Thursday’s eight-game slate provided plenty of intrigue, but the news cycle off the field was even more robust. Four relievers recorded a win yesterday, and there were five saves, including two career-firsts. Because of the smaller slate, here are the Closer CliffsNotes:
Yennier Cano (BAL) was awarded his fourth win after replacing Craig Kimbrel during a blown save in the bottom of the ninth. Cionel Pérez secured his second save in the bottom of the tenth against Miami.
Shelby Miller (DET) notched his second save in a potential trade showcase with a clean ninth inning, preserving a combined shutout of Cleveland.
David Robertson (TEX) tossed two clean frames for his second save during a one-run win over the White Sox.
Brent Honeywell (LAD) secured his first major league save, finishing a two-run win over the Giants.
Phil Maton (NYM) collected his second win after tossing a clean tenth inning against Atlanta and courtesy of his team’s walk-off.
Tyler Ferguson (OAK) nailed down his first major league save with a clean ninth against the Angels, finishing a one-run win on the road.
Before Oakland’s game in Los Angeles, the team announced Mason Miller was placed on the 15-day injured list, and after their game, Miami traded A.J. Puk to Arizona. Today’s takeaways feature these news items and the Dodgers’ ever-evolving bullpen. If you have not done so, please bookmark our Trade Deadline Tracker; it will update each trade as it happens through Tuesday.
Three Takeaways
Miller lands on the IL: The first instinct in these situations usually works out, but for fantasy managers on Thursday night, things did not go as planned. It started with news that Mason Miller was placed on the 15-day injured list with a fractured pinky. His manager provided the full story of how the injury transpired. After our update was sent via email, Mark Kotsay suggested he would run a match-up-based approach during save situations while Miller is sidelined. This played out in Thursday’s save situation and is reflected in our updated hierarchy in the game recap below. Before rushing to add Lucas Erceg or Tyler Ferguson, last night’s save was the team’s first since July 10 and third since June 21.
Miami trades Puk for two prospects: Many of us; myself included, felt A.J. Puk could be the heir apparent to replace Tanner Scott atop the Marlins’ bullpen hierarchy. This will not happen since he’s been traded to Arizona. He arrives with a 13-game scoreless streak, recording four wins and a robust 22 strikeouts against three walks across 15 innings. Our adjusted hierarchy places Puk as next-in-line to Paul Sewald, but if the veteran closer’s struggles continue into August, the newly acquired southpaw could earn a share of saves with a postseason spot on the line.
As the Dodgers bullpen turns: This may be a recurring series in our takeaways segment. Not only did Daniel Hudson not get the save opportunity yesterday, he took over in the sixth inning with a two-run lead. This usage pattern resembles match-ups based on lineup pockets. Hudson took over against Mike Yastrzemski, a left-handed hitter, then faced Michael Conforto as a pinch-hitter as the lineup turned over to the top. Evan Phillips would line up against the first four right-handed hitters but settled for taking over in the sixth versus the 3-4-5 hitters. Alex Vesia was summoned against the Yastrzemski pocket in the eighth but allowed two earned runs. Blake Treinen entered with a runner on second and two outs, giving up a game-tying RBI single by Jorge Soler. This left Brent Honeywell as the last reliever standing in the ninth, and he responded with his first career save. Long story short, this will be a confusing leverage ladder unless roles settle in early August.
Vulture Save Option for Friday, July 26
Yennier Cano (BAL): Kimbrel suffered a blown save and threw 28 pitches against the Marlins and should be unavailable tonight.
Vulture Save Option for Saturday, July 27
A.J. Minter (ATL): If Iglesias pitches against tonight, he will be off on Saturday.
Jake Diekman (NYM): If Díaz pitches this evening, it will be consecutive outings and Saturday off.
Game Recaps from Thursday, July 25
Baltimore Orioles – Securing his second save, Cionel Pérez retired the side and recorded two strikeouts in the bottom of the tenth in Miami. He threw 12 pitches (66.7 Strike%) and generated four whiffs (33.3 SwStr%) while facing the 5-6-7 lineup pocket.
Yennier Cano collected his fourth win. He took over with two runners on and two outs in the bottom of the ninth. He stranded both courtesy of an inning-ending strikeout of Bryan De La Cruz.
Craig Kimbrel suffered his sixth blown save. He allowed a one-out single and issued consecutive walks, loading the bases before a fielding error by Gunnar Henderson scored a run. Kimbrel also gave up a sacrifice fly and an RBI single by Josh Bell before his removal. He threw 28 pitches (16 strikes – 57.1 Strike%) and induced three whiffs. He’s given up multiple runs in two of his last three appearances.
Detroit Tigers – Finishing a bullpen game and perhaps being showcased for a trade, Shelby Miller recorded his second save, issuing a walk and striking out one in a scoreless ninth. He preserved the combined shutout, throwing 18 pitches (50 Strike%) and induced two whiffs. This extended his scoreless streak to eight games, spanning ten innings.
Andrew Chafin notched his eighth hold, tossing 1.1 scoreless frames with a hit batter and two strikeouts while stranding a runner in the seventh.
Jason Foley allowed a hit during two-thirds scoreless in the eighth for his sixth hold.
Alex Faedo logged two scoreless innings, giving up a hit and striking out three, securing his eighth hold.
Easton Lucas worked two clean frames and recorded two strikeouts for his first career win.
Updated Hierarchy: *Jason Foley | *Shelby Miller | *Tyler Holton
*= closer-by-committee
Los Angeles Dodgers – Things were interesting with the bullpen working the last five innings of Clayton Kershaw’s season debut. Brent Honeywell recorded his first career save with a scoreless ninth. He allowed a lead-off single, induced a groundball double play, and produced a game-ending strikeout of Patrick Bailey. Honeywell threw 12 pitches (7 strikes – 58.3 Strike%) and induced one whiff.
Blake Treinen collected his fifth win despite suffering his third blown save. He took over in the eighth with a runner at second and two outs, giving up a game-tying Jorge Soler RBI single before recording a strikeout. His team’s two solo home run rally proved beneficial.
Alex Vesia was credited with his seventh hold, allowing two hits and two earned runs while recording two strikeouts in his two-thirds of the eighth.
Evan Phillips retired the side and recorded a strikeout for his second hold in the seventh, facing two right-handed batters.
Daniel Hudson notched his 14th hold, tossing a scoreless sixth. He issued a walk and struck out two versus the Giants’ 8-9-1 hitters.
Joe Kelly navigated around a hit and a walk while striking out three in a scoreless fifth.
Miami Marlins – Taking over in the top of the tenth, Calvin Faucher suffered his second loss. He allowed a lead-off single by Anthony Santander, then recorded a strikeout, followed by a go-ahead Ryan Mountcastle RBI single with two runners being thrown out on the bases, ending the inning. Faucher finished with two hits allowed and an unearned run.
JT Chargois escaped with a scoreless ninth despite giving up three hits.
Declan Croniin logged three scoreless frames, yielding a hit and striking out two.
Updated Hierarchy: Tanner Scott | Andrew Nardi | Calvin Faucher
Oakland A’s – With their closer landing on the injured list, Mark Kotsay said he would use a match-up-based approach during save opportunities. Rookie Tyler Ferguson locked down his first MLB save with a clean ninth and recorded two strikeouts while preserving a one-run win over the Angels. He threw 13 pitches (9 strikes – 69.2 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (23.1 SwStr%) while facing the 5-6-7 lineup pocket.
Lucas Erceg retired the 2-3-4 batters in order in the eighth, recording one strikeout on 11 pitches for his 12th hold. He was used like an HLR, so be patient for save chances with Miller sidelined.
Austin Adams notched his 19th hold, allowing a hit and striking out one in a scoreless seventh.
Scott Alexander stranded a runner and struck out his only batter in the sixth, securing his sixth hold.
Updated Hierarchy: *Lucas Erceg | *Tyler Ferguson | *Scott Alexander
New York Mets – After retiring the side in the top of the tenth, Phil Maton collected his second win courtesy of a walk-off rally in the bottom of the inning. He only needed seven pitches against Atlanta’s ninth and lead-off batters on a sacrifice bunt; the “place” runner retired in a rundown and an inning-ending groundout.
Edwin Díaz tossed a scoreless ninth, issuing a walk and recording two strikeouts. He threw 13 pitches (7 strikes – 53.8 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (15.4 SwStr%). He’s been scoreless in six of seven outings in July and converted five of six save chances.
José Buttó logged three clean frames and struck out four on 40 pitches (62.5 Strike%) with ten whiffs (25 SwStr%). He’s worked 13.2 innings over seven appearances as a reliever, giving up one earned run while posting 17 strikeouts against five walks. He has been a SPARP (starting pitcher as a relief pitcher) stud in formats with pitcher designations.
Hierarchy remains: Edwin Díaz | Dedniel Núñez | Phil Maton
Texas Rangers – Slamming the door on his second save, David Robertson logged two clean frames and recorded two strikeouts, preserving a one-run win over the White Sox. He threw 19 pitches (15 strikes – 78.9 Strike%) and induced three whiffs (15.8 SwStr%). He’s been scoreless in 11 of his last 12 appearances, with 17 strikeouts against walks across 12.1 innings.
José Leclerc notched his seventh hold, stranding two runners and retiring his only batter (Nick Senzel) on an inning-ending groundout.
Jacob Latz was credited with his ninth hold despite allowing two hits and a walk while striking out one in two-thirds of the seventh.
Hierarchy remains: Kirby Yates | David Robertson | José Leclerc
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As trades happen leading up to this year’s trade deadline, this tracker will keep Closer Monkey readers informed with updated hierarchies and instant analysis. Since it will update with each move, please bookmark it for continued use through July 30.
July 26, 2024
New York Mets – Per the team’s Twitter page, the Mets have acquired Ryne Stanek for a minor league outfielder, Rhylan Thomas:
Updated Hierarchy: Edwin Díaz | Phil Maton | Ryne Stanek
Seattle Mariners – Making a second move in two days, this one addressed a clear need in the leverage ladder. Seattle traded outfielder Jonatan Clase to Toronto for Yimi García:
Updated Hierarchy: Andrés Muñoz | Yimi García | Ryne Stanek
Baltimore Orioles -In a trade that benefits both teams, the Orioles acquired Seranthony Domínguez and Cristian Pache for Austin Hays. While this does not jump off the page from a fantasy perspective, it signals that a bigger deal may be imminent for the Phillies. It’s been reported Philadelphia has been in conversations about Carlos Estévez, Tanner Scott, and Kyle Finnegan. Stay tuned. For now, there are no hierarchy changes in either bullpen.
July 25, 2024
Arizona Diamondbacks – As announced by Craig Mish, the Marlins have tradedA.J. Puk to Arizona for prospect Deyvison De Los Santos. Manager Torey Lovullo has steadfastly supported Paul Sewald, but this move makes his runway in save situations a bit shorter. Puk remains under team control through 2026, which may make him the closer next year, if not sooner. He will arrive in Arizona riding a 13-game scoreless streak with 22 strikeouts versus three walks during his last 15 innings.
Our hierarchy as of tonight:
Updated Hierarchy: Paul Sewald | A.J. Puk | Kevin Ginkel
July 13, 2024
Kansas City Royals – After a shutout loss in Boston, the team announced a trade to shore up its bullpen, adding Hunter Harvey for third base prospect Cayden Wallace and its Competitive Balance A pick in this year’s draft. While many may presume this will provide Harvey with save chances, he and James McArthur have very similar statistics since the second half of last year through this season:
James McArthur last 56.2 IP: 5-3 record, 21 saves in 25 chances, three holds, 50:8 K:BB (18.7 K-BB percentage), 3.02 ERA, 2.96 SIERA, 1.08 WHIP, 12.4 swinging strike percentage, 75.4 percent contact rate allowed
Until the team or the manager provide contrary information, fantasy managers should plan on McArthur remaining the Royals’ closer, but if there’s an update regarding a change, this will change our hierarchy accordingly. “The General” was recalled on September 1 last year and in the games since, he’s recorded the fifth most saves in the American League (21), trailing Emmanuel Clase (36), Clay Holmes (29), Pete Fairbanks (23), and Craig Kimbrel (23).
For now:
Updated Hierarchy: James McArthur | Hunter Harvey | John Schreiber
July 9, 2024
New York Mets – After suffering multiple injuries within its leverage ladder, the Mets made the first trade of the month, acquiring Phil Maton from Tampa for cash considerations. He immediately was slotted into the bullpen hierarchy:
Updated Hierarchy: Edwin Díaz | Dedniel Núñez | Phil Maton
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Wednesday did not feature a doubleheader, with the second game in Atlanta being postponed, but it did provide nine reliever wins. Two were relievers replacing a struggling starter while their team held the lead (Adam Ottavino and Sam Moll), and one was in a bulk relief outing (Jakob Junis). There were only four saves, including Joel Payamps getting the vulture save, his first since April.
There’s a fine line in high-leverage events, which boxscores cannot always capture. Two such circumstances will be covered in today’s takeaways and when the Brewers’ bullpen hierarchy will receive a boost.
Three Takeaways
The Phillies’ rough road trip: Coming out of the All-Star break on the road, Philadelphia lost two games, during which it led by three runs. This was not the case on Wednesday, but Gregory Soto could have done better in his audition for a larger role in his team’s hierarchy. He was awarded the win on Tuesday despite uncorking a wild pitch and only throwing two strikes of his nine pitches. Yesterday, he suffered the loss, throwing another wild pitch and only six of his 12 pitches in the strike zone. Matt Gelb of The Athletic covered this topic and the team’s trade deadline modus operandi. Within the post, he suggested José Alvarado may retake his lost leverage role after his demotion, which represented a wakeup call. Because of the varied results over the last 30 days, the hierarchy has not been altered. As the weekend usage patterns unfold, and trade rumors gain traction, it will adapt. For now, this link displays the team’s Win Probability Added results from the last 30 days and this table with their results by reliever:
A missed call derails McArthur: One cannot sugarcoat James McArthur giving up five earned runs in a blown save meltdown, especially since he produced an average exit velocity of 101.1 m.p.h. among his six batted ball events. However, with one out and a full count, he issued a walk on a pitch in the strike zone, which affected his outing. It’s discussed in Anne Rogers’ game recap for MLB.com, along with quotes from his teammates standing by the reliever. It’s a fine line relievers walk in save situations, and with Hunter Harvey wriggling out of his own messy situation in the eighth, the Royals may be in the market for one more veteran with “closer” experience ahead of the deadline. For now, McArthur will be on watch for a hierarchy shift, and here’s the illustrator courtesy of Statcast on ball four:
D-Will’s timeline: Devin Williams may be on the precipice of rejoining the Brewers after making his third rehab appearance and second at Triple-A. He tossed a scoreless inning, issuing a walk and striking out two on 19 pitches (52.6 Strike%) with three whiffs (15.8 SwStr%). Although the team suggested he may require six to eight outings before returning, his recall may be expedited by team need and some positivity following Christian Yelich’s unfortunate back injury. Those hoping they can stash the talented closer should act sooner rather than later. His last hurdle may be pitching on consecutive days or two times in a three-day span unless the team sees his velocity last night as a sign of him being ready.
Next, our condensed game recaps cover Wednesday’s high-leverage events of interest.
Closer CliffsNotes
American League
Cleveland Guardians – Preserving a one-run win, Emmanuel Clase worked a scoreless top of the ninth, allowing a walk and striking out one for his 31st save. He threw 17 pitches (12 strikes – 70.6 Strike%) and induced one whiff against the Tigers’ 9-1-2-3 batters. He’s converted 18 straight save chances since May 20 and has been scoreless over his last four.
Hunter Gaddis collected his fourth win after firing a clean eighth, striking out the side on 12 pitches.
Tim Herrin retired both batters in the seventh.
Scott Barlow tossed 1.1 clean frames, striking out one.
Hierarchy remains: Emmanuel Clase | Hunter Gaddis | Scott Barlow
Kansas City Royals -Handed a one-run lead in the top of the ninth, James McArthur suffered his fourth loss and fifth blown save after being a strike away from preserving a win. He allowed a one-out Lourdes Gurriel Jr. single and a walk to Geraldo Perdomo, followed by Gabriel Moreno’s go-ahead two-RBI double. Corbin Carroll reached on an infield single, and Ketel Marte launched a three-run home run. McArthur finished with four hits allowed, five earned runs, and a walk while striking out one.
Hunter Harvey tossed a scoreless eighth, giving up a walk, and recorded his 27th hold.
Sam Long retired the side in the seventh, striking out one for his third hold.
Hierarchy remains (for now): James McArthur | Hunter Harvey | John Schreiber
Los Angeles Angels – Capping a come-from-behind win, Carlos Estévez nailed down his 20th save, retiring the side in Seattle. He threw nine pitches (77.8 Strike%) and induced one whiff against the 6-7-8 lineup pocket. This extends his scoreless streak to 18 games. He’s recorded a win and 13 saves with 15 strikeouts versus two walks across his last 18 innings.
Luis García notched his 11th hold, allowing a hit during a scoreless eighth.
Hans Crouse earned his fourth win. He allowed a hit and struck out two in a scoreless seventh, ahead of his team’s two-run rally in the top of the eighth.
Hierarchy remains: Carlos Estévez | Luis García | Ben Joyce
Minnesota Twins – Despite throwing 27 pitches last night, Jhoan Durán took over a tied game in the top of the ninth. He dispensed the top of the Phillies’ lineup in order and recorded a strikeout on 10 pitches (60 Strike%) with one whiff. He collected his sixth win courtesy of a walk-off rally in the bottom of the frame.
Cole Sands fired a clean eighth and recorded two strikeouts.
In his first appearance since May 1, Brock Stewart allowed a hit, an earned run, and a walk while striking out one.
Chicago Cubs – Tasked with the top of the ninth during a tied game, Héctor Neris suffered his third loss. He allowed Blake Perkins’ lead-off single and a one-out, William Contreras RBI double, resulting in the team’s 22nd loss in a one-run contest. This snapped Neris’ nine-game scoreless streak.
Mark Leiter Jr. tossed a clean eighth and struck out one.
Porter Hodge issued a walk and recorded two strikeouts in a scoreless seventh.
Tyson Miller was tagged with his first blown save, letting one of two inherited runners score while allowing two hits in two-thirds of the sixth.
Hierarchy remains: Héctor Neris | Mark Leiter Jr. | Porter Hodge
Miami Marlins – Not only did Tanner Scott record his 17th save with a scoreless ninth against the Orioles, but he’s completed a reliever no-hitter with nine straight hitless appearances, spanning 9.2 innings since June 27. He worked around a hit-batter with two strikeouts during the three-run win, throwing 15 pitches (66.7 Strike%) with two whiffs (13.3 SwStr%). He’s been scoreless over his last 15 games with 19 strikeouts against five walks.
A.J. Puk fired two clean frames while recording three strikeouts and collected his fourth win. He owns a 13-game scoreless streak with four wins and 22 strikeouts versus three walks across 15 innings.
Andrew Nardi notched his 11th hold, retiring the side and striking out two in the sixth.
