Saturday’s slate featured a mix of blowouts (four) and games decided by two runs or fewer (nine), though one was a complete game shutout. Relievers recorded seven wins, one accompanied by a blown save (Daysbel Hernández), and six saves while suffering seven losses. Two relievers worked for a third straight contest: Raisel Iglesias (ATL) and Jeremiah Estrada (SD), yet recorded a save. Here are the saves in condensed form:
| Reliever | Save # | Pitches | Strike% | SwStr% | K:BB | BF |
| Edwin Díaz | 19 | 22 | 64% | 13.6 | 1:1 | 6 |
| Tanner Scott | 19 | 12 | 58.3 | 16.7 | 2:0 | 3 |
| Mason Miller | 18 | 18 | 50 | 11.1 | 2:1 | 4 |
| Raisel Iglesias | 11 | 11 | 81.8 | 9.1 | 1:0 | 3 |
| Daniel Palencia | 11 | 9 | 77.8 | 33.3 | 1:0 | 2 |
| Jeremiah Estrada | 3 | 11 | 54.5 | 9.1 | 1:0 | 3 |
Because of usage patterns and being the last day before the All-Star break, there are limited vulture save options for today’s games:
Vulture Options for July 13
- Pierce Johnson (ATL): Iglesias has pitched in three consecutive games, Lee and Hernández in three of the previous four.
- Shawn Armstrong (TEX): He may be needed for multi-innings, but also could be in line for the save chance, if provided. Luke Jackson could also be in play, but on July 6, Armstrong notched the vulture save.
Under the Hood: Ryan Helsley
Taking over a tied game at the top of the ninth, Ryan Helsley allowed Nacho Alvarez Jr.’s lead-off single, who advanced to second base on a sacrifice bunt, followed by Drake Baldwin’s pinch-hit single, and an RBI fielder’s choice groundout by Jurickson Profar despite an 0-2 count. Helsley finished with two hits and an earned run, resulting in his first loss.
After a slow start, he has been better, but his monthly splits illustrate how WHIP has been an issue for most of the season:
Link: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/4U1Xf/1/
This can be tied to his batting average on balls in play (BAbip) being 30 points higher than last year and an increase in contact allowed:
| Ryan Helsley | 2024 | 2025 | Difference | Career |
| Contact% | 67 | 72.2 | 6.2 | 70.4 |
| Z-Contact% | 80.8 | 85.6 | 4.8 | 82.3 |
| Hard Hit% | 34.8 | 46.2 | 11.4 | 39.7 |
Count leverage has been a theme with relievers this season. However, Devin Williams has rebounded while Helsley continues struggling with his four-seam fastball. In 2025, the pitch has a .453 weighted on-base average (wOBA), a 1.043 on-base percentage plus slugging percentage (OPS) allowed, and a .451 BAbip, which is 164 points above last year.
When a batter is ahead in the count, they produce a .658 wOBA, a .567 expected wOBA (xwOBA), and of 19 balls in play, a 52.6 hard-hit percentage:
In 2024, he also recorded a negative K-BB percentage with the four-seam but managed contact results better. Here is this year’s heat map when he is behind in counts with the four-seam:
Hope can lie in a reliever’s ratio indicators. But Helsley’s current 3.38 ERA has a 3.48 SIERA and 3.90 xERA accompanying it, which suggests this may be as good as it gets this year. This presents a potential problem for him and his team. As a pending free agent, he may be traded ahead of the deadline, though his current results may yield a reduced return in prospect capital. Of a larger concern, he could end up as a setup reliever on a contender, but location will play a pivotal part in his rest-of-the-season projections from a fantasy perspective. Stay tuned, and monitor the trade rumors closely.
Closer CliffsNotes
Atlanta Braves – For a third straight game, Raisel Iglesias retired the side and recorded a strikeout. He capped his team’s rally at the top of the ninth, preserving the one-run lead while locking down his 11th save. Facing the Cardinals’ 9-1-2 hitters, he only needed 11 pitches (81.8 Strike%) and induced one whiff (9.1 SwStr%).
He extended his scoreless streak to 14 games, during which he has a 0.551 WHIP with 17 strikeouts versus one walk (35.6 K-BB%) across 12.2 innings.
- Daysbel Hernández suffered his second blown save, issuing three walks and letting the game-tying run score on a wild pitch, but was awarded his fourth win courtesy of his team’s rally at the top of the ninth.
- Dylan Lee gave up two hits, including Brendan Donovan’s RBI single at the bottom of the seventh. He has allowed a run in his last two appearances.
Updated Hierarchy: Raisel Iglesias | Dylan Lee | Daysbel Hernández
Chicago Cubs –Pressed into action with a runner on and one out at the bottom of the ninth, Daniel Palencia retired Jazz Chisolm Jr. via strikeout, then induced a game-ending groundout by Trent Grisham, preserving the three-run lead and securing his 11th save. He only needed nine pitches (77.8 Strike%) and generated three whiffs (33.3 SwStr%).
Since his first save on May 21, he has converted all 11 save chances while posting a 0.847 WHIP with 22 strikeouts against four walks (26.8 K-BB%) through 17.2 innings.
- Brad Keller turned a potential combined shutout into a save opportunity, allowing two hits, including Aaron Judge’s two-run home run, and hit Giancarlo Stanton before being removed during his one-third of the ninth. He has allowed multiple runs in two of his last three appearances.
Hierarchy Remains: Daniel Palencia | Brad Keller | Ryan Pressly
Cincinnati Reds – After navigating around a lead-off walk and a single putting runners on the corners, Emilio Pagán bore down, recording consecutive strikeouts, followed by an inning-ending groundout, keeping his team within one run. He collected his second win courtesy of a walk-off rally at the bottom of the inning. He threw 19 pitches (63.2 Strike%) and produced four whiffs (21.1 SwStr%), and has been scoreless in six of his last seven, recording two wins and two saves with a 1.00 WHIP in seven innings.
- Graham Ashcraft retired all five batters and stranded a runner at the top of the seventh on 18 pitches (61.1 Strike%) with three whiffs (16.7 SwStr%).
Hierarchy Remains: Emilio Pagán | Tony Santillan | Graham Ashcraft
Colorado Rockies – Handed a one-run lead, Victor Vodnik gave up Spencer Steer’s lead-off single, followed by Will Benson’s game-tying RBI triple, walked Jake Fraley, and suffered his third loss and fourth blown save when Noelvi Marte reached on a fielding error, scoring the game-winning run. Vodnik finished with two hits, two runs (one earned), and a walk without recording an out.
- Juan Mejia notched his sixth hold, yielding a hit during a scoreless eighth.
- Tyler Kinley allowed Marte’s solo home run at the bottom of the seventh, getting credit for his sixth hold.
- Jimmy Herget stranded a runner, despite giving up a hit and a walk while retiring one batter at the bottom of the sixth for his second hold.
Hierarchy Remains: *Victor Vodnik | *Seth Halvorsen | Juan Mejia
Houston Astros – Although he let the “place” runner score on Adolis García’s single at the top of the 11th, Bennett Sousa earned his third win on a walk-off rally at the bottom of the frame. He worked both extra innings, giving up a hit and an unearned run while striking out three.
Josh Hader suffered his first blown save, allowing a game-tying solo home run by Kyle Higashioka on a 3-1 count with two outs at the top of the ninth.
As for the home run:
Through four outings in July, he has allowed a home run in three, resulting in five earned runs during his five innings pitched in this limited sample.
- Bryan Abreu was credited with his 23rd hold despite serving up Marcus Semien’s solo home run at the top of the eighth. He also recorded two strikeouts.
- Bryan King notched his 19th hold, retiring the side and striking out two in the seventh.
Hierarchy Remains: Josh Hader | Bryan Abreu | Bennett Sousa
Los Angeles Dodgers – Snapping his team’s losing streak and securing his 19th save, Tanner Scott fired a clean bottom of the ninth and recorded two strikeouts, preserving a one-run win over the Giants. He threw 12 pitches (58.3 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (16.7 SwStr%).
It’s his first save since June 27 and his first clean appearance since June 17.
- Alex Vesia stranded one of three runners, allowing a sacrifice fly while retiring both batters at the bottom of the eighth for his 17th hold.
- Emmet Sheehan collected his first win pitching as the “bulk follower.” He logged 4.1 innings, giving up two hits, an earned run, and three walks while striking out three.
Hierarchy Remains: Tanner Scott | Kirby Yates | Alex Vesia
*= closer-by-committee with a preferred save share (Scott)
Milwaukee Brewers – Although he allowed a hit, an earned run, and two walks at the top of the ninth, Grant Anderson was credited with his second win following his team’s walk-off rally plating three runs at the bottom of the inning.
Abner Uribe suffered his second blown save, giving up two hits, including Brady House’s two-run home run at the top of the eighth, snapping his five-game scoreless streak while working 1.2 innings.
- Nick Mears stranded two runners at the top of the sixth and allowed two hits during his two-thirds innings between the sixth and the seventh.
- Jared Koenig tossed 1.1 scoreless frames, yielding a hit and a walk while striking out two.
Hierarchy Remains: Trevor Megill | Abner Uribe | Jared Koenig
New York Mets – Locking down his 19th save, Edwin Díaz recorded his first two-inning save since September 22, 2024. He allowed a walk and recorded a strikeout on 22 pitches (63.6 Strike%) and induced three whiffs (13.6 SwStr%).
This extended his scoreless streak to 12 games, spanning 12.2 innings, during which he has a 0.63 WHIP with 16 strikeouts against two walks (31.9 K-BB%).
- Chris Devenski issued a walk during a scoreless seventh for his second hold.
- Reed Garrett stranded an inherited runner while retiring all three batters at the bottom of the sixth, securing his 16th hold.
Updated Hierarchy: Edwin Díaz | Reed Garrett | Huascar Brazobán
San Diego Padres – For a third consecutive day, Jeremiah Estrada appeared during a high-leverage situation. Against the Phillies on Saturday, he preserved a one-run margin for his third save. He threw 11 pitches (54.5 Strike%) and induced one whiff (9.1 SwStr%).
This marked his first save since June 3, and extended his scoreless streak to 11 games, during which he has a 0.636 WHIP with 16 strikeouts against three walks (31.7 K-BB%).
- Yuki Matsui stranded a runner despite giving up a hit during one-third of the eighth.
- David Morgan logged a scoreless combined inning while yielding a hit. He was awarded his first win as a result.
Hierarchy Remains: Robert Suarez | Jason Adam | Jeremiah Estrada
Texas Rangers – After stranding the “place” runner at the bottom of the tenth while retiring the side and striking out one, Robert Garcia returned for the 11th, and it did not go well.
He was pulled after issuing consecutive walks to load the bases.
Hoby Milner replaced him, allowing Christian Walker’s sacrifice fly and Zack Short’s walk-off RBI single, resulting in Garcia’s fifth loss and Milner’s fourth blown save.
- Chris Martin allowed a hit during a scoreless ninth.
- Luke Jackson tossed a scoreless eighth, walking and striking out one.
Hierarchy Remains: Robert Garcia | Chris Martin | Shawn Armstrong
The Athletics – Shutting the door on his 18th while preserving a one-run lead, Mason Miller worked around Joey Loperfido’s lead-off walk and a sacrifice bunt by striking out the next two batters. He threw 18 pitches (50 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (11.1 SwStr%).
He extended his scoreless streak to seven games, during which he has converted all four saves while recording a 0.571 WHIP with 10 strikeouts versus three walks (29.2 K-BB%) in seven innings.
- Sean Newcomb stranded a runner at the top of the eighth, striking out both batters for his first hold.
- Michael Kelly allowed a hit, an earned run, and a walk while recording an out in the seventh and eighth innings for his fourth hold.
- Elvis Alvarado notched his first hold, logging 1.2 scoreless frames, yielding a hit and a walk while striking out four.
Hierarchy Remains: Mason Miller | Michael Kelly | Sean Newcomb
Quick Hits
- Chicago White Sox: Entering at the top of the sixth, Jordan Leasure suffered his fifth loss. He allowed Kyle Manzardo’s go-ahead solo home run, issued a walk, and recorded a strikeout.
- Cleveland Guardians: Closing out a four-run win over the White Sox, Matt Festa retired the side and recorded a strikeout at the bottom of the ninth. Cade Smith fired a clean eighth, striking out one, and secured his 18th hold. Erik Sabrowski retired all four batters faced via strikeout for his second hold.
- Kansas City Royals: Appearing during a loss, Lucas Erceg allowed two hits and an earned run while striking out two over 1.1 innings.
- Los Angeles Angels: Finishing a five-run win, Connor Brogdon retired the side at the top of the ninth. Sam Bachman let two of three inherited runners score on an infield hit and a walk, recording two outs, one via strikeout for his first hold in the eighth.
- Miami Marlins: Completing a combined shutout, Anthony Bender issued a walk and recorded a strikeout. Ronny Henriquez faced the Orioles’ 9-1-2-3 hitters and worked around a hit, securing his 12th hold. He’s been scoreless in his last six and 12 of his last 13, posting a 0.787 WHIP with 19 strikeouts against two walks (37 K-BB%) through 12.2 innings.
- Minnesota Twins: As the “bulk follower,” Travis Adams earned his first career win, logging four innings, giving up two hits, two runs (one earned), and a walk while striking out three.
- Philadelphia Phillies: During an eventual one-run loss, Matt Strahm fired a clean bottom of the eighth and recorded two strikeouts. Jordan Romano stranded one of two inherited runners, allowing a sacrifice fly and striking out one during two-thirds of the seventh.
- Pittsburgh Pirates: During a lopsided loss, David Bednar worked around Matt Wallner’s one-out single, tossing a scoreless bottom of the eighth. He threw 14 pitches (57.1 Strike%) without a whiff. He has not had a save chance since July 1 but extended his scoreless streak to seven games, during which he has posted a 1.00 WHIP with nine strikeouts against three walks.
- San Francisco Giants: In an eventual one-run loss, Tyler Rogers gave up a hit during a scoreless top of the ninth. Ryan Walker retired the side in the eighth. Joey Lucchesi worked a clean seventh, striking out two. He has been scoreless in his last six relief outings and recorded nine strikeouts against two walks across seven innings.
- Tampa Bay Rays: During a shutout loss, Edwin Uceta logged 1.2 scoreless frames, walking one and striking out four on 24 pitches (66.7 Strike%) with five whiffs (20.8 SwStr%).
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