It’s difficult to quantify how missing a season will affect a pitcher, especially with the introduction of the pitch clock. Edwin Díaz has been placed on the hot seat based on recent rough outings, especially his non-save outing on Saturday which resulted in four earned runs and an eventual loss in extra-innings. He may receive the Craig Kimbrel pitching in lower leveraged innings treatment, but it’s about commanding his pitches, not velocity.

Saturday’s slate featured three extra-inning contests and interesting high-leverage outcomes, covered below in our condensed and full recaps. Also, for those in leagues with holds or SOLDS, our Week 9 streamer suggestions with relievers of interest and thoughts about ancillary save opportunities for next week were published last night.

Closer CliffsNotes

American League

(RP | BAL): Taking over a tied game in the top of the eighth, Yennier Cano gave up a lead-off single followed by an RBI double to Julio Rodríguez, ceding the lead. He suffered his second loss, allowing two earned runs during his one-third of the eighth. 

Hierarchy remains: *Craig Kimbrel | *Yennier Cano | *Danny Coulombe

*= closer-by-committee

(RP | BOS): Taking over a tied game in the bottom of the seventh, Justin Slaten stranded two runners while retiring Paul Goldschmidt on an inning-ending groundout. However, when he returned for the eighth, things went awry. He allowed five hits, and five runs (four earned) while recording one strikeout during his combined inning of relief, resulting in his second loss.

Hierarchy remains: Kenley Jansen | Chris Martin | Justin Slaten

(RP | KCR): Navigating around two hits, James McArthur retired the next three batters, two via strikeout while securing his 11th save.

(RP | LAA): An almost fitting end to a weird back-and-forth contest, Carson Fulmer suffered his second loss, loading the bases in the bottom of the 13th and then hitting Nathaniel Lowe resulting in a walk-off hit-by-pitch. 

(RP | SEA): Despite serving up a solo home run by Gunnar Henderson, Andrés Muńoz recorded his eighth save, preserving a one-run win in Baltimore while striking out two. 

(RP | TBR): Receiving the save chance with two left-handed hitters scheduled for the ninth, Garrett Cleavinger retired the side despite facing two right-handed pinch hitters and struck out one, preserving a one-run win in Toronto. 

(RP | TEX): Benefiting from a walk-off in the bottom of the 13th, Yerry Rodríguez collected his first major league win. He logged two scoreless frames, allowing a walk and striking out one. 

(RP | TOR): Suffering his first loss, and his first blown save, Nate Pearson gave up three hits, including a go-ahead two-run home run, and issued a walk without recording an out in the top of the eighth. 

National League

(RP | CHC): Benefiting from a walk-off rally scoring the game’s only run, Héctor Neris collected his fourth win, and third this month, retiring the side and striking out two in the top of the ninth. 

(RP | MIA): After retiring the side in order in the top of the tenth, Tanner Scott collected his third win during a walk-off rally in the bottom of the frame. 

(RP | MIL): Locking down his sixth save, Trevor Megill gave up a hit and recorded all three outs via strikeout, closing out a two-run win in Houston. 

(RP | NYM): Taking over in the bottom of the ninth with a four-run lead, Edwin Díaz could not finish the game. He allowed a lead-off double, recorded an out, gave up an RBI single, followed by another single, and a game-tying three-run home run, forcing his removal from the contest. 

(RP | PHI): Navigating around the “place” runner in the top of the tenth, despite uncorking a wild pitch, Gregory Soto turned in a scoreless outing and collected his first win courtesy of a walk-off sacrifice fly in the bottom of the inning. 

(RP | PIT): Taking over a tied game in the bottom of the ninth, David Bednar suffered his third loss, allowing a one-out double and a walk-off, RBI single

(RP | STL): Although he allowed three hits, including a solo home run by Rafael Devers, JoJo Romero was tagged with his first blown save, he also collected his first win courtesy of a five-run rally in the bottom of the eighth.

Hierarchy remains: Ryan Helsley | Andrew Kittredge | JoJo Romero

(RP | WSH): Handed a one-run lead in the bottom of the ninth, Kyle Finnegan allowed a game-tying solo home run (Kody Clemens) and suffered his third loss, giving up two fly-outs, including a walk-off sacrifice fly in the bottom of the tenth. 

Vulture Save Options for Sunday, May 19

CHC: Neris and Leiter Jr. have pitched on consecutive days, which may provide insight into who emerges as a high-leverage option between Ben Brown and Hayden Wesneski. We are leaning toward Brown, but how the Cubs handle high-leverage innings today may determine leverage patterns moving forward.

LAD: Hudson and Grove have pitched in two straight. Blake Treinen has matched up against Elly De La Cruz in this series, so he could receive the save chance depending on how lineup pockets progress. Also in play, Alex Vesia against a left-handed hitting pocket or J.P. Feyereisen versus a right-handed one if Treinen works in the eighth, it’s complex.

NYM: Díaz will likely be unavailable today, placing Adam Ottavino in line for the potential vulture save this afternoon in Miami.

WSH: Finnegan pitched 1.2 innings yesterday, which may provide Hunter Harvey with the save chance in their game with the Phillies today.

Vulture Save Options for Monday, May 20

KCR: If McArthur pitches again on Sunday it will be back-to-back outings putting Chris Stratton on the radar for an ancillary save chance on Monday.

Game Recaps – American League

Kansas City Royals – Despite allowing consecutive hits leading off the top of the ninth, James McArthur settled in, recording an out on a lineout then striking out the last two batters, preserving a two-run win and securing his 11th save. He threw 17 pitches (12 strikes – 70.6 Strike%) and generated four whiffs (23.5 SwStr%). Angel Zerpa notched his seventh hold, firing a clean eighth and striking out one. He’s posted nine straight scoreless appearances, recording five holds and eight strikeouts versus zero walks through 7.2 innings. John Schreiber gave up three hits and an earned run but was credited with his 11th hold.

Adjusted Hierarchy: James McArthur | John Schreiber | Angel Zerpa

Los Angeles Angels – In a strange finish, Carson Fulmer suffered his second loss, on a walk-off hit-by-pitch while facing Nathaniel Lowe in the bottom of the 13th. He finished his 1.1-inning outing with a hit against, an unearned run, and two walks (one intentional). Carlos Estévez tossed two scoreless frames, navigating around a hit and a walk (intentional) while striking out two. He threw 24 pitches (14 strikes – 58.3 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (12.5 SwStr%). Hunter Strickland retired the side in the ninth. Luis García was tagged with his first blown save, giving up a hit, an earned run, and a walk in the eighth. Adam Cimber fired a clean seventh, striking out one for his sixth hold.

Updated Hierarchy: Carlos Estévez | Luis García | Adam Cimber

Seattle Mariners – Although he allowed a solo home run by Gunnar Henderson with two outs, Andrés Muñoz recorded his eighth save, closing out a one-run win in Baltimore. He threw 19 pitches (12 strikes – 63.2 Strike%) and induced two whiffs while striking out two. This snapped his nine-game scoreless streak, but he’s converted six straight save chances with 15 strikeouts against one walk over his last 12 innings. Trent Thornton secured his fourth hold, walking one and striking out one in a scoreless eighth. Ryne Stanek collected his second win, retiring both batters, one via strikeout, and stranding two runners in the seventh. Gabe Speier gave up a hit and a walk over one-third scoreless in the seventh.

Hierarchy remains: Andrés Muñoz | Ryne Stanek | Gabe Speier

Tampa Bay Rays – With two left-handed hitters scheduled in the 8-9-1 lineup pocket in the ninth, the Rays summoned Garrett Cleavinger to protect a one-run lead, Even though he faced two right-handed pinch hitters, Cleavinger fired a clean bottom of the ninth and recorded a game-ending strikeout for his third save. He threw 14 pitches (11 strikes – 78.6 Strike%) and produced one whiff. Jason Adam notched his 10th hold, navigated around a hit and a hit-batter during a scoreless eighth, and struck out one. This extended his scoreless streak to seven games. Erasmo Ramírez collected his third win, retiring the side in the seventh ahead of his team’s rally in the top of the eighth. 

Hierarchy remains: *Pete Fairbanks | *Jason Adam | *Garrett Cleavinger

*= closer-by-committee

Texas Rangers – Earning his first major league win, Yerry Rodríguez stranded the “place” runner in the 12th and 13th innings, tossing two scoreless frames while issuing a walk and striking out one. David Robertson fired two clean innings, striking out three on 25 pitches (60 Strike%) with three whiffs (15 SwStr%). Kirby Yates worked a scoreless top of the ninth, allowing a walk and striking out two preserving the tie score. He owns a 0.82 WHIP with 22 strikeouts through 18.1 innings. Jonathan Hernández retired the side in the eighth, recording two strikeouts. José Leclerc allowed a solo home run (Jo Adell) and a walk while striking out one in the seventh.

Hierarchy remains: Kirby Yates | David Robertson | José Leclerc

Toronto Blue Jays –Matched up with the 9-1-2 lineup pocket in the seventh, Yimi García secured his seventh hold, issuing a walk and striking out one during a scoreless outing. Nate Pearson earned a larger leverage moment, but suffered his first loss, and first blown save, giving up three hits, including a two-run home run by Jonny DeLuca, and a walk without recording an out in the eighth. Trevor Richards stranded two runners for him, working a scoreless eighth, allowing a walk and striking out two. Tim Mayza turned in a scoreless ninth, yielding a hit and striking out one.

Hierarchy remains (for now): Jordan Romano | Yimi García (HLR) | Erik Swanson

Game Recaps – National League

Chicago Cubs – After retiring the side in the top of the ninth, Héctor Neris collected his fourth win following a walk-off rally in the bottom of the inning, scoring the game’s only run. This represents his second clean appearance through 18 outings. He threw 12 pitches (75 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (25 SwStr%) while striking out two against the Pirates’ 3-4-5 lineup pocket. In May, he recorded three wins and two saves with five strikeouts versus three walks over seven innings. Mark Leiter Jr. fired a clean eighth, striking out the side on 16 pitches (56.3 Strike%) and inducing three whiffs (18.8 Strike%).

Hierarchy remains: Héctor Neris | Mark Leiter Jr. | Ben Brown

Miami Marlins – Taking over a tied game in the top of the tenth, Tanner Scott retired the side while stranding the “place” runner with two groundouts and a strikeout. He collected his third win courtesy of a walk-off rally in the bottom of the inning. He threw 13 pitches (7 strikes – 53.8 Strike%) with three whiffs (23.1 SwStr%) against the Mets’ 2-3-4 lineup pocket. He’s recorded six scoreless appearances in May with eight strikeouts versus four walks over 6.1 innings. Andrew Nardi stranded two runners and retired his only batter faced in the ninth.

Hierarchy remains: Tanner Scott | A.J. Puk| Anthony Bender

Milwaukee Brewers – Slamming the door on his sixth save, Trevor Megill fired a scoreless bottom of the ninth, giving up a hit and striking out three during a two-run win in Houston. He threw 16 pitches (75 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (18.8 SwStr%). He’s converted six straight save chances since April 25 with eight strikeouts versus zero walks over seven innings. Bryan Hudson held on for his sixth hold, navigating around a hit and a walk while striking out one in a scoreless eighth. Elvis Peguero fired a clean seventh, striking out one for his sixth hold. Hoby Milner collected his second win, logging 1.1 scoreless frames, yielding a hit and striking out one.

Adjusted Hierarchy: Trevor Megill | Elvis Peguero | Bryan Hudson

New York Mets – During a non-save appearance, things went sideways again for Edwin Díaz. He took over with a four-run lead in the bottom of the ninth, giving up a lead-off double, recorded a pop-out, gave up an RBI single, another single, and a three-run home run game-tying home run (Josh Bell). Upon removal, his final line was four hits against and four earned runs over one-third of an inning. He’s allowed at least a run in three consecutive games, and four of his last six while converting one of four save chances. Jake Diekman retired both batters in the ninth via strikeout, ending the inning. Jorge López suffered his first loss, letting the “place” runner score on a walk-off single. Before the ninth, Adam Ottavino secured his eighth hold, striking out one in a clean eighth. Reed Garrett permitted an inherited runner to score in the seventh, yielding two hits during one-third of an inning for his fourth hold.

Placing a talented reliever like Díaz on the hot seat is tough, but he may need some time in lower-leveraged outings before resuming closer duties. If this happens, plan on a match-up-based approach with Ottavino being the preferred save option, but not exclusive as the closer.

Per Mike Puma in this tweet on “X”, the ninth inning will be “fluid” as the Mets hope they get Edwin Díaz back on track. With this in mind: 

Updated Hierarchy: *Adam Ottavino | *Reed Garrett | Edwin Díaz

*= closer-by-committee

Philadelphia Phillies – Tasked with the top of the tenth, Gregory Soto stranded the “place” runner despite throwing a wild pitch while retiring all three batters, two via strikeout. He collected his first win courtesy of a walk-off in the bottom of the frame. Orion Kerkering allowed two hits, including a go-ahead RBI single by Jesse Winker, and a hit-batter, while striking out one in the ninth. He threw 24 pitches (17 strikes – 70.8 Strike%) with three whiffs (12.5 SwStr%). Matt Strahm tossed a scoreless eighth, yielding a hit and striking out one. He owns an 18-game scoreless streak with a 29:1 K:BB over 18.2 innings (0.59 WHIP).

Hierarchy remains: *José Alvarado | *Jeff Hoffman | Orion Kerkering

*= closer-by-committee

Pittsburgh Pirates – Suffering his third loss, David Bednar allowed a one-out, opposite-field double by Cody Bellinger and a walk-off RBI single by Christopher Morel, on a tag play where the catcher could not hold onto the ball. He threw 13 pitches (69.2 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (15.4 SwStr%). This snapped his three-game scoreless streak. Colin Holderman issued a walk and recorded a strikeout while stranding two runners in the bottom of the eighth.

Hierarchy remains: David Bednar | Aroldis Chapman | Colin Holderman

Washington Nationals – Suffering only his second blown save this season, Kyle Finnegan allowed a game-tying solo home run in the bottom of the ninth. He returned for the tenth and was tagged with his third loss, letting the “place” runner score on a walk-off sacrifice fly by Bryce Harper. His final line was one hit against, two runs (one earned), and an intentional walk over 1.2 innings. Hunter Harvey retired his only batter in the eighth, stranding two runners. Robert Garcia recorded two outs and yielded a hit with one strikeout in the eighth. Dylan Floro gave up two hits and retired two in the seventh. 

Hierarchy Remains: Kyle Finnegan | Hunter Harvey | Dylan Floro

Closer Monkey’s filthy pitch of the day goes to James McArthur‘s curveball, courtesy of the Pitching Ninja.

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