Rankings remain fluid, especially in the world of closers. However, we have updated rankings for saves and SOLDS before our first full week of contests ensues. But first, some risers and closers on the proverbial “hot seat.”
Three Relievers on the Rise
- Mason Montgomery (TB): In this season’s limited sample, he leads all relievers with a 33.3 swinging strike percentage. Combining this with a chance he leapfrogs Garrett Cleavinger for the highest-leverage left-handed reliever in the Rays’ bullpen will enhance his value.
- Porter Hodge (CHC): He accepted a setup role when his team traded for Ryan Pressly. However, after a rough start to the season, Craig Counsell may change his hierarchy soon. Hodge has command issues, but has been the better reliever in a beleaguered bullpen. His time as the preferred save share may arrive soon.
- Dennis Santana (PIT): Trusting him comes with apprehension, but he has posted a 26.7 swinging strike percentage while depressing contact (42.9 percent contact rate allowed) since the start of the season. David Bednar has struggled during high-leverage events resulting in two walk-off losses at Miami. Opportunity for Santana may be arriving soon.
Relievers on the “Hot Seat”
- Ryan Pressly (CHC): Noting three appearances does not make a season, Pressly has posted a 7.60 SIERA with a -17.6 K-BB percentage, and a 3.33 WHIP. Of larger concern, his paltry 5.3 swinging strike percentage with an 85 percent contact rate allowed. There is a fine line in high-leverage appearances, and he’s not threading the needle even though he held on for a save in Arizona.
- David Bednar (PIT): I will grant he’s had some bad luck in terms of the defense behind him, but his 6.74 SIERA with a -11.1 K-BB percentage and a 6.00 WHIP cannot be ignored. Hope lies in his 20.6 swinging strike percentage and 56.3 percent contact rate allowed, but momentum has not been on his side since last August.
- Calvin Faucher (MIA): Beginning with his 48.9 strike percentage this season, he’s not allowed an earned run but has an 8.10 SIERA with a -12.5 K-BB percentage. He does not possess the velocity that lets him get away with mistakes, and regression may be pending. The good news is that his teammates are not much better right now.
Updated Top 40 for Saves
| Rank | Relievers |
| 1 | Mason Miller |
| 2 | Ryan Helsley |
| 3 | Josh Hader |
| 4 | Emmanuel Clase |
| 5 | Devin Williams |
| 6 | Edwin Díaz |
| 7 | Raisel Iglesias |
| 8 | Robert Suarez |
| 9 | Andrés Muñoz |
| 10 | Jeff Hoffman |
| 11 | Ryan Walker |
| 12 | Tanner Scott |
| 13 | Félix Bautista |
| 14 | Jhoan Durán |
| 15 | Kenley Jansen |
| 16 | Pete Fairbanks |
| 17 | Carlos Estévez |
| 18 | Trevor Megill |
| 19 | Aroldis Chapman |
| 20 | Kyle Finnegan |
| 21 | José Alvarado |
| 22 | Jordan Romano |
| 23 | Justin Martinez |
| 24 | A.J. Puk |
| 25 | Blake Treinen |
| 26 | Luke Jackson |
| 27 | Griffin Jax |
| 28 | Ryan Pressly |
| 29 | Porter Hodge |
| 30 | Chris Martin |
| 31 | Seth Halvorsen |
| 32 | Lucas Erceg |
| 33 | Jason Adam |
| 34 | Bryan Abreu |
| 35 | Edwin Uceta |
| 36 | Anthony Bender |
| 37 | Emilio Pagán |
| 38 | Beau Brieske |
| 39 | Tommy Kahnle |
| 40 | Dennis Santana |
Just Missed:
- Mike Clevinger, Jordan Leasure (CHW)
- Camilo Doval (SF)
- Ben Joyce (LAA)
- Yennier Cano (BAL)
- Justin Slaten (BOS)
Stash Candidates
- Graham Ashcraft (CIN)
- Mason Montgomery (TB)
Updated Top 75 for SOLDS
| Rank | Reliever |
| 1 | Ryan Helsley |
| 2 | Mason Miller |
| 3 | Emmanuel Clase |
| 4 | Josh Hader |
| 5 | Bryan Abreu |
| 6 | Edwin Díaz |
| 7 | Raisel Iglesias |
| 8 | Andrés Muñoz |
| 9 | Devin Williams |
| 10 | Jeff Hoffman |
| 11 | Cade Smith |
| 12 | Griffin Jax |
| 13 | Ryan Walker |
| 14 | Jason Adam |
| 15 | José Alvarado |
| 16 | A.J. Puk |
| 17 | Jhoan Durán |
| 18 | Tanner Scott |
| 19 | Robert Suarez |
| 20 | Jeremiah Estrada |
| 21 | Luke Weaver |
| 22 | Aroldis Chapman |
| 23 | Lucas Erceg |
| 24 | Félix Bautista |
| 25 | Camilo Doval |
| 26 | Blake Treinen |
| 27 | Justin Martinez |
| 28 | Yennier Cano |
| 29 | Justin Slaten |
| 30 | Orion Kerkering |
| 31 | Edwin Uceta |
| 32 | Yimi García |
| 33 | Kirby Yates |
| 34 | Ben Joyce |
| 35 | Carlos Estévez |
| 36 | Kenley Jansen |
| 37 | Pete Fairbanks |
| 38 | Mason Montgomery |
| 39 | Chris Martin |
| 40 | Robert Garcia |
| 41 | Kyle Finnegan |
| 42 | Alex Vesia |
| 43 | Porter Hodge |
| 44 | Trevor Megill |
| 45 | Keegan Akin |
| 46 | Tyler Rogers |
| 47 | Tyler Holton |
| 48 | Ryan Pressly |
| 49 | Cole Sands |
| 50 | Hunter Harvey |
| 51 | JoJo Romero |
| 52 | Luke Jackson |
| 53 | Dennis Santana |
| 54 | Phil Maton |
| 55 | Tony Santillan |
| 56 | Chad Green |
| 57 | Caleb Ferguson |
| 58 | Reed Garrett |
| 59 | Garrett Cleavinger |
| 60 | Jordan Romano |
| 61 | Joel Payamps |
| 62 | A.J. Minter |
| 63 | Matt Strahm |
| 64 | Erik Miller |
| 65 | Anthony Bender |
| 66 | Paul Sewald |
| 67 | Hunter Gaddis |
| 68 | Garrett Whitlock |
| 79 | Pierce Johnson |
| 70 | Beau Brieske |
| 71 | Colin Holderman |
| 72 | Tyler Ferguson |
| 73 | Mark Leiter Jr. |
| 74 | Seranthony Domínguez |
| 75 | Fernando Cruz |
Thanks for being a part of the Closer Monkey community. Here is to a great week ahead. Stay safe, and be well.