Monkey Bytes, April 13: Leclerc working in “low” leverage, Muñoz as the “HLR”, Game Recaps, and Injury Updates

Full Friday slates can be overwhelming, but most of the high-leverage drama occurred during the last portion of contests. There are updated hierarchies fueled by role changes, walk-offs, and more, covered in today’s Monkey Bytes.

Texas Rangers – Although his outing was not crisp, Kirby Yates closed out a four-run win in Houston, working around a walk while striking out one. He threw 20 pitches (55 Strike%) and produced two whiffs. This represents his first game-finished and he owns a 0.20 WHIP with five strikeouts versus one walk over his first five innings, David Robertson retired the side in order facing the top of the lineup, throwing 13 pitches. José Leclerc worked a scoreless sixth, navigating around a hit and a walk while striking out two on 25 pitches (60 Strike%) while inducing six whiffs (24 SwStr%).

It’s one thing seeing Leclerc enter in the sixth with a nine-run lead, but as Jeff Wilson reported on “X” after the game, he will be operating in low-leverage situations temporarily per Bruce Bochy. Because of this:

Updated hierarchy: *Kirby Yates | *David Robertson | José Leclerc

* = closer-by-committee

Seattle Mariners – Despite serving up a solo home run (Michael Busch) in the top of the ninth, Ryne Stanek secured his second save, finishing off a 4-2 win over the Cubs. He threw 21 pitches (13 strikes – 61.9 Strike%) and produced one whiff. Andrés Muñoz operated as the HLR (highest-leveraged reliever), firing a clean eighth while matching up with the 2-3-4 lineup pocket. He recorded two strikeouts while throwing 10 pitches (70 Strike%) and generated three whiffs (30 SwStr%) for his second hold. This shift in the bullpen structure may not affect Muñoz on Saturday, Stanek’s pitched in three of the four last days and may be unavailable in today’s game, however the leverage hierarchy has been changed:

Updated hierarchy: *Andrés Muñoz | *Ryne Stanek | Gabe Speier

*= closer-by-committee

Oakland A’s – Benefiting from a walk-off rally, Michael Kelly collected his second win after retiring the side in order in the top of the tenth, courtesy of a baserunning snafu by the Nationals. Dany Jiménez suffered his first blown save, allowing a game-tying home run (Jesse Winker) in the top of the ninth among his two hits, and recorded two strikeouts. Lucas Erceg tossed a clean ninth, securing his third hold. Those with Mason Miller may be frustrated, but it’s apparent the team will not use him on consecutive days at this time, which makes sense given his past injury issues, plan accordingly.

Updated hierarchy: Mason Miller | Lucas Erceg | Dany Jiménez

Tampa Bay Rays – Navigating around a lead-off walk, Pete Fairbanks retired the next three batters on a groundout and two shallow fly-outs, preserving a one-run while converting his third save. He threw 18 pitches (50 Strike%) and induced one whiff. He owns an 8:6 K:BB with a 2.20 WHIP over his first five innings. Jason Adam retired the side in order while securing his fifth hold. Colin Poche notched his fourth hold, giving up a hit and a walk while striking out two in a scoreless seventh.

Hierarchy remains: Pete Fairbanks | Jason Adam | Colin Poche

National League (Game Recaps from April 11)

Los Angeles Dodgers – Appearing for the third time in four days, Alex Vesia suffered his second loss, allowing a two-out RBI single by Jackson Merrill in the top of the 11th, scoring the place runner. Ryan Yarbrough tossed a scoreless tenth, walking one. Evan Phillips worked a scoreless ninth, yielding a hit. He’s posted a 0.75 WHIP with seven strikeouts against one walk through his first 6.2 innings. Joe Kelly fired a clean eighth, striking out two. Ryan Brasier was tagged with his second blown save, giving up two hits, including a game-tying two-run home run by Fernando Tatis Jr. among his three earned runs, and walking one in the seventh. Daniel Hudson gave up a solo home run (Jake Cronenworth) and recorded a strikeout in the sixth.

Hierarchy remains: Evan Phillips | Daniel Hudson | Ryan Brasier

Pittsburgh Pirates – A much-needed bounce-back outing by David Bednar, firing a clean ninth and striking out one for his second save of the season. He took over against the 7-8-9 lineup pocket, throwing 16 pitches (11 strikes – 68.8 Strike%) and producing two whiffs (12.5 SwStr%). He owns a 1.31 WHIP with seven strikeouts against one walk over 5.1 innings. Aroldis Chapman inherited two runners in the eighth, and let one score after issuing two walks. He also recorded two outs, one via strikeout, for his fifth hold on 16 pitches (7 strikes – 43.8 Strike%) with one whiff.

Hierarchy remains: David Bednar | Aroldis Chapman | Hunter Stratton

San Diego Padres –  Recording his first win, Robert Suarez stranded two runners in the bottom of the tenth, then retired the side in order in the 11th, preserving a one-run over the Dodgers. He threw 15 pitches (11 strikes – 73.3 Strike%) without a whiff. He owns a 0.82 WHIP with eight strikeouts against three walks over 6.1 innings. Enyel De Los Santos walked one and struck out one over two-thirds scoreless in the tenth. Tom Cosgrove retired both batters faced in the ninth, striking out one. Wandy Peralta logged 1.1 clean frames. Yuki Matsui tossed a scoreless seventh, giving up a hit and a walk while striking out two.

Hierarchy remains: Robert Suarez | Yuki Matsui | Wandy Peralta

St. Louis Cardinals – Locking down his fifth save, Ryan Helsley fired a clean bottom of the ninth, striking out two. He threw 11 pitches (81.8 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (27.3 SwStr%). He owns a 1.13 WHIP with nine strikeouts versus one walk through eight innings. Andrew Kittredge notched his sixth hold, retiring the side in order while striking out two. JoJo Romero worked a clean seventh, striking out one for his fifth hold. Giovanny Gallegos collected his fifth win despite letting his only inherited runner score on a home run by Eugenio Suárez. Gallegos gave up a hit, two earned runs, and a walk while striking out two during his 1.1 innings of relief. Because of his recent usage patterns, it’s caused a shift in the hierarchy:

Updated hierarchy: Ryan Helsley | Andrew Kittredge | JoJo Romero

Washington Nationals – Suffering his second loss, Kyle Finnegan issued an intentional walk, but allowed a walk-off, single by Lawrence Butler, scoring the “place” runner in walk-off fashion in the bottom of the tenth. He only recorded one out in this outing and owns a 2.06 WHIP with five strikeouts over 5.1 innings. Hunter Harvey fired a clean bottom of the ninth, striking out two on 20 pitches (80 Strike%) and producing three whiffs (15 SwStr%). He’s posted a 0.79 WHIP with 11 strikeouts against one walk through 6.1 innings. It’s still early, but those with bench space should stash Harvey for future saves if he was dropped in your league. 

Hierarchy remains: Kyle Finnegan | Hunter Harvey | Jordan Weems

Quick Hits and Injury Updates

Arizona Diamondbacks – Good news regarding Paul Sewald, he will throw a bullpen today per Jesse Friedman.

Chicago White Sox – Pedro Grifol commented about preferring using Michael Kopech for one-inning outings but his team’s struggles have not allowed it.

Colorado Rockies – Anyone holding out hope for Daniel Bard this season can move on, he will undergo surgery on his right flexor tendon, as reported by Thomas Harding of MLB.com.

Kansas City Royals – Appearing with his team down by four, Will Smith allowed four hits, including a solo home run by Pete Alonso, and recorded a strikeout in the bottom of the eighth. He threw 21 pitches (16 strikes – 76.2 Strike%) and produced two whiffs. He owns 3.00 WHIP with five strikeouts through his first five innings. Jordan Lyles fired a clean seventh on eight pitches.

Updated hierarchy: James McArthur | John Schreiber | Will Smith 

Miami Marlins – Taking over a bases-loaded situation in the seventh, Andrew Nardi did not record an out, giving up a walk, forcing in a runner, then a two-RBI single by Marcell Ozuna, and another walk before being removed. As a result, he had a hit, two earned runs, and two walks on his ledger, snapping his modest three-game scoreless streak.

Minnesota Twins – Closer Jhoan Durán threw his first bullpen session, and per Do-Hyoung Park, felt good afterward. His next one will take place on Tuesday, barring a setback.

Seattle Mariners – Matt Brash could begin a rehab assignment in the next “7-to-10 days”, per Ryan Divish on “X”.

Toronto Blue Jays – Both Jordan Romano and Erik Swanson will make their second rehab outings later today for Buffalo with eyes on returning next week, reported by Shi Davidi.

Vulture Save Options for April 13

CLE: With a doubleheader on tap, one of Cade Smith or Tyler Beede could receive an ancillary save chance.

DET: Also playing a doubleheader, Tyler Holton, Shelby Miller, and Alex Lange could be in play for a save.

MIN: A recurring theme, but doubleheaders provide ancillary save opportunities, and for the Twins, there could be another for Steven Okert or Brock Stewart depending on what inning Griffin Jax appears in with a lead.

NYY: Last, but not least among teams in a doubleheader today, Caleb Ferguson could receive an ancillary save chance or Ian Hamilton in a multi-inning outing if they can sweep the Guardians.

TBR: In a more traditional vulture save chance, Pete Fairbanks and Jason Adam have pitched in three of the last four days, placing Colin Poche in line for a save chance today, if provided.

Vulture Saves for April 14

BAL: If Craig Kimbrel records a save on Saturday, and Yennier Cano does not pitch, plan on Cano for Sunday’s save based on heavy usage patterns recently. If both pitch, Keegan Akin could be in play.

OAK: On a bit of a heater, if Mason Miller pitches on Saturday, Erceg could be a sneaky play over Jiménez for the save chance on Sunday.

PIT: If Bednar and Chapman pitch today, Hunter Stratton likely receives the save chance on Sunday, though Jose Hernandez could face a left-handed pocket in the ninth.

SEA: Based on recent patterns, Muñoz should receive the save chance today, and with Stanek needing a day off, he would be back in play Sunday.

Closer Monkey’s filthy sequence of the day features Yuki Matsui versus Mookie Betts, courtesy of the Pitching Ninja.

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Jason Adam, Daniel Bard hit the IL

September 4, 2023

St. Louis Cardinals – JoJo Romero got a second day off after throwing 35 pitches on Friday, as did Ryan Helsley, who made his first appearance off the IL in the same game. That left the save chance to Giovanny Gallegos, who converted for his 10th of the season.

Hierarchy remains: *Romero | Helsley | Gallegos.
* = closer-by-committee

Los Angeles Dodgers – After throwing 1.2 innings last night, Evan Phillips was apparently unavailable on Sunday, so Dave Roberts turned to Brusdar Graterol for the save. Graterol converted for his 7th of the year.

Hierarchy remains: Phillips | Graterol | Ferguson.

Colorado Rockies – Daniel Bard was placed on the IL over the weekend; we’ll see if this means more high-leverage chances for Tyler Kinley, who was recently activated and got a save on Saturday.

Updated hierarchy: Lawrence | Koch | Kinley.

Tampa Bay Rays – With Jason Adam hitting the IL over the weekend, look for Robert Stephenson — who picked up a hold on Sunday — to get more late inning chances.

Updated hierarchy: Fairbanks | Poche | Stephenson.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Jake Bird/Brent Suter – The Rockies’ top three arms are all likely down today, so we’re looking off hierarchy for the vulture save chance.
2. Andrew Kittredge/Chris Devenski – The Rays’ top three are also all likely down today, so here are two possible options for the 9th.
3. Lucas Erceg – Trevor May has gone back to back.

Tomorrow
1. Joel Payamps – If Devin Williams goes today, it’s three of four.
2. Lucas Sims – If Alexis Diaz goes today, it’s back to back and three of four.
3. Jordan Hicks – Same for Jordan Romano.
4. Jose Alvarado – If Craig Kimbrel goes today, it’s back to back.
5. Austin Cox/Taylor Clarke – Same for Carlos Hernandez and Austin Cox…
6. Scott Barlow/Nick Martinez – …and Josh Hader and Scott Barlow…
7. Aaron Bummer – …and Gregory Santos…
8. Chris Martin – …and Kenley Jansen…
9. Danny Coulombe/Shintaro Fujinami – …and Yennier Cano and Danny Coulombe.

Royals bullpen continues to sputter

August 15, 2023

Tampa Bay Rays – Everyone remembers their MLB debut. And everyone remembers the first time they were mentioned on Closer Monkey. But while it almost never happens simultaneously, Jacob Lopez managed the feat, making his big-league debut with a 3-inning save in a 10-2 Rays victory. Lopez allowed one earned run and struck out two, so he starts his career with a tidy 3.00 ERA. Congrats, Jacob! Incidentally, this is also the first non-Fairbanks save of the second half for Tampa, so we’ll also take this opportunity to remove the asterisk.

Updated hierarchy: Fairbanks | Adam | Poche.

Kansas City Royals – Committee leader Carlos Hernandez scuffled his way through the 8th inning on Monday, allowing the Mariners to plate a few inherited runs along with two of his own. Austin Cox wasn’t much better, surrendering the lead and blowing the save in the 9th. Nick Wittgren actually ended up with the win here after the Royals rallied in the bottom half thanks to a walkoff bunt, but there certainly isn’t any more clarity as to their late inning plans. We’ll continue to monitor.

Hierarchy remains: *Hernandez | Cox | Coleman.
* = closer-by-committee

Colorado Rockies – Matt Koch continued his run of excellence with a scoreless 8th inning, earning the win when the Rockies rallied in the bottom half. The journeyman, who has posted a 1.64 ERA and 0.64 WHIP since his callup in late June, has made his way on to the hierarchy.

Updated hierarchy: Lawrence | Bard | Koch.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Yennier Cano – Felix Bautista has pitched in two of three (49 total pitches) and is likely down today.
2. Brooks Raley – Adam Ottavino has gone back to back.
3. Dylan Coleman – Carlos Hernandez and Austin Cox both threw 22 pitches yesterday, so it might be Coleman’s chance for a save opportunity.

Tomorrow
1. Tanner Scott – If David Robertson goes today, it’s back to back.
2. Daniel Bard – Same for Justin Lawrence.
3. JoJo Romero/Andre Pallante – If Giovanny Gallegos or JoJo Romero go today, it’s back to back and three of four.

Ryan Pressly experiencing some soreness

August 7, 2023

Houston Astros – Ryan Pressly, who last pitched Friday, was unavailable for Sunday’s game on account of some soreness. With a day off today, it seems possible or even likely that he’ll be available again on Tuesday. But if not, then Bryan Abreu — who capably converted the save on Sunday — could get another chance or two.

Hierarchy remains: Pressly | Abreu | Neris.

Chicago White Sox – With Gregory Santos on the bereavement list, righty Jimmy Lambert got the 9th inning and converted for his first career save. Score one for the Vulture Save Watch…?

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

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Trevor Stephan – Emmanuel Clase has gone two of three, including a 22-pitch blown save on Sunday.
2. Dany Jimenez – Trevor May has gone back to back.
3. Jose Ferrer – The top three arms in the Washington bullpen have all gone three straight, so we’ll take a stab with young lefty Jose Ferrer.
4. Julian Merryweather – Adbert Alzolay and Mark Leiter Jr. have both gone back to back and three of four.
5. Daniel Bard – Justin Lawrence threw 31 pitches last night.

Tomorrow
1. Tommy Kahnle/Michael King – If Clay Holmes goes today, it’s four out of six.
2. Matt Moore – If Carlos Estevez goes tonight, it’s back to back.

Yunior Marte cleans up Jeff Hoffman’s mess

July 24, 2023

Cincinnati Reds – Lucas Sims picked up the save on Sunday, with Alexis Diaz getting the day off after a heavy workload. +1 for the Vulture Save Watch.

Hierarchy remains: Diaz | Sims | Farmer.

Houston Astros – Ryan Pressly got a second day off after pitching in three straight, allowing Bryan Abreu to pick up his third save of the year. +2 for the Vulture Save Watch.

Hierarchy remains: Pressly | Abreu | Neris.

Philadelphia Phillies – With a 4-run lead in extra innings, and with Craig Kimbrel and Gregory Soto having already pitched, the Phillies turned to Jeff Hoffman for the bottom of the 10th. Hoffman allowed the first three hitters he faced to reach, and Yunior Marte was summoned to bail him out. Marte got the job done, retiring all three hitters he faced for his second save.

Hierarchy remains: Kimbrel | Soto | Hoffman.

VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Yimi Garcia – Jordan Romano and Erik Swanson have gone in three of the last four.
2. Andres Munoz – Same for Paul Sewald.
3. Emilio Pagan – Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax have gone back to back.
4. Daniel Bard – Same for Justin Lawrence.

Tomorrow
1. Jason Foley/Jose Cisnero – If Alex Lange and Jason Foley go today, it’s back to back.
2. Taylor Clarke/Carlos Hernandez – Same for Scott Barlow and Taylor Clarke…
3. Matt Moore/Jose Soriano – …and Carlos Estevez and Matt Moore…
4. Aroldis Chapman/Brock Burke – …and Will Smith and Aroldis Chapman…
5. Gregory Soto/Jeff Hoffman – …and Craig Kimbrel and Gregory Soto…
6. Kirby Yates – …and Raisel Iglesias…
7. Brusdar Graterol – …and Evan Phillips.
8. Lucas Sims – If Alexis Diaz goes today, it’s three of four.