Tuesday’s full slate was reduced by one postponement, but the Dodgers/Mets doubleheader still provided 15 games. Speaking of which, Los Angeles recorded a sweep with two saves, including Blake Treinen‘s first this year. Plus, the team will activate its closer on Friday.
There was an injury scare in Milwaukee when a comeback line drive struck Trevor Megill directly on his elbow. He walked off the field, but in the postgame interview, his manager said there was no fracture. He will be day-to-day, like the rest of us going forward. I plan on him being out until the weekend. Last, Jeremiah Estrada made history, retiring his last 13 batters via strikeout. Pretty, pretty, pretty good.
In case you missed it, an updated SOLDS tiered rankings was posted yesterday for Week 10.
Our condensed and full game recaps cover yesterday’s six reliever wins and eight saves, as well as the high-leverage events of interest.
Closer CliffsNotes
American League
(RP | CLE): Taking over in the bottom of the sixth during a tied game with a runner on, Cade Smith retired Elias Díaz on a strikeout, then worked a scoreless seventh. As a result, he collected his second win and finished 1.1 scoreless frames with a hit against and three strikeouts. He threw 17 pitches (15 strikes – 88.2 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (17.6 SwStr%).
Hierarchy remains (mostly linear): Emmanuel Clase | Hunter Gaddis | Cade Smith
(RP | HOU): In Seattle, Ryan Pressly suffered his second loss and fourth blown save. He allowed three hits, three runs (two earned), and a walk in the bottom of the eighth.
(RP | LAA): Handed a one-run lead, Carlos Estévez nailed down his eighth save, retiring the side in the top of the ninth.
(RP | MIN): Appearing for the fourth time in five days, Jhoan Durán navigated around consecutive hits, opening his outing with a caught stealing, a strikeout, and a game-ending groundout, securing his eighth save.
(RP | NYY): Clay Holmes could not stem the tide in the bottom of the eighth. He took over with two runners and two outs, giving up a go-ahead, two RBI double, resulting in his third blown save in an eventual one-run loss against the Angels.
(RP | OAK): Closing out a combined shutout, Mason Miller recorded his 11th save with a scoreless ninth, giving up a hit and a walk while striking out two.
(RP | SEA): Filling affably for his team’s closer, Ryne Stanek locked down his third save, firing a clean top of the ninth and striking out two, preserving a comeback win over Houston.
(RP | TEX): Navigating around a hit and a walk, Kirby Yates secured his eighth save during a scoreless ninth while striking out two during a win over Arizona.
National League
(RP | ATL): Securing his 11th save, and preserving a shutout, Raisel Iglesias retired the side and recorded two strikeouts during a win over the Nationals.
(RP | CHC): Despite suffering his second blown save, Héctor Neris collected his fifth win courtesy of a huge, five-run rally in the top of the tenth. Neris allowed a two-out walk, issued a balk, and gave up an RBI single, tying the game in the ninth.
(RP | COL): Entering in the fifth, Peter Lambert suffered his fourth loss, giving up an earned run and a walk while striking out one over his two innings of relief.
Hierarchy remains (match-up-based): *Tyler Kinley | *Jalen Beeks | Justin Lawrence
*= closer-by-committee
(RP | LAD): Locking down his first save of the season, and first since 2021, Blake Treinen closed out a three-run win in the bottom of the tenth over the Mets, retiring the side while striking out two in Game 1.
Preserving a sweep and a shutout in Game 2, Alex Vesia notched his second save. He pitched two scoreless innings, allowing a walk and striking out three. He threw 30 pitches (16 strikes—53.3 Strike%) and produced five whiffs (16.7 SwStr%).
(RP | MIL): A tough luck loss for Trevor Megill. He did not record an out after being hit by a comeback line drive by Mike Tauchman, scoring the “place” runner. Megill left the contest, but his manager confirmed he did not suffer a fracture.
(RP | NYM): Another squandered opportunity in Game 1 resulted in a second loss for Jorge López. He gave up three hits, three runs (two earned), and recorded two strikeouts in the top of the tenth.
(RP | PHI): Blinking first in a walk-off loss, Matt Strahm gave up consecutive flyouts, including a walk-off sacrifice fly, scoring the game’s only run in the bottom of the tenth.
(RP | SDP): Jeremiah Estrada made MLB history, firing a clean top of the ninth while striking out the side, preserving a combined shutout. He’s retired each of his last 13 batters faced via strikeout, breaking the record set by José Alvarado.
(RP | SFG): After turning in two scoreless frames, Sean Hjelle collected his second win courtesy of a walk-off rally in the bottom of the tenth.
Vulture Save Options for Wednesday, May 29
- Josh Staumont (MIN): Revenge can be a dish best served cold or getting a save chance against your former employer. Durán has pitched four times over the last five days; Jax has appeared on two straight, leaving Staumont against the right-handed Royals hitters today if a save chance presents itself.
- Milwaukee: It may depend on lineup pockets. If Bellinger hits in the ninth, Bryan Hudson would have the save chance. I think Joel Payamps will get the chance if it’s a right-handed pocket.
- Lucas Erceg (OAK): Miller pitched yesterday, so if they give him today off, Erceg will be the vulture save option.
- Doubleheader Alert: Pittsburgh and Detroit will play two this afternoon. Colin Holderman could garner a vulture save for the Pirates if there’s a sweep.
Vulture Save Options for Thursday, May 30
- Cubs: If Neris pitches again today, Mark Leiter Jr. could receive the save opportunity on Thursday. Also, keep tabs on Hayden Wesneski and Porter Hodge‘s usage patterns moving forward.
- Luis García (LAA): If Estévez pitches again today and the team does not use García, he will be in line for Thursday. If both pitch, Hunter Strickland.
American League – Full Recaps
Houston Astros – This season continues to be a struggle for Ryan Pressly. He’s been demoted from closer duties, worked through separate back and finger injuries, and has not performed well. He suffered his second loss and fourth blown save, giving up three hits, three runs (two earned), and a walk while striking out three in the bottom of the eighth in Seattle. It began with a lead-off Mitch Haniger double, a wild pitch moving him to third, a walk, and a one-out, game-tying RBI double by Josh Rojas, followed by a two-RBI single by Julio Rodríguez, ceding the lead. Bryan Abreu secured his 11th hold, retiring the side in the seventh and striking out two.
Hierarchy remains (mostly linear): Josh Hader | Ryan Pressly | Bryan Abreu
Los Angeles Angels – Closing a comeback win, Carlos Estévez recorded his eighth save, retiring the Yankees 9-1-2 hitters in order, preserving a one-run win. He threw 12 pitches (66.7 Strike%) without inducing a whiff. He’s converted his last two save opportunities but has allowed at least a run during three of his last six appearances. Matt Moore collected his first win, firing a clean eighth and striking out one. Luis García turned in a clean seventh, recording a strikeout. Hunter Strickland tossed a clean sixth, striking out one.
Adjusted Hierarchy (mostly linear): Carlos Estévez | Luis García | Matt Moore
Minnesota Twins – Logging his fourth appearance in five days, Jhoan Durán held on for his eighth save, navigating around two hits and recording a strikeout. His outing began with a lead-off Salvador Perez double and a single by Adam Frazier, putting runners on the corners. But, Durán bore down after the first out on a caught stealing with a strikeout and a game-ending groundout, preserving the two-run win. He threw 16 pitches (75 Strike%) and induced one whiff. Griffin Jax fired a clean eighth, striking out two for his ninth hold. Josh Staumont retired the side in the seventh, recording his first hold. Jorge Alcala tossed a clean sixth, striking out two while securing his third hold.
Hierarchy remains (mostly linear): Jhoan Durán | Griffin Jax | Caleb Thielbar
New York Yankees – Forced into action at the bottom of the eighth, Clay Holmes entered with runners on first and second, with two outs leading by one. He suffered his third blown save, allowing a go-ahead, two-RBI double by Taylor Ward, tossed a wild pitch, gave up a single by Kevin Pillar, and induced an inning-ending groundout by Logan O’Hoppe. He’s allowed multiple hits in three of his last four outings. Luke Weaver was tagged with his first loss and credited with his seventh hold, giving up two hits and two earned runs and striking out three over 1.2 innings. Tommy Kahnle notched his first hold, stranding a runner and retiring both batters in the bottom of the sixth.
Hierarchy remains (mostly linear): Clay Holmes | Luke Weaver | Tommy Kahnle
Oakland A’s – Save number 11 for Mason Miller, closing a combined shutout in Tampa Bay. He allowed a two-out single and issued a walk before producing a game-ending strikeout. He threw 27 pitches (17 strikes – 63 Strike%) and induced one whiff. With his two strikeouts, he’s recorded 47 through his first 19 games, spanning 24 innings. Michael Kelly notched his third hold, giving up a hit and striking out one over 1.2 scoreless frames. T.J. McFarland tossed a clean combined inning, striking out one for his sixth hold.
Hierarchy remains (mostly linear): Mason Miller | Lucas Erceg | Austin Adams
Seattle Mariners – Capping a comeback win, Ryne Stanek retired the side in the top of the ninth, recording two strikeouts against Houston’s 5-6-7 batters. He threw 13 pitches (8 strikes – 61.5 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (23.1 SwStr%). He’s been scoreless in five of his last six outings, with seven strikeouts against zero walks. Tayler Saucedo earned his second win, tossing a scoreless eighth, issuing a walk, and striking out one ahead of his team’s three-run rally in the bottom of the inning. Austin Voth worked a clean seventh, striking out one.
Hierarchy remains (mostly linear): Andrés Muñoz | Ryne Stanek | Gabe Speier
Texas Rangers – Recording his first save since May 8 and his eighth of the season, Kirby Yates worked around a hit and a walk while striking out two during a scoreless ninth inning. He threw 23 pitches (14 strikes 60.9 Strike%) and generated six whiffs (26.1 SwStr%) against Arizona. David Robertson notched his 12th hold, retiring the side and striking out two in the eighth. Grant Anderson secured his first hold, logging 1.2 scoreless frames and recording two strikeouts. Andrew Heaney collected his first win as the “bulk follower,” turning in 2.1 scoreless innings while scattering two hits and allowing a walk while striking out one.
Hierarchy remains (mostly linear): Kirby Yates | David Robertson | José Leclerc
National League – Full Recaps
Atlanta Braves – Preserving a shutout and taking the baton from Max Fried, closer Raisel Iglesias fired a clean top of the ninth and recorded two strikeouts for his 13th save. He threw 11 pitches (9 strikes—81.8 Strike%) and produced two whiffs (18.2 SwStr%). This marks four scoreless outings, and he’s converted five consecutive save chances.
Hierarchy remains: Raisel Iglesias | A.J. Minter | Joe Jiménez
Chicago Cubs – Benefiting from a five-run rally in the top of the tenth, Héctor Neris collected his fifth win despite being tagged with his second blown save. He took over a 1-0 game during the ninth inning and quickly recorded two outs. However, he then issued a walk to Christian Yelich, balked him to second, and allowed a game-tying RBI single by Willy Adames. Luke Little gave up two runs (one earned) and a walk over two-thirds of the tenth. Tyson Miller let an inherited runner score, giving up a hit and striking out one, closing the three-run win. In the eighth, Hayden Wesneski broke up the no-hit effort, allowing a Sal Frelick single, and recorded two strikeouts. With a runner on second, Mark Leiter Jr. retired his only batter via strikeout for his eighth hold.
Hierarchy remains (mostly linear): Héctor Neris | Mark Leiter Jr. | Tyson Miller
Los Angeles Dodgers – Handed a three-run lead in the bottom of the tenth in Game 1, Blake Treinen closed out his first save, and first since 2021, retiring the side with two strikeouts. He threw 13 pitches (9 strikes – 69.2 Strike%) and induced one whiff. Daniel Hudson worked a scoreless ninth, navigating around two hits and a walk while striking out one. He collected his second courtesy of a three-run rally in the top of the tenth. Michael Grove worked a clean eighth, striking out one. Preserving a sweep and a shutout in Game 2, Alex Vesia notched his second save, turning in two scoreless innings, allowing a walk, and striking out three. He threw 30 pitches (16 strikes – 53.3 Strike%) and produced five whiffs (16.7 SwStr%).
Hierarchy remains: *Daniel Hudson | *Blake Treinen | Alex Vesia
*= closer-by-committee
Milwaukee Brewers – It was not an actual walk-off loss, but Trevor Megill took over in the top of the tenth and was hit on the elbow with a comeback line drive. After being struck, he walked off the field, letting the “place” runner score. He finished his outing with a hit allowed and two runs (one earned) without recording an out, resulting in his first loss. Initial reports suggest he did not suffer a fracture, but fantasy players should monitor his health closely. Hoby Milner gave up four hits and three earned runs over two-thirds of the tenth. Elvis Peguero issued three walks and recorded two strikeouts during a scoreless ninth. Joel Payamps yielded a hit during a scoreless eighth. Enoli Paredes fired a clean seventh, striking out one.
Plan on a match-up-based approach over the next few games until Megill can return, and keep tabs on the growing leverage role for Paredes.
Hierarchy remains (preferred save share with match-up-based set-up): Trevor Megill | Elvis Peguero | Bryan Hudson
New York Mets – Suffering his second loss, Jorge López allowed three hits, including a two-run home run by Freddie Freeman, three runs (two earned), and recorded two strikeouts in the top of the tenth in Game 1. Adam Ottavino was tagged with his second blown save, giving up an RBI squeeze bunt among his three hits and striking out one in the ninth. Mets relievers have blown five of their last seven save chances. Jake Diekman let one of two inherited runners score in the eighth, yielding a hit and striking out one during his fifth hold. Reed Garrett gave up a hit and an unearned run over one-third of the eighth, getting credit for his fifth hold.
Hierarchy remains (fluid roles): *Edwin Díaz | *Adam Ottavino | *Reed Garrett
*= closer-by-committee
Philadelphia Phillies – Suffering his first loss and having his 20-game scoreless streak snapped, Matt Strahm began the bottom of the tenth by issuing Heliot Ramos an intentional walk. With two runners on, he gave up a flyout by Wilmer Flores, advancing the “place” runner to third, and a sacrifice fly by Luis Matos, providing the game’s only run. Jeff Hoffman navigated around two hits and recorded a strikeout during a scoreless ninth. José Alvarado issued two walks, one intentional (Matos), and struck out one during a scoreless eighth. Orion Kerkering retired the side in the seventh, striking out two.
Hierarchy remains (match-up-based): *José Alvarado | *Jeff Hoffman | Orion Kerkering
*= closer-by-committee
San Diego Padres – In a non-save appearance, Jeremiah Estrada made history while closing a combined shutout against Miami and striking out the side. He’s retired his last 13 batters via strikeout, breaking a record set previously by José Alvarado. In this outing, he threw 12 pitches (83.3 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (25 SwStr%). He’s been scoreless over his last five games with multiple strikeouts in each, totaling 18 among 21 batters faced (85.7 K%) and a robust 23 percent swinging strike rate. Wandy Peralta retired the side in the eighth for his seventh hold.
Hierarchy remains (mostly linear): Robert Suarez | Jeremiah Estrada | Yuki Matsui
San Francisco Giants – Benefiting from a walk-off rally in the bottom of the tenth, Sean Hjelle secured his second win by pitching two scoreless innings, with only one intentional walk to Kyle Schwarber. Tyler Rogers worked a scoreless seventh, giving up a hit and striking out one. Spencer Howard logged four scoreless frames, scattering five hits and striking out four. Taylor Rogers turned in two scoreless innings, yielding a hit and striking out two. The relievers combined for 10 shutout innings; they used an “opener,” allowing seven hits and two walks while striking out nine.
Hierarchy remains (mostly linear): Camilo Doval | Tyler Rogers | Ryan Walker
To no surprise, Closer Monkey’s filthy outing goes to Jeremiah Estrada, who recorded his 11th, 12th, and 13th straight strikeouts over his last three outings—video courtesy of the Pitching Ninja.
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