Wednesday’s slate provided a little bit of everything. A veteran closer moved up the all-time saves list, and a walk-off rally in Baltimore frustrated fantasy players with Cole Ragans on their roster. Plus, a closer secured his first save after a lengthy substance check in Philadelphia.
Boston Red Sox – Another white-knuckle ride in high-leverage with Kenley Jansen, but he preserved a shutout win in Oakland, navigating around two walks with a game-ending strikeout for his second save of the season. This also marked the 422nd save of his career, moving him into a tie for sixth all-time with Billy Wagner. He threw 21 pitches (10 strikes – 47.6 Strike%) and induced two whiffs. Through three appearances, he owns a 1.67 WHIP with five strikeouts versus five walks over three innings. Chris Martin notched his second hold, giving up two hits and striking out one.
Hierarchy Remains: Kenley Jansen | Chris Martin | Josh Winckowski
Kansas City Royals – Spoiling a strong start by Cole Ragans, closer Will Smith suffered his second loss and first blown save during a walk-off rally in Baltimore. His outing began with a lead-off walk to Ryan Mountcastle, a high-leverage mortal sin, followed by a single, sacrifice bunt, and an intentional walk loading the bases. After recording a strikeout, he gave up a two-RBI single by James McCann. Smith threw 17 pitches (7 strikes – 41.2 Strike%) with two whiffs (11.8 SwStr%) working with reduced velocity. Angel Zerpa let both inherited runners score on a sacrifice fly and a single while recording two outs in the eighth for his first hold. James McArthur stranded two runners in the seventh, but struggled in the eighth, giving up two hits and two earned runs. He got credit for his first hold but owns a 2.33 WHIP through his first three innings this season. It’s a small sample, but stashing John Schreiber for a future save chance feels warranted given Smith’s early struggles and drop in velocity.
Hierarchy Tentative Remains: Will Smith | John Schreiber | James McArthur
Cincinnati Reds – Although he underwent a lengthy pre-outing inspection for a tacky substance, Alexis Díaz was allowed to pitch and recorded his first save of the season with a scoreless ninth. He recorded two strikeouts and worked around a two-out single while preserving the three-run win over the Phillies. He threw 24 pitches (75 Strike%) and induced two whiffs. His velocity was down, but it’s likely because of the weather conditions in this contest. Fernando Cruz notched his second hold, firing a clean eighth and striking out one against the 3-4-5 lineup pocket. Lucas Sims secured his first hold, tossing a scoreless seventh, walking one and striking out two.
Hierarchy Remains: Alexis Díaz | Lucas Sims | Fernando Cruz
American League (Game Recaps from April 3)
Baltimore Orioles – Benefiting from a walk-off rally, Yennier Cano collected his first win after firing a clean top of the ninth and striking out one. He threw 10 pitches (80 Strike%) and generated three whiffs (30 SwStr%). He’s turned in 3.1 scoreless frames early on with three strikeouts against one walk.
Minnesota Twins – After his team tacked a run on their lead removing the save chance, Steven Okert tossed a scoreless bottom of the ninth, walking one and striking out three, closing out a come-from-behind four-run victory. Griffin Jax fired a clean eighth, striking out one on 18 pitches (11 strikes – 61.1 Strike%) with two whiffs (11.1 SwStr%), matching up with Milwaukee’s 2-3-4 lineup pocket for his first hold. Brock Stewart notched his second hold, retiring the side in order in the seventh, recording two strikeouts.
Hierarchy Remains: *Griffin Jax | *Brock Stewart | Steven Okert
New York Yankees – A wild finale in the desert ended in a save for Caleb Ferguson, striking out pitcher Scott McGough with the bases loaded. Ferguson let one of two inherited runners score, giving up a hit, and a walk while striking out two over two-thirds of an inning. Clay Holmes collected his first win, along with suffering his first blown save, allowing a hit, three unearned runs, and striking out one over 1.1 innings. He threw 22 pitches (13 strikes – 59.1 Strike%) and produced two whiffs during his outing. He also hit a batter and uncorked a wild pitch. He owns a 1.38 WHIP with one strikeout over 4.1 innings.
Hierarchy Remains: Clay Holmes | Ian Hamilton | Jonathan Loáisiga
Texas Rangers – During a non-save appearance, José Leclerc recorded an out before hitting Isaac Paredes with a pitch, then gave up consecutive hits, including an RBI single by Harold Ramírez before retiring the last two batters he faced. He threw 21 pitches (66.7 Strike%) and induced one whiff. Through three outings, he owns a 3.00 WHIP and only registered one strikeout over 2.2 innings. David Robertson notched his third hold, working around two hits and striking out one in a scoreless eighth.
Hierarchy Remains: José Leclerc | Kirby Yates | David Robertson
National League (Game Recaps from April 3)
Arizona Diamondbacks – Taking over in the top of the 11th, Scott McGough allowed two hits and two runs (one earned), while striking out one, resulting in his first loss. Kevin Ginkel served up a two-run home run in the top of the 10th facing Alex Verdugo, scoring the “place” runner, but did not factor in the decision courtesy of his team’s rally in the bottom of the frame. He threw 12 pitches (66.7 Strike%) with one whiff.
Hierarchy Remains: Kevin Ginkel | Ryan Thompson | Scott McGough
Chicago Cubs –Capping a late rally after blowing a large lead, Adbert Alzolay tossed a scoreless top of the ninth, giving up a hit and striking out two for his first save of the year. He threw 17 pitches (10 strikes – 58.8 Strike%) and induced three whiffs (17.6 SwStr%). He owns a 1.13 WHIP with four strikeouts versus one walk over three innings. Hector Neris suffered his first blown save, but collected his second win, letting all three inherited runners score in the eighth while allowing three hits and two earned runs while striking out two over two-thirds of an inning.
Milwaukee Brewers – Joel Payamps suffered his first loss and first blown save, allowing four hits and four earned runs over one-third of the seventh. This marked his fourth outing in six days. In a roster note, Trevor Megill was placed on the seven-day concussion injury list before this contest.
Adjusted Hierarchy: Abner Uribe | Joel Payamps | Hoby Milner
San Diego Padres – Forced into an extended outing, Robert Suarez held on for his third save, logging 1.2 scoreless frames, preserving a one-run win over the Cardinals. It did not come easy, he stranded a runner in the eighth after walking a batter and then induced an inning-ending double play groundout. During the ninth, he allowed a hit and a walk before recording a game-ending strikeout. He threw 33 pitches (20 strikes – 60.6 Strike%) and produced three whiffs. He owns a 5:2 K:BB with a 1.25 WHIP through four innings this season.
Hierarchy Remains: Robert Suarez | Yuki Matsui | Wandy Peralta
Washington Nationals – Short memories remain a must for leverage relievers and Kyle Finnegan bounced back with a scoreless ninth, securing his second save. He worked around an error allowing a baserunner and recorded two strikeouts. He threw 16 pitches (62.5 Strike%) with one whiff. Hunter Harvey retired all five batters faced, four via strikeout on 26 pitches (16 strikes – 61.5 Strike%), and generated five whiffs (19.2 SwStr%).
Hierarchy Remains: Kyle Finnegan | Hunter Harvey | Jordan Weems
Ancillary Save Alerts
Los Angeles Angels – First career save alert, this one by Guillermo Zuñiga during an eight-run win in Miami. He fired three clean frames, striking out one, needing only 28 pitches (60.7 Strike%) and producing two whiffs.
Los Angeles Dodgers – Providing Evan Phillips with rest, Dinelson Lamet recorded his first career save, firing a clean top the ninth, striking out two. He threw 11 pitches 63.6 Strike%) with one whiff.
Closer Monkey filthy pitch of the day goes to Fernando Cruz and his splitter, courtesy of the Pitching Ninja.
Vulture Save Alert for Thursday, April 4
Doubleheaders can create strange save situations if there’s a sweep, but it’s a hedge, nothing guaranteed
DET: Shelby Miller and Will Vest (Alex Lange?)
NYM: Adam Ottavino and Drew Smith
KCR: Will Smith has appeared in two straight, James McArthur in two of the last three, which may create a save chance for John Schreiber in today’s contest.
Thursday’s limited slate makes vulture saves very limited on Friday, but we are watching the Marlins leverage ladder closely.
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Chicago White Sox – Taking over with two runners on and one out in the eighth, Michael Kopech issued a walk and induced an inning-inning double-play grounder. In the ninth, he served up a solo home run (Marcell Ozuna), issued a second walk, and gave up a single, but recorded his first major league save, closing out a one-run win. He threw 39 pitches (23 strikes – 59 Strike%) with two whiffs. Seven of his pitches reached triple digits (17.9%). John Brebbia retired one batter and issued two walks over one-third of the eighth, receiving credit for his first hold.
Hierarchy Remains: *Michael Kopech | *John Brebbia | *Steven Wilson
Houston Astros – With a chance at closing out a combined shutout, and his first save as an Astro, Josh Hader came up short, suffering his second loss and first blown save. His outing began with a lead-off single by Vlad Guerrero Jr. followed by a double play groundout. However, a two-out walk to Justin Turner preceded the go-ahead two-run home run by Davis Schneider before an inning-ending grounder. Hader gave up two hits, two earned runs, and a walk while throwing 21 pitches (13 strikes – 61.9 Strike%) with two whiffs. He owns a 1.50 WHIP with seven strikeouts versus two walks through four innings. Ryan Pressly secured his first hold, retiring his only batter faced and stranding a runner in the eighth.
Hierarchy Remains: Josh Hader | Ryan Pressly | Bryan Abreu
American League (Game Recaps from April 2)
Boston Red Sox – Working two scoreless innings, and benefiting from his team’s run in the top of the 11th, Josh Winckowski collected his first win, issuing an intentional walk and striking out two in Oakland. He threw 15 pitches, all strikes, and induced four whiffs (26.7 SwStr%). Kenley Jansen made his first appearance in four days, navigating around two walks and striking out two in a scoreless bottom of the ninth, throwing 26 pitches (14 strikes – 53.8 Strike%) and producing five whiffs (19.2 SwStr%). Chris Martin fired a clean eighth, striking out one on an efficient nine pitches (77.8 Strike%) with two whiffs (22.2 SwStr%).
Hierarchy Remains: Kenley Jansen | Chris Martin | Josh Winckowski
Cleveland Guardians – Nailing down his second save, Emmanuel Clase allowed a one-out single by Dominic Canzone and recorded a strikeout during a scoreless bottom of the ninth in Seattle. He threw 17 pitches (14 strikes – 82.4 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (11.8 SwStr%). Through two outings, he owns a 1.50 WHIP with two strikeouts.
Hierarchy Remains: Emmanuel Clase | Scott Barlow | Tyler Beede
Kansas City Royals -Securing his first save of the season, Will Smith fired a clean ninth in Baltimore, recording one strikeout. He threw 11 pitches (54.5 Strike%) and induced one whiff. Through two outings, he owns a 2.00 WHIP with one strikeout against two walks. John Schreiber worked a scoreless eighth, giving up a hit for his second hold.
Hierarchy Remains: Will Smith | James McArthur | John Schreiber
Oakland A’s – Suffering his first loss, Mitch Spence gave up an RBI, go-ahead single by Reese McGuire, scoring the “place” runner in the top of the 11th. Mason Miller logged two scoreless frames, giving up a hit and a walk while striking out four across the ninth and 10th innings. He threw 29 pitches (20 strikes – 69 Strike%) and generated an eye-popping 11 whiffs (37.9 SwStr%). Dany Jiménez fired a clean eighth, striking out two.
Hierarchy Remains: *Mason Miller | *Dany Jiménez | Austin Adams
Toronto Blue Jays – Collecting his first win in a very strange contest, Chad Green took over in the eighth with two runners on, but the inning ended when Jose Altuve was picked off at third. Following a go-ahead two-run home run, Green returned for the ninth, with a runner reaching on an error, the pinch-runner was thrown out during a steal attempt after falling, then he recorded the last two outs. All told, he logged 1.1 scoreless innings while striking out one throwing 23 pitches (12 strikes – 52.1 Strike%) with three whiffs. Tim Mayza walked one during two-thirds scoreless in the eighth. Yimi García tossed a scoreless seventh, allowing a hit and striking out one.
Adjusted Hierarchy: *Chad Green | *Yimi García | Génesis Cabrera
National League (Game Recaps from April 2)
Los Angeles Dodgers – Finishing off a bullpen contest, Evan Phillips recorded his third save, allowing a hit and striking out two over 1.1 scoreless frames. He threw 17 pitches (14 strikes – 82.4 Strike%) and produced one whiff. He’s posted a minuscule 0.27 WHIP with five strikeouts versus zero walks through 3.2 innings.
Hierarchy Remains: Evan Phillips | Daniel Hudson | Joe Kelly
Milwaukee Brewers – Despite issuing a lead-off walk to Carlos Correa, Abner Uribe induced a ground ball double play and retired Carlos Santana on a ground out, securing his third save of the season. He threw eight pitches (50 Strike%) without recording a whiff. He owns a 0.67 WHIP with two strikeouts versus one walk over his first three innings. Joel Payamps notched his second hold, retiring the side in order in the eighth, facing the Twins’ 2-3-4 lineup pocket.
Hierarchy Remains: Abner Uribe | Joel Payamps | Trevor Megill
St. Louis Cardinals – Recording his first save of the season, Ryan Helsley worked a scoreless bottom of the ninth, navigating around a lead-off single by Luis Campusano with two strikeouts and a game-ending pop-out. Helsley threw 13 pitches (10 strikes – 76.9 Strike%) with one whiff. He’s posted a 2.00 WHIP with four strikeouts over his first three outings. Andrew Kittredge notched his third hold with a clean eighth, striking out one. Giovanny Gallegos worked around a hit and a walk for a scoreless seventh, securing his first hold.
Hierarchy Remains: Ryan Helsley | Giovanny Gallegos | JoJo Romero
Ancillary Saves from April 2
Los Angeles Angels – Hanging on for his first save of the year, and first since August 20, 2022, Luis García allowed a solo home run but recorded a game-ending strikeout, preserving a 3-1 win over Miami. He threw 19 pitches (11 strikes – 57.9 Strike%) and produced two whiffs. He now has an ERA (36.00) after not recording an out during his first appearance. Matt Moore retired the side in order in the eighth for his second hold. If interested, Adam Cimber was warming in case he was needed in the ninth with Carlos Estévez unavailable for this contest.
Hierarchy Remains: Carlos Estévez | Matt Moore | José Soriano
Philadelphia Phillies – After six years between appearances with the Phillies, Ricardo Pinto provided his teammates with much-needed rest by logging four innings for his first save of the season, and the first save of his career. He allowed three hits and two earned runs while striking out four, throwing 73 pitches with seven whiffs.
BOS: Chris Martin since Kenley Jansen threw 26 pitches last night and has a balky back.
CWS: Steven Wilson after Michael Kopech logged 1.2 innings and threw 39 pitches on Tuesday.
HOU: Josh Hader has appeared in three of the last four days, so Ryan Pressly likely receives the save chance if provided, though the team could opt for Bryan Abreu. It would be ironic if Pressly secured a save before Hader.
OAK: Because Mason Miller worked two innings last night, Dany Jiménez lines up as the likely save option in today’s game against Boston.
St. Louis: Ryan Helsley has appeared in two straight games, which creates a vulture save chance for Giovanny Gallegos, though JoJo Romero could be a factor depending on how lineup pockets proceed in the high-leverage innings.
Vulture Save Candidates for Thursday, April 4
MIA: Andrew Nardi could be in play, but this is a small slate, and usage patterns on Wednesday will be necessary before suggesting strong plays.
Closer Monkey’s filthy pitch of the day goes to Dillon Tate and his sweepers against Kansas City last night, courtesy of the Pitching Ninja.
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Although fantasy players prefer clarity during high-leverage events, some managers will deploy their best relievers in the highest-leveraged moment, not necessarily reserve them for the traditional save chance in the ninth inning. This happened not, once or twice, but during three separate contests in Monday’s slate. It remains early for tracking bullpen usage patterns, but it could affect how save situations evolve moving forward.
Seattle Mariners – Protecting a two-run lead, Andrés Muñoz entered in the top of the eighth against Cleveland’s 3-4-5 lineup pocket, in the highest-leveraged moment. Although he served up a solo home run by Josh Naylor, he secured the hold and recorded a strikeout while throwing 16 pitches (75 Strike%) with three whiffs (18.8 SwStr%). Ryne Stanek fired a clean ninth, striking out one for his first save versus the 7-8-9 pocket. Also appearing in relief, Tayler Saucedo retired two batters in the sixth for his first hold. Gabe Speier notched his second hold, giving up a hit and striking out two in a scoreless seventh. Scott Servais played for the win, not for a traditional save.
Hierarchy Remains: Andrés Muñoz | Ryne Stanek | Gabe Speier
Cincinnati Reds – Taking over in the bottom of the eighth with two runners on and one out, Alexis Díaz picked off the pinch-runner at second, and retired all four batters faced, recording two strikeouts, then collected his first win of the season courtesy of a rally in the top of the 10th. He threw 14 pitches (64.3 Strike%) and generated three whiffs (21.4 SwStr%). Tejay Antone worked the 10th, allowing a hit, an unearned run, and a walk while striking out two. Brent Suter gave up two hits during one-third of the eighth before being removed. Justin Wilson tossed a scoreless seventh, walking one and striking out one. Emilio Pagán retired two batters in the sixth, giving up a hit and striking out one. David Bell has done this before with his relievers. The good news, Díaz only needed 14 pitches in this outing, so he could record the save chance if called upon in tonight’s contest.