Hierarchy remains: Tanner Scott | A.J. Puk | Calvin Faucher
Milwaukee Brewers – Recording his fifth save, and first since April 24, Joel Payamps fired a clean bottom of the ninth, preserving a one-run win over the Cubs. He threw 15 pitches (66.7 Strike%) and produced four whiffs (26.7 SwStr%). He’s on a five-game scoreless streak.
Jakob Junis collected his third win. He logged three scoreless innings, allowing a hit and a walk while striking out one, benefiting from his team’s rally in the top of the ninth.
Bryse Wilson worked four innings, giving up Seiya Suzuki’s solo home run and recording three strikeouts.
Hierarchy remains: Trevor Megill | Elvis Peguero | Bryan Hudson
Philadelphia Phillies – Vying for a larger leverage role, Gregory Soto was summoned into a tied contest in the bottom of the ninth. However, his command did him in. He hit Trevor Larnach, putting the lead-off hitter aboard, uncorked a wild pitch, moving him to second, and a sacrifice bunt got him to third with one out. Soto induced a groundball by Max Kepler, but it was up the middle and let the runner score for a walk-off rally, resulting in his fourth loss.
Jeff Hoffman tossed a scoreless eighth, allowing a hit and striking out two on 21 pitches (66.7 Strke%) with three whiffs (14.3 SwStr%).
Matt Strahm suffered his fifth blown save, letting all three inherited runners score on a fielder’s choice groundout and Carlos Santana’s two-RBI double.
Orion Kerkering gave up three earned runs on a hit batter and two walks during his one-third of the seventh but was credited with his tenth hold.
Cade Smith (CLE): Clase, Gaddis, and Barlow have all appeared in back-to-back contests.
A.J. Puk (MIA): Scott has pitched in two straight, and if the team’s showcasing for trade, what better way than Puk in a save chance?
David Robertson (TEX): If the team can give Kirby Yates an extra day off after working three straight, they should. If not, Robertson could be in line for Friday.
Ben Joyce (LAA): Estévez and García have appeared three times in the last four days. If they work again today, Joyce will be in line for Friday.
Vulture Save Option for Friday, July 26
*See above. Otherwise, it’s dependent on usage patterns today, with 14 teams receiving an off-day.
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Tuesday night’s 14 games featured six reliever wins and nine saves. There was a rainout, which means Atlanta and Cincinnati will play a doubleheader on today’s slate. There were two ancillary saves, including the first of the season by Matt Strahm.
Last night’s most common theme was command, which affected results by some key leverage relievers, covered in today’s takeaways.
Three Takeaways
Durán suffers his fifth loss: Entering a scoreless game in the top of the ninth, Jhoan Durán allowed a one-out Bryce Harper double, issued consecutive walks, and gave up a go-ahead Brandon Marsh sacrifice fly, followed by a two-RBI Nick Castellanos double. He was removed after giving up three runs and suffered his fifth loss. His final line was two hits, three earned runs, and two walks over two-thirds of an inning. He threw 27 pitches (11 strikes – 40.7 Strike%) and only induced one whiff. Before this appearance, Durán posted 16 strikeouts against four walks across 16 innings while recording five wins and converting five of six save chances. Rocco Baldelli stood by his closer in postgame comments, but he must command his arsenal better than this moving forward:
Did Hoffman issue two walks?: Before Durán’s outing in the ninth, Jeff Hoffman could not finish the eighth inning for the Phillies. He handed out two walks for the first time in any appearance this season and the first time since August 2 last year. He threw 20 pitches (55 Strike%) and induced three whiffs (15 SwStr%) against the Twins’ 9-1-2-3 lineup pocket before his removal. Although he’s been scoreless through seven games in July, he’s allowed four walks during his last 3.2 innings.
Dodgers call on Phillips?: Alex Vesia began his outing in the ninth with a four-run lead by issuing consecutive walks. He had allowed two walks against his previous 46 batters. After allowing an earned run and his pitch count rising, Evan Phillips took over for Vesia and walked Jorge Soler before getting a game-ending groundout for his 15th save. Suggesting Phillips is past his recent struggles would be premature, but he’s still in Dave Roberts’ trust tree and has been placed back into our updated bullpen hierarchy below.
Our condensed game recaps cover Tuesday’s high-leverage events of interest.
Also, we updated the reliever buy/sell posts with less than a week before the trade deadline:
Cleveland Guardians – Shutting the door on his American League-leading 30th save, Emmanuel Clase preserved a one-run while retiring the side against Detroit. He threw nine pitches (88.9 Strike%) without a whiff and has converted his last 17 save opportunities since May 20. His 116 saves since the start of 2022 leads all major league relievers.
Scott Barlow secured his 18th hold, allowing a hit and striking out one in a scoreless eighth.
Hunter Gaddis notched his 21st hold despite letting both inherited runners score on a sacrifice fly and his throwing error. He issued a walk during two-thirds of the seventh.
Nick Sandlin gave up a hit, two runs (one earned), and a walk while striking out one in one-third of the seventh.
Cade Smith collected his fifth win, logging 1.2 clean frames and recording three strikeouts.
Hierarchy remains: Emmanuel Clase | Hunter Gaddis | Scott Barlow
Tampa Bay Rays – Securing his 19th save, Pete Fairbanks retired the side, closing out a two-run win in Toronto. He threw 11 pitches (72.7 Strike%) without a whiff. He’s converted six straight save chances despite allowing a run in three outings.
Jason Adam recorded his 19th hold, firing a clean eighth and striking out one. Kevin Kelly tossed a clean seventh for his 12th hold.
Manuel Rodriguez was credited with his fourth hold, although he allowed two solo home runs in the sixth.
Tyler Alexander collected his third win, logging three scoreless frames as the “bulk follower,” scattering three hits and striking out four.
Hierarchy remains: Pete Fairbanks | Jason Adam | Colin Poche
Texas Rangers – Summoned for a third straight game, Kirby Yates retired both batters, one via strikeout, while recording his 18th save. He threw six pitches (83.3 Strike%) and induced one whiff (16.7 SwStr%). He’s converted seven saves in July with 13 strikeouts against three walks across 8.2 innings.
Josh Sborz gets credit for his sixth hold. He allowed Andrew Benintendi’s solo home run leading off the ninth and recorded a strikeout over two-thirds combined innings.
Hierarchy remains: Kirby Yates | David Robertson | José Leclerc
National League
Los Angeles Dodgers – With a three-run lead, two runners on, and two outs, the Dodgers called upon Evan Phillips to face Jorge Soler. Although he issued a walk loading the bases, he induced a game-ending LaMonte Wade Jr. groundout for his 15th save, his first since July 5. He threw nine pitches (33.3 Strike%) without a whiff.
Alex Vesia struggled with his command, walking the first two batters he faced and allowing an RBI single before recording two outs. He was removed after throwing 26 pitches (15 strikes – 57.7 Strike%) and only getting one whiff. He had issued two walks in his previous 46 batters faced over 12 games.
Blake Treinen secured his eighth hold, giving up a hit and a walk while striking out one in a scoreless eighth.
Brent Honeywell logged two scoreless frames, yielding a hit for his first hold.
Miami Marlins – Not only did Tanner Scott record his 17th save with a scoreless ninth against the Orioles, but he’s completed a reliever no-hitter with nine straight hitless appearances, spanning 9.2 innings since June 27. He worked around a hit-batter with two strikeouts during the three-run win, throwing 15 pitches (66.7 Strike%) with two whiffs (13.3 SwStr%). He’s been scoreless over his last 15 games with 19 strikeouts against five walks.
A.J. Puk fired two clean frames while recording three strikeouts and collected his fourth win. He owns a 13-game scoreless streak with four wins and 22 strikeouts versus three walks across 15 innings.
Andrew Nardi notched his 11th hold, retiring the side and striking out two in the sixth.
Hierarchy remains: Tanner Scott | A.J. Puk | Calvin Faucher
Milwaukee Brewers – Navigating around a lead-off single, Trevor Megill retired the next three hitters for a scoreless ninth, preserving a shutout during his 20th save. He threw 16 pitches (11 strikes – 68.8 Strike%) and induced two whiffs. He’s converted three of four save opportunities in July and been scoreless in five of seven appearances.
Jared Koenig worked around two hits and a walk for a scoreless eighth, hanging on for his fight hold.
Elvis Peguero collected his sixth win, tossing a clean seventh and striking out one.
Bryan Hudson worked a clean sixth, recording one strikeout.
Hierarchy remains: Trevor Megill | Elvis Peguero | Bryan Hudson
New York Mets – With limited bullpen options, Jake Diekman stepped up for his teammates. He posted his fourth save with a scoreless bottom of the ninth, preserving a one-run win over the Yankees. He navigated around a one-out Juan Soto walk with a strikeout of Aaron Judge and a game-ending ground-out by Ben Rice.
Phil Maton notched his 12th hold, walking one and striking out one in a scoreless eighth.
Dedniel Núñez secured his ninth hold, issuing a walk and striking out one in a scoreless seventh.
Alex Young retired two batters and stranded one for his fifth hold in the sixth.
Adam Ottavino gave up two hits and an earned run during his one-third of the sixth, getting credit for his 14th hold.
Hierarchy remains: Edwin Díaz | Dedniel Núñez | Phil Maton
Philadelphia Phillies – Capping a ninth-inning rally, Matt Strahm secured his first save. He retired the side and recorded two strikeouts in the bottom of the ninth against the Twins, throwing 11 pitches (63.6 Strike%) with two whiffs (18.2 SwStr%).
Gregory Soto collected his first win, issuing a walk and stranding two runners in the bottom of the eighth, retiring his only batter via a fielder’s choice groundout.
Jeff Hoffman issued two walks and recorded two strikeouts in the eighth but was removed after two outs. He remains unscored upon through seven appearances in July, but this outing represents the first time all year he’s allowed more than one walk.
St. Louis Cardinals – Nailing down his MLB-leading 33rd save, Ryan Helsley preserved a one-run in Pittsburgh by striking out the side. He threw 13 pitches (9 strikes – 69.2 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (18.6 SwStr%). This represents his 17th clean save, leading all relievers this season.
Ryan Fernandez collected his first win. He induced an inning-ending groundball double play in the eighth and stranded a runner, ahead of his team taking the lead in the top of the ninth.
JoJo Romero suffered his fifth blown save, giving up two hits and an earned run during one-third of the eighth. Andrew Kittredge secured his 27th hold, retiring the side and striking out one in the seventh.
Hierarchy remains: Ryan Helsley | Andrew Kittredge | JoJo Romero
Vulture Save Options for Wednesday, July 24
David Robertson (TEX): Yates has appeared in three straight games, leaving the veteran atop the hierarchy for today’s contest against the White Sox.
Jakob Junis (MIL): Megill has pitched in three of the last four days. Junis should be in line for a multiple-inning outing. He’s recorded two wins and a save through four outings in July. Joel Payamps may get the save chance, but it depends on how the late-innings progress.
Grant Holmes (ATL): Same idea as Junis, with a doubleheader on tap, he may absorb a multi-inning appearance with a shot at a vulture win or save finishing up a contest. Pierce Johnson could also be in play as the preferred vulture save chance if Atlanta can sweep Cincinnati.
Vulture Save Options for Thursday, July 25
Scott Barlow (CLE): If Clase and Gaddis pitch today, and Barlow does not, he would be in line for the save on Thursday.
A.J. Puk (MIA): If Scott appears today, Puk could get the vulture save chance on Thursday.
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