Friday night’s high-leverage events did not assuage fantasy players seeking clarity for saves in Baltimore and Minnesota. Craig Kimbrel worked a scoreless seventh for his third hold and Yennier Cano held on for his second save, though there’s no clear pathway toward a save right now in this leverage ladder. Rocco Baldelli deployed Jhoan Durán as his HLR, matching him up against Vlad Guerrero Jr. in the eighth, and using Griffin Jax in the ninth. It’s frustrating, imposing difficult decisions on fantasy managers.
For some good news, Josh Hader secured his fifth save, and second in as many days. In Friday’s 15-game slate, there were a total of 10 saves. You can find more details in our condensed and full recaps.
Closer CliffsNotes
American League
(RP | BAL): Benefiting from a different bullpen structure, Yennier Cano recorded his second save tossing a scoreless top of the ninth, navigating around a hit and striking out one while preserving a two-run win.
(RP | BOS): Making his first appearance since May 5, Kenley Jansen recorded two quick outs via strikeout, then gave up a single by Eddie Rosario, walked Trey Lipscomb, uncorked a wild pitch which scored a run, and allowed an RBI single by Victor Robles before an inning-ending strikeout. He threw 22 pitches (63.6 Strike%) and generated six whiffs (27.3 SwStr%) while giving up two hits, two earned runs, and a walk.
Hierarchy remains: Kenley Jansen | Chris Martin | Justin Slaten
(RP | CWS): Not only did Jordan Leasure record his second save, he stranded the bases-loaded in the eighth and retired all four batters while preserving a three-run win.
(RP | DET): On paper, it seemed like a correct match-up, lining up Andrew Chafin against the top of the Astros lineup with two left-handed hitters in the 1-2-3 pocket. However, he allowed two hits and a walk before his removal, resulting in three earned runs, his first loss, and his second blown save.
(RP | HOU): Closing out his fifth save, and his team’s rally in the top of the eighth, Josh Hader worked a scoreless ninth, issuing a walk and recording two strikeouts in Detroit.
(RP | KCR): Completing his team’s rally, John Schreiber secured his first save, working around a hit during a scoreless bottom of the ninth, preserving a one-run win over the Angels.
(RP | LAA): Handed a 1-0 lead in the top of the ninth, Carlos Estévez suffered his second loss, and third blown save, giving up three hits, including a go-ahead two-run home run.
(RP | MIN): Taking over in the ninth, Griffin Jax recorded his fifth save despite allowing two hits and a walk while striking out one during a win in Toronto.
(RP | NYY): Navigating around traffic, Clay Holmes finished a combined shutout, and held on for his 12th save, working around a hit and two walks while striking out three in Tampa Bay.
(RP | SEA): After taking over in the bottom of the fifth, Trent Thornton logged 1.1 scoreless frames, allowing two hits and striking out two resulting in his first win.
Hierarchy remains: Andrés Muñoz | Ryne Stanek | Gabe Speier
(RP | TEX): Grant Anderson was tagged with his first loss, and his first blown save, giving up a hit, two earned runs, and a walk with one strikeout during his combined inning of relief.
Hierarchy remains: Kirby Yates | David Robertson | José Leclerc
National League
(RP | ARI): In his team’s eventual loss, Justin Martinez turned in 1.2 scoreless frames, walking two and striking out five. He threw 27 pitches (66.7 Strike%) and generated six whiffs (22.2 SwStr%). He’s an intriguing reliever for those in dynasty formats.
Hierarchy remains: Paul Sewald | Kevin Ginkel | Ryan Thompson
(RP | ATL): Save number 10 on the season, and 200 in his career, secured by Raisel Iglesias. He did give up a walk and an earned run on an RBI single, but finished a two-run win over the Mets.
(RP | CHC): Taking over in the bottom of the fifth, Ben Brown collected his first win, stranding a runner and logging 3.2 scoreless frames, allowing two hits and a walk while striking out six. He threw 38 pitches (29 strikes – 76.3 Strike%) and generated 11 whiffs (28.9 SwStr%) in bulk relief.
Hierarchy remains: Héctor Neris | Mark Leiter Jr. | Yency Almonte
(RP | CIN): Recording his seventh save of the season, and first this month, Alexis Díaz allowed a walk and retired two via strikeout, preserving a two-run win over San Francisco.
(RP | COL): Preserving a two-run win, Jalen Beeks recorded his second save, retiring the side in the top of the ninth against Texas.
(RP | LAD): Entering a tied game in the bottom of the ninth, Michael Grove allowed a lead-off double, and a one-out, walk-off RBI single resulting in his second loss.
Hierarchy remains: *Daniel Hudson | *Blake Treinen (HLR) | *Alex Vesia
*= closer-by-committee
(RP | MIL): Logging an extended outing, Kevin Herget recorded his first save, allowing three hits, including a solo home run by Nolan Gorman, two earned runs, and a walk over three innings, finishing a nine-run win over the Cardinals.
Hierarchy remains: Trevor Megill | Joel Payamps | Elvis Peguero
(RP | PHI): Wrapping up a six-run win, José Alvarado fired a clean bottom of the ninth, striking out one in Miami. He threw 16 pitches (75 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (12.5 SwStr%). This marked his first outing since May 5, and he’s been scoreless in five of his last six games with six strikeouts versus zero walks over six innings.
Hierarchy remains: *José Alvarado | *Jeff Hoffman | Orion Kerkering
*= closer-by-committee
(RP | SDP): Taking over a tied game in the top of the ninth, Robert Suarez retired the side against the Dodgers, then collected his second win courtesy of a walk-off rally in the bottom of the frame.
(RP | WSH): Operating like an HLR, Hunter Harvey tossed a scoreless bottom of the seventh against the 2-3-4 lineup pocket of Boston working around a hit with a double-play grounder and a strikeout resulting in his MLB-leading 13th hold.
Hierarchy remains: Kyle Finnegan | Hunter Harvey | Dylan Floro
Game Recaps – American League
Baltimore Orioles – In an intriguing usage pattern, Yennier Cano notched his second save, working around a lead-off double by Gabriel Moreno by retiring the next three batters, including one strikeout, closing out a two-run win over Arizona. He threw 16 pitches (62.5 Strike%) and produced two whiffs (12.5 SwStr%). He’s recorded a save in two of three outings and owns a seven-game scoreless streak with five strikeouts versus two walks over 6.2 innings. Cionel Pérez stranded a runner while hitting a batter and retiring one in the eighth for his fourth hold. Jacob Webb walked one during two-thirds scoreless in the eighth, securing his third hold. Craig Kimbrel fired a clean seventh, striking out one on 12 pitches (66.7 Strike%) with one whiff, and some loud contact.
Updated Hierarchy: *Craig Kimbrel | *Yennier Cano | *Danny Coulombe
Chicago White Sox – Pressed into action in the eighth, Jordan Leasure inherited a bases-loaded situation, stranding all three runners by inducing an inning-ending flyout. He returned for the ninth and recorded his second save preserving a three-run win. He only needed 16 pitches (75 Strike%) with one whiff while retiring all four batters faced in this outing. He owns a 1.10 WHIP with 11 strikeouts over 16.1 innings during his rookie campaign.
Hierarchy remains: Michael Kopech | John Brebbia | Jordan Leasure
Detroit Tigers – Taking over the top of the eighth against the top of the Astros’ lineup with a one-run lead, Andrew Chafin allowed a lead-off single by Jose Altuve, walked Kyle Tucker, and a game-tying RBI single by Yordan Alvarez, prompting his removal. Jason Foley replaced him with runners on the corners, giving up a go-ahead RBI single by Jeremy Peña, inducing a fielder’s choice groundout, and another run scored on an error, followed by a sacrifice fly. Foley finished with a hit against and an unearned run. Chafin suffered his first loss, and third blown save, with two hits, three earned runs, and a walk on his ledger without recording an out.
Hierarchy remains: *Alex Lange | *Andrew Chafin | Jason Foley
*= closer-by-committee
Houston Astros – Capping his team’s come-from-behind rally, Josh Hader nailed down his fifth save, and third in May, tossing a scoreless bottom of the ninth, walking one and striking out two. He threw 17 pitches (58.8 Strike%) and generated four whiffs (23.5 SwStr%). After a slow start, he’s been scoreless in three of his last four with six strikeouts against one walk over 4.1 innings. Bryan Abreu notched his sixth hold, allowing a hit and striking out three in a scoreless eighth, throwing 13 pitches (10 strikes – 76.9 Strike%) with one whiff. He’s recorded multiple strikeouts in seven of his last eight games (18 strikeouts of 39 batters faced – 46.2 K%).
Hierarchy remains: Josh Hader | Ryan Pressly | Bryan Abreu
Kansas City Royals – Handed a one-run lead after a late rally, John Schreiber secured his first save, working around a one-out double by Matt Thaiss with consecutive groundouts, preserving the win. He threw 10 pitches (60 Strike%) without a whiff and has been scoreless in seven of eight games with two wins, this save, and five holds. Tyler Duffey collected his first win after tossing a clean bottom of the eighth. Will Smith turned in a clean seventh, recording one strikeout. Chris Stratton stranded two runners and retired both batters faced, one via strikeout in the sixth.
Hierarchy remains: James McArthur | John Schreiber | Chris Stratton
Los Angeles Angels – Entering with a 1-0 lead in the top of the ninth, Carlos Estévez suffered his second loss, and his third blown save, allowing three hits, including a go-ahead two-run home run by Adam Frazier. In this outing, he threw 21 pitches (13 strikes – 61.9 Strike%) without getting a whiff. Over his last seven appearances, he’s given up multiple runs in three, and at least a run in four, resulting in eight earned runs through 6.2 innings while converting three of six save chances. Luis García notched his fifth hold, tossing a clean eighth and striking out one. Matt Moore secured his eighth hold, navigating around a hit and a walk while striking out one in a scoreless seventh. Adam Cimber stranded two runners and retired his only batter via strikeout in the sixth, recording his third hold.
Hierarchy remains: Carlos Estévez | Matt Moore | Luis García
Minnesota Twins – Once again, Rocco Baldelli has assigned lineup pockets and not a linear pathway toward a save, continuing to frustrate fantasy managers. Griffin Jax held on for his fifth save, navigating around a two-out single by Bo Bichette, a walk, and an RBI single by Isiah Kiner-Falefa, before inducing a game-ending ricochet comebacker, caught by Carlos Santana. Jax threw 26 pitches (16 strikes – 61.5 Strike%) and produced four whiffs (15.4 SwStr%). Jhoan Durán faced the Vlad Guerrero Jr. lineup pocket and tossed a scoreless eighth despite walking one, throwing 13 pitches (6 strikes – 46.2 Strike%) with one whiff during 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.
New York Yankees – Despite loading the bases in the bottom of the ninth, Clay Holmes held on for his 12th save, preserving a combined shutout. His outing began with a lead-off walk, a strikeout, another walk, another strikeout, a single, and a game-ending strikeout. He threw 34 pitches (18 strikes – 52.9 Strike%) and induced four whiffs (11.8 SwStr%). However, he may need Saturday off because of the elevated pitch count. Luke Weaver recorded his fourth hold, firing a clean eighth and striking out two on 12 pitches (83.3 Strike%) with three whiffs (25 SwStr%). He owns an eight-game scoreless streak with 18 strikeouts versus one walk over 13.2 innings. Nick Burdi stranded a runner and retired his only batter-faced for his third hold.
Holmes has been rock solid, but the leverage ladder may be in flux, so the hierarchy may be adjusted this weekend. Stay tuned.
Hierarchy remains (for now): Clay Holmes | Ian Hamilton | Victor González
Game Recaps – National League
Atlanta Braves – While recording his tenth save, Raisel Iglesias issued a one-out walk to Starling Marte, who moved to second base on defensive indifference, then scored on an RBI single by Pete Alonso, before a game-ending flyout. Iglesias threw 23 pitches (52.2 Strike%) and only induced one whiff. His final line was one hit allowed, one earned run, and one walk. He owns a 1.04 WHIP with a 10:4 K:BB over 15.1 innings. A.J. Minter fired a clean eighth, striking out the side for his fifth hold on 13 pitches (10 strikes – 76.9 Strike%) with six whiffs (46.2 SwStr%).
Hierarchy remains: Raisel Iglesias | A.J. Minter | Joe Jiménez
Cincinnati Reds -Shutting the door on his seventh save, Alexis Díaz issued a walk and recorded two strikeouts during a scoreless bottom of the ninth, entering against the 6-7-8 lineup pocket of the Giants. He threw 21 pitches (10 strikes – 47.6 Strike%) and induced four whiffs (19 SwStr%). This was his first outing since May 5 and his first save since April 27. Lucas Sims retired both batters faced in the eighth for his sixth hold. Justin Wilson tossed 1.1 scoreless innings, yielding a hit and striking out one for his third hold. Emilio Pagán notched his second hold, firing a clean sixth and striking out one.
Hierarchy remains: Alexis Díaz | Fernando Cruz | Lucas Sims
Colorado Rockies – Putting the bow on a late rally, Jalen Beeks secured his second save, retiring the 7-8-9 Rangers’ lineup pocket in the top of the ninth, preserving a two-run win. He threw nine pitches (4 strikes – 44.4 Strike%) without a whiff. He’s been scoreless in three of his last four and recorded a save in two of three outings. Jake Bird collected his first win, firing a clean eighth and striking out two. Justin Lawrence entered in the seventh with two runners on but let one score on a bases-loaded walk. He issued two walks and struck out one over one-third of the seventh, throwing 16 pitches (43.8 Strike%).
Updated Hierarchy: *Justin Lawrence | *Jake Bird | *Jalen Beeks
*= closer-by-committee
San Diego Padres – Benefiting from a walk-off rally in the bottom of the ninth, Robert Suarez collected his second win of the season after retiring the side in the top of the inning while facing the Dodgers’ 6-7-8 lineup pocket. He threw 13 pitches (8 strikes – 61.5 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (23.1 SwStr%). He extended his scoreless streak to 14 games, spanning 15 innings, converting all 10 save chances with a 12:4 K:BB and 0.60 WHIP. Yuki Matsui was tagged with his second blown save, allowing two hits and an earned run on a sacrifice fly, tying the game, matching up with the top of the lineup. His final line was two hits, an earned run, and an intentional walk (Will Smith) on 11 pitches (72.7 Strike%) with one whiff.
Hierarchy remains: Robert Suarez | Yuki Matsui | Enyel De Los Santos
Vulture Save Candidates for Saturday, May 11
COL: Only for the desperate, but Beeks has appeared in two straight, leaving Jake Bird or Justin Lawrence for the save chance in today’s match-up with Texas.
HOU: Hader and Abreu have pitched in two straight, opening the door for an ancillary save by Ryan Pressly.
LAA: Estévez and García have appeared in three of the last four days, which may yield a save chance for Adam Cimber or Hunter Strickland, leaning toward Strickland.
MIN: Based on recent patterns, and Jax throwing 26 pitches last night, if Durán does not face Vlad Jr. in the ninth, it will be Caleb Thielbar or Cole Sands for the save chance. Sands was warming last night when Jax had traffic on the bases.
NYY: Holmes secured the save last night while throwing 34 pitches, so he should be unavailable today. Weaver has worked in two straight, so it could be Caleb Ferguson or Ian Hamilton, though Victor González has two ancillary saves already this year.
Vulture Save Candidates for Sunday, May 12
First, see the relievers who pitched on Friday night, and if they appear again today, get the next reliever in the hierarchy for Sunday.
BAL: If they use Cano and Kimbrel again today, it lines up Danny Coulombe or Jacob Webb for Sunday.
SDP: Suarez has pitched in two of the last three, and if he appears again on Saturday he will be down on Sunday leaving a potential save chance for Enyel De Los Santos.
Closer Monkey’s filthy outing of the day goes to Blake Treinen while facing the Padres, video courtesy of the Pitching Ninja.
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