Wednesday’s slate resulted in nine reliever wins and five saves. There were three walk-offs, including a grand slam in the bottom of the tenth by Nolan Arenado. Justin Martinez recorded his first multiple-inning save of the season, and Manuel Rodríguez (TBR) recorded his first save since 2022 with a clean ninth in Oakland. Our condensed game recaps cover the high-leverage events of interest from yesterday.
Closer CliffsNotes
- Justin Martinez (ARI) was pressed into duty with a runner on and one out in the bottom of the eighth. He retired both batters and returned for the ninth. He recorded his fifth save despite allowing a run on a wild pitch in the bottom of the ninth. He logged 1.2 innings, giving up two hits and a walk while striking out four.
- Joe Jiménez (ATL) was summoned with the score tied at the top of the eighth. He allowed a lead-off double and a sacrifice fly, scoring the game-winning run, resulting in his fifth loss.
- Seranthony Domínguez (BAL) took over in the bottom of the eighth and produced an inning-ending strikeout, keeping the game tied. He suffered his fourth loss in the ninth, allowing Jesse Winker’s walk-off home run. Domínguez has given up a home run in three straight appearances over his team’s last four games.
- Chris Martin (BOS) filled in capably for his closer, preserving a three-run win in Houston for his first save. He allowed a hit and recorded a strikeout on 16 pitches (11 strikes – 68.8 Strike%) with one whiff. He’s been scoreless in seven of eight games since returning from the injured list, with ten strikeouts versus zero walks.
- Fraser Ellard (CHW) earned his first major league win. He tossed a clean bottom of the eighth and recorded two strikeouts, keeping the game tied ahead of his teammates, scoring four runs at the top of the ninth.
- Emilio Pagán (CIN) stranded a runner in the seventh and fired a clean eighth. He was awarded his third win after firing 1.1 clean frames while striking out one.
- Lucas Erceg (KCR) shut the door on his sixth save with a clean top of the ninth and recorded two strikeouts. He’s scoreless through his first nine outings with the Royals, producing 14 strikeouts against zero walks and a minuscule 0.39 WHIP across 10.1 innings.
- Andrew Nardi (MIA) let both inherited runners score while giving up two hits, two earned runs, and a walk during one-third of the seventh, resulting in his second loss and a sixth blown save. Calvin Faucher gave up three hits and two earned runs in a non-save outing in the top of the ninth.
- Trevor Megill (MIL) issued two walks (one intentional) and recorded one out before giving up Nolan Arenado’s walk-off grand slam in the bottom of the tenth, resulting in his third loss. Devin Williams had command issues in the ninth and suffered his first blown save. He allowed a hit, two earned runs, and three walks while striking out one.
- Edwin Díaz (NYM) retired the side and recorded two strikeouts in the top of the ninth against Baltimore. He collected his fifth win courtesy of a walk-off home run in the bottom of the inning. He’s been scoreless in seven of his last eight games with 14 strikeouts against two walks.
- Carlos Estévez (PHI) navigated around a lead-off walk and a one-out single for a scoreless ninth while recording his 22nd save.
- David Bednar (PIT) had his modest two-game scoreless snapped during his sixth loss. He took over a tied game in the bottom of the ninth in Texas and allowed three hits, including Wyatt Langford’s walk-off RBI single. Bednar has allowed a run in seven of his last nine games.
- Erik Miller (SFG) took the baton from starter Logan Webb, with the score tied in the top of the ninth. After issuing two walks, he gave up Andrew Vaughn’s go-ahead RBI single and suffered his fourth loss. His final line was one hit allowed, three earned runs, and two walks over two-thirds of an inning.
- Ryan Helsley (STL) retired the side and produced two strikeouts in the top of the tenth, then collected his fifth win courtesy of a walk-off grand slam. He’s been scoreless over his last four appearances, securing three saves and this win.
- Manuel Rodríguez (TBR) locked down his first save since September 28, 2022, firing a clean bottom of the ninth and striking out one in Oakland. He’s been scoreless over his last ten appearances since July 28, with 12 strikeouts against three walks and a 0.67 WHIP across nine innings.
- Kirby Yates (TEX) fired a clean top of the ninth and recorded two strikeouts during a tied game. He benefited from a walk-off rally, resulting in his fifth win. He’s won two of three decisions and converted three of four saves through eight appearances in August.
Vulture Save Options for Thursday, August 22
- Yennier Cano (BAL): Domínguez has appeared in three of the previous four days.
- Joel Payamps (MIL): Williams has pitched on consecutive days, throwing a combined 48 pitches; he may need a break until Saturday. Jared Koenig could be in play against a left-handed hitting pocket as well.
- Kyle Nicolas (PIT): Bednar and Chapman have worked in back-to-back games.
Vulture Save Stashes for Friday. August 23
- A.J. Puk (ARI): Teams have been matching up their left-handed relievers against Boston, and Martinez has thrown 38 pitches in his last two outings; he may require rest until Saturday.
Three Takeaways
- D-Will and command: Although fantasy managers do not love spring training, it lets players build up and prepare for the upcoming season. Many pitchers go through a “dead arm” phase at camp, when velocity remains stable, but command struggles happen. Devin Williams suffered a blown save during an eventual loss, allowing two earned runs on consecutive bases-loaded walks on eight pitches. After the game, he acknowledged his lack of command. It’s encouraging to see him capable of appearing on consecutive days, but monitoring his workload more closely may pay dividends over the remainder of the regular season.
- V-squared placed on the IL: First reported as shoulder soreness, the Rockies placed Victor Vodnik on the 15-day injured list, backdated to August 19 before yesterday’s game. He’s converted nine of ten save opportunities since July 6 with a 17:11 K:BB and a 1.42 WHIP across 19.2 innings. Although Angel Chivilli notched his first MLB save on Tuesday, those desperate for saves should stash or stream Tyler Kinley with Vodnik sidelined. Over ten appearances in August, Kinley’s recorded a win, a save, one blown save, and six holds with 11 strikeouts against one walk (27 K-BB%) and a 0.467 WHIP in 10.2 innings.
- Tampa Bay and shared saves: After the team placed Pete Fairbanks on the injured list, fantasy players debated which reliever they preferred, Edwin Uceta or Manuel Rodríguez. Perhaps it’s both? Uceta secured his first major league save, retiring all four batters and striking out one. Rodríguez notched his first save last night with a clean ninth while striking out one. Kevin Cash indicated the two relievers would receive more high-leverage chances; so far, so good. Committees can be frustrating, and it’s possible Uceta gets used against the toughest-hitting pockets in some contests, but for now, each can be streamed for saves based on initial usage patterns in Oakland. Only the Dodgers (12) have had more pitches record a save than the Rays’ 11 this season. Could Drew Rasmussen sneak one in and tie them soon? Stay tuned.
American League – Full Game Recaps, August 21
Boston Red Sox – Preserving a three-run win, Chris Martin notched his first save with a scoreless ninth in Houston. He allowed a hit and recorded a strikeout, throwing 16 pitches (11 strikes – 68.8 Strike%) with one whiff. He’s been scoreless in seven of eight games since returning from the injured list, with ten strikeouts versus zero walks.
- Luis García fired a clean eighth and struck out two for his 14th hold. Brennan Bernardino stranded the bases loaded with an inning-ending strikeout against Yordan Alvarez and secured his 11th hold.
- Greg Weissert gave up two hits and a walk while striking out one in two-thirds of the seventh.
- Josh Winckowski collected his fourth win, giving up a hit during a scoreless bottom of the sixth.
Hierarchy remains: Kenley Jansen | Chris Martin | Lucas Sims
Kansas City Royals – Completing a combined shutout, Lucas Erceg shut the door on his sixth save with a clean top of the ninth while recording two strikeouts. He threw 14 pitches (64.3 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (14.3 SwStr%). Erceg remains scoreless through his first nine outings with the Royals, producing 14 strikeouts against zero walks and a minuscule 0.39 WHIP across 10.1 innings.
- John Schreiber notched his 20th hold with a scoreless eighth. He allowed a walk and struck out one.
Updated Hierarchy: Lucas Erceg | Kris Bubic | John Schreiber
Tampa Bay Rays – Securing his first save since September 28, 2022, Manuel Rodríguez retired the side and recorded a game-ending strikeout of Zack Gelof, preserving a two-run win in Oakland. He threw 19 pitches (13 strikes – 68.4 Strike%) and induced two whiffs. He’s been scoreless over his last ten appearances since July 28, with 12 strikeouts against three walks and a 0.67 WHIP across nine innings.
- Garrett Cleavinger notched his tenth hold, giving up a hit and striking out one in a scoreless eighth.
- Drew Rasmussen recorded his first hold, working around a hit and a walk while striking out three in the seventh.
Adjusted Hierarchy: *Edwin Uceta | *Manuel Rodríguez | Garrett Cleavinger
*= closer-by-committee
Texas Rangers – Taking over a tied game in the top of the ninth, Kirby Yates retired the Pirates’ 8-9-1 hitters in order and recorded two strikeouts. He benefited from a walk-off rally in the bottom of the inning, resulting in his fifth win. He threw 12 pitches (83.3 Strike%) and produced four whiffs (33.3 SwStr%). It’s been a rockier August, but he’s won two of three decisions and converted three of four saves through eight appearances.
- David Robertson worked a scoreless eighth, navigating around a hit and a walk while striking out two.
- Andrew Chafin tossed a scoreless seventh, allowing a hit and striking out one.
- José Leclerc gave up a hit and struck out three in a scoreless sixth.
Hierarchy remains: Kirby Yates | David Robertson | Andrew Chafin
National League – Full Game Recaps, August 21
Arizona Diamondbacks – Working an extended outing, Justin Martinez took over with a runner on and one out in the bottom of the eighth. He recorded a strikeout and an inning-ending groundout. He returned for the ninth but ran into some trouble. Jesús Sánchez hit a lead-off double, Derek produced a one-out single, and a walk loaded the bases. Martinez struck out Kyle Stowers but let a run score on a wild pitch before a game-ending strikeout. This marked his fifth save and first multi-inning save of the season. He threw 31 pitches (18 strikes – 58.1 Strike%) and generated six whiffs (19.4 SwStr%).
- Joe Manitply was credited with his 13th hold despite giving up two hits and an earned run in one-third of the eighth.
- Kevin Ginkel fired a clean seventh and struck out two, securing his 15th hold.
- Dylan Floro was awarded his fifth win. He stranded a runner and retired his only batter in the sixth.
Hierarchy remains: Justin Martinez | A.J. Puk | Ryan Thompson
Milwaukee Brewers – Remaining in a tied game in the bottom of the tenth, Trevor Megill suffered his third loss. He allowed two walks (one intentional) and four runs (three earned) on Nolan Arenado’s walk-off grand slam. Megill recorded the last out in the ninth on an inning-ending groundout by Masyn Winn, stranding the bases-loaded situation he inherited.
- Devin Williams struggled with his command in the top of the ninth, resulting in his first blown save. His outing began with a hit batter (Willson Contreras), followed by a double, a strikeout, and a walk, loading the bases. After striking out Paul Goldschmidt, Williams issued consecutive RBI walks, scoring the game-tying runs before inducing an inning-ending groundout. He threw 31 pitches (12 strikes – 38.7 Strike%) and produced four whiffs (12.9 SwStr%). Representing his ninth outing of the season, he may be going through a “dead arm” phase.
- Joel Payamps navigated around a hit and a walk while striking out one for a scoreless eighth during his 15th hold.
- Bryan Hudson also incurred a blown save, his third, allowing two hits, two earned runs, and striking out one in the seventh.
Updated Hierarchy: Devin Williams | Joel Payamps | Jared Koenig
New York Mets – With the score tied at the top of the ninth, Edwin Díaz retired the Orioles’ 4-5-6 lineup pocket in order while recording two strikeouts. He collected his fifth win courtesy of a walk-off home run in the bottom of the inning. Díaz threw 16 pitches (9 strikes – 56.3 Strike%) and induced two whiffs. He’s been scoreless in seven of his last eight games with 14 strikeouts against two walks.
- José Buttó suffered his first blown save, letting his only inherited runner score at the top of the eighth. He issued two walks and gave up Adley Rutschman’s game-tying sacrifice fly. Buttó finished with a scoreless outing, allowing two walks and striking out one.
Hierarchy Remains: Edwin Díaz | Phil Maton | Reed Garrett
Philadelphia Phillies – Despite issuing a lead-off walk, Carlos Estévez secured his 22nd save, second for the Phillies, with a scoreless ninth while preserving a one-run win. He also allowed a one-out single, with the runners second and third with two outs, but Estévez bore down, inducing a game-ending groundout. He threw 16 pitches (9 strikes – 56.3 Strike%) and produced two whiffs.
- Orion Kerkering tossed a clean eighth and recorded a strikeout for his 12th hold.
- Matt Strahm collected his fifth win. He retired the side in the seventh and struck out one ahead of his team’s go-ahead rally in the top of the eighth.
- Jeff Hoffman stranded two runners while retiring both batters faced in the sixth.
Hierarchy remains: Carlos Estévez | Jeff Hoffman | Matt Strahm
Pittsburgh Pirates – After the lead-off hitter reached on an infield single, on a rushed throw, David Bednar allowed an Adolis García single, recorded a strikeout, and gave up Wyatt Langford’s walk-off RBI single, resulting in his sixth loss. It’s been one step up and two steps back since his return from an oblique injury. He allowed at least a run in six straight games, then worked two clean outings, but with his outcome, he’s given up a run in seven of nine games since July 29. Since being reinstated from the injured list, he’s posted a 1.92 WHIP while yielding 11 runs (ten earned) over his last 13 innings.
- Aroldis Chapman fired a clean eighth, striking out the side on 15 pitches (66.7 Strike%) with two whiffs.
- Kyle Nicolas retired the side and recorded two strikeouts in a scoreless seventh.
Hierarchy remains: David Bednar | Aroldis Chapman | Kyle Nicolas
St. Louis Cardinals – Benefiting from a walk-off grand slam, Ryan Helsley collected his fifth win after retiring the side in the top of the tenth. He threw nine pitches (77.8 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (22.2 SwStr%) while striking out two against the Brewers. He’s on a modest four-game scoreless streak.
- Shawn Armstrong stranded two runners and struck out his only batter faced in the top of the ninth.
- Matthew Liberatore tossed a scoreless combined innings, giving up a hit and a walk while striking out three.
- Andrew Kittredge allowed a hit, an earned run, and a walk during his two-thirds of the eighth.
- JoJo Romero let both inherited runners score, yielding two hits, an earned run, and a walk while striking out two in two-thirds combined innings.
Hierarchy remains: Ryan Helsley | Andrew Kittredge | JoJo Romero
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