Chaos did not reign supreme but was sprinkled throughout Tuesday’s 16-game slate. Detroit deployed a match-up-based approach during Game 1, which backfired. There were two ancillary saves, two first saves of the season, though one was by a closer returning from injury. In all, nine saves were secured and five blown saves, recapped in our condensed CliffsNotes and full recaps below.
Closer CliffsNotes
American League
(RP | BAL): Locking down his first save, Jacob Webb retired all four batters, including three via strikeout, closing out a two-run win over the Yankees.
(RP | CWS): Entering with the score tied in the top of the ninth, Michael Kopech suffered his third loss, giving up a walk, a hit, and an earned run while striking out one.
(RP | CLE): For a third straight appearance, Hunter Gaddis suffered a blown save, and in this contest, his first loss of the season, allowing a walk-off, two-run home run by Victor Caratini in the bottom of the tenth in Houston.
(RP | DET): Matching up with the Cardinals’ 3-4-5 lineup pocket, Shelby Miller suffered his third loss, and second blown save, allowing three hits and two earned runs in the top of the ninth during Game 1.
(RP | DET): Despite letting both inherited runners score after giving up a three-run home run, Tyler Holton collected his second win, courtesy of his teammates three-run rally in the bottom of the fifth in Game 2. He logged 1.1 innings, allowing one hit, one earned run, and a walk.
(RP | HOU): During his first multi-inning outing since August 2020, Josh Hader let the “place” runner score in the top of the tenth but collected his first win courtesy of a walk-off home run in the bottom of the frame.
(RP | KCR): Securing his seventh save, James McArthur fired a clean bottom of the ninth while striking out one, preserving a 4-1 win over Toronto.
(RP | LAA): Although he stranded a runner in the eighth, Carlos Estévez could not convert his save chance. He suffered his first loss while giving up two home runs in the top of the ninth resulting in three earned runs.
(RP | MIN): Making his season debut, Jhoan Durán worked a scoreless bottom of the ninth, giving up a hit and striking out one for his first save.
(RP | OAK): Nailing down his eighth save, Mason Miller fired a clean ninth against the Pirates, striking out the side.
(RP | SEA): Forced into action in the eighth inning, Andrés Muñoz recorded his fifth save, and his first requiring five outs, closing out a one-run win over Atlanta.
National League
(RP | ARI): Courtesy of a walk-off home run, Scott McGough collected his first win. However, he did let the “place” runner score in the top of the tenth and issued two walks during his outing.
(RP | CHC): With no favors from his defense, Adbert Alzolay was tagged with his third loss, allowing two hits after a throwing error by Dansby Swanson, including a go-ahead three-run home run by D.J. Stewart.
(RP | COL): Taking over in the ninth with two runners on, Justin Lawrence could not stem the tide, giving up two hits, two earned runs, and a walk over his one-third of an inning, resulting in his first blown save.
(RP | LAD): Even though he tossed a clean bottom of the ninth keeping the game tied, Nabil Crismatt suffered his first loss, serving up a walk-off, two-run home run by Christian Walker in the tenth.
(RP | MIA): Although let the “place” runner score on a two-out double by Ryan McMahon in the top of the tenth, Tanner Scott collected his first win courtesy of a walk-off rally in the bottom of the frame.
(RP | NYM): Converting his second save of the season, Jorge López allowed a hit and an earned run during a two-run win over the Cubs.
(RP | PHI): Locking down his second save, Jeff Hoffman fired a clean bottom of the ninth, capping his team’s comeback rally in the top of the frame. José Alvarado collected his first win, tossing a scoreless eighth, allowing a hit and striking out one.
(RP | SDP): Save number 10 for Robert Suarez. He fired a clean top of the ninth, preserving a two-run over the Reds while recording one strikeout.
(RP | STL): Nailing down his tenth save, Ryan Helsley fired a clean bottom of the ninth during Game 1 in Detroit, while striking out two.
Game Recaps – American League
Baltimore Orioles – Despite receiving treatment, closer Craig Kimbrel was not available in this contest, but Jacob Webb filled in affably, retiring all four batters faced, three via strikeout, for his first save of the season. He threw 15 pitches (11 strikes – 73.3 Strike%) and generated seven whiffs (46.7 SwStr%). He owns a 0.90 WHIP with 12 strikeouts versus three walks over his first 12 innings. Keegan Akin recorded two outs, and allowed a hit during two-thirds scoreless in the eighth.
Hierarchy remains (for now): Craig Kimbrel | Yennier Cano | Danny Coulombe
Chicago White Sox – Taking over a tied game in the top of the ninth, Michael Kopech issued Byron Buxton a lead-off walk, a high-leverage no-no. After recording a strikeout, Kopech allowed a one-out single by Manuel Margot and a go-ahead sacrifice fly, scoring the game-winning run, handing him his third loss of the season. He gave up a hit, an earned run, and a walk while striking out one on 22 pitches (15 strikes – 68.2 Strike%) with three whiffs (13.6 SwStr%). Prelander Berroa hit a batter and recorded an out during his season debut, stranding two runners. Jordan Leasure was tagged with his first blown save, allowing two hits, two earned runs, and a walk while striking out one over two-thirds of the eighth. Steven Wilson fired a clean seventh, striking out one for his third hold.
Hierarchy remains (for now): *Michael Kopech | *Steven Wilson | John Brebbia
Cleveland Guardians – For a third straight outing, Hunter Gaddis suffered a blown save, allowing a walk-off, two-run home run in the bottom of the tenth after recording two quick outs. This represents his first loss of the season as well. Emmanuel Clase tossed a scoreless ninth, facing the Astros’ 3-4-5-6 hitters, yielding a hit. He threw 14 pitches (71.4 Strike%) without a whiff. Nick Sandlin logged 1.2 scoreless frames, allowing a hit, his first by a right-handed batter all season (Jose Altuve). Tim Herrin recorded two strikeouts and issued a walk over two-thirds combined innings. Scott Barlow worked two-thirds scoreless, giving up a hit and striking out one.
Updated hierarchy: Emmanuel Clase | Scott Barlow / Nick Sandlin
Detroit Tigers – (Game 1): Entering with a 1-0 lead in the ninth, Shelby Miller matched up with the Cardinals’ 3-4-5 lineup pocket, but could not close out a win, allowing three consecutive one-out singles, scoring the tying run, then a go-ahead sacrifice fly. He suffered his third loss, and second blown save as a result of his outing. Jason Foley recorded his first hold, stranding an inherited runner in the eighth working around a single by Iván Herrera, then retiring the 1-2 hitters in the lineup. Andrew Chafin stranded a runner in the seventh, recorded an out in the eighth, and departed with a runner on in the eighth, securing his fourth hold.
(Game 2): Taking over in the top of the fifth, Tyler Holton let both inherited runners score, and an earned run on his ledger, allowing a three-run home run by Alec Burleson, but collected his second win over a combined inning of relief. Alex Faedo was credited with his first hold, tossing two innings, giving up three hits, an earned run, and a walk while striking out three. Alex Lange worked 1.1 scoreless frames, walking one and striking out one, finishing the five-run win. This extended his scoreless streak to six games, during which he’s posted seven strikeouts versus one walk through 6.1 innings.
Hierarchy remains (for now): Jason Foley | Alex Lange | Andrew Chafin
Houston Astros -Making his first multiple-inning appearance in the regular season since August 14, 2020, Josh Hader allowed a two-out RBI double, scoring the “place” runner, but collected his first win courtesy of a walk-off in the bottom of the tenth. He racked up four strikeouts and issued one walk over his two innings, throwing 33 pitches (19 strikes – 57.6 Strike%) with seven whiffs (21.2 SwStr%). Ryan Pressly tossed a scoreless eighth, walking one and striking out one. Bryan Abreu navigated around two walks and recorded two strikeouts for a scoreless seventh. Rafael Montero suffered his second blown save, allowing his only inherited runner to score, serving up a three-run home run by Estevan Florial.
Hierarchy remains: Josh Hader | Ryan Pressly | Bryan Abreu
Kansas City Royals – Save number seven for “The General”. James McArthur fired a clean bottom of the ninth while recording one strikeout. He threw 17 pitches (10 strikes – 58.9 Strike%) and induced one whiff, facing a 4-5-6 lineup pocket for Toronto. He owns a nine-game scoreless streak, converting all seven save chances with 12 strikeouts versus two walks over 10.2 innings. John Schreiber secured his seventh hold, logging 1.1 clean frames and striking out one.
Hierarchy remains: James McArthur | John Schreiber | Chris Stratton
Los Angeles Angels – After a calm start to the season, things have turned quickly for Carlos Estévez. He suffered his second blown save, and first loss, allowing a game-tying home run by Nick Castellanos in the top of the ninth, followed by a two-run, go-ahead home run by Johan Rojas. His final line featured three hits allowed with three earned runs while striking out two over two-thirds combined innings, he stranded a runner in the eighth. He’s allowed a run in three of his last four outings, and multiple runs in two (3.2 IP, six earned runs, 2.16 WHIP). Amir Garrett recorded the last two outs of the ninth but gave up a hit and a walk while striking out one in the process. Matt Moore was credited with his sixth hold, giving up two hits and an earned run with one strikeout over two-thirds of the eighth. Luis García notched his third hold, firing a clean seventh and striking out one.
Updated hierarchy: Carlos Estévez | Matt Moore | Luis García
Minnesota Twins – Fresh off the injured list and right back into the high-leverage mix, Jhoan Durán recorded his first save of the season, preserving a one-run win over the White Sox. He worked around a lead-off single by Tommy Pham with two groundouts and a game-ending strikeout of Andrew Vaughn. He threw 15 pitches (66.7 Strike%) and produced two whiffs (13.3 SwStr%). Caleb Thielbar collected his first win, retiring both batters in the eighth and stranding a runner. Cole Sands suffered his first blown save, allowing two hits, including a game-tying solo home run by Andrew Benintendi over one-third of the eighth.
Confirmed hierarchy: Jhoan Durán | Griffin Jax | Caleb Thielbar
Oakland A’s – Closing out a three-run win, Mason Miller nailed down his eighth save, striking out the side against the Pirates. He threw 16 pitches (11 strikes – 68.7 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (18.8 SwStr%). He ends April on a 10-game scoreless streak, recording a save in each of his last eight games, and posting a robust 27 strikeouts versus three walks over 12.1 innings. Lucas Erceg fired a clean eighth, also striking out the side on 14 pitches (64.3 Strike%) with one whiff. Mitch Spence earned his third win, logging three scoreless frames, yielding a hit, and striking out two.
Hierarchy remains: Mason Miller | Lucas Erceg | Dany Jiménez
Seattle Mariners – Recording the first five-out save of his career, Andrés Muñoz stranded one of two runners in the top of the eighth and retired five of seven batters faced while striking out three for his fifth save. His outing was a bit shaky at the beginning, making a throwing error and intentionally walking Matt Olson, but he settled in, striking out Marcell Ozuna and inducing an inning-ending groundout by Orlando Arcia, then firing a clean ninth. Muñoz threw 27 pitches (66.7 Strike%) and generated eight whiffs (29.6 SwStr%). He owns a modest four-game scoreless streak and has recorded a save in his last three contests. Ryne Stanek struggled but was credited with his sixth hold, allowing three hits and two earned runs (for now) over one-third of the eighth. He’s given up at least a run in his last three appearances.
Adjusted hierarchy: Andrés Muñoz | Ryne Stanek | Gabe Speier
Game Recaps – National League
Arizona Diamondbacks – Benefiting from a walk-off rally, Scott McGough collected his first win despite letting the “place” runner score in the top of the 10th and issuing two walks during his outing. Kevin Ginkel fired a clean ninth, keeping the contest tied during an impromptu bullpen game. Ryan Thompson logged two scoreless frames, walking one and striking out one. Joe Mantiply suffered his first blown save, allowing one of three inherited runners to score in the fifth inning. He logged 1.2 innings, giving up two hits and an earned run while striking out two. Justin Martinez struggled with his command over one-third of the fifth, issuing two walks and yielding a hit before being removed. He was credited with his first hold but only threw eight strikes among his 18 pitches (44.4 Strike%).
Hierarchy remains: Kevin Ginkel | Ryan Thompson | Joe Mantiply
Chicago Cubs – Suffering his third loss, Adbert Alzolay gave up two hits and three unearned runs during the bottom of the sixth. After he recorded a pop-out against Pete Alonso, J.D. Martinez reached on a throwing error, and Tyrone Taylor singled with two outs before a three-run home run by D.J. Stewart, providing the difference in the contest. Alzolay threw 22 pitches (16 strikes – 72.7 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (13.6 SwStr%).
Hierarchy remains: Hector Neris | Mark Leiter Jr. | Adbert Alzolay
Colorado Rockies – Death, taxes, and high-leverage meltdowns by the Rockies bullpen. Entering in the bottom of the ninth, Justin Lawrence took over with two runners on and issued a walk, allowing a two-RBI single, another single, hit a batter (Jesús Sánchez), and a sacrifice fly, tying the game, then was removed. Lawrence let both inherited runners score, giving up two hits, two earned runs, and a walk during his one-third of an inning, resulting in his first blown save. Jalen Beeks took over, recording a strikeout, issuing an intentional walk, and induced an inning-ending flyout. He returned for the tenth, giving up an RBI double by Bryan De La Cruz scoring the “place” runner and a walk-off single, handing him his second loss.
Hierarchy remains: Justin Lawrence | Jake Bird / Nick Mears
Miami Marlins – Taking over the top of the tenth, Tanner Scott recorded two quick outs, then allowed an RBI double by Ryan McMahon, and finished with two strikeouts, along with issuing an intentional walk (Elias Díaz). Despite this, Scott collected his first win courtesy of a walk-off in the bottom of the frame. He threw 13 pitches (9 strikes – 69.2 Strike%) and generated four whiffs (30.8 SwStr%).
Hierarchy remains: Tanner Scott | Andrew Nardi | Calvin Faucher
Los Angeles Dodgers – Handed a one-run lead in the bottom of the tenth, Nabil Crismatt suffered his first loss, allowing a walk-off, two-run home run by Christian Walker, after tossing a clean ninth. Daniel Hudson suffered his first blown save in the eighth, giving up three hits and an earned run. Joe Kelly secured his seventh hold, tossing a scoreless seventh, yielding a hit and striking out one.
Hierarchy remains: Evan Phillips | Daniel Hudson | Joe Kelly
New York Mets – Although he allowed an earned run in the top of the ninth, Jorge López recorded his second save of the season, wrapping up a two-run win over the Cubs. His outing began with a lead-off double by Mike Tauchman, who scored on consecutive groundouts. López threw 21 pitches (66.7 Strike%) and produced two whiffs. Adam Ottavino notched his fourth hold, firing a clean eighth against the Cubs’ 3-4-5 hitters, and recording one strikeout. Reed Garrett worked a scoreless seventh, walking one and striking out one for his first hold. Sean Reid-Foley collected his first win, tossing a scoreless sixth, walking one, and striking out one.
Hierarchy remains: Edwin Díaz | Adam Ottavino | Reed Garrett
Philadelphia Phillies – Following a three-run rally in the top of the ninth, Jeff Hoffman recorded his second save with a clean outing while striking out one against the Angels. He threw 13 pitches (9 strikes – 69.2 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (15.4 SwStr%) against the 8-9-1 batters. This outing extended his scoreless streak to nine games, during which he owns a 0.80 WHIP with 11 strikeouts against two walks over 8.2 innings. José Alvarado collected his first win, allowing a hit and striking out one in a scoreless eighth, throwing 11 pitches (72.7 Strike%) with three whiffs (27.3 SwStr%).
Hierarchy remains: *José Alvarado | *Jeff Hoffman | Orion Kerkering
*= closer-by-committee
San Diego Padres – Securing his 10th save, Robert Suarez fired a clean top of the ninth, preserving a two-run win over the Reds. He threw 12 pitches (66.7 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (25 SwStr%). He ends April with a 0.87 WHIP, converting all 10 save chances with 11 strikeouts against four walks through his first 12 appearances this season. Yuki Matsui notched his fourth hold, logging 1.2 clean frames and striking out two. Enyel De Los Santos was credited with his fourth hold despite serving up two solo home runs over two-thirds combined innings.
Adjusted hierarchy: Robert Suarez | Yuki Matsui | Enyel De Los Santos
St. Louis Cardinals – (Game 1): Capping a ninth-inning rally, Ryan Helsley slammed the door on his 10th save, firing a clean bottom of the ninth while recording two strikeouts. He threw 10 pitches (all strikes) inducing three whiffs (30 SwStr%) and finished April with a 0.94 WHIP while racking up 19 strikeouts versus two walks over 16 innings. Matthew Liberatore garnered his first win after tossing a clean eighth and striking out two.
Hierarchy remains: Ryan Helsley | Andrew Kittredge | JoJo Romero
Vulture Save Options for Wednesday, May 1
BAL: If Craig Kimbrel remains unavailable, remaining hopeful Yennier Cano receives the save chance.
CWS: It’s a long shot, but Kopech’s pitched in four of the previous five days, placing Steven Wilson in line for the save chance.
HOU: Hader threw 33 pitches over two innings last night, which puts Ryan Pressly at the top of the vulture list for a save chance versus Cleveland today.
LAA: Working on back-to-back days will put Estévez on the sideline today, and the last time he was, Ron Washington called upon Luis García for the save.
MIA: Scott’s appeared in two straight, so Andrew Nardi could receive the save chance today.
PHI: Hoffman’s pitched in three of the last four and Alvarado’s worked in two of the last three. He could get the save or if the team prefers resting him, Orion Kerkering may finally get his first save opportunity.
SEA: Muñoz recorded his first career five-out save and should get today off, putting Gabe Speier on our radar for the save chance, especially if Olson hits in the ninth.
Vulture Save Options for Thursday, May 2
*This will only be a six-game slate, so tread lightly and monitor usage patterns today.
CLE: If Clase pitches on Wednesday, it will be four outings in five days. Nick Sandlin has emerged as an ancillary option and could be a sneaky play on getaway day.
HOU: If Pressly pitches today it will be two-in-a-row, and Hader needs another day of rest, Bryan Abreu could be in line for the save on Thursday.
Closer Monkey’s filthy outing of the day goes to perhaps the American League Reliever of the month, Mason Miller, striking out the side against Pittsburgh, courtesy of the Pitching Ninja.
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