Saturday’s slate produced nine wins (one accompanied by a blown save), seven saves, eight losses, and eight blown saves by relievers. Here are the saves in condensed form:
There have been 1,203 saves this season by 252 different pitchers. For perspective, this season has already set an MLB record for the number of pitchers with at least one save, with 224.
Here are the upcoming vulture save options:
Vulture Save Options for 9.20.2026
- Bryan Hudson (CHW): Taylor has pitched in two of the last three games, logging 3.2 innings.
- Gregory Soto (PIT): Montgomery has thrown 50 pitches while appearing in two of the last three days.
- Tayler Saucedo (LAA): Joyce appeared last night, and Watson threw 31 pitches, making both unavailable today, but it’s a risky venture.
Vulture Save Stash for 9.21.2026
Only three games are scheduled for Monday, but rain may be a factor today, causing makeups tomorrow.
- Trent Harris (SF): He’s been the most consistent reliever in this leverage ladder.
In case you missed them, sneak previews of potential closer options for both leagues have been posted:
2027 Potential Closers | American League
2027 Potential Closers | National League
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Becoming the second reliever on his team with at least 10 saves this season, Grant Taylor stranded two runners at the top of the eighth by inducing an inning-ending groundout against Eduardo Valencia. In the ninth, he allowed a two-out single while sealing a two-run lead against Detroit. He threw 23 pitches (16 strikes; 69.6% strike rate) and produced two whiffs. He has recorded four or more outs in his last five appearances and secured a save in his last two.
- Noah Schultz notched his first hold, giving up two hits and striking out four across 1.2 scoreless frames.
After allowing at least a run in four consecutive appearances between September 4 and 15, Taylor has recorded back-to-back scoreless contests with a save in each. He and his teammate, Hagen Smith, will be x-factors for the team’s postseason aspirations in the last week of the season.
Hierarchy Remains: *Grant Taylor | *Bryan Hudson | Hagen Smith
*= closer-by-committee
Today’s Takeaways
One in and one out for the Orioles: Although he did not appear in Saturday’s game, Félix Bautista was activated, and Ryan Helsley has been shut down for the remainder of the season:
Bautista has not appeared in a major league game since July 20, 2025. Fantasy players should monitor his velocity and command over his last outings, though they are likely in lower-leverage situations. He was scoreless in six of eight games at Triple-A, posting a 1.043 WHIP with nine strikeouts and four walks (16.1 K-BB%) across 7.2 innings.
Yoendrys has to be on the hot seat: It was a nice run, but Yoendrys Gómez should not be receiving save chances over the last week of the season. In his last five appearances, he has two losses, two blown saves, and was credited with a hold despite giving up two earned runs in one-third of an inning last night. He has only completed 2.2 innings in these games, allowing nine hits, nine runs (eight earned), and six walks while striking out five. This results in a 5.617 WHIP and a 27 ERA. Here are his splits by half this year:
Now it’s time for the remaining leverage events of interest from Saturday.
American League
Los Angeles Angels – Facing the Twins’ bottom third of the lineup, Tayler Saucedo retired the side, recording two strikeouts, and collected his first win on the ensuing walk-off rally at the bottom of the 11th.
- Ben Joyce worked a scoreless tenth, inducing two flyouts and benefiting from an inning-ending putout at home when the courtesy runner tagged from third base. He threw six pitches (66.7% strike rate) without a whiff.
- Mitch Farris tossed a clean ninth.
- Ryan Watson gave up three hits, an earned run, and a walk while striking out three in the eighth.
- Sam Bachman returned from the injured list with a scoreless seventh, giving up a hit and a walk while striking out one.
Hierarchy Remains: Ben Joyce | Ryan Watson | Tayler Saucedo
Minnesota Twins – Perhaps the last man standing in his bullpen, Taylor Rogers turned in a scoreless bottom of the tenth, but began the 11th by intentionally walking Mike Trout, hitting Vaughn Grissom with a pitch with one out, and giving up Christian Moore’s walk-off RBI single with two outs, resulting in his fourth loss. He logged 1.2 innings and recorded four strikeouts.
- A.J. Minter served up Grissom’s game-tying solo home run and was tagged with his second blown save in the ninth.
- Kody Funderburk stranded two inherited runners by inducing an inning-ending double play in the eighth.
- Yoendrys Gómez allowed two hits, two earned runs, and two walks while striking out one in one-third of the eighth, but was credited with his seventh hold. He has given up multiple runs in three straight appearances and in four of his last five.
- Jeff Hoffman notched his 22nd hold, issuing a walk and striking out one in a scoreless seventh.
- Andrew Morris tossed a clean sixth, striking out one for his 23rd hold.
Updated Hierarchy: *Jeff Hoffman | *A.J. Minter | *Andrew Morris
*= closer-by-committee
Tampa Bay Rays – Working into and then out of trouble, Bryan Baker escaped with a scoreless top of the ninth. After Caleb Durbin’s one-out double, he was caught stealing third base, which proved pivotal when Jarren Duran tripled. With the infield in, Baker induced an inning-ending groundout, then collected his fourth win courtesy of a walk-off rally at the bottom of the inning. He threw 20 pitches (55% strike rate) and did not produce a whiff, remaining scoreless in his last five appearances.
- Cole Sulser gave up a hit and struck out two in a scoreless eighth.
- Cam Booser retired his only batter in the seventh.
- Kevin Kelly stranded a runner in the sixth while allowing a single and striking out one across his combined inning of relief.
Hierarchy Remains: Bryan Baker | Kevin Kelly | Cam Booser
Texas Rangers – Closing out a four-run lead, Jacob Latz retired the side and recorded a strikeout against Toronto’s 5-6-7 hitters. He threw nine pitches (77.8% strike rate) and produced two whiffs (22.2 SwStr%).
- Chase Silseth navigated around two hits and struck out one in a scoreless eighth.
- Robert Garcia allowed two hits and an earned run in the seventh.
- Nathan Eovaldi was credited with his first hold, giving up two hits and an earned run while striking out one in the sixth.
- Jordan Montgomery earned his first win, logging 3.2 scoreless innings, walking and striking out one in his outing.
Hierarchy Remains: Jacob Latz | Jakob Junis | Robert Garcia
Quick Hits
- Boston Red Sox: Taking over a tied game at the bottom of the ninth, Garrett Whitlock allowed three hits, including a walk-off RBI single by Richie Palacios, resulting in his second loss. This snapped his seven-game scoreless streak and represents only the ninth time across 53 outings he’s allowed multiple hits.
- Houston Astros: Pressed into action at the top of the sixth, Bennett Sousa stranded a runner while retiring both batters faced for his 11th hold. A.J. Blubaugh gave up two hits and a walk, which resulted in three earned runs during one-third of the seventh, handing him his third loss while being credited with his 12th hold. Bryan Abreu was saddled with his second blown save, letting all three inherited runners score, serving up a go-ahead grand slam by Ronald Acuña Jr. in two-thirds of the seventh.
- Kansas City Royals: Ceding a one-run lead at the bottom of the eighth, Steven Cruz allowed two hits, including Brandon Lowe’s go-ahead two-run home run, and recorded a strikeout, resulting in his fourth loss and a second blown save. Nolan Hoffman tossed a clean seventh, recording his third hold.
- New York Yankees: Brought into a tied game at the bottom of the ninth in Arizona, Michael Fulmer issued a walk and gave up Pavin Smith’s walk-off, two-run home run, resulting in his first loss while recording one out. Paul Blackburn worked 1.1 scoreless innings, giving up two hits and striking out two. Brent Headrick allowed a hit and struck out one during two-thirds of the seventh.
- Seattle Mariners: Although he stranded two runners at the bottom of the sixth, Carlos Vargas gave up two hits that resulted in two earned runs in the seventh, getting credit for his first hold. Jose A. Ferrer replaced him, letting both inherited runners score while giving up two hits and two earned runs in his one-third of the seventh, getting charged with his fourth loss and a fourth blown save. Cooper Criswell let both inherited runners score, allowing a hit and two walks during his one-third of the seventh.
National League
Arizona Diamondbacks – Benefiting from a walk-off rally, Juan Morillo collected his fifth win, working 1.1 scoreless innings while issuing a walk and recording a strikeout while facing the Yankees. He threw 15 pitches (8 strikes; 53.3% strike rate) and induced one whiff.
- Brandyn Garcia tossed 1.2 scoreless innings, walking and striking out one.
- Kevin Ginkel suffered his second blown save, serving up two solo home runs and striking out one during the top of the sixth.
- Justin Martinez stranded two of three inherited runners, retiring both batters in the fifth, including Ben Rice’s sacrifice fly.
Hierarchy Remains: *Juan Morillo | *Brandyn Garcia | Justin Martinez
*= closer-by-committee
Atlanta Braves – Shutting the door on his 34th save, Raisel Iglesias fired a clean bottom of the ninth while striking out one in Houston. He threw 14 pitches (9 strikes; 64.3% strike rate) and racked up three whiffs (21.4 SwStr%). He has been scoreless in his last three appearances and has converted his last 10 save chances since August 16.
- Dylan Lee gave up two hits, an earned run, and a walk while striking out one at the bottom of the eighth.
- Victor Mederos notched his second hold, striking out one during a clean seventh.
Hierarchy Remains: Raisel Iglesias | Didier Fuentes | Dylan Lee
Chicago Cubs – Protecting a three-run lead, Ryan Rolison was summoned with a runner on and two outs at the bottom of the ninth in Cincinnati, and retired JJ Bleday on a game-ending pop-out for his third save. He only threw five pitches (40% strike rate) and induced one whiff.
- Ryan Zeferjahn stranded two runners in the eighth and allowed a hit while striking out two during his scoreless combined inning, securing his 14th hold.
- Aaron Civale gave up a hit and a walk while retiring two batters in the eighth for his first hold.
- Daniel Palencia fired two clean frames and recorded three strikeouts, notching his second hold.
Hierarchy Remains: *Ryan Zeferjahn | *Ryan Rolison | *Jacob Webb
*= closer-by-committee
Colorado Rockies – Appearing in a third straight game, Brennan Bernardino worked around Michael Arroyo’s one-out single with consecutive strikeouts, sealing a two-run lead for his second save. He threw 19 pitches (12 strikes; 63.2% strike rate) and produced four whiffs (21.2 SwStr%).
- Juan Mejia earned his fourth win, logging two scoreless innings, giving up a hit and striking out one.
- Nick Frasso tossed two scoreless frames, yielding a hit and a walk while striking out two.
Hierarchy Remains: Jordan Romano | Brennan Bernardino | Jaden Hill
Milwaukee Brewers – Preserving a combined shutout, Aaron Ashby nailed down his third save, retiring the side and striking out one against Baltimore’s 4-5-6 hitters. He threw 13 pitches (8 strikes; 61.5% strike rate) and produced two whiffs (15.4 SwStr%). He recorded his last save on August 22, but with just over a week remaining, the Brewers may be playing match-ups while vying for home-field advantage.
- Abner Uribe allowed a hit and recorded a strikeout in a scoreless eighth, securing his 22nd hold, facing the top of the lineup.
Hierarchy Remains: Trevor Megill | Abner Uribe | Aaron Ashby
New York Mets – As the first reliever in, Jefry Yan earned his second win despite letting his only inherited runner score. He took over at the top of the fifth and logged 1.1 scoreless innings, giving up two hits and recording three strikeouts.
- Cionel Pérez notched his sixth hold, retiring two batters in the seventh, but leaving after allowing a hit and a walk while striking out one.
- Jonathan Pintaro stranded both runners and issued a walk during one-third of the seventh for his third hold.
- Dedniel Núñez fired a clean eighth, striking out one and securing his fourth hold.
- Tobias Myers finished the seven-run margin with a scoreless ninth, walking and striking out one.
Hierarchy Remains: Kodai Senga | Dedniel Núñez | Nate Lavender
Pittsburgh Pirates – Sealing a one-run lead and his 15th save, Mason Montgomery worked a scoreless top of the ninth, walking and striking out one against the Royals. He threw 21 pitches (13 strikes; 61.9% strike rate) and generated four whiffs (19 SwStr%). This extends his scoreless streak to 23 games, during which he’s posted a 0.662 WHIP with 33 strikeouts and seven walks (30.6 K-BB%) across 22.2 innings.
- Luke Weaver fired a clean eighth, striking out one and collecting his third win courtesy of a go-ahead rally at the bottom of the inning.
- Camilo Doval gave up four hits and two earned runs while striking out two in the seventh, resulting in his fifth blown save.
- Lake Bachar notched his second hold, retiring the side and striking out two in the sixth.
Hierarchy Remains: Mason Montgomery | Luke Weaver | Gregory Soto
San Diego Padres – Recording a scoreless top of the tenth and working around an intentional walk (Otto Lopez), David Morgan recorded two strikeouts and collected his fourth win on a walk-off rally at the bottom of the inning.
Mason Miller stranded two runners at the top of the eighth, taking over with one out. In fact, he retired his first four batters faced, then gave up a game-tying, pinch-hit home run by Griffin Conine, resulting in his third blown save. He finished with a hit and an earned run while striking out four on 26 pitches (18 strikes; 69.2% strike rate) with four whiffs (15.4 SwStr%).
- Adrian Morejon issued two walks and recorded two strikeouts across the seventh and eighth innings for his 27th hold.
- Yuki Matsui allowed a hit and a walk during two-thirds of the seventh for his tenth hold.
Hierarchy Remains: Mason Miller | Adrian Morejon | Bradgley Rodriguez
Washington Nationals – Avoiding another punchline in the late innings, Will Dion stranded all three inherited runners, inducing a game-ending flyout by Leo Bernal and securing his first career save while throwing two pitches. He’s the 14th pitcher with a save for the Nationals this season.
- Riley Cornelio let the courtesy runner score in the tenth and 11th innings, giving up three hits and a walk while striking out two during his 1.2 innings, resulting in his third win and second blown save.
- Yovanny Cruz stranded two runners while retiring both batters in the ninth, striking out one.
- Erik Tolman allowed three hits and an earned run with a strikeout in one-third of the ninth, suffering his second blown save.
- Jack Sinclair notched his first hold, yielding a hit across 1.1 scoreless innings.
- Richard Lovelady was awarded his tenth hold, allowing two hits and two unearned runs while striking out one in two-thirds of the seventh.
With two more blown saves, this bullpen has added to its MLB record in the category, reaching 41 this season.
Updated Hierarchy: *Will Dion | *Jack Sinclair | *Yovanny Cruz
*= closer-by-committee
Quick Hits
- Los Angeles Dodgers: In order of appearance, Evan Phillips secured his eighth hold, retiring the side and striking out two at the top of the sixth. Alex Vesia fired a clean seventh and recorded two strikeouts. Edwin Díaz allowed a walk and struck out two in a scoreless eighth. Seth Halvorsen closed out a six-run lead with a clean top of the ninth, striking out two.
- Miami Marlins: Called on at the bottom of the tenth with the score tied, Josh Ekness moved the courtesy runner to third on a wild pitch, then gave up a walk-off RBI single by Ethan Salas, resulting in his fourth loss. Victor Vodnik logged two scoreless frames, walking and striking out one. Calvin Faucher worked a scoreless seventh, walking and striking out one. Michael Petersen stranded two runners in the fifth but allowed two hits and an earned run while recording all four of his outs via strikeout.
- Philadelphia Phillies: Another abysmal appearance for Orion Kerkering. He allowed four hits, four earned runs, and two walks while striking out two at the bottom of the eighth against the Mets, breaking the game open. He has allowed at least a run in all four outings in September and multiple runs in three.
- St. Louis Cardinals: Tasked with the top of the 11th, Gordon Graceffo gave up two hits, four runs (two earned), and two walks while striking out one, resulting in his second loss. Riley O’Brien let the courtesy runner score on a go-ahead two-out RBI single by Jorbit Vivas and recorded two strikeouts in the tenth. He has allowed at least a run in six of nine appearances in September.
Holds Tally
Here are the holds from Saturday’s slate:
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Statistical Credits: