Tuesday’s full slate resulted in seven wins and six losses by relievers, with nine saves converted. Here are the saves in condensed form:
Today’s three takeaways cover San Francisco, The Athletics, and Pittsburgh. As for the vulture options across today’s slate:
Vulture Save Options for 4.8.2026
- Tony Santillan (CIN): Pagán has pitched in back-to-back games.
- Rico García (BAL): Helsley has appeared in consecutive contests. It will be interesting to see if Anthony Nunez is also used in high-leverage innings in this game, and if he’s before or after García. Hedging on the more veteran reliever right now, but this will be monitored.
For those interested in our premium option (ad-free content), please use this LINK; it is $30 and covers the season. Premium will operate via Substack for 2026. Please include your preferred email address, and we will manually add you to our ad-free list. You can also Venmo the $30 to @gjewett9.
For a second straight game, Jakob Junis was summoned for the save chance, and he preserved a one-run lead despite allowing consecutive hits at the top of the ninth. He bore down, retiring Dominic Canzone and Cole Young on flyouts, followed by a game-ending groundout against Brendan Donovan. Junis threw 15 pitches (11 strikes – 73.3 Strike%) and produced one whiff (6.7 SwStr%).
Efficacy in relief outings has resulted in Skip Schumaker’s trust, though he will not put Junis’ role in pen just yet, according to this post by Shawn McFarland of The Dallas Morning News:
Through seven games, he owns a 0.429 WHIP with four strikeouts and no walks (16.7 K-BB%). He’s filling up the strike zone, producing a 74 percent strike rate. His zero earned runs accompany a 2.89 SIERA and a 3.19 xERA despite his 83.3 percent contact rate against. There will be regression, especially in his batting average on balls in play, which currently sits at a career-low .158, well below his career .305 BABIP. Hope lies in the quality of contact allowed. He’s given up 19 batted ball events with zero barrels and six hard hits (31.6 hard-hit percentage) while tweaking his usage patterns with the Rangers:
For continued success with low whiff rates, he must retain the spike in ground balls induced. He’s recorded a career-best 52.6 ground ball percentage in this year’s limited sample. It’s a fine line, but one that could continue, with migration to the mean, moving forward.
Last night’s formula may be a recipe for success, noted by Evan Grant in this article for The Dallas Morning News:
I prefer “Jakes and Bake,” but the prevailing preference would be some clarity in usage patterns for this leverage ladder.
Jacob Latz notched his first hold with two clean frames while striking out two on 23 pitches (17 strikes – 73.9 Strike%) with three whiffs (13 SwStr%). This outing extended his hitless streak to 28 hitters, a no-hitter of sorts:
After the game, Schumaker remained coy about his leverage roles:
How he uses Cole Winn, Robert Garcia, Chris Martin, and Jalen Beeks in today’s game, with Junis and Latz unavailable, may shed some light on the bullpen hierarchy behind them. For now, Junis has risen to the top spot in the hierarchy.
Updated Hierarchy: *Jakob Junis | *Robert Garcia | *Jacob Latz
*= closer-by-committee
Three Takeaways
Walker after Ray equals frustration? At the game’s highest-leveraged moment, with two outs and two runners on at the top of the seventh, Ryan Walker induced an inning-ending groundout against Justin Crawford. Returning for the eighth, he navigated around Trea Turner’s hit and Bryce Harper’s walk with a strikeout and a popout, recording his first hold. This marks the second time he’s the first reliever in after Robbie Ray, which hints at a trend, but fantasy managers hope it does not affect his role as the primary save share moving forward. Keaton Winn finished the combined shutout, in a non-save outing, retiring the side at the top of the ninth against the 6-7-8 lineup pocket. Usage patterns like this keep Caleb Kilian and Winn on the radar for potential save chances. Stay tuned.
Hierarchy Remains: *Ryan Walker | *Caleb Kilian | *Keaton Winn
*= closer-by-committee
Leiter Jr. implodes in the Bronx: He has recorded his team’s only save this season, and fantasy managers hoped he could get another during his team’s week in New York. Things did not go well against his former teammates. Entering at the bottom of the eighth with a two-run lead, Mark Leiter Jr. allowed consecutive hits by Cody Bellinger, Ben Rice, and Giancarlo Stanton, plating a run, then, with one out, Amed Rosario launched a go-ahead three-run home run. Leiter Jr. finished with four hits and four earned runs over two-thirds of the eighth, resulting in his first loss and his second blown save. What’s confusing about this is, if it’s truly a matchups-based approach, why wouldn’t Hogan Harris take over with consecutive left-handed hitters in the eighth? Justin Sterner worked two scoreless frames across the sixth and seventh, scattering two hits and striking out one for his second hold. This leverage ladder remains messy for fantasy purposes.
Hierarchy Remains: *Mark Leiter Jr. | *Hogan Harris | *Justin Sterner
*= closer-by-committee
Soto in the eighth? Finishing a six-run lead over the Padres, Yohan Ramírez retired the side and recorded two strikeouts. Gregory Soto nailed down his first hold, firing a clean eighth, striking one on against the 9-1-2 lineup pocket. He threw 10 pitches (60 Strike%) and induced one whiff. This marked his seventh appearance, during which he owns a 0.68 WHIP with 13 strikeouts versus three walks (35.7 K-BB%) across 7.1 innings. It also signals that Don Kelly will not hold one of his relievers strictly for the ninth inning; he is running matchups based on lineup pockets. Soto still retains value for saves, but he will be splitting them with Dennis Santana.
Hierarchy Remains: *Gregory Soto | *Dennis Santana | Justin Lawrence
*= closer-by-committee
Here are the remaining leverage events of interest from Tuesday’s slate.
American League
Baltimore Orioles
While securing his fourth save, Ryan Helsley was effectively wild. His outing began with Dustin Harris drawing a lead-off walk, normally a leverage no-no, but he bounced back with consecutive strikeouts before inducing a game-ending flyout against Derek Hill, preserving the one-run margin. Helsley threw 18 pitches (50 Strike%) and produced five whiffs (27.8 SwStr%).
This outcome is a step in the right direction, but the lack of whiffs with his secondary offerings remains an issue.
- Anthony Nunez stranded a runner and struck out his only batter, notching his first hold.
- Grant Wolfram retired his first two batters faced via strikeout, then was removed after hitting Colson Montgomery with a pitch, getting credit for his second hold.
- Yennier Cano collected his first win, retiring the side and striking out one at the bottom of the seventh.
Hierarchy Remains: Ryan Helsley | Rico García | Grant Wolfram
Boston Red Sox
Closing out a one-run lead against the Brewers, Aroldis Chapman worked around a one-out walk by inducing a game-ending double play groundout against Blake Perkins, securing his third save. He threw six pitches (33.3 Strike%) without a whiff.
He’s recorded a 0.80 WHIP with three strikeouts versus two walks during his first five innings. Understanding it’s cold, his velocity remains down this season.
- Garrett Whitlock bounced back with a clean eighth and recorded a strikeout for his second hold.
- Zack Kelly let one of two inherited runners score, retiring both batters in the seventh and securing his first hold.
Hierarchy Remains: Aroldis Chapman | Garrett Whitlock | Justin Slaten
Chicago White Sox
Taking over with a one-run lead at the top of the seventh, Jordan Hicks worked around a one-out single for a scoreless inning. Returning for the eighth, his fortunes changed, allowing Blaze Alexander’s one-out double, followed by an RBI double by Taylor Ward, tying the game. Chris Murphy was summoned and gave up Gunnar Henderson’s go-ahead two-run home run. Hicks suffered his first loss and a first blown save with a line of three hits against and two earned runs while striking out two.
- Jordan Leasure recorded his second hold, yielding a hit and striking out two in a scoreless sixth.
Hierarchy Remains: Seranthony Domínguez | Grant Taylor | Jordan Hicks
Cleveland Guardians
After retiring the side and recording two strikeouts at the top of the ninth, Cade Smith collected his second win on a walk-off rally at the bottom of the frame. He threw 10 pitches (70 Strike%) and generated three whiffs (30 SwStr%).
This lowered his WHIP to 1.429, and he’s posted a 10:3 K:BB (22.6 K-BB%) through seven innings.
- Shawn Armstrong issued two walks and struck out two during a scoreless eighth.
- Erik Sabrowski fired a clean seventh, striking out two.
- Tim Herrin allowed a walk and retired one batter in the sixth.
Hierarchy Remains: Cade Smith | Shawn Armstrong | Erik Sabrowski
Minnesota Twins
Forced into action at the top of the ninth with a runner on and one out, Justin Topa issued a walk and recorded two outs for his first save. He threw 14 pitches (50 Strike%) without a whiff. The Twins have three saves by three different relievers, picking up where they left off after the All-Star break last year.
- Eric Orze was credited with his third hold, giving up two doubles and an earned run while striking out two between the eighth and ninth innings.
- Cole Sands retired one batter and allowed two walks during his one-third of the eighth for his second hold.
- Taylor Rogers secured his second hold, yielding a hit and striking out two over a scoreless combined inning.
Hierarchy Remains: *Cole Sands | *Justin Topa | *Taylor Rogers
*= closer-by-committee
New York Yankees
Capping his team’s rally, David Bednar shut the door on his fifth save, retiring the side and striking out one against the A’s 8-9-1 lineup pocket. He threw 14 pitches (9 strikes – 64.3 Strike%) and induced one whiff.
The good news is that he’s converted all five save chances, but he owns a 1.876 WHIP with five strikeouts versus three walks across his first 5.1 innings.
- Fernando Cruz collected his first win, working 1.1 scoreless innings, walking two and striking out one.
Hierarchy Remains: David Bednar | Camilo Doval | Fernando Cruz
Quick Hits
- Detroit Tigers: During an eventual loss, Connor Seabold worked two scoreless innings, allowing two hits and a walk while striking out two. Tyler Holton retired all four batters, one via strikeout.
- Kansas City Royals: With the score tied at the bottom of the ninth, John Schreiber allowed a one-out single by C.J. Kayfus, walked Bo Naylor, then gave up Brayan Rocchio’s walk-off RBI single, resulting in his first loss.
- Toronto Blue Jays: With his defense struggling again, Jeff Hoffman allowed two hits, an unearned run, and a walk (intentional – Shohei Ohtani) while striking out two against the Dodgers in a non-save outing at the top of the ninth. He threw 14 pitches (11 strikes – 78.6 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (21.4 SwStr%). Louis Varland fired 1.1 clean frames and recorded two strikeouts.
National League
Arizona Diamondbacks
Entering a tied game at the bottom of the tenth, Paul Sewald suffered his second loss. He induced a groundout against Bo Bichette, followed by Ronny Mauricio’s walk-off, RBI single.
- Kevin Ginkel tossed a clean ninth, striking out one.
- Jonathan Loáisiga was charged with his second blown save, giving up two hits and an earned run while striking out one in the eighth.
- Juan Morillo worked a clean seventh, securing his fourth hold.
- Ryan Thompson notched his first hold, retiring the side in the seventh.
Hierarchy Remains: Paul Sewald | Juan Morrillo | Jonathan Loáisiga
Atlanta Braves
Extenuating circumstances required a five-out save by Raisel Iglesias, his longest appearance since a two-inning save on September 22, 2024. He allowed two hits and recorded three strikeouts, throwing 22 pitches (18 strikes – 81.8 Strike%) and generating six whiffs (27.3 SwStr%) while recording his second save of the season, stranding both inherited runners in the eighth.
Across five games, he’s logged 5.2 innings, posting a 0.53 WHIP with five strikeouts and no walks (26.3 K-BB%).
- Aaron Bummer notched his second hold, issuing a walk and hitting a batter in his one-third of the eighth.
- Robert Suarez worked a scoreless seventh, walking one and striking out two.
- Dylan Lee stranded a runner and retired both batters in the sixth, securing his first hold.
- Tyler Kinley gave up a hit and struck out two over two-thirds combined innings between the fifth and the sixth while collecting his first win. He replaced Reynaldo López following his ejection for a fight with Jorge Soler.
Hierarchy Remains: Raisel Iglesias | Robert Suarez | Dylan Lee
Cincinnati Reds
In a non-save capacity, Graham Ashcraft allowed a hit and an unearned run at the top of the tenth, closing out an eventual three-run win at the bottom of the tenth in Miami.
Emilio Pagán navigated around two walks and recorded two outs in a scoreless ninth, resulting in his first win of the season. He threw 24 pitches (11 strikes – 45.8 Strike%) and induced three whiffs (12.5 SwStr%).
- Jose Franco logged two scoreless frames, walking and striking out two.
Hierarchy Remains: Emilio Pagán | Tony Santillan | Graham Ashcraft
Colorado Rockies
Recording his first MLB save, Antonio Senzatela took the baton from Kyle Freeland and retired all eight batters faced, including three via strikeout, during a win over the Astros. He threw 26 pitches (18 strikes – 69.2 Strike%) and induced three whiffs (11.5 SwStr%). He’s turned in seven scoreless frames this season with nine strikeouts against one walk (32 K-BB%).
Hierarchy Remains: Victor Vodnik | Jimmy Herget | Brennan Bernardino
Los Angeles Dodgers
Securing his fourth save, Edwin Díaz navigated around a one-out walk and a two-out single with a game-ending strikeout, finishing a three-run lead in Toronto. He threw 23 pitches (15 strikes – 65.2 Strike%) and produced four whiffs (17.4 SwStr%), finishing with three strikeouts.
He’s posted a 1.00 WHIP with eight strikeouts versus three walks (23.8 K-BB%) during his first five innings.
- Blake Treinen tossed a clean eighth, notching his second hold.
- Alex Vesia worked a scoreless seventh, walking and striking out one for his second hold.
Hierarchy Remains: Edwin Díaz | Tanner Scott | Alex Vesia
St. Louis Cardinals
Handed a two-run lead at the bottom of the tenth, Riley O’Brien held on for his third save despite dealing with traffic. His outing began with a hit batter, followed by two outs, but a wild pitch scored the “ghost runner” before a game-ending strikeout. He threw 16 pitches (62.5 Strike%) and generated five whiffs (31.3 SwStr%), recording two strikeouts.
He’s converted a save in three of his last four appearances.
- George Soriano collected his second win, tossing two clean frames and striking out three.
Hierarchy Remains: *Riley O’Brien | *JoJo Romero | Ryne Stanek
*= closer-by-committee – though it’s trending towards O’Brien as the preferred option.
Washington Nationals
Called upon at the top of the tenth, Cole Henry allowed two hits and two runs (one earned) while striking out one, resulting in his second loss. Clatyon Beeter worried a scoreless ninth despite issuing two walks on 15 pitches (60 Strike%) without a whiff. He owns a 1.06 WHIP through 5.2 innings, but it accompanies a 3:4 K:BB.
- Gus Varland was tagged with his first blown save, allowing a walk and a game-tying two-run home run by Marc Church in the eighth.
- PJ Poulin was credited with his third hold, giving up a solo shot (Jordan Walker) and two walks while striking out two over 1.1 innings.
Leverage meltdowns may be a theme for this team all season.
Hierarchy Remains: *Clayton Beeter | *Cole Henry | *PJ Poulin
*= closer-by-committee
Quick Hits
- Chicago Cubs: Wrapping up a seven-run margin in Tampa Bay, Jacob Webb issued a walk and recorded a strikeout at the bottom of the ninth. Caleb Thielbar stranded two runners while retiring his only batter faced in the eighth. Phil Maton spoiled the shutout, giving up three hits and two earned runs while striking out one over two-thirds of the eighth.
- Milwaukee Brewers: Logging 2.1 scoreless frames, DL Hall allowed a hit and a walk while striking out one during a loss in Boston.
- Philadelphia Phillies: Making his season debut, Orion Kerkering allowed a hit, two unearned runs, and a walk during the bottom of the eighth.
- San Diego Padres: Rough outing alert for Adrian Morejon. He allowed five hits and five runs (four earned) while striking out one over one-third of the eighth in Pittsburgh. After this outing, his WHIP has reached 2.20 through five innings this season.
Thanks for being a part of the Closer Monkey community. Stay safe, and be well.
Statistical Credits: