Will Smith…
6. Austin Cox – …and Carlos Hernandez…
7. Chris Martin – …and Kenley Jansen.