Tuesday’s slate featured five wins by relievers, six saves, and seven losses. Here are the saves in condensed form:
As for the vulture options across today’s slate:
Vulture Save Options for 4.22.2026
- Luke Weaver (NYM): Anticipating a mental day off for Williams, can Luke snap the streak?
- Alex Vesia (LAD): Scott pitched last night and was checking his index finger.
- Daniel Lynch IV (KC): Erceg and Strahm have appeared in consecutive contests. Leaning Lynch against Gunnar’s lineup pocket in the late innings.
- Anthony Nunez (BAL): Helsley and Garcia have worked in back-to-back games.
- Ben Brown (CHC): Thielbar has pitched in three of the last four days, leaving room for a multi-inning outing for Brown, perhaps a save ala Perkins yesterday?
- JoJo Romero (STL): O’Brien has worked in three of the previous four days.
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.
After a relatively calm leverage ecosystem in the early games, the late-night contests provided plenty of intrigue. Beginning in Los Angeles, Louis Varland took over with the bases loaded and one out against Nolan Schanuel at the bottom of the ninth with a two-run lead. He rose to the task, recording his first career save, inducing a game-ending double play groundout on his first pitch, bailing out his teammate. He has not allowed an earned run through nine appearances this month, posting a 0.517 WHIP with 14 strikeouts versus one walk (41.9 K-BB%).
Jeff Hoffman opened the inning, allowing Mike Trout’s single with one out, hitting Jo Adell and Jorge Soler, followed by an RBI single, prompting his removal. He threw 18 pitches (66.7 Strike%) and produced five whiffs (27.8 SwStr%), getting credit for his first hold. His illustrator:
And, his results
His manager has remained steadfast in his support of Hoffman, but this would have been his fourth blown save if Varland had not bailed him out. This must be monitored closely, but it’s being shifted to a shared save designation until further notice. One can live with the two hits based on the location, but the two hit batters indicate the moment was getting the best of him.
- Tyler Rogers retired the side in the eighth, securing his fourth hold.
- Mason Fluharty collected his first win, stranding a runner and striking out one of two batters in the seventh.
Updated Hierarchy: *Jeff Hoffman | *Louis Varland | *Tyler Rogers
*= closer-by-committee
Three Takeaways
Perk-o-lating in Seattle: Preserving a three-run lead, Jack Perkins nailed down his first save, logging two clean frames and striking out two in Seattle. He threw 26 pitches (18 strikes – 69.2 Strike%) and produced five whiffs (19.2 SwStr%).
His leverage role may expand as the season continues. He recorded three saves last season while making eight relief outings. Chances to stash him will be dissipating soon. The four hallmarks I use to identify a potential closer of the future are: a strike percentage of at least 66 percent, a K-BB% greater than 20, a swinging strike rate of 16 percent or better, and a contact rate allowed at or below 66 percent. Through five appearances, spanning 9.1 innings:
- Perkins 2026 Updated Statistics: 67.5 strike percentage, 22 K-BB%, 18.8 percent swinging strike rate, 65.1 percent contact rate allowed
Hogan Harris stranded two runners while retiring his only batter in the seventh for his fifth hold. Scott Barlow worked 1.1 innings, giving up a hit and a walk while striking out two, securing his fifth hold.
Updated Hierarchy: *Joel Kuhnel | *Hogan Harris | *Jack Perkins
*= closer-by-committee
Walker shuts the door against LA: Against a mostly right-handed lineup lane at the top of the ninth, Ryan Walker locked down his second save and recorded two strikeouts, preserving a two-run lead against the Dodgers. He threw 15 pitches (66.7 Strike%) and induced one whiff while facing the 7-8-9 hitters.
This was a perfect scenario for Walker, and he made the most of it, securing his first save since March 30. However, the deployment of three left-handed relievers against the Dodgers’ lineup will be a blueprint other contenders will try to copy, though Arizona cannot. Neutralize the top of the lineup with tough left-handed relievers, and manage the ninth with the best matchup possible. Walker re-emerges as a leverage option, but I am not willing to call him the closer unless usage patterns change. This was a perfect storm.
Keaton Winn notched his fourth hold, stranding a runner and striking out his only batter in the eighth. Erik Miller worked a scoreless combined inning, giving up a hit and a walk while striking out one for his second hold. He stranded a runner in the seventh. Matt Gage issued a walk and retired two batters in the seventh, getting credit for his third hold. Ryan Borucki tossed a scoreless sixth, yielding a hit and striking out one for his first hold.
Updated Hierarchy: *Ryan Walker | *Erik Miller | *Keaton Winn
*= closer-by-committee
“The Airbender” bent: Things are going from bad to worse for Devin Williams. With the score tied at the top of the ninth, he began his outing by walking consecutive hitters, a leverage mortal sin. After a fielder’s choice bunt, the bases were loaded, and the go-ahead run scored on an infield chopper just beyond the reach of Bo Bichette and Francisco Lindor, followed by a bases-loaded walk, forcing his removal. Williams departed with a hit, two earned runs, and three walks without recording an out, resulting in his first loss. He threw 21 pitches (9 strikes – 42.9 Strike%) and only induced one whiff.
And, his results:
When a player tries too hard, he presses, which affects his command. Unfortunately, he’s allowed a run in his last three games, and multiple runs in two; less than optimal. Beneath his inflated ERA lies a 3.40 xERA and a 3.86 SIERA. Better command and attacking hitters must be a mantra for Williams if he’s going to reclaim his spot as a reliable closer, but patience is wearing thin early for fantasy managers and Mets fans alike. Austin Warren prevented further damage, stranding all three runners and striking out the Twins’ 8-9-1 hitters.
Hierarchy Remains: Devin Williams | Luke Weaver | Brooks Raley
Here are the remaining leverage events of interest from Tuesday’s slate.
American League
Baltimore Orioles
Flashing shades of last year, Ryan Helsley lacked command in this outing. It began with consecutive walks to the top of the Royals’ lineup, putting speed on the bases. He recorded a strikeout against Vinnie Pasquantino, but a wild pitch on strike three put both runners into scoring position, and a walk-off wild pitch while facing Salvador Perez handed Helsley his second loss. He threw 22 pitches (9 strikes – 40.9 Strike%) and generated five whiffs (22.7 SwStr%), giving up an earned run on two walks, snapping his six-game scoreless streak.
There is nothing to suggest continued success from the closer, but his command must improve. He’s recorded a 58.3 strike percentage and a paltry 46.5 first-strike percentage. His 17.6 percent swinging strike rate is terrific, and he’s only allowed contact at a 59.5 percent clip, so will he start attacking hitters so he’s not in negative count leverage? This may decide his ratios fate in 2026.
- Rico Garcia suffered his first blown save, giving up Michael Massey’s game-tying solo shot, and recorded two strikeouts. He had been scoreless through his first 11 games this season.
Hierarchy Remains: Ryan Helsley | Rico Garcia | Grant Wolfram
Cleveland Guardians
After warming up for a potential save chance, Cade Smith logged a non-save outing, taking over with a four-run lead at the top of the ninth. He allowed a lead-off double by Brice Matthews, issued a walk, and after inducing a groundball double play, gave up Yordan Alvarez’s RBI double, followed by a game-ending strikeout of Jose Altuve. He’s been better in recent games, but has struggled with his BABIP and quality of contact allowed this season, resulting in a 1.417 WHIP with 15 strikeouts versus four walks (20.8 K-BB%) through 12 innings.
- Peyton Pallette earned his first major league win, working a scoreless eighth while walking one ahead of his team’s six-run rally at the bottom of the inning.
Hierarchy Remains: Cade Smith | Hunter Gaddis | Erik Sabrowski
Houston Astros
Another rough contest for the Astros beleaguered bullpen. Bryan King suffered his first blown save, letting both inherited runners score on two hits, three earned runs on his ledger, and two walks while recording two outs at the bottom of the eighth. Enyel De Los Santos was tagged with his first loss while getting credit for a hold, giving up two hits, three earned runs, and a walk during one-third of the eighth. Kai-Wei Teng logged 2.2 scoreless frames, walking one and striking out two for his second hold. He’s been the most consistent member of his unit, but provides limited fantasy impact while logging multiple-innings without vulture wins or saves.
Hierarchy Remains: *Enyel De Los Santos | *Bryan King | Bryan Abreu
*= closer-by-committee
Kansas City Royals
Back in the saddle during a tied contest at the top of the ninth, Lucas Erceg worked around a lead-off walk with a double play groundout and an inning-ending pop-out. He collected his first win courtesy of a walk-off rally at the bottom of the inning. He threw 14 pitches (6 strikes – 42.9 Strike%) and produced two whiffs (14.3 SwStr%).
It was not a masterclass, but it was a gutsy effort following an elevated pitch count the previous night. If his change-up can be as effective moving forward as it was in this outing, it will enhance Erceg’s results.
- Matt Strahm suffered his first blown save, allowing three hits, including a game-tying two-run home run by Adley Rustchman, and a walk while striking out one.
- Nick Mears retired the side in the seventh on 14 pitches (9 strikes – 64.3 Strike%) with two whiffs.
Hierarchy Remains: Lucas Erceg | Matt Strahm | Nick Mears
Minnesota Twins
Entering a tied game at the bottom of the eighth, Cole Sands collected his first win, firing two clean frames and striking out three, benefiting from his team’s two-run rally in the ninth. He threw 23 pitches (17 strikes – 73.9 Strike%) and produced four whiffs (17.4 SwStr%). Representing his team’s highest-leverage reliever (HLR), he’s recorded a 1.258 WHIP with 10 strikeouts versus four walks (14 K-BB%) through 10.1 innings.
- Justin Topa retired the side and struck out one in the seventh.
- Anthony Banda worked a clean sixth, striking out two.
Hierarchy Remains: *Cole Sands | *Justin Topa | *Kody Funderburk
*= closer-by-committee
Texas Rangers
Finishing off a four-run lead against the Pirates, Jakob Junis worked around a two-out single for a scoreless top of the ninth, throwing 13 pitches (11 strikes – 84.6 Strike%) without a whiff.
- Jacob Latz fired a clean eighth, striking out two on 14 pitches (9 strikes – 64.3 Strike%) with three whiffs (21.4 SwStr%).
- Cole Winn tossed a scoreless seventh, yielding a hit and striking out two.
What’s noticeable, the inning of entry should foreshadow the team’s next save chance, though nothing is guaranteed.
Hierarchy Remains: Jakob Junis | Jacob Latz | Cole Winn
Quick Hits
- Los Angeles Angels: Taking over a tied game at the top of the eighth, Drew Pomeranz allowed three hits, three earned runs, and a walk while striking out one, resulting in his second loss. Sam Bachman worked 1.1 clean frames, stranding a runner and striking out one across the sixth and seventh innings.
- New York Yankees: Closing out a combined shutout, David Bednar worked around Cedanne Rafaela’s two-out single with a game-ending strikeout in a non-save capacity. He threw 19 pitches (12 strikes – 63.2 Strike%) with two whiffs (10.5 SwStr%). He’s been scoreless in his last four appearances and posted a 1.758 WHIP with 13 strikeouts versus five walks (17.4 K-BB%) across 9.2 innings.
- Seattle Mariners: Called upon at the top of the sixth with the score tied, Eduard Bazardo suffered his first loss, allowing two hits and an earned run while striking out one.
- Tampa Bay Rays: As rough outings mount, it’s tough to trust Griffin Jax. He allowed Spencer Steer’s solo home run in the fifth inning, and had a second earned run charged to his ledger, issuing a one-out walk in the sixth, prompting his removal. He finished 1.1 innings, yielding a hit, two earned runs, and a walk while striking out three, resulting in a 1.889 WHIP through his first nine innings.
National League
Chicago Cubs
Forced into action with two runners on and one out, Caleb Thielbar recorded his second save, retiring Edmundo Sosa on a flyout and inducing a game-ending pop-out by Trea Turner. He threw six pitches (66.7 Strike%) and produced one whiff (16.7 SwStr%). He’s been scoreless over his last four appearances, recording a win, two saves, and a hold with five strikeouts versus one walk.
- Jacob Webb made the mess, allowing two hits and an unearned run during one-third of the ninth.
Hierarchy Remains: *Caleb Thielbar | *Ben Brown | Hoby Milner
*= closer-by-committee
Los Angeles Dodgers
Keeping his team within striking distance, Tanner Scott issued a walk and recorded a strikeout at the bottom of the eighth versus the Giants’ 2-3-4-5 hitters, throwing 16 pitches (11 strikes – 68.8 Strike%) with three whiffs (18.8 SwStr%). His role remains in flux with Edwin Díaz out for at least two months, but he will be part of the high-leverage equation. Scott has posted a 0.621 WHIP with nine strikeouts against one walk (23.5 K-BB%) across 9.2 innings.
Hierarchy Remains: *Tanner Scott | *Alex Vesia | *Blake Treinen
*= closer-by-committee
Milwaukee Brewers
In order of appearance, Grant Anderson collected his first win, taking over at the bottom of the fifth and logging two scoreless frames, allowing a hit and striking out one.
- Trevor Megill fired a clean sixth and recorded a strikeout for his second hold. He threw 14 pitches (71.4 Strike%) and produced two whiffs (14.3 SwStr%).
- Aaron Ashby tossed a scoreless seventh, walking and striking out two.
- Jake Woodford closed out a lopsided margin, giving up four hits and three earned runs while striking out two across the eighth and ninth innings in Detroit.
Hierarchy Remains: Abner Uribe | Ángel Zerpa | Trevor Megill
Philadelphia Phillies
Summoned with the bases loaded and one out at the bottom of the eighth, Brad Keller retired both batters, preventing further damage in an eventual loss.
- José Alvarado allowed two hits, an earned run, and a walk while striking out one during one-third of the eighth. He left with mild back spasms.
- Tim Mayza gave up two hits, both home runs, three earned runs, and a walk while striking out one in the seventh.
- Tanner Banks was tagged with his first loss, giving up three hits, two earned runs, and two walks while striking out one in the sixth.
Hierarchy Remains: Brad Keller | José Alvarado | Orion Kerkering
San Diego Padres
Locking down his first save and preserving a 1-0 win at Coors Field, Adrian Morejon retired the 1-2-3 hitters in order and recorded two strikeouts for his first save. He threw eight pitches (87.5 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (37.5 SwStr%). He becomes the third Padres pitcher with a save this season, and this marks the sixth of his career. He’s been scoreless over his last four games with seven strikeouts against one walk across five innings.
- Jason Adam notched his fourth hold, retiring the side and striking out one in the eighth.
Hierarchy Remains: Mason Miller | Jason Adam | Adrian Morejon
St. Louis Cardinals
Shutting the door on his seventh save, Riley O’Brien navigated around Jakob Marsee’s lead-off single at the bottom of the ninth with a strikeout, a fielder’s choice grounder, and a game-ending lineout. He threw 17 pitches (11 strikes – 64.7 Strike%) and induced three whiffs (17.6 SwStr%).
He’s only allowed one unearned run through his first 13 games, posting a 0.45 WHIP with 15 strikeouts and no walks (33.3 K-BB%) across 13.1 innings.
- George Soriano stranded two runners, striking out his only batter in the eighth for his second hold.
- Ryne Stanek gave up a hit, two earned runs, and three walks while striking out two at the bottom of the eighth.
Hierarchy Remains: Riley O’Brien | JoJo Romero | Ryne Stanek
Washington Nationals
Making his first appearance since throwing 32 pitches five days ago, Clayton Beeter worked a scoreless ninth, allowing Ronald Acuña Jr.’s two-out single and recording two strikeouts, closing out a seven-run lead. He threw 19 pitches (11 strikes – 57.9 Strike%) and produced four whiffs (21.1 SwStr%). He’s a mixed bag of results, reflected by his 1.258 WHIP with nine strikeouts against eight walks through 9.2 innings, converting two of four save opportunities.
- Cionel Pérez gave up a hit, an earned run, and two walks in the eighth.
- Gus Varland notched his third hold, yielding a hit and striking out one in a scoreless seventh.
Hierarchy Remains: *Clayton Beeter | *Gus Varland | *PJ Poulin
*= closer-by-committee
Thanks for being a part of the Closer Monkey community. Stay safe, and be well.
Statistical Credits: