Despite a doubleheader providing mixed results from a fantasy perspective, through 15 games played on Wednesday, there were 10 saves, including Robert Suarez moving into a tie for the major league with his 12th. James McArthur took over a messy situation in the ninth and secured his eighth save, which should represent no imminent change in his team’s hierarchy. On the other end of the spectrum, Craig Kimbrel could not finish a save chance, getting a hold instead, after being removed with two runners on and two outs in Cincinnati. He received the dreaded vote of confidence from his manager, but his usage patterns and results must be monitored closely.
For our time constrained members, here are the condensed recaps, followed the full ones in today’s Monkey Bytes.
Closer ClliffsNotes
American League
(RP | BAL): Craig Kimbrel has only recorded one save, and one game-finished, over his last five appearances. He received credit for his second hold against Washington, but allowed a solo home run and two walks before being removed, resulting in two earned runs on his ledger over two-thirds of an inning.
(RP | CWS): Receiving his first save chance in just under a month, Michael Kopech gave up an infield hit but closed out the 4-1 win with a game-ending double play groundout.
(RP | CLE): A walk-off rally in the bottom of the tenth provided Emmanuel Clase with his second win of the season. He retired the side in order in the top of the inning on 10 pitches while recording one strikeout.
(RP | DET): After taking over in the ninth, and striking his only batter faced, Alex Lange returned for the tenth, but allowed a walk-off RBI single after a sacrifice bunt put the “place” runner on third. He gave up a hit, an unearned run, and recorded the one strikeout over his two-thirds combined innings.
(RP | KCR): Displaying a short memory, and rewarding the faith of his manager, James McArthur recorded his eighth save, retiring both batters faced and preserving a two-run win over the Brewers.
(RP | LAA): Appearing on consecutive days, Carlos Estévez notched his first save this month, and sixth this season with a clean bottom of the ninth, striking out two.
(RP | MIN): With the lineup pocket working in his favor last night, Jhoan Durán locked down his third save with a clean ninth and struck out one against the top of Seattle’s batting order.
(RP | OAK): Logging his first appearance since May 1, Mason Miller displayed no signs of rust, firing two clean frames and striking out four during a five-run over Texas in Game 1 of a doubleheader.
(RP | TEX): Despite giving up his first earned run of the season, and letting all three inherited runners score, Kirby Yates held on for his seventh save, giving up two hits, an earned run, and a walk while striking out one.
(RP | TOR): Hanging on for his fifth save, Jordan Romano allowed three hits and an earned run while closing out a win in Philadelphia.
National League
(RP | ARI): Taking over in the ninth inning with a runner on base and a one-run lead, Joe Mantiply recorded his first save, retiring both batters faced, including one via strikeout.
(RP | LAD): Assuaging fantasy player’s fears, Daniel Hudson was called upon for the save chance against Miami and fired a clean ninth, producing one strikeout while recording his second save.
(RP | PIT): Suffering his second loss, and his second blown save, Luis L. Ortiz gave up two hits and an earned run in the sixth.
Hierarchy remains: David Bednar | Aroldis Chapman | Colin Holderman
(RP | SDP): Closing out a combined shutout, and recording his 12th save, Robert Suarez fired a clean bottom of the ninth, striking out one in Chicago.
(RP | SFG): During a second straight non-save outing, Camilo Doval allowed a two-run home run, and two walks during the bottom of the ninth.
(RP | WSH): Suffering his first loss, Jordan Weems allowed two unearned runs on a hit in the top of the 12th against the Orioles.
Game Recaps – American League
Baltimore Orioles – Outlasting the Nationals during a 12-inning contest, Jacob Webb earned his second save despite letting the “place” runner score on an RBI double by Luis García Jr., retiring the next three batters. He threw 10 pitches (70 Strike%) with one whiff. Albert Suárez collected his second win, giving up a hit, two runs (one earned), and a walk while striking out one over two innings. Keegan Akin suffered his first blown save, allowing one of two inherited runners to score on a game-tying RBI single by CJ Abrams during one-third of the ninth. Craig Kimbrel recorded two quick outs, then allowed a solo home run (Eddie Rosario), and issued two walks, resulting in his removal. He received credit for his second hold, allowing a hit, two earned runs, and two walks over two-thirds of the ninth, throwing 19 pitches (10 strikes – 52.6 Strike%) without a whiff. He’s given up a run in five of his last six outings. Cionel Pérez notched his third hold, logging 1.1 scoreless frames while walking one. Yennier Cano was credited with his ninth hold, giving up a hit and a walk over two-thirds scoreless in the seventh. Danny Coulombe retired the side in the sixth for his eighth hold.
Hierarchy remains (for now): Craig Kimbrel | Yennier Cano | Danny Coulombe
Chicago White Sox – Even though he allowed an infield single, Michael Kopech secured his third save, producing a game-ending double play ground out, closing out a 4-1 win in Tampa Bay. He threw 10 pitches (70 Strike%) and induced one whiff. This represents his first save since April 9, and he’s been scoreless in four of his last five contests. John Brebbia stranded two runners in the seventh while logging 1.2 clean frames and striking out three for his third hold. Steven Wilson was credited with his fifth hold despite issuing two walks over a scoreless one-third of the seventh.
Updated Hierarchy: *Michael Kopech | John Brebbia | Steven Wilson
Cleveland Guardians – Benefiting from a walk-off rally, Emmanuel Clase collected his second win, erasing the “place” runner on a fielder’s choice ground out, a strikeout, and an inning-ending ground out to third. He only needed 10 pitches (70 Strike%) and produced one whiff. He’s allowed one unearned run over his last 12 appearances with 14 strikeouts against one walk and a 0.35 WHIP through 11.1 innings. Hunter Gaddis tossed two scoreless frames, allowing a hit. Nick Sandlin logged 1.1 scoreless frames, yielding a hit and striking out two.
Hierarchy remains: Emmanuel Clase | Scott Barlow | Nick Sandlin
Detroit Tigers – No matter how much fantasy players crave consistent bullpen structure, A.J. Hinch remains evasive about labeling his reliever’s roles. Jason Foley took over in the seventh inning, his first time not in the eighth or ninth all year, and recorded two outs while giving up a single by Kyle Manzardo. Joey Wentz stranded him and worked 1.1 innings, allowing a hit and an unearned run while striking out one. Andrew Chafin suffered his second blown save, allowing a game-tying solo home run (David Fry), and struck out one over two-thirds of the ninth. Alex Lange retired Ramón Laureano via strikeout. In the ninth, after a sacrifice bunt, Brayan Rocchio produced an RBI single, scoring the walk-off run and handing Lange his second loss. He finishes with a hit and an unearned run allowed over two-thirds combined innings.
Based on recent usage patterns, and outcomes, it’s time for an adjustment of the hierarchy.
Adjusted Hierarchy: *Alex Lange | *Andrew Chafin | Jason Foley
*= closer-by-committee
Kansas City Royals – Being a goldfish, James McArthur rebounded from consecutive blown saves by securing his eighth, taking over a messy situation in the top of the ninth. He inherited two runners, letting one score on an RBI fielder’s choice ground out, and induced a game-ending grounder by Christian Yelich, preserving a two-run win. He threw three pitches, all strikes, and induced a whiff (33.3 SwStr%). This reinforces his stature in his team’s bullpen hierarchy from a fantasy lens despite recent results. Tyler Duffey created the mess, allowing a hit, two earned runs, and two walks while striking out one in one-third of the ninth. Chris Stratton notched his third hold, tossing a clean eighth. Angel Zerpa recorded his sixth hold, retiring his only batter faced via strikeout. Nick Anderson was credited with his second hold despite giving up two hits, an earned run, and two walks over two-thirds of the seventh.
Hierarchy remains: James McArthur | John Schreiber | Chris Stratton
Los Angeles Angels – Recording his first save since April 29, and his sixth of the season, Carlos Estévez preserved a one-run win in Pittsburgh with a clean ninth while striking out two. He threw 18 pitches (11 strikes – 61.1 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (16.7 SwStr%). Luis García retired both batters in the eighth for his fourth hold. Matt Moore fired 1.1 clean frames, striking out two. Adam Cimber collected his third win, logging 1.1 clean innings and striking out three on 20 pitches (65 Strike%) with two whiffs.
Hierarchy remains: Carlos Estévez | Matt Moore | Luis García
Minnesota Twins – Benefiting from the top of Seattle’s batting order cycling into the ninth inning, Jhoan Durán nailed down his third save, firing a clean ninth and striking out one. He threw 18 pitches (66.7 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (16.7 SwStr%). He’s recorded five straight scoreless outings since his debut off of the injured list with eight strikeouts versus zero walks with three saves and two holds. Griffin Jax gave up a hit, an earned run, and a walk during his 1.2 innings, securing his sixth hold. Caleb Thielbar worked a combined inning, stranding a runner in the sixth but allowing a hit and an earned run while striking out two, resulting in his third hold.
Hierarchy remains: *Jhoan Durán (HLR/PSS) | *Griffin Jax | *Caleb Thielbar
*An HLR/PSS means he’s the preferred save option, but will be used in the highest-leverage moment in games when deemed necessary.
Oakland A’s – Putting the bow on a 9-4 win during Game 1, Mason Miller fired two clean frames while striking out four against Texas. He last pitched on May 1, but this remains a curious usage pattern. In this outing, he threw 32 pitches (75 Strike%) and generated seven whiffs (21.9 SwStr%). He owns a robust 55 percent strikeout rate through his first 16.1 innings (33 strikeouts of 60 batters faced) and a minuscule 0.67 WHIP while converting all eight save opportunities. Austin Adams notched his 10th hold, logging 1.1 scoreless innings, yielding a hit and striking out one.
Hierarchy remains: Mason Miller | Lucas Erceg | Austin Adams
Texas Rangers – Forced into action in the bottom of the ninth, Kirby Yates entered a bases-loaded situation with no outs. He let all three score on a sacrifice fly, an RBI single, and an RBI double. With two outs, he issued an intentional walk (Brent Rooker) before inducing a game-ending flyout, resulting in his seventh save. His final line reads as, two hits allowed, an earned run, and a walk with one strikeout in the ninth. Owen White gave up three consecutive singles in the top of the ninth, then was removed. José Leclerc allowed a hit, an earned run, and a walk while striking out two in the eighth. David Robertson collected his second win, tossing two scoreless frames and walking one while recording five strikeouts. He also stranded two runners for Josh Sborz, who issued two walks and then left the game with an injury.
Hierarchy remains: Kirby Yates | David Robertson | José Leclerc
Toronto Blue Jays – Working around traffic on the bases, Jordan Romano held on for his fifth save, allowing three hits and an earned run during a 5-3 win over the Phillies. His outing began with a lead-off single by Alec Bohm, followed by a ground out, then a one-out single, and an RBI double by Bryson Stott before inducing consecutive pop-outs, ending the game. He threw 15 pitches (80 Strike%) and induced one whiff. He’s given up multiple hits and an earned run in both outings this month. Tim Mayza notched his sixth hold, yielding a hit during two-thirds scoreless in the eighth. Zach Pop worked a scoreless combined inning, striking out one.
Hierarchy remains (for now): Jordan Romano | Yimi García (HLR) | Erik Swanson
Game Recaps – National League
Arizona Diamondbacks – Easing Paul Sewald back into the season, he did not appear on consecutive days, instead, Kevin Ginkel opened the ninth with a two-run lead. However, things did not go as planned after a lead-off walk (Jake Fraley), a high-leverage mortal sin. Ginkel recorded an out, but allowed a single by Jeimer Candelario, and an RBI single by TJ Friedl, prompting his removal. Joe Mantiply took over, matched up with pinch-hitter Will Benson, recording a strikeout then induced a game-ending flyout by Jonathan India for his first save. Ryan Thompson worked a clean eighth, striking out one while securing his sixth hold.
Hierarchy remains: Paul Sewald | Kevin Ginkel | Ryan Thompson
Los Angeles Dodgers – Back in the saddle, and in a familiar role in the ninth, Daniel Hudson secured his second save, retiring the side and striking out one while finishing a two-run win over the Marlins. He matched up with the 3-4-5 lineup pocket and attacked them, throwing 12 pitches (83.3 Strike%) while generating three whiffs (25 SwStr%). Michael Grove notched his fourth hold, firing a clean eighth and striking out one.
Hierarchy remains: *Daniel Hudson | *Blake Treinen (HLR) | *Alex Vesia
*= closer-by-committee
San Diego Padres – Becoming the second reliever with 12 saves, Robert Suarez closed out a combined shutout with a clean ninth while striking out one against the Cubs. He threw 11 pitches (63.6 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (18.2 SwStr%). He currently boasts a 13-game scoreless streak during which he’s converted a win and 10 saves with 12 strikeouts against four walks over 14 innings. Wandy Peralta turned in a much-needed clean eighth, recording two strikeouts and his sixth hold.
Hierarchy remains: Robert Suarez | Yuki Matsui | Enyel De Los Santos
San Francisco Giants – For a second straight day, Camilo Doval closed out a win in Colorado, in a non-save capacity. However, he had spotty command, issuing consecutive walks in the bottom of the ninth before inducing a ground ball double play. With two outs, he allowed a two-run home run by Elias Díaz and ended the game on a Brendan Rodgers grounder. Doval threw 20 pitches (55 Strike%) while recording only one whiff. Tyler Rogers tossed a scoreless eighth, yielding a hit and striking out one. Ryan Walker fired a clean seventh, striking out one.
Hierarchy remains: Camilo Doval | Tyler Rogers | Ryan Walker
Washington Nationals – Taking over in the top of the 12th, Jordan Weems suffered his first loss, allowing a hit and two earned runs while striking out one. Hunter Harvey served up a two-run home run (one earned) by Ryan Mountcastle and recorded a strikeout in the 11th. Kyle Finnegan worked a scoreless tenth, walking one and striking out one. Dylan Floro fired a clean ninth, striking out the side. Jacob Barnes tossed a scoreless eighth, yielding a hit and striking out one.
Hierarchy remains: Kyle Finnegan | Hunter Harvey | Dylan Floro
Vulture Save Options for Thursday, May 9
CLE: Clase has pitched in three of the last four, if they give him today off, it should be Scott Barlow for the vulture save chance.
KCR: McArthur’s worked in consecutive days and three of the last four, placing John Schreiber as the freshest reliever in the hierarchy, though Chris Stratton could sneak in for the save too.
MIN: Although he’s not appeared on consecutive days recently, Durán’s pitched in four of the previous six days, so keeping him down makes sense. This means Caleb Thielbar or Cole Sands could garner the save chance if provided against the Angels.
SFG: For some reason, Doval’s made consecutive non-save appearances in Colorado, along with Ryan Walker, putting Tyler Rogers in line for a save in today’s contest.
Closer Monkey’s filthy pitch of the day goes to Jhoan Durán, it’s so easy seeing he could be a top-5 closer, will Rocco let him? Video courtesy of the Pitching Ninja.
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