Hierarchy Updated: Alexis Díaz | Lucas Sims | Fernando Cruz
Miami Marlins – In a curious leverage pattern, Tanner Scott took over a tied game in the top of the eighth against the top of the Angels lineup, which features three right-handed hitters in the top four spots. Scott issued three straight walks, let the go-ahead run score on a fielder’s choice groundout, and then retired the next two hitters en route to his second loss. He threw 27 pitches (14 strikes – 51.9 Strike%) with no whiffs. In the ninth, Anthony Bender allowed two hits and two earned runs while striking out one over two-thirds of an inning. Burch Smith recorded the last out in the inning after walking a batter. In the seventh, Andrew Nardi gave up a hit and recorded a strikeout in a scoreless outing. George Soriano was tagged with his first blown save, serving up two solo home runs and striking out one in the sixth. Manager Skip Schumaker remains steadfast in his support for Scott, but Nardi could be on the radar for those interested for future save chances if the command issues linger.
Hierarchy Remains: Tanner Scott | Andrew Nardi | Anthony Bender
American League (Game Recaps April 1)
Baltimore Orioles – As far as blown saves come, this was a tough one for Craig Kimbrel during his team debut. With one out, he allowed an opposite-field bloop single, then pinch-runner Dairon Blanco stole second and third, then scored on a sacrifice fly, tying the game, before an inning-ending strikeout of Bobby Witt Jr. However, Kimbrel collected his first win courtesy of a walk-off home run in the bottom of the frame. He threw 23 pitches (15 strikes – 65.2 Strike%) with one whiff. Yennier Cano navigated around two hits and a walk while striking out one over 1.1 scoreless innings. Keegan Akin tossed 1.1 scoreless frames, yielding a hit and striking out one.
Boston Red Sox – Taking the baton from Tanner Houck, newly acquired reliever Chase Anderson recorded a three-inning save, allowing a hit and striking out three in a scoreless appearance, preserving a combined shutout in Oakland. He threw 40 pitches (75 Strike%) and induced five whiffs (12.5 SwStr%). Before the game, manager Alex Cora indicated Kenley Jansen was available if needed per Christopher Smith of MassLive on “X”.
Hierarchy Remains: Kenley Jansen | Chris Martin | Josh Winckowski
Detroit Tigers – Closing out a combined shutout, Shelby Miller retired the side in order in the bottom of the 10th, stranding the “place” runner. He threw 16 pitches (50 Strike%) without a whiff. Jason Foley collected his first win, tossing a scoreless ninth, giving up a hit, and striking out two on 15 pitches (80 Strike%) with two whiffs (13.3 SwStr%). Alex Faedo logged two scoreless frames, allowing a hit and a walk while striking out three. Will Vest stranded a runner and retired his only batter faced in the sixth.
Hierarchy Remains: *Jason Foley | *Shelby Miller | Andrew Chafin
Kansas City Royals -Suffering his first loss, Nick Anderson allowed two hits, including a walk-off two-run home run by Jordan Westburg in Baltimore. James McArthur gave up three hits and an earned run while striking out one in the eighth, though his team defense did him no favors. Chris Stratton worked a scoreless seventh, allowing a hit. John Schreiber fired a clean sixth, striking out one.
Hierarchy Remains: Will Smith | James McArthur | John Schreiber
Los Angeles Angels – Securing his second save, Carlos Estévez turned in a scoreless bottom of the ninth, yielding a hit. He threw 12 pitches (75 Strike%) without inducing a whiff. Matt Moore notched his first hold, firing a clean eighth, and striking out one. Adam Cimber collected his first win, firing 1.2 clean frames and striking out one. José Suarez worked 1.1 scoreless innings, navigating around a hit and two walks while striking out two. José Cisnero scattered two hits during a scoreless fourth.
Hierarchy Remains: Carlos Estévez | Matt Moore | José Soriano
New York Yankees – Providing the high-leverage relievers rest, manager Aaron Boone called upon Victor González for the save in the bottom of the ninth, and he responded with a scoreless inning, yielding a one-out double, but retired the next two batters. Nick Burdi secured his first hold, firing a clean eighth while striking out one. Luke Weaver collected his second win, logging 2.1 innings, giving up two hits, an earned run, and a walk.
Hierarchy Remains: Clay Holmes | Ian Hamilton | Jonathan Loáisiga
National League (Game Recaps April 1)
Philadelphia Phillies – Entering with his team down by four, Nick Nelson retired his only batter faced via strikeout, stranding a runner. Connor Brogdon suffered his first loss, giving up four runs (three earned) on a grand slam in the top of the 10th after issuing two walks. He finished with three walks versus two strikeouts in his two-thirds of an inning. José Alvarado worked a scoreless ninth, walking one and striking out two. He threw 15 pitches (60 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (18.8 SwStr%). Yunior Marte tossed a clean eighth, striking out one. Matt Strahm fired a clean seventh, striking out one. Jeff Hoffman was tagged with his first blown save, letting both inherited runners score while allowing two hits and striking out two in the sixth.
Pittsburgh Pirates – Pressed into action with two runners on and two outs, Aroldis Chapman retired his only batter-faced on a game-ending flyout, throwing only three pitches for his first save of the season, and 322nd of his career. He’s logged 2.1 innings over three outings with three strikeouts. Ryder Ryan got credit for his first hold, allowing two hits, an earned run, and a walk while striking out three over 1.2 innings. Roansy Contreras made his season debut as a reliever, collected his first win, and was tagged with his first blown save. He allowed two hits, including a game-tying two-run home run, and a walk while striking out three during his two-inning stint. There’s been four saves by the Pirates, David Bednar has not recorded one of them.
Hierarchy Remains: David Bednar | Aroldis Chapman | Ryan Borucki
St. Louis Cardinals – Finishing off a four-run win in San Diego, Ryan Helsley tossed a scoreless bottom of the ninth, allowing a two-out single by Manny Machado. He threw six pitches (83.3 Strike%) with no whiffs. Even though this was a non-save outing, his velocity returned, averaging 98.3 m.p.h. with his four-seam fastball while facing the 2-3-4-5 hitters. JoJo Romero fired a clean eighth, striking out one on nine pitches (77,8 Strike%) with four whiffs (44.4 SwStr%).
Hierarchy Remains: Ryan Helsley | Giovanny Gallegos | JoJo Romero
Injury Updates (click the player’s name for the update)
Lucas Sims (CIN): if Alexis Díaz pitches on Tuesday
Giovanny Gallegos (STL): if Ryan Helsley pitches on Tuesday
Keegan Akin or Dillon Tate (BAL): if Craig Kimbrel pitches on Tuesday
Closer Monkey’s filthy outing of the day, Edwin Díaz in a non-save appearance, courtesy of the Pitching Ninja.
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No April’s Fool, but two of the five vulture recommendations from Sunday recorded a save, which represents a pretty good percentage in baseball averages. It was an odd slate, providing some strange moves in high-leverage events because of fatigue or workload management situations. Focusing on the most pertinent moments first, Monkey Bytes recaps will be split by league after.
Detroit Tigers – Once again, fantasy favor fell upon Jason Foley. He took over a one-run contest facing two right-handed hitters and retired both for his second save of the season. He only threw seven pitches (57.1 Strike%) without a whiff. He turned in 1.1 clean frames with two strikeouts. Tyler Holton fired 1.1 clean innings, striking out four on 19 pitches (13 strikes – 68.4 Strike%) with two whiffs while collecting his first win. Andrew Chafin suffered his first blown save, serving up a game-tying solo home run by Paul DeJong in the seventh. The depth in this leverage ladder makes this a dangerous team with a lead after the sixth inning. There’s not guarantee Foley will remain atop the bullpen hierarchy, but ride the wave while it lasts “Mullet Militia“.
Hierarchy Remains: *Jason Foley | *Shelby Miller | *Andrew Chafin
Boston Red Sox – Not only did Justin Slaten strand two inherited runners in the seventh, but he logged 2.1 clean frames for his first career save. He only needed 15 pitches (80 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (13.3 SwStr%). Joely Rodríguez allowed a hit during two-thirds scoreless in the seventh. Greg Weissert tossed a scoreless sixth, giving up a hit and striking out one. As for the daily Kenley Jansen update, Ian Browne provided this tweet before today’s game in Seattle, but it was cryptic, and the closer was needed for a save. Consider him day-to-day moving forward, unless a clearer update surfaces.
Tentative Hierarchy: Kenley Jansen | Chris Martin | Josh Winckowski
Pittsburgh Pirates – Another extra-inning affair in Miami ended with Hunter Stratton recording his first career save. He navigated around a hit while stranding the “place” runner for a scoreless 10th and recorded one strikeout on 15 pitches (80 Strike%) with four whiffs (26.7 SwStr%). David Bednar suffered his first blown save but collected his first win, serving up a game-tying solo home run (Nick Gordon) and striking out two in the bottom of the ninth. He threw 12 pitches (83.3 Strike%) and produced five whiffs (41.7 SwStr%). Aroldis Chapman notched his first hold, firing a clean eighth and striking out two, throwing 13 pitches (10 strikes – 76.9 Strike%) with four whiffs (30.8 SwStr%). Ryan Borucki secured his second hold, retiring the side in order in the seventh and striking out two.
Hierarchy Remains: David Bednar | Aroldis Chapman | Ryan Borucki
Texas Rangers – Entering a tied game in the top of the ninth, José Leclerc struggled with his command, resulting in his first loss. He allowed one hit, four earned runs, and three walks over two-thirds of an inning. He threw 28 pitches (42.9 Strike%) and produced three whiffs.
After two outings, he owns an inflated 3.60 WHIP over 1.2 innings. Jacob Latz replaced him, letting all three inherited runners score on two hits during his one-third of an inning. Yerry Rodríguez tossed two scoreless frames, yielding a hit and two walks while striking out two. José Ureña logged 2.1 scoreless frames, giving up a hit and a walk while striking out two.
Hierarchy Remains: José Leclerc | Kirby Yates | David Robertson
American League Recaps (March 31)
Chicago White Sox – Taking over with two runners on, Tim Hill let one score on a go-ahead RBI single by Andy Ibañez, and issued a walk during his one-third of an inning. Steven Wilson absorbed his first loss, allowing a hit, an earned run, and a walk while striking out one in two-thirds of the ninth. Michael Kopech shoved, firing 1.2 clean frames and striking out three on 17 pitches (16 strikes – 94.1 Strike%) while inducing four whiffs (23.5 Strike%). John Brebbia gave up a hit and struck out one in two-thirds combined innings. Tanner Banks worked a scoreless combined inning, walking one and striking out one.
Hierarchy Remains: *Michael Kopech | *John Brebbia | Jordan Leasure
Houston Astros – Appearing for the third time in four days, Josh Hader suffered his first loss, allowing two hits, including a go-ahead RBI single by Juan Soto, and striking out two in the top of the ninth. He threw 25 pitches (60 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (12 SwStr%). Bryan Abreu bounced back with 1.1 scoreless frames, giving up two hits and striking out two. Tayler Scott tossed a scoreless combined innings, issuing a walk and striking out three.
Hierarchy Remains: Josh Hader | Ryan Pressly | Bryan Abreu
Los Angeles Angels -Save number one for Carlos Estévez, firing a clean bottom of the ninth while preserving a three-run win. He threw 12 pitches (75 Strike%) without a whiff. José Soriano logged three scoreless frames, allowing a hit and two walks while striking out two. He threw 34 pitches (22 strikes – 64.7 Strike%) and induced four whiffs (11.8 SwStr%) for his first hold. Also, good news from the injuries and roster moves page on MLB.com regarding Robert Stephenson. He threw last Thursday and will again on Monday in Miami. He hopes he can return by the end of April.
Hierarchy Remains: Carlos Estévez | Matt Moore | José Soriano
New York Yankees – Hanging on for his third save, Clay Holmes navigated around two hits with a ground out and two flyouts for a scoreless ninth, preserving a one-run win. He threw 17 pitches (58.8 Strike%) without a whiff. He owns a 1.67 WHIP through his first three innings. Nick Burdi collected his first win, retiring both batters faced in the eighth, recording one strikeout. Caleb Ferguson tossed a scoreless combined inning, walking one and striking out one. Jonathan Loáisiga suffered his first blown save, letting his only inherited runner score while conceding three hits and a walk while striking out one in his combined inning.
Hierarchy Remains: Clay Holmes | Ian Hamilton | Jonathan Loáisiga
Oakland A’s – After navigating around a hit and a walk for a scoreless ninth, with a hat tip for his catcher (Shea Langeliers) picking off a runner at third, Dany Jiménez picked up his first win of the season courtesy of a walk-off in the bottom of the frame. He threw 15 pitches (8 strikes – 53.3 Strike%) without getting a whiff. Austin Adams suffered his first blown save, letting his only inherited runner score, allowing a hit, an unearned run, and striking out one. Lucas Erceg received credit for a hold despite giving up two hits, two runs (one earned), and striking out one.
Hierarchy Remains: *Mason Miller | *Dany Jiménez | *Lucas Erceg
National League Recaps (March 31)
Arizona Diamondbacks – Finishing off a four-run win, Kevin Ginkel allowed a hit while recording three strikeouts. He threw 22 pitches (14 strikes – 63.6 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (13.6 SwStr%). Through two outings, he owns a 1.00 WHIP with three strikeouts. Ryan Thompson tossed a scoreless eighth, giving up a hit. Scott McGough worked two scoreless frames, yielding a hit.
Hierarchy Remains: Kevin Ginkel | Ryan Thompson | Scott McGough
Chicago Cubs – Putting the bow on a four-run victory, Adbert Alzolay fired a clean bottom of the ninth while striking out two. He threw 16 pitches (62.5 Strike%) and generated four whiffs (25 SwStr%). Hector Neris collected his first win, giving up a hit and striking out two in a scoreless bottom of the eighth. Julian Merryweather logged two scoreless frames, yielding a hit and striking out two. Mark Leiter Jr. tossed a scoreless fifth, allowing a hit and a walk while striking out one.
Cincinnati Reds – Benefiting from a walk-off rally, Lucas Sims collected his first win after retiring the side in order in the top of the ninth on an efficient 12 pitches (75 Strike%) without a whiff. Fernando Cruz fired a clean eighth, striking out one on eight pitches (62.5 Strike%) with a whiff while stranding two of three inherited runners. Tejay Antone did not record an out, allowing a hit, an earned run, and two walks. Buck Farmer gave up two hits, including a solo home run, and a walk while striking out one in the seventh. Emilio Pagán fired a clean sixth, striking out two.
Hierarchy Remains: Alexis Díaz | Lucas Sims | Emilio Pagán
Los Angeles Dodgers – Recording his first save since July 5, 2023, Daniel Hudson closed out a one-run comeback win over the Cardinals with a clean ninth, striking out two. He threw 16 pitches (62.5 Strike%) and produced five whiffs (31.3 SwStr%). Through two outings, he’s recorded a win and a save. Nabil Crismatt logged two scoreless frames, giving up a hit and striking out three for his first win during his team debut. Alex Vesia worked into, and out of trouble, issuing two walks, hitting a batter, and allowing an unearned run while striking out two in the sixth.
Hierarchy Remains: Evan Phillips | Joe Kelly | Daniel Hudson
Miami Marlins – Things went awry early on for Tanner Scott. He took over a tied game in the top of the 10th, but did not field a bunt cleanly, allowing runners on the corners, and never recovered, suffering his first loss. He gave up a hit (squeeze bunt), two runs (zero earned), and a walk while striking out three. He threw 27 pitches (20 strikes – 74.1 Strike%) and induced two whiffs. He owns a 2.00 WHIP with a 5:3 K:BB over his first two innings. Vladimir Gutierrez suffered his first blown save, allowing three hits, three earned runs, and two walks while striking out four over four innings.
Hierarchy Remains: Tanner Scott | Anthony Bender | Andrew Nardi
Milwaukee Brewers – Filling in affably in the ninth, Joel Payamps retired the side in order, recording one strikeout for his first save. He threw 11 pitches (81.8 Strike%) and produced two whiffs (18.2 SwStr%). He’s posted two clean outings with three strikeouts. Bryan Hudson worked three scoreless frames, scattering two hits and striking out four on 37 pitches (26 strikes – 70.3 Strike%) with four whiffs for his first hold.
Philadelphia Phillies – A resilient outing by José Alvarado, nailing down his first save and preserving a one-run win over Atlanta while facing the 4-5-6 lineup pocket. He threw 13 pitches (69.2 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (15.4 SwStr%). This outing cut his bloated ERA in half. Gregory Soto retired his only batter faced, stranding two runners in the eighth for his first hold. Seranthony Domínguez got credit for his first hold, giving up three hits and an earned run while striking out two. Matt Strahm collected his first win, allowing a hit and striking out two in a scoreless seventh. Jeff Hoffman fired a clean sixth, recording two strikeouts on 14 pitches (64.3 Strike%) without a whiff.
San Diego Padres – In ascending order of appearances, Pedro Avila collected his first win, allowing a hit, two earned runs, and a walk while striking out two over three innings. Yuki Matsui tossed a scoreless eighth, giving up a hit and striking out one. He threw 13 pitches (6 strikes – 46.2 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (15.4 SwStr%). Wandy Peralta turned in a scoreless ninth, yielding a hit.
Hierarchy Remains: Robert Suarez | Yuki Matsui | Wandy Peralta
Washington Nationals – Rough outing alert for Kyle Finnegan. He suffered his first loss and blown-save, giving up three hits, including two home runs, and three earned runs over two-thirds of the ninth. He threw 20 pitches (75 Strike%) and induced two whiffs. Hunter Harvey tossed a scoreless eighth, allowing a hit and striking out one for his first hold. Dylan Floro worked a scoreless seventh, yielding a hit and a walk while striking out one during his first hold. Robert Garcia navigated around two hits for a scoreless sixth, recording one strikeout.
Hierarchy Remains: Kyle Finnegan | Hunter Harvey | Matt Barnes
Monday’s Vulture Save Candidates
Aroldis Chapman (PIT)
Ryan Pressly (HOU)
Ian Hamilton (NYY)
Jordan Weems (WSH)
Closer Monkey’s filthy sequence of the day goes to Aroldis Chapman facing Jazz Chisolm Jr. on Sunday, courtesy of the Pitching Ninja.
Until next time, stay safe and be well.
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