Sunday provided more questions than answers about Detroit’s bullpen, leaving fantasy managers wondering which reliever will emerge as the preferred save option. It may be worth avoiding in the near term until any semblance of structure in high-leverage roles materializes. Bud Black did not confirm leverage roles after the Rockies’ win over the Phillies, but our hierarchy for the Rockies shifted a bit with Tyler Kinley bubbling up after recording his second save.
Yesterday’s games resulted in eight wins by relievers and nine saves, as covered in our condensed and full recaps.
Closer CliffsNotes
American League
(RP | BAL): Locking down his 12th save, Craig Kimbrel fired a clean bottom of the ninth, striking out one while closing out a win over the White Sox.
(RP | BOS): Save number nine for Kenley Jansen. He retired the side and recorded two strikeouts while preserving a one-run win over Milwaukee.
(RP | CLE): Despite allowing a two-out single, Emmanuel Clase turned in a scoreless ninth, securing his MLB-leading 17th save.
(RP | DET): After tossing a scoreless top of the ninth, Mason Englert collected his first win as a result of a walk-off three-run home run in the bottom of the inning.
(RP | HOU): Making a non-save appearance, Josh Hader had his modest six-game scoreless streak snapped when he served up a solo home run by Shea Langeliers in the bottom of the ninth. He also recorded a strikeout while throwing 18 pitches (55.6 – Strike%) and produced two whiffs. Through nine outings in May, he’s converted all five save chances with a 17:3 K:BB over 11.1 innings.
Hierarchy remains (mostly linear): Josh Hader | Ryan Pressly | Bryan Abreu
(RP | KCR): Taking over at the bottom of the seventh with two runners on, John Schreiber let both score and allowed two earned runs of his own. He gave up two hits and hit a batter during his two-thirds of an inning, resulting in his first blown save.
Hierarchy remains (mostly linear): James McArthur | John Schreiber | Chris Stratton
(RP | SEA): Timing remains key for relievers, and it benefited Austin Voth. He worked a clean bottom of the eighth and recorded two strikeouts. Because of his outing, the official scorer awarded him his second win.
(RP | TBR): Navigating around two hits and a walk, Pete Fairbanks produced a scoreless ninth and secured his fifth save, closing out a three-run win over Kansas City.
(RP | TEX): Granted the win from the official scorer, Jacob Latz logged two clean frames and struck out one against the Twins.
Hierarchy remains (mostly linear): Kirby Yates | David Robertson | José Leclerc
(RP | TOR): Entering a tied contest in the bottom of the ninth, Jordan Romano allowed a hit and issued an intentional walk before serving up a walk-off, three-run home run, resulting in his second loss.
National League
(RP | ARI): Another sideways outing for Kevin Ginkel. He suffered his first loss, allowing three hits and three runs (zero earned) while striking out one. With one out, he gave up consecutive hits before a fielder’s choice throwing error opened the floodgates, scoring the game’s first run. Jake Burger produced a two-RBI single before an inning-ending groundout, but the damage had been done.
Hierarchy remains (mostly linear): Paul Sewald | Ryan Thompson | Joe Mantiply
(RP | COL): Resembling his team’s season, Tyler Kinley has improved of late and recorded his second save, closing out a three-run win over the Phillies, retiring the side against the 4-5-6 hitters on nine pitches.
(RP | CIN): Showing no signs of fatigue, Alexis Díaz retired both batters faced via strikeout while recording his tenth save.
(RP | MIA): Rounding into form, Tanner Scott nailed down his seventh save with a clean ninth, and one strikeout against Arizona, preserving a two-run win.
(RP | MIL): Tasked with the bottom of the eighth with the score tied, Elvis Peguero allowed three hits, including a go-ahead RBI single by Jarren Duran, resulting in his second loss.
Hierarchy remains (preferred save share with match-up-based set-up): Trevor Megill | Elvis Peguero | Bryan Hudson
(RP | NYM): After taking the baton from Sean Manaea, Adrian Houser logged four innings of relief and collected his first win courtesy of a walk-off rally in the bottom of the ninth. He allowed two hits, an earned run, and a walk while striking out two. He threw 44 pitches (31 strikes—70.4 Strike%) and only induced two whiffs.
Hierarchy remains (fluid roles): *Edwin Díaz | *Adam Ottavino | *Reed Garrett
(RP | PIT): Taking over in the fourth, Carmen Mlodzinski was tagged with his second loss. He allowed three hits, three earned runs, and a walk while striking out one over two innings.
Adjusted Hierarchy (mostly linear): David Bednar | Colin Holderman | Aroldis Chapman
(RP | SDP): Putting out a fire in the top of the eighth, Robert Suarez stranded both runners while striking out Aaron Judge. Suarez returned for the ninth, and despite giving up a solo home run, notched his 15th save.
(RP | SFG): Rough outing alert for Tyler Rogers. He allowed four hits, three earned runs, and a walk (intentional) resulting in his first loss and blown save.
(RP | STL): Surviving a late rally, Ryan Helsley held on for his 17th save, working around a solo home run and consecutive two-out singles while preserving a win over the Cubs.
Vulture Save Options for Monday, May 27
- Cade Smith (CLE): Clase has pitched in two straight games and should get today off, which puts Smith on the radar for the vulture save chance.
- Lucas Sims (CIN): Díaz has worked on consecutive days, which provides Sims the chance for the vulture save in today’s contest.
- Cionel Pérez (BAL): He received the last ancillary save chance, though Dillon Tate did the heavy lifting in the seventh and eighth innings. For the save only, Pérez, for we lean toward Tate.
Vulture Save Options for Tuesday, May 28
- Jeremiah Estrada (SDP): If Suarez pitches today, Estrada will line up for the save chance on Tuesday.
American League – Full Recaps
Baltimore Orioles – Preserving a three-run win over the White Sox, Craig Kimbrel fired a clean bottom of the ninth, recording one strikeout for his 12th save. He threw 13 pitches (8 strikes – 61.5 Strike%) and induced one whiff. He’s riding a seven-game scoreless streak with a win, four saves, and two holds while posting eight strikeouts against zero walks. Yennier Cano retired his only batter faced for his 12th hold. Danny Coulombe lost the no-hit bid, giving up a solo home run (Danny Mendick), and struck out one over two-thirds of the eighth, getting credit for his 11th hold.
Hierarchy remains (mostly linear): Craig Kimbrel | Yennier Cano | Danny Coulombe
Boston Red Sox – Making his first appearance in four days, Kenley Jansen secured his ninth save, firing a clean top of the ninth and striking out two. He threw 10 pitches (80 Strike%) and produced two whiffs (20 SwStr%). He’s been scoreless in five of his last six games, converting four saves and recording a 6:1 K:BB over six innings. Justin Slaten earned his third win, striking out the side in the eighth ahead of his team’s rally in the bottom of the inning. Chris Martin turned in a scoreless seventh, yielding a hit.
Hierarchy remains (mostly linear): Kenley Jansen | Chris Martin | Justin Slaten
Cleveland Guardians – A steady force in the world of high-leverage relievers, Emmanuel Clase secured his MLB-leading 17th save, working around a Logan O’Hoppe two-out single with a game-ending groundout. Clase threw 14 pitches (71.4 Strike%) and induced one whiff. He’s allowed one unearned run through 12 appearances in May while converting nine of ten save chances with 11 strikeouts against one walk with a 0.33 WHIP over 12 innings. Scott Barlow let his only inherited runner score, giving up two hits and striking out one over his one-third of the eighth, getting credit for his 13th hold. Sam Hentges gave up two hits and two earned runs while recording two strikeouts over two-thirds of the eighth for his third hold.
