Friday’s slate featured eight wins (one accompanied by a blown save), 12 saves, nine losses, and five blown saves by relievers. Here are the saves in condensed form:
There have been 793 saves this season by 207 different pitchers. In the previous five MLB seasons, the league average for pitchers with a save was just over 214:
This season may surpass this 214.4 average by the trade deadline.
Here are the vulture save options:
Vulture Save Option for 7.25.2026
- Tejay Antone (CIN): Pagán has appeared in three of the previous four days and in four of the last six.
Vulture Save Stashes for 7.26.2026
- Justin Slaten (BOS): If Chapman and Whitlock pitch today, it will be back-to-back games.
- Kyle Finnegan (DET): If Jansen works today, it will be consecutive contests.
- Yennier Cano (BAL): If Wells and Kittredge appear today, both will have worked in two straight.
- Bradgely Rodriguez (SD): If Miller gets the save chance today, it will be back-to-back contests.
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Our Trade Deadline Market Trends for relievers entering gameplay on July 24.
Navigating around a leadoff walk against Vlad Guerrero Jr., Aroldis Chapman retired the next three Blue Jays, two on strikeouts, en route to his 24th save, taking sole possession of ninth place all-time with his 391st career save. He threw 23 pitches (65.2% Strike Rate) and produced three whiffs (13 SwStr%). He’s on a modest seven-game scoreless streak; however, he’s allowed at least one walk in his last four outings, five across four innings. His current 1.87 ERA is accompanied by a 3.46 SIERA and a 3.05 xERA, which hints at some migration to the mean in upcoming appearances unless his command improves:
Garrett Whitlock gave up a leadoff double and an RBI single by Daulton Varsho, resulting in his second blown save, but collected his sixth win courtesy of a two-run rally at the bottom of the inning.
Hierarchy Remains: Aroldis Chapman | Garrett Whitlock | Justin Slaten
Three Takeaways
A surging Monty: Not only did Yohan Ramírez have his scoreless streak snapped, but he suffered his third loss, allowing two hits, two runs (one earned), and two walks, including one with the bases loaded, while striking out two at the top of the tenth facing the Cubs. Gregory Soto retired the side in the ninth, throwing 16 pitches (62.5% Strike Rate) without a whiff. Mason Montgomery struck out the side in the eighth on 15 pitches (66.7% Strike Rate) and racked up three whiffs (20 SwStr%). He’s been scoreless in his last ten appearances, recording a 0.518 WHIP with 19 strikeouts and four walks (44.1 K-BB%) across 9.2 innings. However, in these games, he’s been an opener once, recorded a win, a save, and a hold, entering games in the following innings: fifth (once), seventh (twice), eighth (three times), and the ninth (three times). It’s not optimal for fantasy players seeking saves, but the ratios and strikeouts provide him more runway for those with patience.
He’s added a sinker to his repertoire, which he uses at the top of the zone, like Aroldis Chapman, which coincides with Montgomery’s recent run of success:
Hierarchy Remains: *Gregory Soto | *Mason Montgomery | Carmen Mlodzinski
*= closer-by-committee
Is Romano the saves leader for two teams? Working around consecutive singles leading off the bottom of the ninth, Jordan Romano induced a pop-out, recorded a strikeout, and a game-ending flyout by Christian Yelich for his eighth save of the season. He has recorded four for the Angels and still leads that team in saves. His fourth save for the Rockies puts him in a tie for their team lead in saves as well (Juan Mejia and Victor Vodnik). Romano threw 22 pitches (13 strikes – 59.1% Strike Rate) and produced two whiffs (9.1 SwStr%). Antonio Senzatela allowed a hit and recorded a strikeout for his third hold in the eighth. Victor Vodnik stranded two runners in the sixth and retired all five batters, one via strikeout, for his fifth hold.
Updated Hierarchy: Jordan Romano | Antonio Senzatela | Victor Vodnik
Atlanta’s heavy usage patterns are taking a toll: Handed a four-run lead at the bottom of the tenth, Dylan Lee allowed Tyler O’Neill’s leadoff single, recorded a strikeout, followed by a sacrifice fly, then served up a two-run home run by Christian Encarnacion-Strand, before producing a game-ending strikeout, finishing a one-run victory. He allowed two hits and three runs (two earned) while striking out two. Elieser Hernández collected his first win, logging three scoreless innings, yielding a hit and three walks with two strikeouts. Tyler Kinley stranded two runners, retiring his only batter in the sixth.
Hierarchy Remains: Raisel Iglesias | Didier Fuentes | Dylan Lee
Here are the remaining leverage events of interest from Friday.
American League
Baltimore Orioles – Tasked with the top of the tenth, Andrew Kittredge allowed Joey Bart’s leadoff single, had the “courtesy runner” score on a fielder’s choice throwing error, recorded consecutive strikeouts, then served up Matt Olson’s three-run home run, resulting in his second loss while working two-thirds of the inning, but all four runs were unearned.
- Grant Wolfram gave up a hit during his one-third of the tenth.
- Tyler Wells tossed a scoreless ninth, giving up a hit and striking out two.
- Rico Garcia was charged with his third blown save, yielding a game-tying solo home run by Drake Baldwin and striking out two in the eighth.
Hierarchy Remains: *Tyler Wells | *Andrew Kittredge | Yennier Cano
*= closer-by-committee
Detroit Tigers – Sealing a one-run lead and his 12th save, Kenley Jansen fired a clean top of the ninth against the Royals’ 4-5-6 hitters. He threw eight pitches (87.5% Strike Rate) and produced three whiffs (37.5 SwStr%) while striking out one. It’s his first save in the second half, and it extended his scoreless streak to eight games, during which he’s posted a 1.228 WHIP over 7.1 innings.
- Brenan Hanifee retired both batters in the eighth, securing his third hold.
Hierarchy Remains: Kenley Jansen | Kyle Finnegan | Drew Anderson
Houston Astros – In a non-save outing, Josh Hader closed out a four-run lead against the White Sox, firing a clean bottom of the ninth while striking out two. He threw 13 pitches (11 strikes – 84.6% Strike Rate) and induced two whiffs (15.4 SwStr%). Through eight games in July, he’s been scoreless in six with a 1-1 record and three saves while posting a 1.738 WHIP over 6.1 innings.
- Steven Okert gave up a hit during a scoreless eighth, securing his 14th hold.
- Bryan Abreu allowed a hit and struck out two in a scoreless seventh for his sixth hold.
- Bennett Sousa worked a scoreless sixth, yielding a hit and striking out one for his second hold.
- Kai-Wei Teng collected his fifth win, giving up two hits, two earned runs, and a walk while striking out one across his two innings.
Hierarchy Remains: Josh Hader | Bryan Abreu | Steven Okert
New York Yankees – Shutting the door on his 19th save and preserving a 1-0 win in Philadelphia facing the 3-4-5 pocket, David Bednar retired the side while striking out one. He threw nine pitches (66.7% Strike Rate) and induced two whiffs (22.2 SwStr%). He owns the longest active scoreless streak in the majors, 22.2 innings, during which he owns a 0.573 WHIP with 23 strikeouts versus five walks (23.5 K-BB%).
- Brent Headrick stranded both inherited runners, retiring both batters, one via strikeout, for his 13th hold.
Hierarchy Remains: David Bednar | Fernando Cruz | Brent Headrick
Texas Rangers – Despite letting a run score on a wild pitch, Jacob Latz recorded his 20th save, finishing off a one-run contest against Seattle. He threw 21 pitches (16 strikes – 76.2% Strike Rate) and induced three whiffs (14.3 SwStr%). Latz gave up Colt Emerson’s one-out double, retired Randy Arozarena on a groundout before the errant pitch ended his nine-game scoreless streak. However, he’s converted his last 15 save chances since May 26.
- Cole Winn stranded a runner, retiring his only batter in the eighth for his ninth hold.
- Tyler Alexander allowed a hit during two-thirds of the eighth, securing his ninth hold.
- Jakob Junis fired a clean seventh, striking out one, securing his 13th hold.
- Peyton Gray earned his fifth win, yielding a hit and striking out one in a scoreless sixth.
Hierarchy Remains: Jacob Latz | Jakob Junis | Tyler Alexander
The Athletics – Completing a combined shutout, Hogan Harris retired the side and recorded one strikeout against the Twins at the bottom of the ninth, notching his eighth save. He threw 10 pitches (70% Strike Rate) and induced one whiff. He has been scoreless in his last five games, securing a save in two of his last three.
- Jose Alvarado gave up a hit in the eighth, recording his fifth hold.
- José Suarez stranded all three runners in the sixth and retired all five batters, resulting in his third hold.
- Geoff Hartlieb allowed three walks and struck out one, but was credited with his first hold during one-third of the sixth.
Updated Hierarchy: *Hogan Harris | *Luis Medina | José Suarez
*= closer-by-committee
Quick Hits
- Chicago White Sox: With two runners on and no outs at the top of the sixth, Bryan Hudson let both score, allowing three hits, four earned runs, and a walk while striking out one, resulting in his third loss and a third blown save. He departed with two outs, replaced by Seranthony Domínguez, who gave up a hit and two walks while striking out one, also letting both inherited runners score.
- Los Angeles Angels: After his team did not score at the top of the tenth, Chase Silseth took over, allowing a one-out walk to Bryce Eldridge, followed by a walk-off RBI single by Rafael Devers, resulting in his second loss. Ryan Zeferjahn tossed a scoreless ninth, walking and striking out one.
- Tampa Bay Rays: Securing his first career save, Chris Roycroft finished an eventual eight-run win over Cleveland. He logged three innings, allowing four hits and two earned runs while striking out two. He threw 38 pitches (28 strikes – 73.7% Strike Rate) and induced two whiffs.
- Toronto Blue Jays: Entering a tied game at the bottom of the eighth, CJ Van Eyk allowed four hits and two earned runs while retiring one batter, suffering his first loss.
National League
Arizona Diamondbacks – Preserving a one-run lead in Washington, Paul Sewald retired the side and recorded a strikeout, locking down his 24th save. He threw nine pitches (77.8% Strike Rate) and produced two whiffs (22.2 SwStr%) in a much-needed clean save, snapping a streak of at least one run allowed in his previous three games.
- Kevin Ginkel worked a clean eighth, striking out one for his tenth hold.
- Juan Morillo tossed a clean seventh, striking out one, notching his 12th hold.
Hierarchy Remains: Paul Sewald | Juan Morillo | Brandyn Garcia
Chicago Cubs – Although he let the “courtesy runner” score at the bottom of the tenth on a fielder’s choice groundout, Gavin Hollowell secured his first save of the season and first since 2023. He threw five pitches (80% Strike Rate) without a whiff in Pittsburgh.
- Caleb Thielbar collected his third win, retiring the side and striking out one in the bottom of the ninth.
- Jacob Webb allowed a hit and struck out one in a scoreless eighth, facing the Pirates’ 3-4-5-6 hitters.
Hierarchy Remains: *Jacob Webb | *Trent Thornton | Caleb Thielbar
*= closer-by-committee
Cincinnati Reds – Locking down his tenth save, Emilio Pagán fired a clean bottom of the ninth and recorded two strikeouts, finishing a two-run lead in St. Louis. He threw 11 pitches (90.9% Strike Rate) and produced two whiffs (18.2 SwStr%). He has been scoreless in his last three appearances, securing a save in each.
- Tejay Antone notched his fifth hold, giving up a hit and striking out one in a scoreless eighth.
- Brock Burke retired the side, striking out one for his 12th hold in the seventh.
- Julian Garcia was awarded his first win, stranding a runner and striking out his only batter in the sixth.
- Caleb Ferguson issued a walk during two-thirds of the sixth.
Hierarchy Remains: Emilio Pagán | Brock Burke | Tejay Antone
Los Angeles Dodgers – Nailing down his 16th save, Tanner Scott fired a clean bottom of the ninth while striking out one against the Mets’ 3-4-5 hitters. He threw 16 pitches (62.5% Strike Rate) and induced two whiffs (12.5 SwStr%). He has been scoreless in 13 of his last 14 appearances, posting a 0.682 WHIP with 22 strikeouts and two walks (38.5 K-BB%) across 14.2 innings, converting 10 of his 11 save chances.
- Evan Phillips allowed a solo home run by Francisco Alvarez and recorded a strikeout for his second hold in the eighth.
Hierarchy Remains: Tanner Scott | Alex Vesia | Edgardo Henriquez
San Diego Padres – Closing out a two-run lead in Miami, Mason Miller fired a clean bottom of the ninth, striking out one for his 26th save. He threw 11 pitches (63.6% Strike Rate) and induced one whiff. He has been scoreless in his last seven games, converting all five save opportunities while posting a 0.857 WHIP with 13 strikeouts and two walks (40.7 K-BB%) in seven innings.
- Adrian Morejon stranded two runners in the seventh and retired four of five batters, walking one and striking out two, earning his eighth win.
- Bradgely Rodriguez allowed two hits and struck out one during two-thirds of the seventh.
- Wandy Peralta suffered his second blown save, giving up two hits, an earned run, and striking out one over 1.2 innings.
Hierarchy Remains: Mason Miller | Adrian Morejon | Bradgely Rodriguez
San Francisco Giants – Working around Vaughn Grissom’s one-out single with an inning-ending double play on a flyout with a runner thrown out at third, Caleb Kilian stranded the “courtesy runner” and collected his third win courtesy of a walk-off rally at the bottom of the inning.
- Erik Miller tossed a scoreless ninth, issuing two walks (one intentional – Mike Trout), and striking out one.
- Jason Foley suffered his first blown save, giving up two hits, including a game-tying two-run home run by Grissom, and striking out one in the eighth.
- Dylan Smith walked one and struck out three in a scoreless seventh for his fourth hold.
Updated Hierarchy: *Erik Miller | *Caleb Kilian | Dylan Smith
*= closer-by-committee
Quick Hits
- Miami Marlins: After stranding two runners at the top of the seventh, Tyler Zuber gave up Ty France’s leadoff double in the eighth, recorded a strikeout, then served up Luis Rengifo’s go-ahead two-run home run, resulting in his first loss.
- New York Mets: Entering a tied game at the top of the seventh, Brooks Raley suffered his fifth loss, allowing two hits, an earned run, and a walk while facing the Dodgers. A.J. Minter gave up two hits, including Kyle Tucker’s two-run home run during the eighth.
- St. Louis Cardinals: Summoned with a one-run lead at the top of the seventh, George Soriano allowed three hits, including Eugenio Suárez’s go-ahead two-run home run, resulting in his third loss and fourth blown save.
Holds Tally
Here are the 19 holds from Friday’s slate:
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Statistical Credits: