After a slow start, Friday’s slate finished with a flurry. Six reliever wins and seven saves were recorded. Bryan Abreu and Enyel De Los Santos each secured their first save of 2024. With the trade deadline on the horizon, our first Trade Deadline Primer was posted yesterday. One of the featured relievers appears in our three takeaways from yesterday’s action.
Three Takeaways
- Durán in the eighth? Fantasy managers have learned that trusting Rocco Baldelli can be difficult. During a game against the A’s, with a one-run lead in the bottom of the eighth, Jhoan Durán took over to pitch against the A’s 5-6-7 hitters, as per Baldelli’s plans for the series. However, things did not go according to plan. He hit Tyler Soderstrom with a pitch and then gave up a go-ahead two-run home run, resulting in his first blown save and third loss. This was Durán’s first appearance in the eighth inning since June 12, and he has entered games in the eighth inning in seven of his 24 games this year (29.2 percent).
- Estévez remains clean: Preserving a one-run win over the Dodgers, Carlos Estévez retired the side and recorded two strikeouts. He’s posted a win and converted seven straight saves while retiring all 24 batters over his last eight appearances. He’s thrown 94 pitches (69.1 Strike%) and produced a 14.9 swinging strike percentage after adjusting his pitch mix in June, throwing fewer four-seams and more sliders (23.1 SwStr% in June):
- Royals bullpen woes: A tough stretch exacerbates a team’s struggles. Kansas City has lost nine of its last 12 contests, with relievers suffering four of them, including last night’s loss by John Schreiber. In this stretch, only Chris Stratton has recorded a save. The Royals’ relievers have not performed well in June compared to their peers. They have a 7.2% K-BB percentage, the fifth-highest walk rate (10.6%), the 23rd-best WHIP (1.36), and the fourth-highest SIERA (4.34). Although it may be a slow moving market for relievers, if they plan on contending for the postseason, a move for one may be needed sooner rather than later.
Our condensed and full game recaps cover all of Friday’s high-leverage events of interest.
Closer CliffsNotes
American League
(RP | DET): Jason Foley notched his 13th save, preserving a one-run win. He allowed one baserunner on a hit-by-pitch during 1.1 scoreless innings against the White Sox.
(RP | HOU): Appearing for a third straight contest, Bryan Abreu recorded his first save, navigating around a hit for a scoreless ninth, preserving a three-run win over Baltimore.
(RP | KCR): Entering with his team ahead by one, John Schreiber allowed three hits and three earned runs over one-third of the sixth, resulting in his second loss and third blown save.
Hierarchy remains: James McArthur | John Schreiber | Chris Stratton
(RP | LAA): Locking down his 14th save and eighth straight clean appearance, Carlos Estévez recorded two strikeouts while preserving a one-run win over the Dodgers in the bottom of the tenth.
(RP | MIN): In a curious usage pattern, Jhoan Durán took over in the eighth with a one-run lead against Oakland’s 5-6-7 lineup pocket. He suffered his third loss and first blown save, hitting a batter and then serving up a go-ahead two-run home run (Shea Langeliers).
(RP | OAK): Preserving a come-from-behind one-run win, Mason Miller fired a clean top of the ninth and recorded one strikeout against the Twins top of the lineup.
(RP | SEA): With the game tied in the bottom of the tenth, Austin Voth suffered his first loss, giving up a walk-off RBI single by Tim Anderson on his only pitch of the game.
(RP | TBR): Inheriting a bases-loaded situation in the bottom of the fourth, Colin Poche induced an inning-ending double play groundout. He also fired a clean fifth and collected his first win while retiring all four batters during a 1.2 inning-outing.
Hierarchy remains: Pete Fairbanks | Jason Adam | Colin Poche
(RP | TEX): Finishing a four-run win, Kirby Yates navigated around a two-out double with a game-ending strikeout. He threw 14 pitches (11 strikes – 78.6 Strike%) and generated five whiffs (35.7 SwStr%) while recording two strikeouts. He’s allowed one earned run during seven appearances this month, converting all three save chances with 11 strikeouts versus three walks.
Hierarchy remains: Kirby Yates | David Robertson | José Leclerc
National League
(RP | ARI): Shutting the door on his ninth save, Paul Sewald fired a clean bottom of the ninth, preserving a two-run win in Philadelphia.
(RP | CIN): Recording his 17th save, Alexis Díaz worked around a hit and recorded a strikeout during a scoreless top of the ninth, preserving a three-run win over the Red Sox.
(RP | LAD): A tough luck loss for Anthony Banda. He allowed an unearned run and recorded four outs while striking out one against the Angels. Facing one batter in the tenth, he was charged with the “place” runner scoring because he opened the inning.
(RP | MIA): After retiring the side in the top of the tenth, Anthony Bender collected his second win on his team’s third consecutive walk-off win at home.
(RP | SDP): After quelling a threat in the top of the eighth, Enyel De Los Santos returned for the ninth and recorded his first save. He logged 1.1 scoreless frames, giving up a hit and striking out two during the eventual four-run win.
(RP | WSH): Dylan Floro was credited with his second win, tossing a scoreless sixth and giving up a hit during the eventual six-run victory.
Hierarchy Remains: Kyle Finnegan | Hunter Harvey | Dylan Floro
Vulture Save Options for Saturday, June 22
- Justin Martinez (ARI): Sewald has pitched in two straight, and this represents a long shot, but the rookie could garner the save chance if presented today.
- Daniel Hudson (LAD): After appearing in two straight, Phillips should be off today, placing Hudson at the top of the list for a save chance against the Angels.
- Griffin Jax (MIN): Durán has appeared in three of the last four and four of the last six.
- David Robertson (TEX): Yates has worked in three of the last four. He may demand the save chance, but it will be Robertson today if he’s rested.
- Dany Jiménez (OAK): Miller has pitched in three of the last four, placing the ever-volatile Jiménez in line for the vulture save today.
Vulture Save Stashes for Sunday, June 23
- Ryne Stanek (SEA): He will get Saturday off after appearing in two straight. If Muñoz pitches today, he will have worked in two straight; he will receive Sunday off ahead of a flight out of Miami.
- Tyler Holton (DET): If Foley pitches on Saturday, it will be two straight outings, and Holton last pitched on June 16.
- Nick Martinez (CIN): He’s forging a larger leverage share, and if Díaz pitches today, he will get Sunday off. This hinges on Martinez not appearing today.
American League – Full Recaps
Detroit Tigers – Securing his first save since June 4 and 13th of the season, Jason Foley retired four of five batters faced, hitting a batter and striking out one, preserving a one-run win over the White Sox. He threw 16 pitches (75 Strike%) and induced one whiff. He’s been scoreless through all seven appearances, spanning 6.2 innings, in June with six strikeouts against one walk. Beau Brieske turned in two scoreless frames, yielding a hit for his first hold.
Hierarchy remains: Jason Foley (HLR|PSS) | Tyler Holton | Shelby Miller
*An HLR/PSS means he’s the preferred save option but will be used at the highest-leverage moment in games when necessary.
Houston Astros – Going from a blowout into a save situation, Bryan Abreu took the ball for a third straight day and worked a scoreless ninth, navigating around a two-out single by Austin Hays with a game-ending flyout by Gunnar Henderson for his first save. He threw 16 pitches (13 strikes – 81.3 Strike%) and did not induce a whiff. He leads all American League relievers with 38 appearances. He also extended his scoreless streak to nine games, during which he’s converted a save, and six holds with nine strikeouts versus four walks across 8.2 innings. Tayler Scott retired his only batter for his third hold in the eighth. Shawn Dubin earned his first win, giving up three hits and an earned run while striking out three over 2.1 innings.
Hierarchy remains: Josh Hader | Ryan Pressly | Bryan Abreu
Los Angeles Angels -Shutting the door on his 14th save during an impromptu bullpen game, Carlos Estévez fired a clean bottom of the tenth and recorded two strikeouts during a one-run win over the Dodgers. He threw nine pitches (77.8 Strike%) and generated three whiffs (33.3 SwStr%) versus the 6-7-8 lineup pocket. Luis García earned his second win, logging two scoreless innings, allowing a hit and striking out one. Ben Joyce tossed two clean frames and recorded two strikeouts on 18 pitches (13 strikes – 72.2 Strike%) with two whiffs. Matt Moore gave up two hits, including a two-run home run by Shohei Ohtani in the fifth. Hunter Strickland turned in 1.2 scoreless and struck out two.
Hierarchy remains: Carlos Estévez | Luis García | Matt Moore
Minnesota Twins – Summoned in the eighth inning against Oakland’s 5-6-7 hitters, which includes two of its best power hitters, Jhoan Durán gave up the lead in three pitches. He hit Tyler Soderstrom with a pitch and allowed a go-ahead two-run home run by Shea Langeliers on a hung “splinker.” Although he retired the next three hitters, Durán suffered his third loss and first blown save, throwing 19 pitches (13 strikes – 68.4 Strike%) with four whiffs (21.1 SwStr%). Jorge Alcala notched his sixth hold, retiring the side and striking out two in the seventh. Kody Funderburk logged 1.1 innings, allowing two hits and an earned run while striking out three. It’s not known if the intent was a two-inning save or using Durán in Rocco Baldelli’s perceived highest-leveraged moment, but we will continue tracking usage patterns in this leverage ladder.
Updated Hierarchy: Jhoan Durán | Griffin Jax | Jorge Alcala
Oakland A’s – Capping an eighth-inning rally, Mason Miller nailed down his 14th save, firing a clean ninth and striking out one. He only needed seven pitches (71.4 Strike%) and induced one whiff facing the Twins’ top of the lineup. Through eight outings in June, he’s converted three of four save chances with nine strikeouts against three walks across 8.2 innings. Sean Newcomb collected his first win, retiring his only batter in the eighth, stranding both inherited runners. Lucas Erceg stranded a runner in the seventh and scattered three hits while striking out one over 1.1 scoreless innings. Austin Adams suffered his third blown save, allowing two hits, including a go-ahead three-run home run by Willi Castro, and two walks during his one-third of the seventh.
Updated Hierarchy: Mason Miller | Lucas Erceg | Dany Jiménez
Seattle Mariners – After throwing one pitch, Austin Voth suffered his first loss, giving up a walk-off single by Tim Anderson, scoring the “place” runner. Andrés Muñoz tossed a scoreless ninth, working around a lead-off single. He threw 22 pitches (15 strikes – 68.2 Strike%) and produced four whiffs (18.2 SwStr%). He’s been scoreless in four of his last five outings and had his 14-game streak with at least one strikeout snapped. Ryne Stanek fired a clean bottom of the eighth and recorded two strikeouts facing the 8-9-1 lineup pocket.
Hierarchy remains: *Andrés Muñoz (HLR/PSS) | *Ryne Stanek | Tayler Saucedo
*= An HLR/PSS means he’s the preferred save option but will be used at the highest-leverage moment in games when necessary.
National League – Full Recaps
Arizona Diamondbacks – Locking down his ninth save, Paul Sewald retired the side in the bottom of the ninth while facing the Phillies’ 8-9-1 lineup pocket. He threw 11 pitches (81.8 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (18.2 SwStr%). He extended his scoreless streak to 14 games with 11 strikeouts versus three walks across 12.2 innings. Ryan Thompson allowed a solo home run (Nick Castellanos) while recording his tenth hold in the eighth. Joe Mantiply let one of two inherited runners score, giving up an RBI single by Trea Turner before inducing an inning-ending double play groundout by Bryce Harper, resulting in his sixth hold. Kevin Ginkel gave up an earned run and two walks while striking out one in one-third of the seventh, getting credit for his fourth hold.
Hierarchy remains: Paul Sewald | Ryan Thompson | Joe Mantiply
Cincinnati Reds – Converting his 17th save, Alexis Díaz navigated around a one-out single during a scoreless ninth and recorded one strikeout. He threw 16 pitches (75 Strike%) and induced two whiffs. Since May 21, he’s racked up 10 saves with 12 strikeouts against six walks and a 1.11 WHIP through 11.2 innings. Nick Martinez secured his fourth hold, allowing a hit and striking out one in a scoreless eighth. Sam Moll fired a clean seventh and struck out one for his sixth hold. Fernando Cruz stranded a runner and retired his only batter via strikeout, nailing down his 16th hold.
Hierarchy remains: Alexis Díaz | Fernando Cruz | Lucas Sims
Los Angeles Dodgers – With a runner on and one out in the top of the tenth, Evan Phillips recorded an out but gave up an RBI single by Taylor Ward, scoring the inherited “place” runner before an inning-ending flyout by Kevin Pillar. He threw 17 pitches (13 strikes—76.5 Strike%) and induced two whiffs. Anthony Banda gets tagged with his first loss, allowing an unearned run and striking out one over his 1.1 innings. Yohan Ramírez fired a scoreless eighth, hitting a batter and striking out three. Ryan Yarbrough suffered his first blown save, hitting three batters in the top of the sixth and giving up a hit, putting two earned runs on his ledger over his two-inning appearance.
Updated Hierarchy: Evan Phillips | Daniel Hudson | Alex Vesia
Miami Marlins – Entering in the top of the tenth, Anthony Bender retired the side and collected his second win courtesy of a walk-off rally in the bottom of the inning. Tanner Scott navigated around a lead-off walk by inducing a double play groundout and an inning-ending groundout for a scoreless outing. He threw 10 pitches (60 Strike%) and induced one whiff. Since the start of May, he’s recorded 17 scoreless appearances over 18 games with 22 strikeouts against eight walks. Calvin Faucher stranded two runners and retired his only batter faced via strikeout. Andrew Nardi allowed two hits and recorded two strikeouts during two-thirds of the eighth. Huascar Brazonán turned in two-thirds scoreless in the seventh with two strikeouts.
Hierarchy remains: Tanner Scott | Calvin Faucher | Andrew Nardi
San Diego Padres – Pressed into action in the top of the eighth with two runners on and one out, Enyel De Los Santos induced an inning-ending double play groundout by William Contreras, protecting a three-run lead. After his teammates tacked on a run, he remained in for the ninth and recorded his first save of the season, the second of his career. His final line was 1.2 scoreless innings, allowing a hit and striking out two on 19 pitches (14 strikes – 73.7 Strike%) with five whiffs (26.3 SwStr%). Stephen Kolek collected his first win despite getting tagged with his first blown save, giving up three hits, an unearned run, and a walk while striking out one during his 1.1 innings. Tom Cosgrove worked 1.1 scoreless frames, yielding a hit and striking out two.
Updated Hierarchy: Robert Suarez | Jeremiah Estrada | Enyel De Los Santos
Thanks for being a part of the Closer Monkey community. Stay safe and be well.
Please consider becoming a premium subscriber for a one-time $20 donation to the site, featuring full-text emails with charts, column blurbs, and ad-free analysis.