Sometimes, smaller slates like Thursday’s do not provide many storylines in the high-leverage ecosystem. However, yesterday’s 11 contests yielded three reliever wins, two via walk-offs, six saves, and two blown saves with a win attached (Shelby Miller; Michael Kopech).
It also featured the return of Edwin Díaz, though he appeared with his team down by one in the top of the ninth. He fired a clean frame and recorded a strikeout against the Marlins’ 7-8-9 lineup pocket, a very soft landing spot. The good news is that Díaz reached a maximum velocity of 99.6 m.p.h. with his four-seam fastball in this outing:
Andrés Muñoz also pitched. He entered in the top of the tenth and suffered his third loss, letting the “place” runner score on an RBI single and issuing an intentional walk while striking out one. His velocity sat 1.2 m.p.h. below his average this year with the four-seam fastball:
It may be nothing, but Andrew Kittredge recorded the ancillary save with Ryan Helsley unavailable. However, this tweet regarding JoJo Romero surfaced during the game. Stay tuned.
Our condensed and full game recaps cover Thursday’s high-leverage events of interest.
Closer CliffsNotes
American League
(RP | BOS): Becoming the fifth Red Sox reliever with a save, Brad Keller logged three scoreless frames, scattering two hits and issuing a walk while striking out three. He threw 46 pitches (29 strikes – 63 Strike%) and induced four whiffs. He’s been scoreless in three of his last four.
Hierarchy remains: Kenley Jansen | Justin Slaten | Greg Weissert
(RP | CHW): Protecting a one-run in the bottom of the tenth, Tanner Banks recorded his second save. He retired the side and struck out two against the Mariners.
(RP | DET): Handed a one-run lead, Shelby Miller gave up a double and a sacrifice fly, scoring the game-tying run, resulting in his fifth blown save. However, his teammates plated five runs in the bottom of the seventh, giving him his fourth win.
(RP | KCR): Tossing a scoreless top of the ninth against the Yankees’ 2-3-4-5 hitters, James McArthur garnered his third win courtesy of a walk-off rally in the bottom of the ninth.
(RP | NYY): Taking over with a one-run lead, Clay Holmes allowed a one-out single sandwiched between two outs. Things took a turn with runners on the corners when Maikel Garcia hit a walk-off, two-RBI double. This handed Holmes his second loss and fourth blown save, snapping his four-game scoreless streak.
(RP | SEA): After three days off and an injection for his sore back, Andrés Muñoz took over in the top of the tenth. He suffered his third loss, allowing an RBI single to score the “place” runner, issuing an intentional walk, and striking out one.
(RP | TBR): Preserving a one-run win, Pete Fairbanks worked around a one-out walk with a game-ending double play groundout for his ninth save.
(RP | TEX): Saves remains a fickle commodity. Case in point, Kirby Yates last recorded a save on May 28 upon his arrival in Los Angeles. He secured his second in as many days, closing out a two-run win with a scoreless ninth, allowing a walk and striking out three for his tenth save.
National League
(RP | ARI): Pitching for the first time in a week and in a non-save situation, Paul Sewald issued a one-out walk, hit a batter (Jo Adell), then induced a game-ending double play. He threw 18 pitches (11 strikes – 61.1 Strike%) without a whiff. He owns an 11-game scoreless streak with 10 strikeouts versus three walks and converting all seven save chances, though his last one was on June 6.
Hierarchy remains: Paul Sewald | Ryan Thompson | Joe Mantiply
(RP | ATL): Navigating around a hit batter and a one-out single, Raisel Iglesias turned in a scoreless bottom of the ninth, finishing a three-run win in Baltimore for his 17th save.
(RP | CHC): Taking the baton from Justin Steele, who tossed six scoreless frames, Mark Leiter Jr. suffered his fourth loss and second blown save. During his two-thirds of the seventh, he allowed three hits, three earned runs, and a walk while striking out one. He’s given up at least a run in consecutive outings.
Hierarchy remains: Héctor Neris | Mark Leiter Jr. | Hayden Wesneski
(RP | LAD): Still rounding into form after his stint on the injured list, Evan Phillips tossed a scoreless top of the ninth during an eventual loss. He issued Travis Jankowski a lead-off walk, recorded a strikeout with the runner erased on batter interference, and induced an inning-ending flyout. He threw 15 pitches (7 strikes – 46.7 Strike%) without a whiff. He’s converted his only save chance this month and been scoreless in three of four appearances.
Hierarchy remains: Evan Phillips | Blake Treinen | Daniel Hudson
(RP | MIA): Not only did Tanner Scott have his 13-game scoreless streak snapped, but he suffered his fifth loss and second blown save, coughing up a one-run lead in the bottom of the ninth. His outing began with a lead-off walk, and after recording a strikeout, he allowed J.D. Martinez to walk off a two-run home run.
(RP | NYM): With his team trailing by one, Edwin Díaz retired the side in the top of the ninth, recording one strikeout. He collected his second win courtesy of a walk-off two-run home run by J.D. Martinez in the bottom of the inning. The best news of all is his increased velocities in this appearance.
(RP | STL): Ryan Helsley was unavailable after pitching on consecutive days, so Andrew Kittredge secured his first save, navigating around a two-out single for a scoreless ninth.
(RP | WSH): In his 1.1 innings in Detroit, Derek Law suffered his second loss, allowing four hits and four earned runs while striking out one.
Hierarchy Remains: Kyle Finnegan | Hunter Harvey | Dylan Floro
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Vulture Save Options for Friday, June 14
- Ryne Stanek (SEA): Since the team announced his back issue, Muñoz has not pitched on consecutive days, which may result in a save chance for Stanek tonight.
- José Leclerc (TEX): If he’s rostered, one can take the other side of this match-up. Yates and Robertson have appeared in consecutive games, providing Leclerc with a save chance, if provided tonight. He’s been scoreless in eight of his last nine games with 16 strikeouts versus three walks over 12 innings.
- John Brebbia (CHW): Kopech has pitched in two straight, and Jordan Leasure could also be a factor in the ninth, but I am leaning toward the veteran, who has pitched better of late.
Vulture Save Options for Saturday, June 15
- Justin Martinez (ARI): If Sewald pitches tonight, it may provide the rookie with the save chance on Saturday.
- Joe Jiménez (ATL): There has not been an announcement about A.J. Minter returning, but if he’s not active and Iglesias pitches tonight, Jiménez would be in line for Saturday’s save chance.
- Nick Anderson (KCR): If McArthur pitches today, it could give Anderson a vulture save chance on Saturday.
American League – Full Recaps
Chicago White Sox – Taking over in the bottom of the tenth with a one-run lead and a left-handed hitting pocket on tap, Tanner Banks recorded his second save with a clean outing in Seattle. He recorded two strikeouts and a game-ending flyout on nine pitches (77.8 Strike%). Michael Kopech could not convert his save chance in the ninth, allowing a game-tying solo home run by Julio Rodríguez, resulting in his fourth blown save. He collected his second win after his teammates scored the “place” runner in the top of the tenth. Kopech has not converted his last three save opportunities and has allowed at least a run in five of his last eight outings, producing a 2.38 WHIP over his last 6.1 innings. John Brebbia notched his eighth hold, firing a clean bottom of the eighth and striking out two. He’s been scoreless in six of seven games in June, posting a 12:1 K:BB through 6.1 innings.
Although Pedro Grifol remains steadfast in supporting Kopech, Brebbia warrants a save chance soon. For now:
Hierarchy remains: Michael Kopech | John Brebbia | Jordan Leasure
Detroit Tigers – Despite allowing the game-tying run in the seventh inning, Shelby Miller collected his fourth win and fifth blown save over his 1.1-inning outing. He allowed a lead-off double by Joey Meneses and consecutive flyouts, scoring the run, but his teammates picked him up, scoring five in the bottom of the inning. Tyler Holton worked two-thirds scoreless in the eighth, issuing a walk and striking out one. Andrew Chafin finished the five-run win with a clean ninth, striking out the side on 15 pitches (60 Strike%) and generating five whiffs (33.3 SwStr%).
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.
Kansas City Royals – Benefiting from a walk-off rally, James McArthur collected his third win. He worked a scoreless top of the ninth, giving up a two-out double by Gleyber Torres before inducing an inning-ending groundout by Anthony Rizzo. McArthur threw 12 pitches (91.7 Strike%) and produced four whiffs (33.3 SwStr%) against the Yankees’ 2-3-4 lineup pocket. Angel Zerpa let his only inherited runner score on a go-ahead RBI single by Juan Soto with the out recorded at second base. John Schreiber suffered his second blown save, allowing two hits, including a solo home run (Rizzo), and three runs (one earned) over two-thirds of the eighth.
Hierarchy remains: James McArthur | John Schreiber | Nick Anderson
New York Yankees – Entering with a one-run lead in the bottom of the ninth, Clay Holmes suffered his second loss and fourth blown save. His outing began with a flyout, a single, and a fielder’s choice groundout. With runners on the corners and two outs, Maikel Garcia produced a two-RBI double, scoring the winning runs. Holmes finished with three hits against and two earned runs over two-thirds of the ninth. This snapped his nine-game scoreless streak. Luke Weaver tossed a scoreless ninth, navigating around two walks and striking out one for his ninth hold.
