Monday’s 3-game slate produced three wins, two saves, five losses, and four blown saves by relievers. Here are the saves in condensed form:
There have been 1,213 saves this season by 254 different pitchers. For perspective, this season has already set an MLB record for the number of pitchers with at least one save; the previous record was 223 in 2024.
Here are the upcoming vulture save options:
Vulture Save Options for 9.22.2026
- Jeff Hoffman (MIN): He has not received a save chance with the Twins yet, but could be in line for an audition before next season.
Doubleheader
- New York Yankees: Recommended – Paul Blackburn
- Tampa Bay Rays: Recommended – Cole Sulser; YOLO – Brody Hopkins
Vulture Save Stash for 9.23.2026
- None until Tuesday’s usage patterns have happened.
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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Shutting the door on his second save, Trent Harris retired the side and recorded a strikeout at the top of the ninth, preserving a three-run lead against the Twins. He threw 16 pitches (62.5% strike rate) and produced three whiffs (18.8 SwStr%). He has allowed an unearned run in his last 14 appearances, recording two saves and five holds while posting a 0.733 WHIP with 17 strikeouts and three walks (25.9 K-BB%) across 15 innings.
- Jason Foley allowed a solo home run during the eighth.
- Sam Hentges worked a scoreless seventh, walking one and striking out two.
- Tristan Beck collected his first win, logging 2.2 scoreless innings and striking out one.
This rise in leverage role for Harris has been anticipated and should continue for the remainder of the season.
Updated Hierarchy: Trent Harris | Dylan Smith | Joel Kuhnel
Today’s Takeaways
An untimely home run allowed: Deployed for a third straight game for the first time this season, Tyler Rogers let his only inherited runner score while serving up Pete Alonso’s go-ahead two-run home run, putting an earned run on his ledger. He was tagged with his third loss and a fourth blown save in one-third of the bottom of the eighth. It was also the first home run by a right-handed batter against Rogers this season.
LA beefs up the bullpen: Ahead of the playoffs, Roki Sasaki will be deployed as a reliever:
In the postseason last year, he was scoreless in eight of nine appearances, recording three saves and two holds while posting a 1.031 WHIP with six strikeouts and five walks across 10.2 innings.
Now it’s time for the remaining leverage events of interest from Monday.
American League
Baltimore Orioles – Capping his team’s rally at the bottom of the eighth, Rico Garcia locked down his tenth save, striking out two during a clean top of the ninth, protecting a one-run lead. He threw 17 pitches (12 strikes; 70.6% strike rate) and produced three whiffs (17.6 SwStr%). He has been scoreless in eight of nine appearances this month and has recorded a save in four of his last six.
- Yennier Cano stranded a runner in the seventh and collected his fourth win, retiring four of five batters, giving up a hit while striking out one.
Hierarchy Remains: Rico Garcia | Andrew Kittredge | Josh Walker
Quick Hits
- Minnesota Twins: Appearing in an eventual loss, Travis Adams worked 1.2 scoreless innings, giving up a hit and striking out three. Taylor Rogers logged 1.1 scoreless innings, allowing a hit and recording a strikeout.
National League
Quick Hits
- Washington Nationals: In an eventual loss, Josiah Gray worked two scoreless innings, scattering two hits and striking out one in Detroit.
Holds Tally
Here are the holds from Monday’s slate:
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Statistical Credits: