Wednesday’s slate featured six reliever wins and nine saves. Two were in extra-innings recording by Phil Maton and Dillon Tate. Colten Brewer also held on for his first major league save, navigating around two walks. At the same time, Héctor Neris received an extra day off for a mental reset, which segues nicely into our next daily segment.
Three Takeaways
- Counsell stands by his man (Neris): Even though two different relievers recorded saves over the last two days, the Cubs will continue forward with Héctor Neris as its closer. In this post by Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times, Craig Counsell spoke about his beleaguered closer:
- Holmes has not been a “sure-lock” lately: For a fourth straight game, Clay Holmes allowed multiple hits, and for a third consecutive outing, he gave up multiple runs. It’s been a tough stretch for the Yankees’ closer, though he’s a streaky reliever. In June, he’s given up 11 hits through 7.2 innings, resulting in a 1.57 WHIP. His 10-game rolling chart illustrates the spike in contact with a decline in strikeout percentage, less than optimal for a closer:
- Finnegan plus Harvey equal wins: It’s been a tried and true formula for the Nationals this year, Hunter Harvey in the seventh or eighth against an opponent’s toughest lineup pocket with Kyle Finnegan manning the ninth inning. Finnegan has converted 21 of 23 save opportunities, and Harvey leads the majors with 22 holds. Their combined 43 SOLDS (saves plus holds) ranks second among all reliever tandems, trailing only Ryan Helsley (24 saves) and JoJo Romero (21 holds). The biggest question for the Nationals is whether they will try keeping them together for a shot at a Wild Card berth or maximize the market and sell high for more prospect capital.
Our condensed and full game recaps cover Wednesday’s slate’s high-leverage events of interest.
Closer CliffsNotes
American League
(RP | BAL): Taking over in the bottom of the tenth, Dillon Tate held on for his first save. He allowed a hit, an unearned run, and a walk while striking out one, closing out a one-run win over the Yankees.
(RP | HOU): While finishing a three-run win over the White Sox, Josh Hader recorded his tenth save, tossing a scoreless inning. He gave up a hit and struck out one in his outing.
(RP | MIN): A strange top of the tenth resulted in a loss for Jorge Alcala. He opened his outing with a hit-batter, threw a wild pitch with the “place” runner getting thrown out at third, and allowed an unearned run on a throwing error.
(RP | NYY): Clay Holmes took over in the tenth after his team rallied for a game-tying run in the ninth. However, he suffered his third loss, giving up two hits and two runs (one earned).
(RP | OAK): Closing a four-run win, Mason Miller tossed a scoreless ninth. He issued a walk and recorded two strikeouts on 18 pitches (66.7 Strike%) with three whiffs (16.7 SwStr%). He’s recorded a win and converted two of three save opportunities in June with eight strikeouts against three walks across 7.2 innings.
Updated Hierarchy: Mason Miller | Austin Adams | Dany Jiménez
(RP | TBR): Preserving a one-run win in extra innings, Phil Maton fired a clean bottom of the tenth and recorded one strikeout for his second save.
(RP | TEX): Appearing for a second straight game, Kirby Yates notched his 11th save with a scoreless ninth during a two-run win over the Mets. He retired the side and struck out one.
National League
(RP | CHC): With a one-run lead, Craig Counsell summoned Colten Brewer for the ninth. He recorded his first career major league save despite issuing two walks. Two terrific plays by his infield defense ensured the win.
(RP | CIN): Nick Martinez suffered his fifth loss. During the eighth inning, he allowed a two-out, go-ahead solo home run by Bryan Reynolds.
Hierarchy remains: Alexis Díaz | Fernando Cruz | Lucas Sims
(RP | COL): After navigating around a two-out double, Jalen Beeks tossed a scoreless top of the ninth and recording a strikeout, keeping the game tied. He collected his third win courtesy of a walk-off rally in the bottom of the inning.
(RP | LAD): Entering the bottom of the ninth of a tied contest, Yohan Ramírez allowed two hits, including a walk-off RBI sacrifice fly by Brenton Doyle.
Hierarchy remains: Evan Phillips | Blake Treinen | Daniel Hudson
(RP | MIA): Benefiting from a walk-off rally, Tanner Scott collected his sixth win while appearing in a third straight game. He worked around a lead-off single in the top of the ninth for a scoreless inning and recorded one strikeout, keeping the game tied.
(RP | MIL): Locking down his 15th save, Trevor Megill completed a combined shutout by firing a clean bottom of the ninth and striking out one against the Angels.
(RP | PHI): Taking over a tied game in the top of the seventh, Orion Kerkering suffered his first loss. He allowed a hit batter and two hits, including a go-ahead RBI single by Luis Arraez. Kerkering also recorded a strikeout while throwing 29 pitches (18 strikes—62.1 Strike%) with two whiffs.
Hierarchy remains: *José Alvarado | *Jeff Hoffman | Orion Kerkering
*= floating closer
(RP | PIT): Recording his 14th consecutive save, and 16th of the season, David Bednar fired a clean top of the ninth, preserving a combined shutout over the Reds.
(RP | SDP): As Ted Lasso taught us, “Be the goldfish,” and it worked for Robert Suarez. He bounced back from his first blown save with a clean ninth and struck out one while recording his 18th save on Wednesday afternoon.
(RP | STL): A tough luck outing for Ryan Fernandez. He gave up a lead-off single in the bottom of the ninth, then recorded two groundouts. With two outs and a runner on second, Otto Lopez singled to right, and Alec Burleson mishandled the transfer, letting the game-winning run score without a throw. Fernandez suffered his second loss as a result.
Hierarchy remains: Ryan Helsley | Andrew Kittredge | JoJo Romero
(RP | WSH): Save number 21 for Kyle Finnegan. He fired a clean top of the ninth while striking out two closing out a two-run win over Arizona.
Vulture Save Option for Thursday, June 20
- Griffin Jax (MIN): Durán has appeared on consecutive days, and the team could use him for a third straight, but Jax was rested last night, and the “Durántula” should get today off.
- Joel Payamps (MIL): Megill has pitched in two straight and four of the last five; Hudson worked two innings last night.
- Luke Weaver (NYY): Holmes has worked on back-to-back days.
- Dany Jiménez (OAK): If the A’s get a chance at a sweep, it could be another white-knuckle leverage ride with Jiménez.
Vulture Save Option for Friday, June 21
- Dylan Floro (WSH): If Finnegan and Harvey pitch today, it will be two straight and Floro could be the vulture on Friday.
American League – Full Recaps
Baltimore Orioles – Surviving traffic in the bottom of the tenth, Dillon Tate recorded his first save despite giving up a hit, an unearned run, and a walk while striking out one. He was aided by a caught stealing of pinch-runner Oswaldo Cabrera for the second out of the inning. Craig Kimbrel collected his fifth win and his fourth blown save. With a one-run lead in the ninth, he allowed a lead-off double by Anthony Volpe, a flyout, and an RBi single by Giancarlo Stanton, tying the game. His final line was two hits against, and one earned run with one strikeout on 19 pitches (15 strikes – 78.9 Strike%) with three whiffs (15.8 SwStr%). Bryan Baker notched his second hold, yielding a hit in a scoreless eighth. Yennier Cano let both inherited runners score while serving up a home run by Stanton. Cano received credit for his 18th hold with a hit, an earned run, and a walk on his ledger over an inning pitched. Cionel Pérez gave up two hits, two earned runs, and two walks over one-third combined innings for his seventh hold.
Hierarchy remains: Craig Kimbrel | Yennier Cano | Cionel Pérez
Houston Astros – Securing his tenth save, Josh Hader worked a scoreless bottom of the ninth. He allowed a one-out single and recorded a strikeout while preserving a three-run win over the White Sox. He threw 13 pitches (9 strikes – 69.2 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (23.1 SwStr%). This marked his first save since June 3 and his third this month. Ryan Pressly tossed a scoreless eighth, issuing a walk and striking out one for his eighth hold. Bryan Abreu notched his 16th hold, retiring the side in the seventh and recording one strikeout. He owns a modest seven-game scoreless streak.
Hierarchy remains: Josh Hader | Ryan Pressly | Bryan Abreu
Minnesota Twins – Tasked with the top of the tenth, Jorge Alcala had a chaotic inning. He hit Randy Arozarena with a pitch, uncorked a wild pitch resulting in Jose Siri being thrown out at third, induced a flyout, and a batter reached on a throwing error, scoring the game-winning run and handing Alcala his second loss. Jhoan Durán fired a clean top of the ninth and struck out one. He threw 10 pitches (70 Strike%) and produced two whiffs (20 SwStr%). Josh Staumont took a walk on the wild side, issuing three free passes and striking out one during a scoreless eighth. Steven Okert stranded two runners, recorded two outs, and issued a walk in the seventh. Cole Sands allowed two hits, an earned run, and a walk during his one-third of the seventh.
Hierarchy remains: Jhoan Durán | Griffin Jax | Josh Staumont
New York Yankees – Entering in the top of the tenth, Clay Holmes induced a pop-out and gave up an RBI single by Cedric Mullins, who advanced to second on the throw home. Mullins stole third in the next at-bat and scored on a throwing error. Holmes allowed a double before retiring the next two batters on groundouts. He suffered his third loss. Anthony Misiewicz escaped the ninth with a scoreless outing even though he allowed two hits and a walk. Caleb Ferguson retired the side in the eighth. Tommy Kahnle let his only inherited runner score during one-third of the seventh on a double by Ryan Mountcastle.
Updated Hierarchy: Clay Holmes | Luke Weaver | Michael Tonkin
Tampa Bay Rays – Handed a one-run lead in the bottom of the tenth, Phil Maton retired the side and recorded a strikeout for his second save. He threw five pitches, all strikes, against the 3-4-5 Twins hitters. Jason Adam collected his fourth win, tossing a clean ninth and striking out one. Kevin Kelly gave up a hit during a scoreless eighth. Colin Poche allowed a hit and a walk while striking out two in a scoreless seventh.
Hierarchy remains: Pete Fairbanks | Jason Adam | Colin Poche
Texas Rangers -Sealing a two-run win over the Mets, Kirby Yates fired a clean top of the ninth and recorded one strikeout for his 11th save. He threw 16 pitches (9 strikes – 56.3 Strike%) and generated four whiffs (25 SwStr%) versus the 5-6-7 lineup pocket. He’s converted a save in three of his last four outings. José Ureña collected his third win, tossing two scoreless frames. He allowed a hit and struck out two on 29 pitches (17 strikes – 58.6 Strike%) with one whiff.
Hierarchy remains: Kirby Yates | David Robertson | José Leclerc
National League – Full Recaps
Chicago Cubs – Hanging on for his career-first major league save, Colten Brewer navigated around two walks with consecutive groundouts, preserving a one-run win over the Giants. He threw 18 pitches (50 Strike%) and did not produce a whiff. It’s clear the team has given Héctor Neris a couple of mental days off; how he responds this weekend will likely determine his role moving forward. Tyson Miller was credited with his third hold despite allowing a grand slam (Jorge Soler), scoring all three inherited runners during his one-third of the eighth. Mark Leiter Jr. gave up a hit and two walks, resulting in three earned runs during his two-thirds of the eighth. He’s allowed at least a run over his last four appearances, including two with three runs against. Drew Smyly notched his second hold, giving up two hits and a walk while striking out three over 1.1 scoreless innings.
Hierarchy remains: Héctor Neris | Mark Leiter Jr. | Tyson Miller
Colorado Rockies – Benefiting from a walk-off rally in the bottom of the ninth, Jalen Beeks collected his third win. He allowed a two-out double by Andy Pages and recorded a strikeout during a scoreless appearance. He threw 12 pitches (66.7 Strike%) and induced one whiff. He’s amid a modest six-game scoreless streak spanning 7.2 innings. Jake Bird gave up a hit and a walk while striking out two in a scoreless eighth. Nick Mears logged two scoreless frames, yielding a hit and striking out two.
Hierarchy remains: *Jalen Beeks | *Tyler Kinley | Justin Lawrence
*= closer-by-committee (match-up-based)
Miami Marlins – Appearing for a third straight contest, Tanner Scott collected his sixth win, benefiting from the Marlins’ seventh walk-off this season. He navigated around a lead-off single with a pop-out, a groundout, and a strikeout for a scoreless ninth. He threw 17 pitches (11 strikes – 64.7 Strike%) and induced two whiffs. Since the start of May, he’s recorded scoreless outings in 16 of 17 games with 22 strikeouts versus eight walks across 18.1 innings. Huascar Brazobán suffered his first blown save on an error by Jake Burger, letting an inherited runner score. Brazobán logged 1.1 scoreless innings, hitting a batter and striking out two. A.J. Puk worked 1.2 innings, giving up a hit and an unearned run while striking out three.
Hierarchy remains: Tanner Scott | Calvin Faucher | Andrew Nardi
Milwaukee Brewers – Finishing a combined shutout, Trevor Megill fired a clean bottom of the ninth for his 15th save. He threw seven pitches 85.7 Strike%) and produced two whiffs (28.6 SwStr%) while striking out one. He’s converted a save in seven straight appearances and been scoreless in eight of nine this month. Bryan Hudson recorded his 11th hold, tossing two scoreless frames, yielding a hit, and striking out one. Through five outings in June, he’s secured four holds over eighth scoreless innings with nine strikeouts against one walk and a 0.25 WHIP.
Hierarchy remains: Trevor Megill | Joel Payamps | Bryan Hudson
Pittsburgh Pirates – Slamming the door on his 16th save, David Bednar preserved a combined shutout by retiring the side in the top of the ninth. He threw 11 pitches (72.7 Strike%) without a whiff against the 3-4-5 lineup pocket of the Reds. He’s converted all five save chances in June while being scoreless in five of his seven appearances with seven strikeouts versus one walk. Colin Holderman collected his third win. He worked a clean top of the eighth and recorded a strikeout ahead of Bryan Reynolds’ home run.
Hierarchy remains: David Bednar | Colin Holderman | Aroldis Chapman
San Diego Padres – One day removed from his first blown save, Robert Suarez displayed no lingering effects. He fired a clean bottom of the ninth and struck out one for his 18th save. He threw 13 pitches (9 strikes—69.2 Strike%) and produced two whiffs (15.4 SwStr%). Through six outings this month, he’s been scoreless in five with two wins and one save in two chances. Jeremiah Estrada allowed a solo home run by Bryce Harper in the eighth, creating the save opportunity. He also recorded three strikeouts while throwing 15 pitches (66.7 Strike%) and generating six whiffs (40 SwStr%).
Hierarchy remains: Robert Suarez | Jeremiah Estrada | Yuki Matsui
Washington Nationals – Locking down his 21st save, Kyle Finnegan pitched a clean top of the ninth and registered two strikeouts. He threw 14 pitches (11 strikes – 78.6 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (21.4 SwStr%). Since May 25, he’s converted eight straight save opportunities while producing 16 strikeouts against one walk across 12.1 innings. Hunter Harvey navigated around a hit and struck out one during a scoreless eighth for his MLB-leading 22nd hold. He faced the top of Arizona’s lineup. Derek Law collected his fourth win, tossing two clean frames.
Hierarchy Remains: Kyle Finnegan | Hunter Harvey | Dylan Floro
Closer Monkey’s filthy pitch of the day was awarded to this slider by Austin Adams—video courtesy of the Pitching Ninja.
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