Hierarchy remains: Clay Holmes | Luke Weaver | Ian Hamilton
Seattle Mariners -Summoned for the top of the tenth, Andrés Muñoz made his first appearance since receiving an injection in his back. He suffered his third loss, allowing a one-out single by Nicky Lopez, putting runners on the corners, and the “place” runner scored on a fielder’s choice groundout. He issued Luis Robert Jr. an intentional walk and retired Gavin Sheets on a flyout. His final line was one hit allowed, an unearned run, and a walk while striking out one. He threw 17 pitches (11 strikes – 64.7 Strike%) without a whiff, working with slightly reduced velocities. Eduard Bazardo tossed a scoreless ninth, yielding a hit and striking out two. Austin Voth retired the side in the eighth.
Hierarchy remains: Andrés Muñoz | Ryne Stanek | Tayler Saucedo
Tampa Bay Rays – Since Taylor Walls cannot be awarded the save, Pete Fairbanks will be credited with his ninth. He worked around a one-out walk with a game-ending double play groundout, featuring his shortstop laying out and taking away a hit from Nico Hoerner. Fairbanks threw 12 pitches (7 strikes—58.3 Strike%) and induced one whiff. He’s allowed one earned run since returning from the injured list with 13 strikeouts against three walks across 14 innings. Colin Poche retired the side in the eighth for his fifth hold.
Hierarchy remains: Pete Fairbanks | Jason Adam | Garrett Cleavinger
Texas Rangers – Entering this series, Kirby Yates last recorded a save on May 28. He recorded his second in as many days, finishing a two-run win with a scoreless ninth against the Dodgers. He worked around a lead-off walk with three consecutive strikeouts for his tenth save, throwing 26 pitches (15 strikes – 57.7 Strike%) with zero whiffs. He’s been scoreless in eight of his last nine appearances, with 15 strikeouts against five walks over eight innings. David Robertson secured his 14th hold with a scoreless eighth. He navigated around a hit-batter (Cavan Biggio) and a single before striking out the top of the lineup for a second straight appearance. He threw 20 pitches (75 Strike%) without a whiff.
Hierarchy remains: Kirby Yates | David Robertson | José Leclerc
National League – Full Recaps
Atlanta Braves – Snapping his team’s five-game losing streak, Raisel Iglesias secured his 17th save, navigating around a lead-off hit-by-pitch (Jordan Westburg) and a one-out single for a scoreless ninth, preserving a three-run win. He threw 13 pitches (10 strikes – 76.9 Strike%) and induced one whiff. He’s been scoreless in eight of his last nine outings, converting all seven save chances with six strikeouts against zero walks. Joe Jiménez gave up a hit and recorded three outs in a scoreless eighth for his 14th hold. Pierce Johnson struggled, allowing two hits, including a three-run home run by Kyle Stowers, and a walk while striking out one in the seventh.
Hierarchy remains: Raisel Iglesias | Joe Jiménez | Pierce Johnson
Miami Marlins – Entering the bottom of the ninth with a one-run lead, Tanner Scott issued a lead-off walk to Francisco Lindor, a leverage no-no, struck out Brandon Nimmo, and served up the game-winning home run. This snapped Scott’s 13-game scoreless streak, handing him his fifth loss and second blown save. He threw 15 pitches (40 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (20 SwStr%). Calvin Faucher notched his fifth hold, firing 1.1 clean frames and striking out one for his fifth hold. Anthony Bender was credited for his seventh hold, allowing a hit, an earned run, and two walks before being removed.
Updated Hierarchy: Tanner Scott | Calvin Faucher | A.J. Puk
New York Mets – Making his first appearance off the injured list with his team down one, Edwin Díaz fired a clean top of the ninth and recorded a strikeout. He threw 15 pitches (11 strikes – 73.3 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (13.3 SwStr%). He collected his second win courtesy of J.D. Martinez’s first career walk-off home run. Most encouraging, the closer maxed out at 99.6 m.p.h. with his four-seam fastballs and averaged 98.4 m.p.h. Sean Reid-Foley tossed a clean eighth, striking out one. Drew Smith gave up a solo home run (Jazz Chisolm Jr.) and struck out three in the seventh.
Updated Hierarchy: Edwin Díaz | Reed Garrett | Adam Ottavino
St. Louis Cardinals – Filling in capably for his closer, Andrew Kittredge recorded his first save, working around a two-out single by Ke’Bryan Hayes with a game-ending groundout by Bryan Reynolds. Kittredge threw 13 pitches (10 strikes – 76.9 Strike%) and induced one whiff. This marked his 16th career save. Ryan Fernandez notched his second hold, issuing a walk and striking out three in a scoreless eighth. Matthew Liberatore stranded a runner and retired both batters faced in the seventh. Chris Roycroft recorded his first major league win, recording two outs and allowing a hit over two-thirds combined innings. John King gave up a hit and a walk while striking out one over 1.1 scoreless frames.
Hierarchy remains: Ryan Helsley | JoJo Romero | Andrew Kittredge
Closer Monkey’s filthy outing goes to Ryan Fernandez of the Cardinals. He recorded three strikeouts during his second hold – video courtesy of the Pitching Ninja.
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