Saturday’s slate provided massive volume in the world of high-leverage relievers. It began with Jason Foley pitching in the eighth inning, operating as his team’s HLR facing the heart of the Blue Jays lineup, and Tyler Holton securing his first save of the season. Among the 15 games, there were 13 saves, three of which were a reliever’s first of the year. There were seven losses and some costly blown saves as well.
These contests also prompted hierarchy changes, highlighted below in each team’s full capsule. Our condensed and full game recaps and vulture save options for today and tomorrow are covered next.
Closer CliffsNotes
American League
(RP | BAL): Filling in affably by firing a clean bottom of the ninth, Cionel Pérez recorded his first save this year, preserving a comeback win over the White Sox.
(RP | CWS): Forced into action with a one-run lead in the eighth, Michael Kopech allowed three hits, including two home runs, putting three earned runs on his ledger over two-thirds of an inning. He suffered his fourth loss and second blown save as a result.
(RP | CLE): Locking down his American League-leading 16th save, Emmanuel Clase closed out a one-run win over the Angels with a scoreless ninth inning.
(RP | DET): Handed the ninth inning with a one-run lead, Tyler Holton worked around a one-out double and recorded a game-ending strikeout, converting his first save this season.
(RP | KCR): Recording his first save of the season, and first since last April, Nick Anderson navigated around a lead-off walk by retiring the next three Rays, closing out a win in extra-innings.
(RP | MIN): Closing out a three-run eighth inning rally against Texas, Jhoan Durán retired the side in the ninth, and recorded two strikeouts while converting his sixth save.
(RP | NYY): Wrapping up a three-run win in San Diego, Clay Holmes retired the side in the bottom of the ninth and recorded one strikeout for his 15th save.
(RP | OAK): Bouncing back with a dominant outing, Mason Miller locked down his 10th save by striking out the side against Houston, preserving a two-run win.
(RP | SEA): Suffering his second loss, Gabe Speier allowed two hits and two earned runs over one-third of the bottom of the seventh.
Hierarchy remains (mostly linear): Andrés Muñoz | Ryne Stanek | Gabe Speier
(RP | TEX): Inheriting two runners in the seventh, David Robertson let one score on a sacrifice fly. In the eighth, he allowed a single, a walk, and a one-out, go-ahead three-run home run, handing him his second loss and fourth blown save.
(RP | TBR): Suffering his third loss, Richard Lovelady allowed four hits and three runs (two earned) during 1.1 innings against Kansas City, including the decisive runs in the top of the 11th.
National League
(RP | ARI): Closing out a one-run win over the Marlins, Paul Sewald recorded his fourth save by retiring the side and striking out one.
(RP | CHC): Entering with a one-run lead in the bottom of the eighth, Mark Leiter Jr. allowed four hits and four earned runs during two-thirds of an inning, resulting in his second loss and first blown save.
Hierarchy remains (mostly linear): Héctor Neris | Mark Leiter Jr. | Tyson Miller
(RP | CIN): Recording his ninth save, Alexis Díaz retired the side against the Dodgers, preserving a two-run win.
(RP | COL): Handed a save chance in the top of the ninth, Justin Lawrence let his only inherited runner score on an RBI triple, allowing three hits total, three earned runs, and a walk over two-thirds of the inning, resulting in his third loss and third blown save.
(RP | MIL): Although he let one of two inherited runners score, Trevor Megill settled in an recorded his eighth save, recording his only out via strikeout, closing out a three-run win in Boston.
(RP | NYM): After only one outing in lower leverage, Edwin Díaz was called upon for the save chance with a one-run lead. However, he allowed a lead-off single and recorded a strikeout. A pinch-runner stole second and scored on a game-tying RBI single by LaMonte Wade Jr., resulting in Díaz’s fourth blown save.
(RP | PHI): After working a scoreless bottom of the eighth despite giving up a hit and a walk while striking out two, José Ruiz collected his first win courtesy of a six-run rally in the top of the ninth.
Hierarchy remains (match-up-based): *José Alvarado | *Jeff Hoffman | Orion Kerkering
*= closer-by-committee
(RP | PIT): Although he dealt with traffic, giving up a double and a single with two outs in the top of the ninth, David Bednar induced a game-ending groundout, preserving a three-run over Altanta for his 11th save.
(RP | SFG): After his team tied the contest in the top of the ninth, Luke Jackson worked a scoreless bottom of the inning, issuing a walk. He also collected his third win courtesy of a five-run rally in the top of the tenth.
(RP | STL): His MLB-leading 16th save did not come easily for Ryan Helsley. He gave up four hits and two earned runs while clinging to a one-run win over the Cubs.
(RP | WSH): Preserving a two-run win over Seattle, Kyle Finnegan retired the side while striking out one for his 14th save.
Vulture Save Options for Sunday, May 26
- Tyler Rogers (SFG): Doval has made four appearances over the last five days, placing the veteran submarine reliever in a prime spot for a vulture save on Sunday.
- Lucas Erceg (OAK): Going against Houston may not yield a save chance, but Miller’s thrown 41 pitches over the last three days and likely gets today off.
- John Schreiber (KCR): During a win on Saturday, McArthur worked two innings and, with no off day on Monday, could use today off, putting Schreiber in line for the ninth.
- John Brebbia (CWS): The White Sox’s wins remain sparse, putting him third on our list for vulture save chances. However, Kopech and Leasure have worked on consecutive days, so they will be unavailable today.
Vulture Save Options for Monday, May 27
- Lucas Sims (CIN): If Díaz pitches again today, it will be two in a row and three outings over four days, meaning he will need Monday off.
- Hunter Harvey (WSH): If Finnegan records an outing on Sunday, it will be consecutive appearances, putting Harvey in line for the save on Monday.
- Yimi García (TOR): Although the team matches up with Romano off, if he pitches on Sunday, it will be two in a row, making him unavailable on Monday. This puts the team’s best reliever in line for the vulture save chance.
Full Recaps – American League
Baltimore Orioles – Making the most of his ancillary save chance, Cionel Pérez closed out a four-run rally in the eighth by retiring the side in the ninth, striking out one. He threw 10 pitches (60 Strike%) and induced one whiff against the White Sox 7-8-9 batters. Dillon Tate earned his second win, firing 2.1 clean frames and striking out four on 22 pitches (81.8 Strike%) with seven whiffs (31.8 SwStr%). Keegan Akin allowed three hits, three earned runs, and three walks while striking out two over 1.2 innings.
Hierarchy remains (mostly linear): Craig Kimbrel | Yennier Cano | Danny Coulombe
Chicago White Sox – Normally stout in relief, Jordan Leasure stranded two runners in the top of the seventh. However, after he returned in the eighth, he gave up a walk and a two-run home run by Ryan O’Hearn. Leasure was credited with his eighth hold, tossing a combined inning and giving up a hit, two earned runs, and a walk while striking out two. Taking over with a one-run lead, Michael Kopech suffered his fourth loss and second blown save, allowing three hits, including two home runs, resulting in three earned runs and ceding the lead. This snapped his modest seven-game scoreless streak in May. Tim Hill navigated around a hit and a walk for a scoreless ninth during an eventual loss.
Hierarchy remains (mostly linear): Michael Kopech | John Brebbia | Jordan Leasure
Cleveland Guardians – Recording his American League-leading 16th save, Emmanuel Clase preserved a one-run win over the Angels with a scoreless ninth. He allowed a lead-off single by Logan O’Hoppe and then retired the next three batters, two via strikeout. He threw 19 pitches (16 strikes—84.2 Strike%) and generated five whiffs (26.3 SwStr%). He’s allowed one unearned run through 11 outings in May while converting eight of nine save chances and collecting two wins with 11 strikeouts versus one walk. Hunter Gaddis notched his 11th hold, tossing a clean eighth and striking out one. Cade Smith secured his sixth hold, giving up a hit and striking out two in a scoreless seventh.
Scott Barlow was passed over as a set-up option in this contest despite being on three days rest. He had allowed at least a run in three of his previous four appearances, so this hierarchy reflects the current shift in the set-up relievers deployed last night.
Adjusted Hierarchy (mostly linear): Emmanuel Clase | Hunter Gaddis | Cade Smith
Detroit Tigers – Trusting A.J. Hinch with save situations remains risky business. Tyler Holton recorded his first save this year and the second of his career, navigating around a one-double with a game-ending strikeout, preserving a one-run over Toronto. He faced the 6-7-8 lineup pocket and threw 14 pitches (9 strikes – 64.3 Strike%) with three whiffs (21.4 SwStr%). Jason Foley notched his third hold, lining up against the 3-4-5 hitters, allowing a lead-off single by Vlad Guerrero Jr., erasing him with a double play ground out, and inducing an inning-ending ground out for a scoreless eighth. Alex Faedo let one of two inherited runners score, giving up an RBI double by Davis Schneider and retiring two batters for his fourth hold.
Updated Hierarchy (match-up based): Jason Foley (HLR|PSS) | Tyler Holton | Will Vest
*An HLR/PSS means he’s the preferred save option, but will be used in the highest-leverage moment in games when necessary.
Kansas City Royals – Despite issuing a lead-off walk in the bottom of the 11th, Nick Anderson recorded his first save and first since April 11, 2023. James McArthur collected his second win, allowing a hit and an unearned run in the bottom of the tenth on a hanging slider with two outs. He threw 26 pitches (18 strikes – 69.2 Strike%) and produced five whiffs (19.2 SwStr%). John Schreiber tossed a scoreless eighth, yielding a hit and striking out two. Angel Zerpa suffered his first blown save, letting one of two inherited runners score, giving up a hit and a walk over his two-thirds of the seventh. Chris Stratton gave up a walk and an earned run over his 1.1 innings.
Hierarchy remains (mostly linear): James McArthur | John Schreiber | Chris Stratton
Minnesota Twins – Capping a come-from-behind rally in the bottom of the eighth, Jhoan Durán locked down his sixth save with a clean top of the ninth, striking out one. He threw eight pitches (75 Strike%) and generated three whiffs (37.5 SwStr%). After being used as the HLR earlier this month, he’s converted three straight saves and recorded a game-finished in his last six outings. Cole Sands collected his second win, tossing two clean frames and striking out two. Kody Funderburk allowed a hit, an earned run, and two walks while striking out one in the sixth.
Adjusted Hierarchy (mostly linear): Jhoan Durán | Griffin Jax | Caleb Thielbar
New York Yankees – Save number 15 for Clay Holmes, firing a clean bottom of the ninth and striking out one, preserving a win over the Padres. He threw seven pitches (85.7 Strike%) and induced one whiff (14.3 SwStr%). He’s been scoreless in 21 out of his 23 outings this season while posting 26 strikeouts against six walks over 23 innings. Luke Weaver allowed a solo home run (Fernando Tatis Jr.) and issued two walks while striking out one over his two innings.
Hierarchy remains (mostly linear): Clay Holmes | Luke Weaver | Tommy Kahnle
Oakland A’s – Displaying a short memory and a filthy arsenal, Mason Miller nailed down his 10th save by striking out the side against Houston. He threw 15 pitches (11 strikes – 73.3 Strike%) and generated four whiffs (26.7 SwStr%). He leads all MLB relievers with 45 strikeouts through 23 innings and has converted all 10 save opportunities. Scott Alexander notched his first hold, retiring both batters in the eighth and stranding a runner. Lucas Erceg allowed a hit and struck out one over a scoreless combined inning for his eighth hold. Austin Adams gave up a hit and recorded a strikeout in the one-third of the seventh.
Hierarchy remains (mostly linear): Mason Miller | Lucas Erceg | Austin Adams
Tampa Bay Rays – During an extended outing, Richard Lovelady was tagged with his third loss, allowing four hits and three runs (two earned) over 1.1 innings, spanning the tenth and 11th against the Royals. Chris Devenski recorded the last out of the 11th. Kevin Kelly gave up an unearned run and two walks over two-thirds of the tenth. Pete Fairbanks worked a scoreless ninth, yielding a hit and striking out one. He’s been scoreless through his first six outings since returning from the injured list. Jason Adam turned in a scoreless eighth, issuing a walk. Garrett Cleavinger allowed a hit, an earned run, and two walks in the seventh.
Hierarchy remains (mostly linear): Pete Fairbanks | Jason Adam | Garrett Cleavinger
Texas Rangers – Pressed into action in the bottom of the seventh, Jesús Tinoco only faced three hitters, allowing a hit and a walk while striking out one. David Robertson replaced him, letting one of two inherited runners score on a sacrifice fly by Carlos Correa. Things took a turn in the eighth. Robertson gave up a lead-off single, issued a walk, recorded a strikeout, and then served up a go-ahead, three-run home run by Alex Kiriloff before being removed. He suffered his second loss and fourth blown save, giving up three hits, three earned runs, and two walks while striking out one over a combined inning. Kirby Yates retired two of three batters, issuing a walk and striking out one. This represents his first appearance since May 18, and he last secured a save on May 8.
Hierarchy remains (mostly linear): Kirby Yates | David Robertson | José Leclerc
Full Recaps – National League
Arizona Diamondbacks – Notching his fourth save, Paul Sewald retired the side in the top of the ninth and recorded one strikeout while facing the Marlins 7-8-9 hitters. He threw nine pitches (77.8 Strike%) and induced one whiff. He’s on a modest four-game scoreless streak and has converted all four save chances this season. Joe Mantiply stranded a runner while striking out both batters faced in the top of the eighth for his third hold. Ryan Thompson gave up two hits and struck out one over 1.1 scoreless frames for his seventh hold.
Adjusted Hierarchy (mostly linear): Paul Sewald | Ryan Thompson | Joe Mantiply
Cincinnati Reds – Closing out his ninth save, Alexis Díaz retired the side against the Dodgers’ 3-4-5 hitters on seven pitches, all strikes, and inducing two whiffs (28.6 SwStr%). This marked his third straight scoreless appearance and first clean outing in May. Sam Moll notched his first hold, tossing a scoreless eighth and striking out one. Fernando Cruz secured his ninth hold, issuing a walk and recording two strikeouts in a scoreless seventh.
Hierarchy remains (mostly linear): Alexis Díaz | Lucas Sims| Fernando Cruz
Colorado Rockies – Another day, another wasted opportunity by the bullpen. During the ninth, John Curtiss took over with two runners and two outs, giving up a three-run home run by Bryce Harper, an Alec Bohm double, and an RBI single by Nick Castellanos, who was thrown out at second, representing his only out in the appearance. Justin Lawrence suffered his third loss and third blown save, giving up three hits, three earned runs, and a walk during his two-thirds of the ninth. He also let an inherited runner score on an RBI triple. Jalen Beeks was credited with his second hold. He entered in the seventh and stranded a runner despite giving up a single. He also worked a clean eighth. But his manager used him in the ninth, his second up-down, and Beeks walked Brandon Marsh, who scored, putting a run on his ledger during his 1.1 innings. Victor Vodnik recorded two outs and issued a walk during his two-thirds of the seventh for his second hold.
This represents a tentative hierarchy since roles may undergo adjustments in the upcoming week.
Adjusted Hierarchy (match-up-based): *Jalen Beeks | Tyler Kinley | Justin Lawrence
*= closer-by-committee
Milwaukee Brewers – Pressed into duty with runners on first and second with two outs, Trevor Megill let one runner score on an RBI single by Ceddanne Rafaela before a game-ending strikeout of David Hamilton for his eighth save. He only threw 10 pitches (80 Strike%) and generated three whiffs (30 SwStr%). He’s converted seven of eight save chances in May while posting 12 strikeouts against zero walks through eight innings. Hoby Milner allowed a hit, an earned run, and a walk while striking out one over 1.2 innings. Colin Rea collected his fourth win as the “bulk follower,” logging 5.2 innings, giving up three hits, two earned runs, and three walks with two strikeouts.
Hierarchy remains (preferred save share with match-up based set-up): Trevor Megill | Elvis Peguero | Bryan Hudson
New York Mets – Allowing contact and not helped by his defense, Sean Reid-Foley suffered his second loss in the top of the tenth against the Giants. He gave up two hits, five unearned runs, and a walk during his two-thirds of the inning. Josh Walker let all three inherited runners score on a bases-emptying double by Mike Yastrzemski and retired one. Edwin Díaz allowed a single and recorded a strikeout at the onset of the ninth. After the pinch runner stole second, he gave up a game-tying RBI single by LaMonte Wade Jr., who was thrown out at second and induced a ground out, ending the inning. However, Díaz was tagged with his fourth blown save over his last five chances since May 5. Adam Ottavino notched his ninth hold, giving up a hit, a hit batter, and striking out one during a scoreless eighth.
Hierarchy remains (fluid roles): *Edwin Díaz | *Adam Ottavino | *Reed Garrett
Pittsburgh Pirates – Navigating around a two-out double and a single, putting runners on the corners, David Bednar secured his 11th save by inducing Ronald Acuña Jr. into a game-ending groundout. He threw 19 pitches (13 strikes—68.4 Strike%) without causing a whiff. He’s converted all six saves this month with eight strikeouts against three walks over 11.1 innings. Colin Holderman recorded his sixth hold, yielding a hit and striking out two over 1.1 scoreless innings.
Hierarchy remains (mostly linear): David Bednar | Aroldis Chapman | Colin Holderman
San Francisco Giants – You guessed it, another late-inning rally resulted in a win, closed out by Camilo Doval. He retired the side in the bottom of the tenth, recording two strikeouts and stranding the “place” runner. He threw nine pitches (77.8 Strike%) and produced two whiffs (22.2 SwStr%). He’s appeared on consecutive days and in five of the last seven. He’s converted four of five save chances in May with 15 strikeouts against nine walks over 11 innings. Luke Jackson collected his third win, issuing a walk during a scoreless ninth, keeping the game tied. Randy Rodríguez logged 1.2 scoreless frames, allowing a walk and striking out two. Sean Hjelle gave up a solo home run (Brett Baty) and a walk while striking out one. Taylor Rogers retired two batters, one via strikeout, and yielded a hit in the top of the sixth.
Hierarchy remains (mostly linear): Camilo Doval | Tyler Rogers | Ryan Walker
St. Louis Cardinals – Hanging on for his 16th save, Ryan Helsley allowed four hits and two earned runs in the top of the ninth. His outing began with consecutive singles, followed by a long flyout. With one out, Mike Tauchman produced an RBI single, and then Seiya Suzuki flew out before a Cody Bellinger RBI single cut the lead to one. With two outs and two on, Helsley bore down, inducing a game-ending fielder’s choice groundout. He threw 16 pitches (11 strikes – 68.8 Strike%) without a whiff. JoJo Romero collected his second win, giving up three hits and striking out one over 1.1 scoreless innings. Andrew Kittredge gave up a hit, an unearned run, and a walk while striking out one over two-thirds of the seventh.
Hierarchy remains (mostly linear): Ryan Helsley | Andrew Kittredge | JoJo Romero
Washington Nationals – Shutting the door on his 14th save, Kyle Finnegan turned in a clean top of the ninth and struck out one, preserving a two-run win over Seattle. He threw 18 pitches (14 strikes – 77.8 Strike%) without a whiff. He’s made seven appearances in May, converting five of six save chances with seven strikeouts against three walks over 7.2 innings. Hunter Harvey secured his 15th hold, tossing a clean top of the eighth, striking out one. Dylan Floro collected his first win, retiring the side in the seventh on 13 pitches.
Hierarchy Remains (mostly linear): Kyle Finnegan | Hunter Harvey | Dylan Floro
Closer Monkey’s filthy pitch of the day was awarded to Blake Treinen featuring this sinker, courtesy of the Pitching Ninja.
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