Saturday’s slate featured six wins (one accompanied by a blown save), 10 saves, five losses, and four blown saves by relievers. Here are the saves in condensed form:
There have been 909 saves this season by 223 different pitchers. For perspective, this season has already surpassed last year for the number of pitchers with at least one save and matched the record set in 2024.
Here are the vulture save options:
Vulture Save Options for 8.9.2026
- Alex Vesia (LAD): Díaz and Scott have pitched in consecutive contests.
- Huascar Brazobán (CHW): Taylor only threw 17 pitches last night but also logged two innings on Thursday, throwing 40 pitches.
- Paul Blackburn (NYY): Bednar has worked in back-to-back contests.
- Tyler Rogers (TOR): Varland threw 32 pitches across two innings last night, and has appeared in three of the previous four games.
- Juan Morillo (ARI): Garcia has pitched in consecutive games, and Loáisiga threw 30 pitches last night.
Vulture Save Stashes for 8.10.2026
- Chad Patrick (MIL): If Megill and Uribe pitch today, it’s back-to-back games for each.
- Bradgely Rodriguez (SD): If Miller, Morejon, and Estrada appear today, it’s consecutive contests.
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Sealing a one-run lead at the bottom of the tenth, Jack Dreyer navigated around James McCann’s one-out infield single with a game-ending double-play groundout by Ryan Waldschmidt, notching his first save of the season. He threw 15 pitches (11 strikes – 73.3% Strike Rate) and produced two whiffs (13.3 SwStr%) while striking out one in this outing.
Edwin Díaz suffered his third blown save, giving up back-to-back triples by Geraldo Perdomo and Corbin Carroll opening the bottom of the ninth, scoring the game-tying run. However, he bore down, retiring three of the next four hitters (intentional walk – Lars Nootbar) while striking out one, collecting his second win courtesy of the rally at the top of the tenth.
- Tanner Scott stranded three inherited runners, inducing an inning-ending lineout by Waldschmidt at the bottom of the eighth, securing his ninth hold.
- Kyle Hurt gave up a hit and two walks during two-thirds of the eighth for his ninth hold.
Since his return on July 29, Díaz has faced 23 batters. He has allowed eight hits, five earned runs, two home runs, and recorded five strikeouts against three walks over four innings in five games. He is relying more on his four-seam fastball in these outings, throwing 56 in his 95 pitches (58.9% usage), but the location of them in last night’s blown save was partly the reason. Here is his illustrator from Saturday:
And his results, noting Perdomo’s triple was on a fastball in a 2-2 count and Carroll’s was a fastball in an 0-1 count:
Center-cut fastballs in any count against major league hitters are vulnerable, and these were grooved. Returning from a prolonged absence and surgery should temper fantasy players’ expectations. With this in mind, he did rebound and strand Carroll at third, displaying resilience and improved outcomes as the appearance progressed. Again, it’s a slider problem combined with spotty command at times with the four-seam fastball. Here are his Statcast results since July 29:
There is room for improvement, and it lies in his slider. He cannot afford to have batters hunting fastballs during save situations. Finding an effective release point should be a priority.
Hierarchy Remains: Edwin Díaz | Tanner Scott | Alex Vesia
Today’s Takeaways
Are the Royals splitting a pair for saves? Entering with a three-run lead, Nate Pearson navigated around Michael Conforto’s leadoff double with a pop-out and consecutive strikeouts, including a game-ending one of Pete Crow-Armstrong for his second save. He threw 19 pitches (14 strikes – 73.7% Strike Rate) and induced two whiffs (10.5 SwStr%).
Steven Cruz allowed Ian Happ’s two-out double and recorded a strikeout in a scoreless eighth, facing the Cubs’ 3-4-5-6 hitters, for his fourth hold. John Schreiber notched his tenth hold, walking two and striking out two in a scoreless seventh.
This leverage pattern also happened on August 4, but there was no save opportunity after the Royals scored three runs in the bottom of the eighth. Cruz will still get saves, but he’s being deployed as the highest-leveraged reliever, not like a closer, putting Pearson on the radar for ancillary saves like this one in deeper formats.
Adjusted Hierarchy: *Steven Cruz | *Nate Pearson | John Schreiber
*= closer-by-committee
Can Arizona trust Loáisiga? Summoned with two outs and two runners on at the top of the tenth, Brandyn Garcia induced a grounder by Shohei Ohtani, but it was not handled cleanly by Tim Tawa, resulting in an infield hit, scoring the go-ahead run, then retired Andy Pages on an inning-ending flyout. Gerardo Carrillo allowed an unearned run and two walks while striking out one across 1.2 innings, getting charged with his first loss. Jonathan Loáisiga served up Kyle Tucker’s go-ahead solo home run among his three hits and struck out two in the eighth. He has allowed at least a run in five of his last seven appearances.
Before Paul Sewald was removed from the closer role, Loáisiga recorded a 15-game scoreless streak between June 12 and July 22, yielding seven hits and two walks while striking out 13 across 15 innings, posting a 0.60 WHIP with a 20.8 K-BB percentage. This put him into the conversation as a possibility for save chances. However, in his seven appearances since the streak, he has allowed at least a run in five games, giving up 11 hits, six earned runs, and two walks with seven strikeouts across 7.1 innings, resulting in a 1.774 WHIP with a 14.7 K-BB percentage. Noting he has pitched in 50 games this year compared to a total of 50 in the previous three seasons, fatigue has to be a factor.
Updated Hierarchy: *Brandyn Garcia | *Juan Morillo | Kevin Ginkel
*= closer-by-committee
Here are the remaining leverage events of interest from Saturday.
American League
Chicago White Sox – Just when frustrations were mounting in the fantasy community, Grant Taylor navigated around Angel Genao’s leadoff single by retiring the next three Guardians, preserving a three-run lead for his sixth save. He threw 17 pitches (12 strikes – 70.6% Strike Rate) without a whiff. It’s his first save since July 19 and extended his scoreless streak to 10 games, during which he’s posted a 0.75 WHIP with 14 strikeouts and five walks (16.4 K-BB%) through 14.2 innings.
- Bryan Hudson gave up a hit in a scoreless eighth, securing his seventh hold.
- Sean Newcomb stranded two runners in the seventh, recording two outs and striking out one for his ninth hold.
- Jordan Hicks yielded three hits, including a solo home run, and struck out one during one-third of the seventh, credited with his seventh hold.
Updated Hierarchy: *Grant Taylor | *Huascar Brazobán | Bryan Hudson
*= closer-by-committee
New York Yankees – Taking over with a two-run lead at the top of the ninth, David Bednar issued Mike Yastrzemski a one-out walk, and he advanced to second on defensive indifference, then scored on Dominic Smith’s RBI single with two outs, followed by a game-ending flyout, resulting in his 26th save. He threw 25 pitches (60% Strike Rate) and produced five whiffs (20 SwStr%) while recording a strikeout. He has only allowed three earned runs since May 22, recording four wins and converting all 15 save chances across his last 30.2 innings.
- Paul Blackburn stranded a runner and retired his only batter in the eighth for his fifth hold.
- Brent Headrick gave up two hits, including Ronald Acuña Jr.’s solo shot during two-thirds of the eighth, but was credited with his 17th hold.
Hierarchy Remains: David Bednar | Paul Blackburn | Brent Headrick
Tampa Bay Rays – Securing his MLB-leading 34th save, Bryan Baker allowed Julio Rodríguez’s leadoff single, then retired Josh Naylor via a flyout, and induced a game-ending double-play grounder by Brendan Donovan, preserving a one-run lead. He threw nine pitches (66.7% Strike Rate) without a whiff.
- Kevin Kelly stranded a runner in the seventh and logged 1.1 scoreless innings while yielding a hit, notching his 24th hold.
- Garrett Cleavinger gave up two hits, including Josh Naylor’s solo home run, and recorded a strikeout in two-thirds of the seventh for his 22nd hold.
- Steven Matz logged two scoreless innings and struck out two, collecting his fifth win.
Updated Hierarchy: Bryan Baker | Kevin Kelly | Garrett Cleavinger
The Athletics – Pressed into action with two runners on and two outs at the bottom of the eighth, Hogan Harris recorded an inning-ending strikeout. Working into and out of trouble in the ninth, he allowed Jahmai Jones’ one-out double and Caleb Durbin’s two-out RBI single, Willson Contreras’ single, and issued a walk before inducing a game-ending lineout for his tenth save, snapping the A’s nine-game losing streak. He threw 36 pitches (20 strikes – 55.6% Strike Rate) and produced five whiffs (13.9 SwStr%) while giving up three hits, an earned run, and a walk with two strikeouts over 1.1 innings.
- Seth Johnson gave up a hit and a walk while striking out one during two-thirds of the eighth.
- Luis Medina fired a clean seventh, striking out one against the top of the lineup.
Updated Hierarchy: Hogan Harris | Luis Medina | Seth Johnson
Toronto Blue Jays – Recording his first career save, Lázaro Estrada retired the Phillies’ 7-8-9 hitters at the bottom of the 11th. He threw nine pitches (66.7% Strike Rate) and induced one whiff while recording one strikeout.
- Louis Varland collected his fifth win, allowing an unearned run and a walk while striking out one across two innings, throwing 32 pitches (20 strikes – 62.5% Strike Rate) with three whiffs.
- Braydon Fisher worked around a hit and a walk while striking out one in a scoreless eighth.
- Matt Waldron walked one during a scoreless seventh.
Hierarchy Remains: Louis Varland | Tyler Rogers | Braydon Fisher
Quick Hits
- Cleveland Guardians: As the first reliever in, Colin Holderman let his only inherited runner score at the bottom of the sixth, but also put three earned runs on his ledger without recording an out, hitting two batters and allowing two hits, resulting in his third loss and a first blown save.
- Detroit Tigers: Closing out a combined shutout, Ty Madden logged two innings, yielding a hit and striking out one in San Francisco. Tyler Holton notched his tenth hold, firing two clean frames and striking out two.
- Minnesota Twins: With the score tied at the bottom of the eighth, Jeff Hoffman allowed two hits, including Andrew Vaughn’s go-ahead RBI single, and struck out one, resulting in his eighth loss. Kody Funderburk gave up a hit and struck out three in a scoreless seventh. Travis Adams fired a clean sixth, striking out the side.
- Seattle Mariners: Appearing in an eventual one-run loss, Andrés Muñoz fired a clean top of the ninth, striking out two on eight pitches (87.5% Strike Rate) and racking up three whiffs (37.5 SwStr%).
National League
Colorado Rockies – Another white-knuckle leverage ride with Jordan Romano. He allowed a leadoff single by José Fermin, who stole second, then retired the next two batters ahead of Nathan Church’s RBI single, followed by a game-ending strikeout of César Prieto, securing his tenth save and the two-run margin. He threw 22 pitches (17 strikes – 77.3% Strike Rate) and induced three whiffs (13.6 SwStr%), allowing two hits and an earned run. He has allowed at least a run in his last two appearances.
- Brennan Bernardino served up Jordan Walker’s solo home run and recorded a strikeout for his eighth hold during the eighth inning.
- Parker Mushinski earned his first win, giving up a hit and a walk across 1.1 scoreless innings.
Hierarchy Remains: Jordan Romano | Juan Mejia | Brennan Bernardino
Milwaukee Brewers – Capping his team’s go-ahead rally at the bottom of the eighth, Trevor Megill nailed down his 21st save, retiring the side against the Twins on an efficient four pitches, all strikes, with one whiff. This extends his scoreless streak to six games, during which he’s converted five saves with a 0.188 WHIP with three strikeouts across 5.1 innings.
- Aaron Ashby fired a clean eighth, striking out two, and collected his 13th win. Only Cristopher Sánchez (15) and Sonny Gray (14) have recorded more wins this season.
- Abner Uribe tossed a scoreless seventh, walking and striking out one during a tied game.
- Chad Patrick stranded a runner in the fifth and retired all four batters in his outing.
Hierarchy Remains: Trevor Megill | Abner Uribe | Aaron Ashby
Philadelphia Phillies – Forced into an extended outing (39 pitches), Chase Shugart suffered his first loss, giving up two hits, three runs (one earned), and a walk while striking out one. The deciding factor was a two-run home run by Nathan Lukes at the top of the 11th.
- Jhoan Duran allowed a two-out single by Lukes in the ninth and struck out one in a scoreless appearance, keeping the game tied. He threw 16 pitches (75% Strike Rate) and produced three whiffs (18.8 SwStr%).
- Orion Kerkering stranded a runner and retired his only batter in the eighth.
- José Alvarado suffered his second blown save, allowing a hit, two earned runs, and two walks while striking out one in two-thirds of the eighth.
- Jonathan Bowlan notched his eighth hold, tossing a clean seventh and striking out one.
- Brooks Raley worked a scoreless sixth, walking and striking out one.
Hierarchy Remains: Jhoan Duran | Orion Kerkering | Brooks Raley
San Diego Padres – A rare rocky ninth inning for Mason Miller while facing the Astros. His outing began with a hit batter (Christian Walker), followed by a wild pitch moving him to second, and a ground ball that let him reach third with one out. After a strikeout, Miller gave up an RBI single by Yainer Diaz and induced a game-ending groundout by LaMonte Wade Jr., sealing the one-run margin for his 29th save but snapping his 12-game scoreless streak. He threw 22 pitches (14 strikes – 63.6% Strike Rate) and produced one whiff.
- Adrian Morejon stranded two runners in the seventh and logged 1.1 scoreless innings, issuing a walk and striking out two, securing his 18th hold.
- Jeremiah Estrada gave up a hit and a walk while striking out two during two-thirds of the seventh for his tenth hold.
Hierarchy Remains: Mason Miller | Adrian Morejon | Jeremiah Estrada
Washington Nationals – Wrapping up a six-run lead at the top of the ninth, Tom Cosgrove retired the side and recorded two strikeouts against the Reds’ 6-7-8 batters.
- Clayton Beeter tossed a scoreless eighth, walking and striking out one. He was awarded his fifth win by the home scorer. He has recorded two wins and converted four of five save chances in his last seven appearances.
- Yovanny Cruz navigated around a hit and a walk while striking out one in a scoreless seventh.
- Max Kranick let his only inherited runner score, allowing a two-run home run by Eugenio Suárez, resulting in his first blown save.
Hierarchy Remains: Clayton Beeter | Orlando Ribalta | Yovanny Cruz
Quick Hits
- Miami Marlins: Completing a combined shutout in a non-save appearance, Pete Fairbanks worked around Nolan Schanuel’s leadoff single by striking out the Angels’ 4-5-6 hitters. He threw 16 pitches (11 strikes – 68.8% Strike Rate) and produced four whiffs (25 SwStr%). This extends his scoreless streak to six games, during which he owns a 0.50 WHIP with nine strikeouts and two walks (33.3 K-BB%) through six innings.
- Pittsburgh Pirates: Preserving a combined shutout, Kirby Yates worked a clean top of the ninth against the Mets. Lake Bachar logged two clean innings, striking out four.
Holds Tally
Here are the holds from Saturday’s slate:
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Statistical Credits: