Tuesday’s full slate yielded five wins by relievers and eight saves. It did not satisfy those hoping for an Andrés Muñoz save chance. It was Ryne Stanek appearing in a second straight contest instead. Based on team reports, Muñoz will be available on a day-to-day basis, which will be frustrating from a fantasy perspective. If he does not work in a high-leverage situation on Wednesday, the hierarchy will shift into a shared situation. It feels like Héctor Neris should be on the “hot seat“, and it’s possible he is after an ugly meltdown in Tampa Bay. However, his team’s lack of depth in the leverage ladder should provide him more leash atop the hierarchy.
As discussed in yesterday’s Three Takeaways post, it’s best to avoid the White Sox bullpen for saves. Not only are roles not clear, but the high-leverage relievers have struggled this month, including last night’s loss.
Ryan Pressly provided a vulture save in a much-needed clean appearance against the Giants, and Tyler Kinley held on for his fifth save despite allowing a two-run home run in Minnesota. Our condensed and full game recaps cover last night’s high-leverage events of interest.
Closer CliffsNotes
American League
(RP | BAL): Taking over with two runners on and two outs, Yennier Cano stranded both and struck out Austin Riley for his 17th hold.
(RP | CHW): With a one-run lead, John Brebbia was summoned in the bottom of the seventh with a runner on base. He allowed a Julio Rodríguez single and a go-ahead two-RBI double by Cal Raleigh resulting in his fourth loss and first blown save.
(RP | CLE): Despite allowing an earned run, Emmanuel Clase recorded his American League-leading 20th save, finishing a two-run win over the Reds.
(RP | DET): Entering in the top of the tenth, Andrew Chafin recorded a strikeout against CJ Abrams on a wild pitch, letting him reach base and moved up the “place” runner to third. Chafin suffered his second loss giving up a go-ahead sacrifice fly.
(RP | HOU): Ryan Pressly fired a clean bottom of the ninth and recorded two strikeouts for his second save, closing out a two-run win in San Francisco with Josh Hader unavailable.
(RP | OAK): After recording two outs in the eighth, Scott Alexander returned for the ninth during a tied game in San Diego and suffered his first loss allowing a walk-off home run.
(RP | SEA): Preserving a one-run win, Ryne Stanek fired a clean top of the ninth against the White Sox for his fifth save.
(RP | TOR): Preserving a combined shutout, Yimi García retired all four batters faced, three via strikeout en route to his fifth save.
National League
(RP | CHC): Regression comes for all relievers, especially those with elevated ratios. With a one-run lead in the bottom of the ninth, Héctor Neris suffered his first loss and third blown save on a walk-off three-run home run. He finished with three hits allowed, four earned runs, and a walk while striking out two.
(RP | CIN): Nick Martinez suffered his fourth loss, giving up four hits, three earned runs, and a walk while striking out two over 1.2 innings as the “bulk follower.”
Hierarchy remains: Alexis Díaz | Lucas Sims| Fernando Cruz
(RP | COL): Taking over with a three-run lead, Tyler Kinley held on for his fifth save. He allowed two hits, including a two-run home run by Carlos Santana and recorded two strikeouts during an eventual one-run win.
(RP | MIA): Logging two scoreless frames, Tanner Scott racked up three strikeouts and recorded his eighth save while preserving a two-run win over the Mets.
(RP | PHI): Even though he allowed a one-out single and a wild pitch, José Alvarado closed out a 4-1 win in Boston for his 12th save.
(RP | PIT): Handed a two-run lead, David Bednar served up Nolan Gorman’s lead-off home run in the bottom of the ninth. He settled in recording two outs, a two-out walk, and a potential game-ending strikeout rules catcher’s interference before a game-ending strikeout for his 14th save.
(RP | SDP): Robert Suarez, benefiting from a walk-off home run, collected his third win. He retired all four batters he faced, needing only eight pitches against the A’s.
(RP | STL): Summoned into a scoreless tie at the top of the ninth, Ryan Helsley suffered his third loss. He issued a lead-off walk, allowed a single, and another walk before a go-ahead fielder’s choice groundball and a sacrifice fly scoring the second run.
(RP | WSH): Entering the ninth with two runners on and two outs, Kyle Finnegan stranded them, then worked a clean bottom of the tenth, recording two strikeouts for his second win.
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Vulture Save Options for Wednesday, June 12
- Jeff Hoffman (PHI): If, for some reason, he’s a free agent in your league, he’s in line for the save chance in Boston. Alvarado has pitched in two of the last three while throwing 55 pitches.
- Jeremiah Estrada (SDP): Suarez has appeared in two straight and could work a third based on a low number of pitches. But, the team should proceed cautiously and deploy Estrada for today’s save opportunity against Oakland.
- Miami: Scott logged two scoreless frames for the save last night and should be unavailable today. However, the match-up-based approach in his stead may cause some confusion regarding the save chance. It could be A.J. Puk or Anthony Bender, but it’s unclear who they will use.
Vulture Save Option for Thursday, June 13
- Hunter Harvey (WSH): After working 1.2 innings on Tuesday, Harvey will be off today. If Finnegan pitches on consecutive days in today’s contest, Harvey will be in line for the save chance on Thursday.
- Ryne Stanek (SEA): Like Harvey, he will be off today, and even if Muñoz pitches, he may not be ready for consecutive outings, putting Stanek on the radar for the save chance on Thursday.
American League – Full Recaps
Baltimore Orioles – Completing a combined shutout, Dillon Tate worked around a one-out walk and recorded two strikeouts in the top of the ninth. Cionel Pérez navigated around a hit for a scoreless eighth. Yennier Cano notched his 17th hold, stranding two runners while striking out his only batter, Austin Riley, on six pitches (66.7 Strike%) with two whiffs (33.3 SwStr%). He’s recorded six holds during his eight-game scoreless streak with nine strikeouts versus four walks over 7.2 innings. Jacob Webb logged 1.1 scoreless frames, issuing a walk and striking out two for his seventh hold.
Updated Hierarchy: Craig Kimbrel | Yennier Cano | Cionel Pérez
Chicago White Sox – It’s been tough sledding for this leverage ladder, which continued last night. John Brebbia suffered his fourth loss and first blown save in Seattle. He took over in the bottom of the seventh with a runner on and allowed a single by Julio Rodríguez followed by a go-ahead two-RBI double by Cal Raleigh before retiring Mitch Haniger. Tim Hill retired the side in the bottom of the eighth during the eventual one-run loss. Justin Anderson recorded his second hold, issuing a walk and striking out two in two-thirds of the sixth. Tanner Banks was credited with his third hold, allowing an earned run on a walk and struck out one over a combined inning of relief.
Hierarchy remains: Michael Kopech | John Brebbia | Jordan Leasure
Cleveland Guardians – Handed a three-run lead in the ninth, Emmanuel Clase held on for his American League-leading 20th save. His outing began with a lead-off single by Stuart Fairchild, then consecutive strikeouts before a two-out RBI single by Jonathan India. With two outs, he hit Blake Dunn, bore down, and induced a game-ending lineout by TJ Friedl. Clase threw 22 pitches (15 strikes – 68.2 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (13.6 SwStr%). He’s converted seven straight save chances but given up a run in his last two appearances. Cade Smith retired both batters in the eighth, one via strikeout for his eighth hold. Sam Hentges fired 1.1 clean frames, striking out three for his fifth hold. Tim Herrin stranded a runner and recorded two outs while walking one and striking out one, securing his seventh hold.
Hierarchy remains: Emmanuel Clase | Hunter Gaddis | Scott Barlow
Detroit Tigers – Tasked with the top of the tenth, Andrew Chafin suffered his second loss, letting the “place” runner score. He recorded a strikeout while facing CJ Abrams on a wild pitch, letting him reach, and the runner moved to third, then scored on a sacrifice fly. Jason Foley gave up a two-out single by Joey Meneses and recorded two strikeouts in a scoreless ninth. Shelby Miller was tagged with his fourth blown save, allowing one of two inherited runners to score on a sacrifice fly while retiring both batters faced. Tyler Holton secured his fourth hold, logging 2.1 innings. He gave up a hit and an unearned run while striking out two.
Hierarchy remains: Jason Foley (HLR|PSS) | Tyler Holton | Shelby Miller
*An HLR/PSS means he’s the preferred save option but will be used at the highest-leverage moment in games when necessary.
Houston Astros -Recording a much-needed clean outing while striking out two, Ryan Pressly converted his second save, preserving a two-run win in San Francisco. He threw 15 pitches (66.7 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (13.3 SwStr%). Bryan Abreu nailed down his 15th hold, retiring the side in the eighth and striking out one during his MLB-leading 34th appearance in his team’s 68th contest. He owns a five-game scoreless streak. Tayler Scott secured his second hold, working a scoreless seventh. He allowed a walk and recorded a strikeout in his outing.
Hierarchy remains: Josh Hader | Ryan Pressly | Bryan Abreu
Oakland A’s – Entering at the bottom of the eighth with two runners on, Scott Alexander retired Jake Cronenworth, intentionally walked Ha-Seong Kim, and induced an inning-ending lineout by Jackson Merrill. Alexander returned for the ninth and served up a walk-off home run by Kyle Higashioka, which resulted in his first loss. Austin Adams worked one-third scoreless, yielding two hits in the eighth. Vinny Nittoli tossed a clean seventh. Dany Jiménez worked a scoreless sixth, issuing a walk and striking out two.
Hierarchy remains: Mason Miller | Austin Adams | Scott Alexander
Seattle Mariners – While the team monitors Andrés Muñoz, Ryne Stanek filled in affably, closing out a one-run win over the White Sox with a clean ninth for his fifth save. He threw 18 pitches (13 strikes – 72.2 Strike%) and induced two whiffs against the 8-9-1 hitters, though Gavin Sheets appeared as a pinch-hitter. He’s been scoreless in seven of his last eight outings with two wins, three saves in four chances, and two holds through 7.2 innings with a 9:4 K:BB. Tayler Saucedo stranded a runner and recorded a Danny Mendick strikeout for his third hold. Mike Baumann was credited with his fourth hold, allowing a hit and striking out one in two-thirds scoreless in the eighth. Trent Thornton collected his second win, firing 1.2 clean frames and striking out two. There’s not a hierarchy change as of right now, but Muñoz should be considered day-to-day in terms of availabilty, which keeps Stanek mixed league relevant moving forward.
Hierarchy remains: Andrés Muñoz | Ryne Stanek | Tayler Saucedo
Toronto Blue Jays – Forced into action with two runners on and two outs in the eighth, Yimi García stranded both and retired all four batters faced, three via strikeout for his fifth save. He also preserved a combined shutout while throwing 20 pitches (65 Strike%) and induced two whiffs. He’s alternated a save and a win over his last five outings with 11 strikeouts against zero walks through 5.1 innings. Trevor Richards notched his fifth hold, giving up a hit and a walk over two-thirds scoreless in the eighth. Chad Green secured his fifth hold with a clean combined inning. Nate Pearson allowed a hit and struck out three in a scoreless sixth, recording his fourth hold.
Hierarchy remains: Yimi García | Chad Green | Nate Pearson
National League – Full Recaps
Chicago Cubs – Entering with a one-run lead, Héctor Neris suffered his third blown save and first loss, allowing a walk-off rally in Tampa Bay. His outing began with a Richie Palacios double, followed by a strikeout. With one out, he issued a walk, an RBI game-tying single by José Caballero, and a second strikeout. Facing Brandon Lowe with two on and two outs, Neris served up a walk-off three-run home run. His final line was three hits allowed, four earned runs, and a walk while striking out two, snapping his modest four-game scoreless streak. Hayden Wesneski secured his second hold, logging 1.2 scoreless frames, issuing a walk, and striking out one. He did let one of two inherited runners score in the seventh. Mark Leiter Jr. gave up a hit, an earned run, and a walk while striking out one in one-third of the seventh for his tenth hold.
Hierarchy remains: Héctor Neris | Mark Leiter Jr. | Hayden Wesneski
Colorado Rockies – Hanging on for his fifth save, Tyler Kinley allowed two hits, including a two-run home run by Carlos Santana, before a game-ending strikeout of Jose Miranda. Kinley finished with two hits against, two earned runs, and two strikeouts while throwing 20 pitches (75 Strike%) with five whiffs (25 SwStr%). He’s converted a save in his last three appearances and allowed multiple runs in two of five outings this month. Jalen Beeks logged 1.2 scoreless frames, yielding a hit. Victor Vodnik only recorded one out in the seventh, allowing two hits and a two-run home run by Byron Buxton. He also issued a walk and struck out one.
Hierarchy remains: *Jalen Beeks | *Tyler Kinley | Victor Vodnik
*= closer-by-committee (match-up-based)
Miami Marlins – Slamming the door on his eighth save, Tanner Scott fired two clean innings and recorded three strikeouts, preserving a two-run win against the Mets. He threw 31 pitches (22 strikes – 71 Strike%) and produced four whiffs (12.9 SwStr%). He owns a 13-game scoreless streak since May 1, recording four wins and four saves with 18 strikeouts versus six walks across 15 innings. Andrew Nardi retired both batters faced, one via strikeout for his sixth hold. Anthony Bender registered his sixth hold, issuing a walk during two-thirds scoreless combined innings.
Hierarchy remains: Tanner Scott | A.J. Puk| Anthony Bender
Philadelphia Phillies – Lined up against the top of Boston’s batting order in the ninth, José Alvarado navigated around a one-out single by David Hamilton and a wild pitch with a pop-out, then a game-ending strikeout of Rafael Devers for his 12th save. He threw 20 pitches (65 Strike%) and induced one whiff. He’s converted three of four save opportunities this month and been scoreless in four of his last five contests. Matt Strahm fired a clean bottom of the eighth, striking out the side for his seventh hold. He’s given up one unearned run since March 31, with 38 strikeouts against four walks over 26.2 innings.
Hierarchy remains: *José Alvarado | *Jeff Hoffman | Orion Kerkering
*= floating closer
Pittsburgh Pirates – With a two-run lead in the bottom of the ninth, the Pirates summoned David Bednar. His outing started with a solo home run by Nolan Gorman, followed by two quick outs, a José Fermín walk, and a potential game-ending strikeout, ruled catcher interference, prolonging the outing. Bednar bore down and recorded a game-ending strikeout of Michael Siani for his 14th save. He finished with a hit, an earned run, and a walk while striking out two on 22 pitches (15 strikes – 68.2 Strike%) while generating seven whiffs (31.8 SwStr%). Colin Holderman collected his second win, navigating around two hits for a scoreless eighth ahead of his team’s rally. Aroldis Chapman stranded a runner and retired both batters in the seventh.
Hierarchy remains: David Bednar | Colin Holderman | Aroldis Chapman
San Diego Padres – After retiring all four batters faced and keeping the game tied, Robert Suarez collected his third win courtesy of a walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth. He threw an efficient eight pitches (75 Strike%) without a whiff against the A’s 7-8-9-1 lineup pocket, extending his scoreless streak to five games. Enyel De Los Santos suffered his second blown save, allowing two hits, including a game-tying two-run home run by Tyler Soderstrom, and recorded two strikeouts during two-thirds of the eighth. Adrian Morejon retired the side in the seventh for his third hold. Yuki Matsui notched his seventh hold with a scoreless seventh, issuing a walk and striking out one.
Hierarchy remains: Robert Suarez | Jeremiah Estrada | Yuki Matsui
St. Louis Cardinals – Taking over a tied contest in the top of the ninth, Ryan Helsley committed a leverage mortal sin, walking the lead-off hitters. He then gave up a single by Andrew McCutchen and loaded the bases after walking Bryan Reynolds. Helsley let the first run of the game score on a Connor Joe fielder’s choice and a second run on an Oneil Cruz sacrifice fly, resulting in his third loss. He threw 23 pitches (13 strikes – 56.5 Strike%). This snapped his modest three-game scoreless stretch. JoJo Romero tossed a scoreless eighth, working around a lead-off double by Nick Gonzalez.
Hierarchy remains: Ryan Helsley | JoJo Romero | Andrew Kittredge
Washington Nationals – Pressed into action with two runners on and two out in the bottom of the ninth, Kyle Finnegan stranded them with an inning-ending strikeout of Colt Keith. He returned for the tenth with a one-run lead and retired the side while stranding the “place” runner, including two strikeouts for his second win. He finished 1.1 clean frames with three strikeouts on 22 pitches (14 strikes – 63.6 Strike%) and induced two whiffs. He’s been scoreless in seven of his last eight, converting three saves and recording 12 strikeouts against one walk across 8.1 innings. Hunter Harvey worked 1.2 scoreless innings, giving up a hit and a walk while striking out three. Dylan Floro tossed a clean seventh. Derek Law turned in 1.1 scoreless innings, yielding a hit and striking out four.
Hierarchy Remains: Kyle Finnegan | Hunter Harvey | Dylan Floro
Closer Monkey’s filthy outing of the day goes to Nate Pearson. He recorded all three outs via strikeout in the sixth against the Brewers – video courtesy of the Pitching Ninja.
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