Sunday’s 16-game slate featured eight wins by relievers, nine saves, including two by the Rockies, and six losses. Here are the saves in condensed form:
As for the vulture options across today’s slate:
Vulture Save Options for 4.27.2026
- Phil Maton (CHC): If activated, he will be the preferred save option.
- Grant Taylor (CHW): Domínguez has pitched in three of the previous four days, and if using Taylor in this game, why not for the save?
- Mason Fluharty (TOR): Going a bit rogue here, but Varland and Rogers have pitched in consecutive contests, and Boston struggles with left-handed pitching.
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Handed a two-run lead despite throwing a career-high 30 pitches as a reliever on Saturday, Louis Varland locked down his third save, allowing a lead-off single, inducing a fielder’s choice groundout, and consecutive strikeouts. He threw 20 pitches (75 Strike%) and recorded four whiffs (20 SwStr%).
Through 15 innings, he owns a 1.067 WHIP with 23 strikeouts versus four walks (33.3 K-BB%). There are no guarantees how long his run as the preferred save share lasts, but as this post by Ethan Diamandas of MLB.com details, he’s earned his manager’s trust:
And, Varland has Patrick Corbin’s attention as well:
- Jeff Hoffman notched his second hold, walking and striking out one in a scoreless eighth.
- Tyler Rogers fired a clean seventh, striking out one for his sixth hold.
- Braydon Fisher collected his first win, stranding a runner in the fifth, and logging 1.1 scoreless frames, yielding a hit and two walks while striking out two.
For now:
Updated Hierarchy: Louis Varland | Tyler Rogers | Jeff Hoffman
Three Takeaways
Seranthony’s struggles with dingers: Taking over a scoreless game at the top of the tenth, Seranthony Domínguez allowed the “courtesy runner” to score on a sacrifice fly, but with two outs, he allowed José Tena’s solo home run, resulting in his third loss. He threw 18 pitches (11 strikes – 61.1 Strike%) and induced one whiff. This snapped his modest three-game scoreless streak, and of his eight hits allowed, three have been home runs. First, his illustrator from this outing:
And, his results:
Count leverage matters during high-leverage events, and putting a 3-1 fastball in this spot invites trouble. Although his contact rates are only up slightly, it’s the quality of them that’s presenting the problem. Of his 28 batted ball events, four are barrels (14.3%) and 12 are graded as hard hits (42.9%), resulting in a 6.76 xERA compared to his current 4.91 ERA. He has converted six of eight save opportunities, but the ratios need to improve if he’s keeping the closer role all season.
Still Perk-olating: Slamming the door on his second save, Jack Perkins preserved a one-run lead with two scoreless frames, allowing a hit and striking out two in Texas. He threw 26 pitches (20 strikes – 76.9 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (11.5 SwStr%).
Across only six outings, he’s logged 11.1 innings, posting a 1.147 WHIP with 15 strikeouts against three walks (25 K-BB%). Although his manager prefers not to have defined roles, Perkins has carved out a larger share of leverage, and it’s warranted. His value lies in deeper formats, but as a streaming option, he’s viable in 12-team leagues as well. Also from this game, Hogan Harris secured his sixth hold, walking and striking out one in a scoreless seventh. Justin Sterner collected his first win, yielding a hit, striking out two, and stranding two runners, in a scoreless sixth.
Updated Hierarchy: *Jack Perkins | *Hogan Harris | *Joel Kuhnel
*= closer-by-committee
Schultz answers the bell: Handed a two-run lead at the bottom of the tenth, Paxton Schultz converted his first career save, letting the “courtesy runner” score on a one-out RBI single, followed by consecutive strikeouts. He threw 17 pitches (14 strikes – 82.3 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (11.8 SwStr%). He owns a 1.11 WHIP with nine strikeouts versus one walk (20.5 K-BB%) across nine innings. Schultz may be needed by a bullpen bereft of talent and depth. However, like his teammates, his fantasy ceiling is limited.
Before this game, Clayton Beeter was placed on the 15-day injured list:
Richard Lovelady collected his first win, allowing a hit and a walk while striking out two in a scoreless ninth, ahead of his team’s rally in the tenth. Gus Varland kept the game scoreless, firing a clean eighth and striking out one.
Updated Hierarchy: *Gus Varland | *Paxton Schultz | *PJ Poulin
*= closer-by-committee
Here are the remaining leverage events of interest from Sunday’s slate.
American League
Boston Red Sox
Shutting the door on his fifth save, Aroldis Chapman fired a clean bottom of the ninth while striking out two, preserving a two-run lead in Baltimore. He threw seven pitches, all strikes, and generated four whiffs (57.1 SwStr%).
This marked his first save in six days, and he’s been scoreless in eight of nine games this season, recording a 0.827 WHIP with 10 strikeouts versus three walks (21.2 K-BB%) over 8.2 innings.
- Garrett Whitlock allowed two hits and an earned run while striking out one in the eighth for his fourth hold.
- Zack Kelly retired his only batter in the seventh, securing his second hold.
Hierarchy Remains: Aroldis Chapman | Garrett Whitlock | Greg Weissert
Houston Astros
Wrapping up his team’s win over the Yankees in a non-save capacity, things went a bit sideways for Enyel De Los Santos. He allowed four hits and three earned runs, cutting a six-run margin in half. Steven Okert was warming in case he was needed. After this outing, De Los Santos has a 1.452 WHIP with eight strikeouts against three walks (10.9 K-BB%) through 10.1 innings. The good news is that he has three saves; however, he presents a risk to a team’s ratios.
- Bryan King retired the side and recorded a strikeout at the top of the eighth.
Hierarchy Remains: *Enyel De Los Santos | *Bryan King | Bryan Abreu
*= closer-by-committee
Kansas City Royals
Even though the “courtesy runner” scored on a passed ball, Lucas Erceg collected his second win on a walk-off rally at the bottom of the tenth. His outing began with a leadoff walk to Zach Neto, followed by a fielder’s choice grounder by Mike Trout, and a passed ball during consecutive strikeouts, keeping the game within one. He threw 21 pitches (66.7 Strike%) and induced two whiffs.
It’s not been pretty as he owns a 1.589 WHIP with nine strikeouts against nine walks, but he’s recorded two wins and six saves through 11 games, spanning 11.1 innings.
Hierarchy Remains: Lucas Erceg | Matt Strahm | Nick Mears
Los Angeles Angels
Newly promoted from Triple-A, Joey Lucchesi retired the first two batters at the bottom of the tenth, then issued Maikel Garcia a walk, and gave up a walk-off, three-run home run blast by Lane Thomas, resulting in his first loss and a first blown save. Life comes at you fast.
- Drew Pomeranz was summoned with two outs and a runner on with a two-run lead, and served up a game-tying two-run home run by Jac Caglianone, getting charged with his first blown save. He’s allowed at least a run in his last three games, and in four of his last six.
- Brent Suter was credited with his first hold, allowing two hits, two earned runs, and a walk during his combined inning.
- Ryan Zeferjahn tossed 1.2 scoreless frames, walking and striking out one for his second hold. He turned in the best outing in this contest.
- Sam Bachman gave up three hits, two earned runs, and two walks while recording three outs between the sixth and seventh innings, credited with his fourth hold.
Adjusted Hierarchy: *Ryan Zeferjahn | *Drew Pomeranz | *Chase Silseth
*= closer-by-committee
Seattle Mariners
Capping his team’s rally and preserving a one-run lead, Jose A. Ferrer retired the side against the Cardinals’ 8-9-1 lineup pocket on 11 pitches (72.7 Strike%) without a whiff.
- Eduard Bazardo collected his first win, retiring all four batters, one via strikeout, plus stranding a runner in the seventh.
- Gabe Speier issued a walk during his two-thirds of the seventh.
Hierarchy Remains: Andrés Muñoz | Matt Brash | Gabe Speier
Tampa Bay Rays
Securing his sixth save, Bryan Baker fired a clean top of the ninth against the Twins’ 7-8-9 lineup pocket and recorded one strikeout on 16 pitches (75 Strike%) with three whiffs (18.8 SwStr%).
In his first 11 appearances, he’s converted six of eight save chances while posting a 0.883 WHIP with 11 strikeouts versus three walks (19.5 K-BB%) across 10.1 innings.
- Cole Sulser recorded his third hold, giving up a hit and striking out two over 1.1 scoreless frames.
- Jesse Scholtens collected his second win as the “bulk follower,” logging 4.1 innings, allowing three hits, two earned runs, and three walks while striking out one.
Hierarchy Remains: Bryan Baker | Griffin Jax | Ian Seymour
Quick Hits
- Baltimore Orioles: In an eventual loss, Andrew Kittredge tossed a clean top of the ninth, striking out one. Rico Garcia worked a clean eighth and recorded one strikeout.
- Detroit Tigers: In order of appearance, Brant Hurter took over at the bottom of the sixth and collected his third win, retiring the side on 13 pitches. Will Vest notched his fourth hold, firing a clean seventh and striking out one. Kyle Finnegan gave up a hit and struck out one during a scoreless eighth.
- Minnesota Twins: Appearing during a loss, Justin Topa worked a scoreless bottom of the eighth, yielding a hit and striking out one. Cole Sands retired both batters in the eighth. Kody Funderburk issued a walk during 1.1 scoreless frames.
National League
Arizona Diamondbacks
Finishing off a five-run lead, Jonathan Loáisiga worked around Ramón Laureano’s lead-off single for a scoreless top of the ninth in Mexico City against the Padres.
- Juan Morillo notched his seventh hold, striking out two during a clean eighth.
- Ryan Thompson collected his second win, allowing two hits during a scoreless seventh ahead of his team’s six-run rally at the bottom of the frame.
Hierarchy Remains: Paul Sewald | Juan Morillo | Jonathan Loáisiga
Atlanta Braves
Finishing off a four-run lead against the Phillies and securing his team’s 20th win, Robert Suarez fired a clean top of the ninth. He threw 10 pitches (60 Strike%) and produced one whiff, striking out one while facing the 4-5-6 lineup pocket. Through 13 games, he’s posted a 0.868 WHIP with 13 strikeouts versus two walks (22.9 K-BB%) across 12.2 innings.
Hierarchy Remains: Robert Suarez | Tyler Kinley | Dylan Lee
Colorado Rockies
(Game 1) He’s a bit Dr. Jekyll, and Mr. Hyde, and it was the good version of Victor Vodnik closing out a two-run lead against the Mets, retiring the side while striking out two for his fourth save. He threw 15 pitches (60 Strike%) and induced three whiffs (20 SwStr%) against the 5-6-7 lineup pocket.
His season high in changeups was four before this outing, which may signal a change in approach. He had allowed seven earned runs in his two previous appearances and owns a 1.971 WHIP with 10 strikeouts versus six walks across 11.2 innings.
- Jaden Hill worked into and out of trouble, giving up two hits and a walk while striking out one in a scoreless eighth for his sixth hold.
- Juan Mejia logged 1.2 clean frames and recorded two strikeouts, securing his second hold.
(Game 2) Preserving a combined shutout and a sweep, Zach Agnos allowed a one-out double by MJ Melendez, but retired the next two batters for his second save. Seth Halvorsen issued a walk while recording his second hold in the eighth.
Hierarchy Remains: *Victor Vodnik | *Antonio Senzatela | Jimmy Herget
*= closer-by-committee
New York Mets
(Game 2) During a shutout loss, Devin Williams fired a clean top of the ninth and recorded two strikeouts facing the Rockies’ 8-9-1 hitters. He threw 14 pitches (71.4 Strike%) and generated four whiffs (28.6 SwStr%).
This was the best his change-up has performed:
Can he build on this outing? Three games against the Nationals and the Angels may be just what he needs.
- Brooks Raley retired the side and struck out one in the eighth.
- Luke Weaver allowed a hit during a scoreless seventh.
Hierarchy Remains: Devin Williams | Luke Weaver | Brooks Raley
San Francisco Giants
Summoned at the top of the eighth with a runner on and two outs, Erik Miller retired all four batters, one via strikeout, preserving a three-run lead while recording his second save this season. He threw 12 pitches (7 strikes – 58.3 Strike%) without a whiff. He’s made 11 appearances and posted a 1.355 WHIP with 16 strikeouts against six walks (22.2 K-BB%) across 10.1 innings. He benefited from Miami having two left-handed hitters at the top of the lineup, which provided him with the optimal matchup and led to the save opportunity.
Updated Hierarchy: *Ryan Walker | *Erik Miller | Keaton Winn
*= closer-by-committee
St. Louis Cardinals
With the score tied at the top of the ninth, JoJo Romero allowed a pinch-hit, go-ahead home run by Rob Refsnyder and recorded two strikeouts during his first loss of the season. He threw 21 pitches (12 strikes – 57.1 Strike%) and only induced one whiff.
- Ryne Stanek fired a clean eighth, striking out the side.
- Matt Svanson suffered his first blown save, giving up two hits and an earned run while striking out one in the seventh, ending his three-game scoreless stretch.
Hierarchy Remains: Riley O’Brien | JoJo Romero | Ryne Stanek
Quick Hits
- Cincinnati Reds: Called upon at the top of the sixth, Brock Burke navigated around a hit and two walks while striking out one for his second hold. Sam Moll suffered his first loss and a blown save, giving up a go-ahead two-run home run by Hao-Yu Lee during his one-third of the seventh.
- Miami Marlins: Taking over at the bottom of the sixth, Calvin Faucher suffered his second blown save, giving up two hits, two earned runs, and a walk. Andrew Nardi gave up two hits, including a go-ahead Casey Schmitt three-run home run, and two walks while striking out one, resulting in his first loss. Anthony Bender tossed a clean bottom of the eighth.
- Milwaukee Brewers: Completing the combined shutout, Abner Uribe fired a clean top of the ninth and recorded two strikeouts on 13 pitches (9 strikes – 69.2 Strike%) with one whiff. Aaron Ashby issued two walks and struck out two in the eighth. Trevor Megill navigated around a hit and a walk while striking out two in the seventh.
- San Diego Padres: Things fell apart once the bullpen took over. David Morgan allowed four hits, including a grand slam by Tim Tawa during one-third of the seventh. Bradgely Rodriguez replaced him, allowing two hits, two earned runs, and a walk during two-thirds of the seventh, resulting in his first loss and blown save. Ron Marinaccio gave up five hits and four earned runs over one-third of the eighth.
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