Sunday slates provide ancillary saves courtesy of workload management programs for relievers, along with the usual chaos that accompanies the ever-volatile saves category. Before delving into the game recaps, the CliffsNotes version of the high-leverage events of interest from yesterday’s action.
Closer CliffsNotes
American League
(RP | BAL): Suffering his third blown save, and first loss, Craig Kimbrel issued a lead-off walk and gave up a go-ahead two-run home run (Kyle McCann) before being removed with a reported back issue.
(RP | BOS): After firing a clean top of the ninth and striking out one, Kenley Jansen collected his first win of the season courtesy of a walk-off in the bottom of the inning.
(RP | CWS): Taking over with a runner on and one out, Jordan Leasure recorded his first major league save by retiring both batters faced against the Rays.
(RP | CLE): Taking over a tied game in the bottom of the tenth, Emmanuel Clase suffered his first loss, striking out Ozzie Albies then giving up a walk-off, RBI single by Austin Riley.
(RP | DET): Holding on for his ninth save, Jason Foley navigated around a lead-off walk and a single for a scoreless ninth, recording two strikeouts.
(RP | OAK): Closing out his first career major league save, Lucas Erceg preserved a one-run, comeback win over Baltimore with a clean bottom of the ninth, striking out two.
(RP | TEX): Navigating around traffic, Kirby Yates notched his fifth save, allowing a hit and a walk while striking out one.
(RP | TOR): Save number four for Jordan Romano, firing a clean top of the ninth and striking out two against the Dodgers.
National League
(RP | ARI): Handed a one-run lead, Kevin Ginkel recorded his fifth save, firing a clean bottom of the ninth and striking out one against Seattle.
(RP | ATL): Moving into a tied for the MLB-lead in wins, A.J. Minter tossed a scoreless top of the tenth, then collected his fifth win courtesy of a walk-off rally in the bottom of the frame.
(RP | CHC): Matched up with the top of Boston’s first three hitters during a tied game, Mark Leiter Jr. suffered his first loss, issuing a lead-off walk and giving up consecutive singles, including an RBI walk-off bloop single by Tyler O’Neill.
(RP | NYM): Collecting his MLB-leading fifth win, Reed Garrett tossed two innings, stranding one of two “place” runners, giving up a hit and two walks while striking out two.
(RP | PHI): Wrapping up a two-run win in San Diego, José Alvarado recorded his fifth save, firing a clean ninth and striking out two.
(RP | SFG): While recording his fifth save, and appearing in his third straight game, Camilo Doval gave up two hits, an earned run, and a walk, closing out a one-run win over the Pirates.
(RP | WSH): Recording his ninth save, Kyle Finnegan tossed a scoreless bottom of the ninth, walking one and striking out one during a three-run win in Miami.
Game Recaps – American League
Baltimore Orioles – Forced into action, Dillon Tate retired all three batters faced in the top of the ninth, including one via strikeout, but the damage had been done. Craig Kimbrel suffered his first loss, and third blown save, issuing a lead-off walk and allowing a go-ahead, two-run home run (Kyle McCann), then left with the trainer (upper back injury per Brandon Hyde). He’s allowed at least a run in three straight and incurred a blown save over his last two outings. Yennier Cano notched his sixth hold, yielding a hit and striking out one during a scoreless eighth.
It’s being reported as Kimbrel being day-to-day with his back issue, but if he requires a stint on the injured list, it opens the door for Cano as the preferred save share. This leverage ladder may undergo many changes as pitchers return from the injured list, forcing new roles.
Hierarchy remains (for now): Craig Kimbrel | Yennier Cano | Danny Coulombe
Boston Red Sox – Benefiting from a walk-off in the bottom of the ninth, Kenley Jansen collected his first win, firing a clean top of the inning, and striking out one. He threw 10 pitches (70 Strike%) without recording a whiff. It’s been a frustrating stretch for the closer, he’s only made two appearances since his last save (April 20). Chris Martin suffered his third blown save, giving up three hits, including a three-run home run (Mike Tauchman), and striking out two during the top of the eighth. His final line over 1.1 innings, was three hits allowed, three earned runs, and two strikeouts.
Hierarchy remains: Kenley Jansen | Chris Martin | Justin Slaten
Chicago White Sox – Not only did Jordan Leasure strand an inherited runner on second base while retiring both batters faced, but he secured his first major league save, closing out a 4-2 win, and a sweep over the Rays. He threw six pitches (50 Strike%) and induced one whiff (16.7 SwStr%) in his outing. It’s been like playing whack-a-mole with his leverage ladder, but the rookie remains a part of his team’s future in save situations.
Adjusted hierarchy: *Michael Kopech | *Steven Wilson | John Brebbia
*= closer-by-committee
Cleveland Guardians – Suffering his first loss, Emmanuel Clase recorded a strikeout against Ozzie Albies, then gave up a walk-off, RBI single by Austin Riley, scoring the “place” runner in the bottom of the tenth. This also marked his third outing over the last four days, including back-to-back appearances on Saturday and Sunday. Tyler Beede tossed a scoreless ninth, allowing a hit and striking out one. Hunter Gaddis was tagged with his second blown save, in as many days, giving up three hits and two earned runs in the eighth. Scott Barlow fired a clean seventh, striking out the side for his seventh hold.
Hierarchy remains: Emmanuel Clase | Hunter Gaddis | Scott Barlow
Detroit Tigers – Despite issuing a lead-off walk (Salvador Perez) and allowing a single by Michael Massey, Jason Foley navigated around the next three batters, inducing a groundout and two strikeouts for a scoreless ninth, securing his ninth save. He threw 18 pitches (66.7 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (16.7 SwStr%) while converting his ninth save, in as many chances. He owns a 1.23 WHIP with 13 strikeouts against seven walks. Shelby Miller notched his second hold, tossing a scoreless eighth and striking out one, throwing seven pitches, all strikes. Foley’s appeared in two straight and should receive Monday off against the Cardinals.
Hierarchy remains: Jason Foley | Alex Lange | Andrew Chafin
Oakland A’s – Handed a one-run lead in the bottom of the ninth, Lucas Erceg retired Baltimore’s 9-1-2 lineup pocket in order, recording two strikeouts. He threw 12 pitches (83.3 Strike%) and generated three whiffs (25 SwStr%) for his first career major league save, during his 62nd appearance. He owns an eight-game scoreless streak with 10 strikeouts against three walks over 8.2 innings. T.J. McFarland collected his first win, tossing a clean eighth and striking out two ahead of his team’s rally.
Hierarchy remains: Mason Miller | Lucas Erceg | Dany Jiménez
Texas Rangers – Hanging on for his fifth save, Kirby Yates navigated around a one-out single, with the pinch-runner stealing second, followed by a walk, with a strikeout and a game-ending line-out to third. He remains scoreless through his first 12 appearances and owns a 0.50 WHIP with 14 strikeouts versus three walks through 12 innings. In this outing, he threw 24 pitches (14 strikes – 58.3 Strike%) and produced two whiffs. Jacob Latz notched his first hold, firing a clean eighth. David Robertson notched his ninth hold, striking out the side in the seventh. Josh Sborz allowed an inherited runner to score, along with an unearned run on his ledger on a hit, and struck out one over two-thirds of the sixth.
Hierarchy remains: Kirby Yates | David Robertson | José Leclerc
Toronto Blue Jays – Locking down his fourth save, Jordan Romano fired a clean top of the ninth, recording two strikeouts, and preserving a two-run win over the Dodgers. He threw 11 pitches (81.8 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (18.2 SwStr%) versus the 6-7-8 lineup pocket. He owns a 0.88 WHIP with five strikeouts against one walk through his first 5.2 innings. Tim Mayza stranded the bases-loaded, getting a long fly out by Max Muncy for his third hold. Yimi García was credited with his fourth hold but gave up a hit and two walks while striking out one over two-thirds of the eighth.
Hierarchy remains: Jordan Romano | Yimi García (HLR) | Erik Swanson
Game Recaps – National League
Arizona Diamondbacks – Locking down his fifth save, Kevin Ginkel fired a clean bottom of the ninth, striking out one while preserving a one-run win in Seattle. He threw nine pitches (66.7 Strike%) without a whiff during his outing. He owns a 1.08 WHIP with 13 strikeouts against three walks over 12 innings. He also receives a bit more time as the closer with news of Paul Sewald slowing down his rehab process. Ryan Thompson secured his fifth hold, tossing a clean eighth and striking out two. Joe Mantiply collected his second win, retiring the side in the seventh and striking out one.
Updated hierarchy: Kevin Ginkel | Ryan Thompson | Joe Mantiply
Atlanta Braves – Recording his MLB-leading fifth win, A.J. Minter tossed a scoreless top of the tenth, erasing the “place” runner on a caught stealing and working around a single by José Ramírez. Raisel Iglesias tossed a scoreless ninth, allowing a hit and striking out one, keeping the game tied. He’s posted a 0.97 WHIP with nine strikeouts against two walks over 11.2 innings.
Hierarchy remains: Raisel Iglesias | A.J. Minter | Joe Jiménez
Chicago Cubs – Following his team’s three-run rally tying the game in the top of the eighth, Mark Leiter Jr. took over a tied game in the ninth, lined up against the Red Sox top of the lineup, featuring two left-handed hitters. However, he issued a lead-off walk to Jarren Duran, and a single by Rafael Devers, putting runners on the corners, and then Tyler O’Neill blooped a single in shallow left field for the walk-off, handing Leiter Jr. his first loss of the season. Daniel Palencia logged two clean frames, striking out three. Yency Almonte gave up two hits, two earned runs, and two walks while striking out two in the sixth.
Hierarchy remains (for now): *Hector Neris | *Mark Leiter Jr. (HLR) | Adbert Alzolay
*= closer-by-committee
New York Mets – Benefiting from a walk-off home run in the bottom of the 11th, Reed Garrett collected his fifth win despite letting the “place” runner score in the top of the inning. He logged two innings, allowing an RBI single by Brendan Donovan, and issued two walks (one intentional) while striking out two. He threw 20 pitches (75 Strike%) and induced five whiffs (25 SwStr%). Edwin Díaz kept the game tied, firing a clean top of the ninth, striking out two on 20 pitches (65 Strike%) while producing two whiffs. He owns a 0.83 WHIP with 14 strikeouts through his first 9.2 innings.
Hierarchy remains: Edwin Díaz | Adam Ottavino | Reed Garrett
Philadelphia Phillies – Nailing down his fifth save, and first since April 20, José Alvarado fired a clean bottom of the ninth, recording two strikeouts in San Diego. He threw 11 pitches (81.8 Strike%) and induced one whiff. He’s been scoreless in nine of ten appearances in April, converting all four save chances with 10 strikeouts versus five walks and a 0.78 WHIP. Yunior Marte retired the side in the eighth for his second hold. Jeff Hoffman gave up a hit and retired two batters in the seventh for his third hold.
Hierarchy remains: *José Alvarado | *Jeff Hoffman | Orion Kerkering
*= closer-by-committee
San Francisco Giants – Working in a third straight game, Camilo Doval survived a rocky ninth, recording his fifth save, but allowed two hits, an earned run, and a walk (on a pitch violation). With two runners on and two outs in the ninth, he induced a game-ending ground out by Joey Bart, Doval threw 22 pitches (13 strikes – 59.1 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (13.6 SwStr%). However, after throwing 57 pitches over the last three days, he will need one, if not two days off. Ryan Walker notched his third hold, firing a clean eighth and striking out one. Erik Miller tossed a scoreless seventh, walking one and striking out one for his third hold.
Hierarchy remains: Camilo Doval | Tyler Rogers | Ryan Walker
Washington Nationals – Securing his ninth save, Kyle Finnegan worked around a lead-off walk with a double play groundout and a game-ending strikeout, preserving a three-run win over the Marlins. He threw 21 pitches (12 strikes – 57.1 Strike%) and induced one whiff. He’s posted 0.97 WHIP with 11 strikeouts against six walks through 12.1 innings. Hunter Harvey logged 1.2 scoreless innings and stranded a runner in the seventh. He issued a walk while throwing 19 pitches (12 strikes – 63.2 Strike%) with two whiffs. Jordan Weems was credited with his fourth hold despite giving up two hits, two earned runs, and a walk over one-third of the seventh. Derek Law collected his second win, tossing two scoreless frames, scattering two hits, and striking out three.
Hierarchy remains: Kyle Finnegan | Hunter Harvey | Jordan Weems
Quick Hits
Houston Astros – Making his first appearance since April 19, Josh Hader tossed a scoreless bottom of the ninth, giving up a hit and striking out one, closing out a six-run win over the Rockies. He threw 15 pitches (80 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (20 SwStr%). Through 12 games, he owns a 1.59 WHIP with 17 strikeouts versus five walks. Ryan Pressly worked a scoreless eighth, allowing a hit and striking out two. Bryan Abreu fired a clean seventh, striking out two for his fourth hold.
Hierarchy remains: Josh Hader | Ryan Pressly | Bryan Abreu
Kansas City Royals – Making his major league debut, Will Klein fired a clean bottom of the eighth against the Tigers’ 6-7-8 hitters, recording two strikeouts. He threw 13 pitches (8 strikes – 61.5 Strike%) and produced two whiffs (15.4 SwStr%). He’s an intriguing reliever and should be monitored by those in dynasty formats.
Hierarchy remains: James McArthur | John Schreiber | Chris Stratton
Milwaukee Brewers – An ugly outing for Abner Uribe resulted in his second loss. He gave up two hits, five earned runs, and three walks over two-thirds of the sixth. He threw 31 pitches (14 strikes – 45.2 Strike%) and induced three whiffs.
Hierarchy remains: *Joel Payamps | *Trevor Megill (HLR) | Abner Uribe
*= closer-by-committee
New York Yankees – Entering in the bottom of the fifth, Ron Marinaccio collected his first win of the season, logging 1.1 innings, giving up a hit, an earned run, and a walk while striking out one.
Hierarchy remains: Clay Holmes | Ian Hamilton | Victor González
San Diego Padres – Extending his scoreless streak to eight games, Enyel De Los Santos worked around a hit and a walk while striking out one in the top of the seventh during an eventual loss. He’s posted 11 strikeouts versus three walks over his last 7.2 innings in this stretch.
Hierarchy remains: Robert Suarez | Enyel De Los Santos / Yuki Matsui
Vulture Saves for Monday, April 29
ARI: The Diamondbacks have used Ginkel in two straight games, so Ryan Thompson could receive the save chance against the Dodgers.
ATL: Iglesias has pitched in two straight, putting A.J. Minter in line for the save chance in today’s contest.
BAL: This may be fluid until news about Kimbrel emerges, but Yennier Cano represents the natural pivot, though he’s pitched in two of the last three.
DET: Foley’s appeared in two straight games, making Alex Lange the speculative pick for a save today.
TOR: Romano and García have pitched in two straight games, so Erik Swanson surfaces as the preferred option for a save today.
WSH: Finnegan’s pitched in three of the last four days and Harvey in two of the last three, if the team sits them tonight, Dylan Floro would be the beneficiary this evening.
Vulture Save Options for Tuesday, April 30
BAL: If Cano pitches today, and Kimbrel needs extra rest with a tight back, Mike Baumann or Keegan Akin could receive the save opportunity on Tuesday.
NYM: If Edwin Díaz pitches on Monday, it will mark two straight days, placing Adam Ottavino or Reed Garrett in line for the save on Tuesday.
Closer Monkey’s filthy outing of the day goes to Lucas Erceg, who celebrated his first major league save against the Orioles, capping a comeback win, courtesy of the Pitching Ninja.
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