Hierarchy remains (mostly linear): Emmanuel Clase | Hunter Gaddis | Cade Smith
Detroit Tigers – Entering in the top of the ninth with the score tied at 11, Mason Englert issued a two-out walk and recorded a strikeout in a scoreless outing. He collected his first win courtesy of a walk-off rally in the bottom of the inning. Jason Foley suffered his second blown save. During his two-thirds of the eighth, he allowed both inherited runners to score on a single by Bo Bichette, and after a walk, he allowed a three-run home run by Daulton Varsho, ceding the lead. Tyler Holton gave up two hits, three earned runs, and a walk over his two-thirds combined innings. Will Vest worked a scoreless combined inning but let both inherited runners score while yielding a hit and a walk. Joey Wentz allowed a hit, two earned runs, and a walk during his inning of relief.
Hierarchy remains fluid (match-up based): Jason Foley (HLR|PSS) | Tyler Holton | Will Vest
*An HLR/PSS means he’s the preferred save option, but he will be used at the highest-leverage moment in games when necessary.
Seattle Mariners – After his team padded its lead, Andrés Muñoz finished a four-run win with a scoreless ninth in a non-save capacity. He threw 14 pitches (12 strikes – 85.7 Strike%) and generated three whiffs (21.4 SwStr%). He’s been scoreless in 12 of his last 13 outings and converted all eight save chances while posting 19 strikeouts against two walks over 14 innings in this timeframe. Austin Voth collected his second win, retiring the side in the eighth and striking out two. Ryne Stanek suffered his first blown save, giving up two hits, including a two-run home run by CJ Abrams, and struck out two in the seventh.
Hierarchy remains (mostly linear): Andrés Muñoz | Ryne Stanek | Gabe Speier
Tampa Bay Rays – Hanging on for his fifth save, Pete Fairbanks navigated around two hits and a walk for a scoreless ninth, preserving a three-run win. It did not come easily, though. He issued Freddy Fermin a one-out walk and gave up consecutive two-out singles by Garrett Hampson and Mikel Garcia before inducing a game-ending groundout by Bobby Witt Jr. Kevin Kelly recorded his fourth hold, allowing two hits during a scoreless eighth. Garrett Cleavinger collected his fourth win, giving up a hit and striking out one in a scoreless seventh.
Hierarchy remains (mostly linear): Pete Fairbanks | Jason Adam | Garrett Cleavinger
Toronto Blue Jays – Tasked with the bottom of the ninth with the game tied, Jordan Romano gave up a lead-off single, recorded an out on a sacrifice bunt, and a second out on a ground out. However, after intentionally walking Kerry Carpenter, Matt Vierling launched a walk-off three-run home run, handing Romano his second loss. Yimi García struggled in the eighth, giving up three hits and two earned runs while striking out one, resulting in his first blown save. This snapped a 14-game scoreless streak and represented his first appearance this year, allowing multiple runs. Erik Swanson tossed a clean seventh, striking out one. He’s quietly strung together five straight scoreless games.
It’s too early to consider displacing Romano as the closer, but he has a 2.00 WHIP in eight games in May, an 11.4% K-BB percentage, and a 12.2% swinging strike rate. Fantasy managers should monitor his performance going forward.
Hierarchy remains (mostly linear): Jordan Romano | Yimi García (HLR) | Erik Swanson
National League – Full Recaps
Cincinnati Reds – Pressed into action with a three-run lead and a runner on second in the top of the ninth, Alexis Díaz nailed down his tenth save, striking out Teoscar Hernández and Andy Pages. He threw 16 pitches (62.5 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (18.8 SwStr%). He’s converted his last three saves and been scoreless in four consecutive outings. Carson Spiers recorded his first hold, logging 3.1 innings, allowing three hits and an earned run while striking out three. Nick Martinez collected his second win, operating as the “bulk follower,” turning in 4.1 scoreless frames, yielding a hit and striking out three.
Hierarchy remains (mostly linear): Alexis Díaz | Lucas Sims| Fernando Cruz
Colorado Rockies – Perhaps earning a larger leverage share, Tyler Kinley closed out his second save, retiring the side against the Phillies’ 4-5-6 lineup pocket. He threw nine pitches (66.7 Strike%) without a whiff. After giving up at least a run in two straight games, he’s produced two clean outings with a win and this save. This bullpen’s hierarchy is unclear, but Kinley could emerge as the primary save share over the next two weeks. Nick Mears secured his fifth hold, allowing a hit during a scoreless eighth. Matt Carasiti notched his first hold, giving up a hit and striking out two in a scoreless seventh.
This represents a tentative hierarchy since roles may undergo adjustments in the upcoming week.
Adjusted Hierarchy (match-up-based): *Tyler Kinley | *Jalen Beeks | Justin Lawrence
*= closer-by-committee
Miami Marlins – Locking down his seventh save, Tanner Scott retired the side in the bottom of the ninth, recording one strikeout and preserving his team’s two-run win. He threw 15 pitches (66.7 Strike%) and induced one whiff. He owns a nine-game scoreless streak in May with 11 strikeouts against five walks with a 0.97 WHIP over 9.1 innings. Calvin Faucher gave up a hit and an earned run while striking out two for his fourth hold. Declan Cronin tossed a scoreless seventh, yielding a hit and striking out one while securing his second hold.
Hierarchy remains (linear saves but set-up roles remain in flux): Tanner Scott | A.J. Puk| Anthony Bender
San Diego Padres – Forced into action during the top of the eighth, Robert Suarez took over with two runners on and two outs, stranding them by striking out Aaron Judge. In the ninth, he allowed a lead-off home run by Alex Verdugo but no further damage while securing his 15th save. He finished with two strikeouts, throwing 20 pitches (70 Strike%) and getting one whiff. This snapped his 19-game scoreless streak, but fantasy players appreciate his 15 saves versus zero blown this season. Wandy Peralta recorded two outs and issued two walks before being removed in the eighth. Jeremiah Estrada collected his second win, retiring all five batters via strikeout. He threw 26 pitches (20 strikes – 76.9 Strike%) and generated six whiffs (23.1 SwStr%).
Hierarchy remains (mostly linear): Robert Suarez | Jeremiah Estrada | Yuki Matsui
San Francisco Giants – Filling in for Camilo Doval in the ninth did not go well for Tyler Rogers. He gave up four hits, three earned runs, and a walk over one-third of an inning against the Mets, resulting in his first loss and a blown save. His outing began with Brandon Nimmo’s lead-off single, followed by a J.D. Martinez single. Rogers recorded a flyout but hit Jeff McNeil with a pitch, loading the bases before giving up a game-tying double by Harrison Bader. After issuing an intentional walk to Brett Baty, Omar Narváez produced the walk-off single. Ryan Walker notched his ninth hold, tossing a scoreless eighth, yielding a hit and striking out one.
Hierarchy remains (mostly linear): Camilo Doval | Tyler Rogers | Ryan Walker
St. Louis Cardinals – Another white knuckle ride for Ryan Helsley, but he persevered for his National League-leading 17th save. His outing began with a lead-off home run by Ian Happ. After recording two outs, Helsley allowed consecutive singles by Nick Madrigal and Mike Tauchman, putting runners on the corners before inducing a game-ending flyout to right-center. His final line was three hits against and an earned run while striking out one on 16 pitches (11 strikes – 68.8 Strike%) with one whiff. It may be familiarity of an opponent, but he allowed seven hits and three earned runs over his last two games against the Cubs. JoJo Romero recorded his MLB-leading 18th hold, scattering two hits during a scoreless eighth. Andrew Kittredge gave up two hits, including a two-run home run by Happ, and struck out one in the seventh.
Hierarchy remains (mostly linear): Ryan Helsley | Andrew Kittredge | JoJo Romero
Closer Monkey’s filthy outing of the day goes to Jeremiah Estrada. He retired all five batters faced via strikeout, video courtesy of the Pitching Ninja.
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