Before Friday’s game, Brian Snitker acknowledged Raisel Iglesias remains in the mix for saves but will not be the “primary” option:
In last night’s game, Pierce Johnson took over at the top of the ninth and allowed a single by Tyler Fitzgerald, then picked him off first, ending the inning. Returning for the tenth, Fitzgerald was the “place” runner and moved to third on a Heliot Ramos’ groundout. With two outs, Johnson uncorked a wild pitch, scoring the game-winning run, resulting in his second loss. He allowed a hit and an unearned run during his combined inning.
- Dylan Lee logged 1.2 clean frames and recorded two strikeouts on 18 pitches (83.3 Strike%) with three whiffs (16.7 SwStr%).
- Craig Kimbrel made his first appearance with the team in 11 years, giving up a hit and a walk while striking out one in the seventh, throwing 14 pitches (42.9 Strike%) without a whiff.
Updated Hierarchy: *Raisel Iglesias | *Dylan Lee | *Pierce Johnson
Those with Iglesias have no choice but to be patient while he reworks his arsenal for better results.
As for Friday’s slate, relievers recorded six wins and ten saves while suffering four losses. Here are the condensed saves:
| Reliever | Save # | Pitches | Strike% | SwStr% | K:BB |
| Robert Suarez | 20 | 13 | 84.6 | 15.4 | 1:0 |
| Kyle Finnegan | 18 | 13 | 69.2 | 7.7 | 1:0 |
| Josh Hader | 17 | 12 | 75 | 41.7 | 2:0 |
| Edwin Díaz | 14 | 15 | 66.7 | 20 | 1:0 |
| Jeff Hoffman | 14 | 20 | 70 | 10 | 3:1 |
| Kenley Jansen | 13 | 8 | 75 | 12.5 | 1:0 |
| Mason Miller | 13 | 25 | 72 | 32 | 3:1 |
| Pete Fairbanks | 12 | 14 | 64.3 | 7.1 | 0:0 |
| Will Vest | 10 | 21 | 66.7 | 4.8 | 0:0 |
| Devin Williams | 7 | 14 | 57.1 | 14.3 | 1:0 |
It could be a busy day for the save streamers:
Vulture Save Options for June 7
- Randy Rodríguez (SF): Doval has appeared in consecutive contests and three of the previous four, throwing 66 pitches.
- Tommy Kahnle (DET): Vest logged 1.1 innings last night and has thrown 39 pitches the previous three days.
- Taijuan Walker (PHI): He could record a multi-inning save or get a look in the ninth, with Romano struggling in recent outings.
- Manuel Rodríguez (TB): Fairbanks has pitched in three of the previous four days.
- Seth Halvorsen (COL): Agnos suffered a loss last night and threw 26 pitches.
- Tyler Ferguson (ATH): Miller has pitched in back-to-back games.
Suspended Game Continuation
- Arizona: Preferred vulture option: Ryan Thompson
- Cincinnati: Preferred vulture option – Scott Barlow
Vulture Save Stashes for June 8
- Bryan Abreu (HOU): If Hader pitches today, it’s back-to-back games.
- Reed Garrett (NYM): If Díaz appears in today’s contest, it’s two straight.
- Jason Adam (SD): He was off yesterday, and if Suarez pitches in today’s game, it will be consecutive appearances.
- Erik Swanson (TOR): If Hoffman pitches today, it’s back-to-back outings.
Here are the remaining leverage events of interest from Friday.
Closer CliffsNotes
Colorado Rockies – Taking over a tied game at the top of the ninth, Zach Agnos allowed Juan Soto’s one-out single, then walked Pete Alonso. After retiring Jeff McNeil on a flyout, Francisco Lindor produced a go-ahead, pinch-hit two-RBI double, resulting in Agnos’ second loss. He finished with two hits, two earned runs, and a walk while striking out two. First, his illustrator:
And his results:
- Victor Vodnik tossed a scoreless eighth, yielding a hit and striking out two.
- Tyler Kinley was tagged with his second blown save, giving up three hits and two earned runs in the seventh.
- Jake Bird notched his eighth hold, striking out the side in the sixth.
Updated Hierarchy: Zach Agnos | Seth Halvorsen | Victor Vodnik
Detroit Tigers – Pressed into action with two runners on and two outs at the top of the eighth, Will Vest stranded both on a terrific catch at the right field fence by Kerry Carpenter. He returned for the ninth and worked around Pete Crow-Armstrong’s one-out single with consecutive groundouts, sealing the two-run win and his tenth save. He threw 21 pitches (66.7 Strike%) and induced one whiff (4.8 SwStr%) over 1.1 scoreless frames.
He has recorded two saves and converted all six save chances since May 18 with a 0.748 WHIP and eight strikeouts against two walks (14.6 K-BB%) across 10.2 innings.
Hierarchy Remains: *Will Vest | *Tommy Kahnle | Tyler Holton
*= closer-by-committee with a preferred save share (Vest)
Houston Astros – Slamming the door on his 17th save, Josh Hader fired a clean bottom of the ninth and recorded two strikeouts in Cleveland. Facing the 3-4-5 lineup pocket, he threw 12 pitches (75 Strike%) and generated five whiffs (41.7 SwStr%).
This extended his scoreless streak to eight games, during which he has converted all seven save chances with 14 strikeouts versus one walk (48.1 K-BB%) through eight innings.
- Bryan Abreu notched his MLB-leading 17th hold with a scoreless eighth, walking and striking out one.
- Bryan King logged 1.1 scoreless frames, giving up a hit and striking out one.
Hierarchy Remains: Josh Hader | Bryan Abreu | Bryan King
Los Angeles Angels – Finishing a one-run win, Kenley Jansen retired the side and recorded a strikeout against Seattle’s 8-9-1 lineup pocket on an efficient eight pitches (75 Strike%) with one whiff (12.5 SwStr%) en route to his 13th save, the 460th of his career.
He’s amid a three-game scoreless streak with a win and two saves.
- Reid Detmers secured his fifth hold, issuing a walk and striking out two. He threw 18 pitches (66.7 Strike%) and produced four whiffs (22.2 SwStr%) while extending his scoreless streak to eight games, during which he has 12 strikeouts against four walks across eight innings.
- Ryan Zeferjahn worked a clean seventh, securing his tenth hold.
Hierarchy Remains: Kenley Jansen | Ryan Zeferjahn | Reid Detmers
New York Mets – Preserving his team’s comeback rally, Edwin Díaz slammed the door on his 14th save, retiring the side and striking out one in Colorado. He threw 15 pitches (66.7 strike%) and produced three whiffs (20 SwStr%) against the 6-7-8 lineup pocket.
Since April 26, he has been scoreless in 14 of his 15 appearances, converting eight of nine saves with a 0.719 WHIP and 23 strikeouts versus five walks (31.6 K-BB%) through 15.1 innings.
- Ryne Stanek collected his second win, navigating around two hits and a walk while striking out one in a scoreless bottom of the eighth.
- Huascar Brazobán suffered his fourth blown save, giving up Sam Hilliard’s one-out triple and Mickey Moniak’s RBI single.
Hierarchy Remains: Edwin Díaz | Reed Garrett | Huascar Brazobán
New York Yankees – Nailing down his seventh save, Devin Williams tossed a scoreless top of the ninth and recorded two strikeouts, working around a one-out hit batter (Jarren Duran). He threw 14 pitches (8 strikes – 57.1 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (14.3 SwStr%).
He has converted consecutive save opportunities and posted a 0.892 WHIP with 22 strikeouts against five walks (27.9 K-BB%) since April 28.
- Jonathan Loáisiga worked a scoreless eighth, allowing a hit and securing his second hold.
- Fernando Cruz retired both batters faced in the seventh via strikeout, securing his eighth hold.
Hierarchy Remains: Devin Williams | Mark Leiter Jr. | Fernando Cruz
Philadelphia Phillies – It’s tough when the batting average on play trends go against a reliever. Jordan Romano took over a tied game at the bottom of the ninth, giving up Adam Frazier’s opposite-field lead-off single, followed by a shallow single to center, which Brandon Marsh could have caught for a double play, and a bunt single that settled on the line, loaded the bases with no outs. Romano recorded a strikeout against Oneil Cruz but gave up a walk-off sacrifice fly by Nick Gonzales, resulting in his third loss. His pitch illustrator:
And his results:
He has allowed a run in his last three appearances.
- Matt Strahm struck out the side in the eighth.
- Orion Kerkering navigated around a hit and a walk for a scoreless seventh.
Hierarchy Remains: Jordan Romano | Matt Strahm | Orion Kerkering
*= floating closer concept with a preferred save share (Romano)
Pittsburgh Pirates – After striking out the side at the top of the ninth against Philadephia’s 8-9-1 hitters, David Bednar collected his first win courtesy of a walk-off rally at the bottom of the inning. He threw 14 pitches (71.4 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (21.4 SwStr%).
He extended his modest scoreless streak to six games, during which he has posted this win, and three saves with a 0.33 WHIP while striking out eight (40 K-BB%).
- Dennis Santana logged 1.1 scoreless frames.
- Caleb Ferguson tossed 1.2 scoreless innings, walking one and striking out two.
- Chase Shugart worked 1.1 scoreless innings, letting two of three inherited runners score while allowing two hits and striking out three.
Hierarchy Remains: David Bednar | Dennis Santana | Caleb Ferguson
San Diego Padres – Closing out a combined shutout and his MLB-leading 20th save, Robert Suarez retired the side against Milwaukee’s 8-9-1 lineup pocket while striking out one. He threw 13 pitches (11 strikes – 84.6 Strike%) and produced two whiffs (15.4 SwStr%).
He has converted his last five save chances and been scoreless in his previous seven games with a 0.482 WHIP while registering eight strikeouts (28.6 K-BB%) across 8.1 innings.
- Adrian Morejon notched his eighth hold, giving up a hit and striking out two over 1.1 scoreless innings.
- Jeremiah Estrada tossed 1.1 scoreless, yielding a hit and a walk while striking out one, securing his 11th hold.
- Wandy Peralta stranded two runners in the fifth and walked one with two strikeouts across two-thirds combined innings, collecting his third win.
Hierarchy Remains: Robert Suarez | Jason Adam | Jeremiah Estrada
San Francisco Giants – A walk-off wild pitch provided Spencer Bivens with his second win. He stranded three runners at the top of the tenth by inducing an inning-ending groundout by Luke Williams. Before he entered,
- Erik Miller allowed a walk and hit a batter while recording two outs in the tenth before being removed.
- Camilo Doval fired a clean ninth, striking out the side on 16 pitches (75 Strike%) and producing three whiffs (18.8 SwStr%), keeping the contest tied.
- Tyler Rogers worked a clean eighth and recorded a strikeout.
- Ryan Walker suffered his third blown save, allowing three hits, including Matt Olson’s two-run home run, and struck out one during his 1.1 innings.
Hierarchy Remains: Camilo Doval | Randy Rodríguez | Tyler Rogers
Tampa Bay Rays – Locking down his 12th save, Pete Fairbanks retired the side, preserving a one-run win against the Marlins. He faced the 8-9-1 hitters on 14 pitches (64.2 Strike%) and induced one whiff (7.1 SwStr%).
He has converted his last four save chances and been scoreless in eight of his last ten appearances with a 1.134 WHIP and eight strikeouts versus five walks over his 9.2 innings.
- Garrett Cleavinger stranded a runner despite allowing a hit during two-thirds scoreless in the eighth, securing his eighth hold.
- Edwin Uceta allowed three hits, including Otto Lopez’s two-run home run, and recorded a strikeout in one-third of the eighth, getting credit for his 11th hold.
- Manuel Rodríguez notched his tenth hold, giving up a hit and striking out one in a scoreless seventh.
Hierarchy Remains: Pete Fairbanks |Edwin Uceta | Mason Montgomery
The Athletics – Summoned with the bases loaded and one out at the top of the eighth, Mason Miller met the moment by striking out both batters, preserving his team’s one-run lead. He returned for the ninth and navigated around a one-out walk, securing his 13th save. He finished 1.2 scoreless frames with a walk and three strikeouts on 25 pitches (72 Strike%) with eight whiffs (25 SwStr%).
He has rebounded from a rough patch in early May with four consecutive scoreless appearances, posting a 0638 WHIP with five strikeouts versus two walks (20 K-BB%) over his last 4.2 innings.
- Tyler Ferguson was credited with his ninth hold despite allowing a hit and two walks during one-third of the eighth.
- T.J. McFarland notched his sixth hold, giving up a hit and striking out one in the seventh.
- Grant Holman allowed two hits and recorded two strikeouts for his second hold in the sixth.
Updated Hierarchy: Mason Miller | Tyler Ferguson | T.J. McFarland
Toronto Blue Jays – Securing his 14th save, Jeff Hoffman worked around a two-out walk while recording three strikeouts in a scoreless bottom of the ninth, preserving a two-run win over the Twins. He threw 20 pitches (70 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (10 SwStr%).
Since May 26, he has converted all four save chances and been scoreless in five of six outings with seven strikeouts against two walks (23.8 K-BB%) and a 0.943 WHIP through 5.1 innings.
- Brendon Little allowed two hits, an earned run, and a walk while striking out two for his 11th hold at the bottom of the eighth.
- Yariel Rodríguez logged 1.1 scoreless frames, walking and striking out one, notching his eighth hold.
- Mason Fluharty tossed 1.1 clean innings and recorded two strikeouts for his fourth hold.
- Eric Lauer collected his second win, working 2.1 scoreless innings, yielding a hit and a walk while striking out two.
Hierarchy Remains: Jeff Hoffman | Yariel Rodríguez | Chad Green
Washington Nationals – Completing the combined shutout and his 18th save, Kyle Finnegan worked around a two-out fielding error with a game-ending pop-out. He threw 13 pitches (69.2 Strike%) and induced one whiff (7.7 SwStr%) while recording one strikeout.
After allowing runs across three consecutive appearances, he has bounced back with back-to-back scoreless contests. He owns a 1.30 WHIP with 20 strikeouts against eight walks (12.5 K-BB%) through 22.1 innings.
- Jose A. Ferrer secured his 12th hold by retiring the side at the top of the eighth.
- Brad Lord worked a clean seventh, notching his third hold.
Hierarchy Remains: Kyle Finnegan | Jose A. Ferrer | Brad Lord
Quick Hits
- Baltimore Orioles: Appearing during a loss, Gregory Soto gave up a hit and recorded two strikeouts in a scoreless bottom of the eighth. Seranthony Domínguez worked a scoreless seventh, yielding a hit and striking out two.
- Chicago White Sox: In order of appearance, Brandon Eisert allowed a hit and recorded a strikeout at the top of the seventh. Jordan Leasure worked a scoreless eighth, yielding a hit and a walk, then collected his first win after his teammates plated five runs at the bottom of the inning.
- Kansas City Royals: Taking over at the bottom of the seventh, Jonathan Bowlan stranded a runner despite issuing a walk. Things did not go as well in the eighth. He allowed two hits, five runs (three earned), and four walks while striking out one in his 1.1 innings, resulting in his first loss.
- Milwaukee Brewers: During a shutout loss, Aaron Ashby fired a clean top of the ninth, striking out the side on 13 pitches (10 strikes – 76.9 Strike%) with four whiffs (30.8 SwStr%). Jared Koenig tossed a scoreless eighth, allowing a hit and striking out two.
- St. Louis Cardinals: Completing a combined shutout, Steven Matz retired the side and recorded two strikeouts at the top of the ninth against the Dodgers’ 7-8-9 lineup pocket. Phil Maton stranded two runners while retiring all three batters, two via strikeout, at the top of the eighth for his 12th hold. JoJo Romero gave up two hits during two-thirds scoreless combined innings across the seventh and the eighth.
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