Tuesday did not provide a full slate, with St. Louis and Atlanta postponed for a split doubleheader until today. However, relievers recorded eight wins and seven saves. Only two relievers suffered a loss, one by the Royals, which will be highlighted below.
Three Takeaways
- Royals deadline wishlist, velocity in the bullpen: With a one-run lead in the seventh, the Royals summoned Carlos Hernández. He could not protect the thin margin and suffered his first loss. It’s a microcosm of one of the team’s weaknesses, power options in the leverage ladder. In 2024, Kansas City’s bullpen ranks 30th in strikeout percentage (17.7 percent), 29th in K-BB percentage (6.9 percent), 30th in swinging strike rate (9 percent), and 26th in win probability added. Over the last 30 days, it’s even bleaker. As a unit, the bullpen ranks last in strikeout percentage (14.9 percent), last in K-BB percentage (4.7 percent), tied for 27th in swinging strike rate (9.8 percent), and 28th in win probability added. Will the team add a Tanner Scott or Carlos Estévez? Time will tell, but waiting too long may decrease its postseason odds. On a side note, Kris Bubic has converted into a relief role in the minors during his rehab assignment.
- Durán’s velocity decline: In a well-done column for The Athletic, Aaron Gleeman explored Jhoan Durán‘s struggles this season while working with reduced velocity. It feels like nitpicking a reliever still throwing over 100 m.p.h., but he’s not been as dominant as in years past. The team suggested it was a mechanical issue. Still, he has a 3.91 ERA with a 3.33 SIERA and 3.67 expected ERA (xERA) through 24 appearances this season, with a nine percent drop in his K-BB percentage compared with last year. He captured our attention with a dominant second half in 2022 and a strong 2023, but we must monitor his results moving forward, especially in terms of his velocities:
- Injury Updates: Tuesday provided a positive news cycle for three relievers on the mend. Brock Stewart (MIN) threw a bullpen session on Sunday, and if he completes two more, he could head out on a rehab assignment. Gregory Santos (SEA) will throw live batting practice on Friday and could be on the precipice of a rehab assignment. Liam Hendriks (BOS) is slated for his first bullpen session later this week, which keeps him on track to return near the end of July.
Our condensed and full game recaps cover Tuesday’s contests’ high-leverage events of interest.
Closer CliffsNotes
American League
(RP | CHW): Amidst the rubble on this roster, John Brebbia fired a clean top of the ninth and recorded two strikeouts against the Dodgers’ 9-1-2 lineup pocket. He threw nine pitches (77.8 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (18.2 SwStr%).
Hierarchy remains: *John Brebbia | *Michael Kopech | Tanner Banks
*= closer-by-committee
(RP | CLE): Securing his American League-leading 25th save, Emmanuel Clase navigated around a hit for a scoreless ninth, preserving a two-run win over the Orioles.
(RP | DET): During a non-save appearance, Jason Foley allowed a solo home run (Bryce Harper) in the top of the ninth. He threw 10 pitches (80 Strike%) and induced two whiffs while finishing a win over the Phillies.
Updated Hierarchy: Jason Foley (HLR|PSS) | Tyler Holton | Shelby Miller
(RP | HOU): Appearing for a second straight non-save situation, Josh Hader finished a three-run win but gave up a solo home run by Michael Toglia in his outing. Hader threw 18 pitches (66.7 Strike%) and generated eight whiffs (44.4 SwStr%) while striking out three. He’s converted four saves this month, posting 14 strikeouts against zero walks across 9.2 innings.
Hierarchy remains: Josh Hader | Ryan Pressly | Bryan Abreu
(RP | KCR): Summoned with a one-run lead in the seventh inning, Carlos Hernández suffered his first loss and blown save. He gave up three hits and two runs (one earned) and recorded a strikeout over two-thirds of an inning. He allowed a one-out double by Otto Lopez, an RBI single by Nick Gordon with two outs, and left with two runners on.
Hierarchy remains: James McArthur | John Schreiber | Chris Stratton
(RP | LAA): Finishing a two-run win over Oakland, Carlos Estévez secured his 15th save. He allowed a hit and recorded two strikeouts in a scoreless ninth inning.
(RP | MIN): After his team tied the contest in the top of the seventh, Jorge Alcala issued a two-out walk and allowed consecutive singles, including a go-ahead RBI one by Ketel Marte. This resulted in his third loss in the bottom of the inning.
Hierarchy remains: Jhoan Durán | Griffin Jax | Jorge Alcala
(RP | TBR): Taking over in the top of the sixth, Garrett Cleavinger retired the side and recorded two strikeouts. He collected his fifth win after his teammates plated four runs in the bottom of the inning. He threw 18 pitches (66.7 Strike%) and induced two whiffs.
Hierarchy remains: Pete Fairbanks | Jason Adam | Colin Poche
National League
(RP | ARI): Preserving a one-run win over the Twins, Paul Sewald recorded his tenth save. He allowed a hit during his scoreless appearance and extended his streak to 15 games without allowing an earned run.
(RP | LAD): Converting his 13th straight save opportunity this season, Evan Phillips fired a clean bottom of the ninth and recorded one strikeout against the White Sox.
(RP | MIA): Tanner Scott preserved a one-run win over the Royals on the road, recording his tenth save and working around a hit for a scoreless ninth.
(RP | MIL): Securing his second save, Elvis Peguero fired a clean top of the ninth and recorded one strikeout against Texas. He threw 12 pitches (83.3 Strike%) and generated five whiffs (41.7 SwStr%).
Hierarchy remains: Trevor Megill | Joel Payamps | Bryan Hudson
(RP | NYM): Taking over in the fifth, Dedniel Núñez collected his first win. He tossed 2.2 innings, giving up a hit and an unearned run with two strikeouts.
(RP | SDP): Despite allowing an unearned run in the top of the ninth, Robert Suarez became the fifth reliever with at least 20 saves this season. He finished a two-run win over the Nationals while recording his 20th save.
(RP | SFG): Awarded his first win, Tyler Rogers retired the side in the eighth with a one-run lead. With the team running a bullpen game, the home field scorer decides which reliever deserves the win.
Vulture Save Options for Wednesday, June 26
- Alex Vesia (LAD): Phillips and Hudson have appeared on consecutive days. Blake Treinen may also be involved if it’s a match-up-based approach looking for a sweep.
- Enyel De Los Santos (SDP): He was touched up for three runs his last time out, but with Suarez and Estrada likely down after back-to-back outings, De Los Santos may get the vulture save chance.
- Hunter Gaddis (CLE): Clase has pitched in three of the last four and thrown 54 pitches. Barlow has worked on consecutive days, which leaves Gaddis in line for the save opportunity if provided.
Vulture Save Options for Thursday, June 27
- Justin Martinez (ARI): If Sewald pitches today, it will be back-to-back appearances.
- Ben Joyce (LAA): He’s pitched in two straight and will get today off. If Estévez works again, he would receive Thursday off, potentially placing the rookie in line for a save.
- Anthony Bender (MIA): If Scott and Faucher appear today, they will have consecutive outings.
American League – Full Recaps
Cleveland Guardians – Shutting the door on his American League-leading 25th save, Emmanuel Clase worked around a one-out double by Cedric Mullins for a scoreless ninth, preserving a two-run win in Baltimore. Clase threw 14 pitches (57.1 Strike%) and did not produce a whiff while recording a strikeout. Through 10 appearances in June, he’s converted eight saves with 10 strikeouts against two walks with a 0.70 WHIP. Sam Hentges was credited with his eighth hold, giving up three hits, including a solo home run (Anthony Santander), one earned run, and issued a walk while striking out one over 1.1 innings. Scott Barlow secured his 17th hold, walking one and striking out one over two-thirds of scoreless innings. Cade Smith gave up three hits and an earned run during his two-thirds innings of relief for his 13th hold. Pedro Avila collected his second win, logging 2.1 scoreless frames and issuing three walks.
Hierarchy remains: Emmanuel Clase | Hunter Gaddis | Cade Smith
Los Angeles Angels – Locking down his 15th save, Carlos Estévez worked around a two-out single with a game-ending strikeout, preserving the two-run margin. He threw 18 pitches (66.7 Strike%) and produced four whiffs (22.2 SwStr%) while striking out two in his outing. Through eight appearances in June, he’s recorded one win and seven saves with ten strikeouts versus zero walks. Ben Joyce stranded a runner, though he issued a walk while retiring two batters in the eighth. José Marte gave up two hits and two runs (one earned) in one-third of the eighth. Luis García allowed a hit in a scoreless seventh for his ninth hold.
Hierarchy remains: Carlos Estévez | Luis García | Matt Moore
National League – Full Recaps
Arizona Diamondbacks – Shutting the door on his tenth save, Paul Sewald navigated around a two-out double for a scoreless top of the ninth, preserving a one-run win over the Twins. He threw 17 pitches (9 strikes – 52.9 Strike%) and only induced one whiff. He’s converted all ten save opportunities this season and been scoreless over his last 15 games with 11 strikeouts versus three walks. Ryan Thompson notched his 11th hold while retiring the side in the eighth. Kevin Ginkel collected his sixth win, recording two outs in the sixth and striking out one. He’s recorded four wins this month during his 10 appearances.
Updated Hierarchy: Paul Sewald | Ryan Thompson | Kevin Ginkel
Los Angeles Dodgers – Back into the ninth inning, Evan Phillips locked down his 13th save, retiring the White Sox 2-3-4 batters in order and recording one strikeout. He threw 14 pitches (71.4 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (21.4 SwStr%). Daniel Hudson notched his 12th hold, firing a clean eighth and striking out one. He’s given up one unearned run through his last 16.2 innings. Blake Treinen logged 1.1 scoreless frames, yielding a hit and striking out one for his sixth hold. Anthony Banda issued a walk during a scoreless combined inning, stranding two runners for his first hold. Yohan Ramírez was credited with his third hold, giving up two hits over two-thirds scoreless in the fifth. Michael Peterson logged two scoreless frames and collected his second win.
Hierarchy remains: Evan Phillips | Daniel Hudson | Alex Vesia
Miami Marlins – Preserving a one-run win and recording his tenth save, Tanner Scott worked a scoreless bottom of the ninth in Kansas City. He navigated around a one-out single with a lineout and a game-ending groundout. He’s been scoreless in nine of ten outings this month, converting three of four save chances. Calvin Faucher notched his seventh hold, retiring the side in the eighth and striking out one. Huascar Brazobán nailed down his first hold, retiring both batters, one via strikeout in the seventh. A.J. Puk collected his second win, firing 1.1 clean innings and striking out two.
Hierarchy remains: Tanner Scott | Calvin Faucher | Andrew Nardi
New York Mets – Inheriting a bases-loaded situation with a six-run lead and two outs in the eighth, Reed Garrett allowed a grand slam, then retired Gleyber Torres on a groundout. Garrett returned for the ninth and retired all three Yankees, closing a two-run win. His final line was 1.1 innings with one hit and one earned run while striking out one. Danny Young gave up a hit, two earned runs, and a walk while striking out one in one-third of the eighth. Adam Ottavino struggled, allowing a hit, two earned runs, and a walk during his one-third of the eighth. Dedniel Núñez collected his first win, giving up a hit, an unearned run, and striking out two over 2.2 innings.
Hierarchy remains: *Reed Garrett | *Jake Diekman | Drew Smith
*= match-up-based approach
San Diego Padres – Becoming the fifth reliever with 20 saves, Robert Suarez closed out a two-run win over the Nationals. After recording two outs, a baserunner reached on an error, advanced on defensive indifference, and scored on an RBI single by CJ Abrams before a game-ending pop-out by Lane Thomas. Suarez finished with a hit allowed, one unearned run, and one strikeout while throwing 21 pitches (16 strikes – 76.2 Strike%) with two whiffs. Jeremiah Estrada took over in the eighth with a four-run lead and let both inherited runners score on a sacrifice fly and an RBI double by Harold Ramírez while recording three outs.
Hierarchy remains: Robert Suarez | Jeremiah Estrada | Enyel De Los Santos
San Francisco Giants – Making a non-save appearance, Camilo Doval fired a clean top of the ninth and recorded one strikeout. This marked his first game action since June 17. He threw 15 pitches (66.7 Strike%) and generated six whiffs (40 SwStr%) against the Cubs’ 4-5-6 lineup pocket. He’s been scoreless in six of his last seven outings while converting three saves. Tyler Rogers was awarded his first win. He worked a clean eighth with his team ahead by one. Ryan Walker notched his 14th hold, tossing 1.1 scoreless frames, giving up a walk and striking out two.
Hierarchy remains: Camilo Doval | Tyler Rogers | Ryan Walker
Closer Monkey’s filthy pitch of the day goes to Emmanuel Clase and his placement with this 102 m.p.h. cutter – video courtesy of the Pitching Ninja.
Thanks for being a part of the Closer Monkey community. Stay safe and be well.
Please consider becoming a premium subscriber for a one-time $20 donation to the site, featuring full-text emails with charts, column blurbs, and ad-free analysis.
Statistical Credits:
