2024 – Page 14 – Closer Monkey

Monkey Bytes: July 29

There is only one more day until the trade deadline, and the reliever market will remain active. During Sunday’s games, relievers recorded nine wins across the 15-game slate and secured seven saves. Two more trades were made with relievers; Tampa Bay was involved in each, covered below. Our three takeaways focused on three struggling relievers and how fantasy managers should handle them.

Closer CliffsNotes

Paul Sewald (ARI) suffered his fourth blown save, all in July outings. He gave up two doubles and an earned run while recording three strikeouts against Pittsburgh. Justin Martinez got tagged with his second loss. He allowed four runs (three earned) on a hit and two walks in the tenth.
Yennier Cano (BAL) bent but did not break, securing his fourth save. He navigated around three hits and an earned run in the ninth. He has a 5.34 ERA in ninth-inning outings with a 37:12 K:BB through 32 innings.
Fernando Cruz (CIN) suffered his eighth loss and third blown save. He issued a one-out walk, followed by a single and another walk, but threw a wild pitch during a strikeout, scoring the game-tying run. He finished with a hit, two earned runs, and two walks while recording two strikeouts during his two-thirds of an inning.
Emmanuel Clase (CLE) shut the door on his 33rd save, tying Ryan Helsley for the most saves in the majors this season.
Luis García (LAA) recorded his fourth save with a clean ninth, preserving a two-run win over Oakland. Many fantasy managers hope it’s his last time with the Angels since he’s on the trade block.
Devin Williams (MIL) returned from the injured list with a scoreless ninth, working around a hit and issuing a walk while striking out one.
Aroldis Chapman (PIT) benefited from his team’s rally and collected his third win after retiring the side in the bottom of the ninth.
Andrés Muñoz (SEA) notched his 18th save with a scoreless ninth despite issuing a walk.
Camilo Doval (SFG) appeared for a third straight game and held on for his 20th save. He allowed two hits and an earned run while striking out one against Colorado.
Ryan Helsely (STL) worked a scoreless ninth despite giving up a hit and collected his fourth win on a walk-off Paul Goldschmidt home run in the bottom of the inning.
Pete Fairbanks (TBR) recorded his 20th save with a scoreless ninth, yielding a hit and striking out one against the Reds.
Zach Pop (TOR) not only posted his first career save, but he’s also the fourth Canadian-born player to have done so for the Blue Jays. He worked 1.1 scoreless frames and stranded a runner in the eighth.
Dylan Floro (WSH) suffered his third loss. He gave up the Goldschmidt walk-off in St. Louis.

Roster Updates and Hierarchy Changes

San Diego Padres – Striking while the team’s riding a seven-game win streak, A.J. Preller moved three of his top-ranked prospects to Tampa Bay for Jason Adam. This strengthens the leverage ladder appreciably but at a high price in this reliever market.

Adjusted Hierarchy: Robert Suarez | Jason Adam | Jeremiah Estrada

Updated Hierarchy: Pete Fairbanks | Colin Poche | Kevin Kelly

Please reference our Trade Deadline Tracker for all the moves involving relievers, which updates as trades occur.

Three Takeaways

Sewald blows his fourth save: It’s been a tale of two seasons for the Diamondbacks closer. Paul Sewald entered July with a 0.54 ERA and 0.48 WHIP, being scoreless in 17 of 18 appearances since his activation from the injured list. However, July has not been nearly as kind to his fantasy managers. He’s converted five of nine save opportunities with a 1.86 WHIP and allowed at least a run in six of his 11 outings. One can look at his 13:1 K:BB (25.5 K-BBB percentage) and 3.15 SIERA for a positive outlook, but he’s not been the same reliever since his trade to Arizona. In fact, over the last statistical year, he owns a 1.18 WHIP with a 3.58 SIERA and converted 29 of 35 saves. His swinging strike has been trending down while his contact rate has risen, which should not be ignored for the rest of the season. He’s not on the hot seat yet, but these trends must be monitored closely, especially following the trade for A.J. Puk:

“The General” on the hot seat?: In Sunday’s non-save appearance, James McArthur allowed three hits, including a two-run home run (Patrick Wisdom) and three earned runs. This marks his second straight outing when he gave up multiple runs. Through 39 games this year, he’s given up multiple hits in 15, a home run in seven, and multiple runs in seven (six with multiple earned runs). He’s yielded eight earned runs in his last two games on seven hits. Hope lies in his 3.48 SIERA versus his current 5.44 ERA, but the 1.45 WHIP does not lie. His K-BB percentage this season sits 10 percentage points below last year, and the recent spike in hard-hit percentage cannot be ignored. Once Hunter Harvey‘s back is healthy, he may start getting save chances:

Time to drop Foley?: Taking over in the ninth with his team down by three, Jason Foley allowed a single, a walk, and a double before his removal, which resulted in two earned runs without recording an out. During his last seven outings, he’s entered only this contest in the ninth, in the eighth five times, and in the seventh once. He last recorded a save on July 10, and he’s putting too much traffic on the bases, illustrated by his 2.43 WHIP this month. His sinker has produced a .461 expected weighted on-base average (xwOBA) and only a 42.9 ground ball percentage in July. Through 36.1 innings, he’s posted a minuscule 7.5 K-BB percentage and a rising line drive percentage, making him risky business in high-leverage situations:

Vulture Save Options for Monday, July 29

Gregory Santos (SEA): Muñoz and Yimi García have appeared in back-to-back games.
Porter Hodge (CHC): Neris has pitched in two straight.

Vulture Save Options for Tuesday, July 30

A.J. Puk (ARI): If Sewald pitches today, it will be consecutive outings and three of the last four.

American League – Game Recaps

Baltimore Orioles – Hanging on for his fourth save, Yennier Cano dealt with traffic while finishing a two-run win over the Padres. He gave up consecutive singles leading off the ninth, induced a soft lineout, then another single by Luis Arraez, loading the bases. On a grounder, the runner was forced out at second, but no double play was turned, scoring an earned run, and Cano bore down, getting a game-ending groundout by Jake Cronenworth. He threw 30 pitches (22 strikes – 73.3 Strike%) and did not induce a whiff.

Seranthony Domínguez retired the side and recorded a strikeout against the Padres’ 4-5-6 lineup pocket for his fifth hold.
Cionel Pérez collected his second win, tossing a clean seventh.

Hierarchy remains (for now): Craig Kimbrel | Yennier Cano | Cionel Pérez

Cleveland Guardians – Moving into a tie for the major league lead in saves, Emmanuel Clase nailed down his 33rd with a clean ninth in Philadelphia, recording one strikeout during a one-run win. He threw seven pitches (71.4 Strike%) and induced one whiff (14.3 SwStr%). He’s riding a six-game scoreless streak and has converted 20 straight save chances since May 20, with 18 strikeouts versus four walks through 26 innings.

Scott Barlow retired the side in the eighth for his 19th hold.
Hunter Gaddis worked around two walks for a scoreless seventh, securing his 23rd hold.
Tim Herrin stranded a runner and retired his only batter in the sixth, collecting his fourth win.

Hierarchy remains: Emmanuel Clase | Hunter Gaddis | Scott Barlow

Los Angeles Angels – Nailing down his fourth save, Luis García retired the side against Oakland’s 8-9-1 lineup pocket. He threw nine pitches (55.6 Strike%) without a whiff. This marks his first save since May 22, and he’s on a modest six-game scoreless streak. If he’s not traded, he may remain the closer for the Angels, but he’s firmly on the block.

Ben Joyce notched his fifth hold, firing two clean frames and recording three strikeouts on 25 pitches (64 Strike%) with two whiffs. He’s been scoreless over his last 15 outings, spanning 19.1 innings, with 18 strikeouts against nine walks.
José Quijada secured his fist hold, striking out the side in the sixth.
Roansy Contreras collected his second win, logging 1.1 clean innings and striking out one.

Updated Hierarchy: Luis García | Ben Joyce | Roansy Contreras

Seattle Mariners – Capping a sweep in Chicago, Andrés Muñoz worked a scoreless bottom of the ninth, navigating around a two-out Andrew Benintendi walk with a game-ending Paul DeJong flyout for his 18th save. Muñoz threw 20 pitches (55 Strike%) and induced one whiff. He’s been scoreless in all nine outings in July and converted five of six save opportunities.

Yimi García recorded his 12th hold with a clean eighth on an efficient seven pitches.
Austin Voth secured his tenth hold, retiring both batters in the seventh, one via strikeout.

Hierarchy remains: Andrés Muñoz | Yimi García | Gregory Soto

Tampa Bay Rays – On his bobblehead day, Pete Fairbanks recorded his 20th save with a scoreless ninth while preserving a one-win lead. He allowed a two-out Jake Fraley single before a game-ending strikeout. Fairbanks threw nine pitches (88.9 Strike%) without a whiff. He’s converted all seven save chances in July and been scoreless over his last three appearances.

Garrett Cleavinger retired the side and struck out one in the top of the eighth ahead of his team’s two-run rally at the bottom of the inning, resulting in his seventh win.
Tyler Zuber logged two scoreless frames, working around a hit and a walk while striking out two.
Manuel Rodrìguez tossed a scoreless fifth.

Hierarchy remains: Pete Fairbanks | Colin Poche | Kevin Kelly

Toronto Blue Jays – With two runners on and two outs, Zach Pop was summoned with a four-run lead and the game-tying run in the on-deck circle. He induced an inning-ending groundout by Jonah Heim and then returned for a clean ninth, recording his first career save. He threw 16 pitches (62.5 Strike%) and induced one whiff versus the Rangers’ 8-9-1-2 hitters.

Génesis Cabrera allowed four hits and two earned runs during his two-thirds of the eighth, snapping his 13-game scoreless streak.

Updated Hierarchy: Chad Green | Erik Swanson | Zach Pop

National League – Game Recaps

Arizona Diamondbacks – In a tumultuous end to its four-game win streak, Bryce Jarvis let two of three inherited runners score in the top of the tenth on a two-RBI Ke’Bryan Hayes single and issued a walk during two-thirds of an inning.

Justin Martinez suffered his second loss. He opened the tenth by allowing a bunt single, issuing a walk, and induced a fielder’s choice groundout, retiring the “place” runner, but he uncorked a wild pitch, scoring a run. After an intentional walk (Oneil Cruz), he hit Alika Williams with a pitch, forcing in a run and his removal from the contest. He finished with four runs (three earned) during his one-third inning.
Paul Sewald was tagged with his fourth blown save, giving up two hits, including a game-tying RBI double by Joey Bart, and striking out three in the ninth. He’s only converted five of nine save opportunities this month and allowed at least a run in five of 11 games.
Ryan Thompson notched his 19th hold with a clean eighth and recorded a strikeout.
A.J. Puk secured his eighth hold while striking out the side in the seventh.

Hierarchy remains: Paul Sewald | A.J. Puk | Kevin Ginkel

Milwaukee Brewers – Appearing for the first time this season, Devin Williams navigated around a two-out infield single and a walk with a game-ending groundout by Josh Bell. He threw 24 pitches (13 strikes – 54.2 Strike%) and induced two whiffs.

Hoby Milner retired the side and recorded two strikeouts in the eighth.
Joel Payamps gave up a hit, an earned run, and a walk while striking out two in the seventh.
Jakob Junis collected his fourth win. He tossed two scoreless frames, scattering two hits and striking out one.

Updated Hierarchy: Devin Williams | Trevor Megill | Elvis Peguero

Pittsburgh Pirates – Handed a four-run lead in the bottom of the tenth, Colin Holderman barely preserved his team’s win. He allowed three hits, including two home runs, resulting in three runs (two earned) while finishing a one-run win in Arizona.

Aroldis Chapman collected his third win after tossing a clean ninth with the score tied ahead of his team’s rally in the tenth. He threw six pitches (83.3 Strike%) with one whiff (16.7 SwStr%).
David Bednar appeared for the first time in six days in the eighth with his team down one. He recorded a scoreless inning, issuing a walk and striking out one, throwing 18 pitches (50 Strike%) without a whiff.

Hierarchy remains: David Bednar | Aroldis Chapman | Colin Holderman

San Francisco Giants – Just another white-knuckle ride in high leverage with Camilo Doval. He escaped with his 20th save despite allowing consecutive singles opening the ninth and a run on a fielder’s choice grounder. With one out, he bore down, striking out Sam Hilliard and inducing a game-ending groundball by Ezequiel Tovar. Doval finished with two hits allowed and an earned run while striking out one on 21 pitches (13 strikes – 61.9 Strike%) with three whiffs (14.3 SwStr%). He’s converted six of seven save chances in July with an inflated 1.69 WHIP through 8.1 innings.

Spencer Bivens worked around two hits and a walk while striking out one in a scoreless eighth for his first hold.
Jordan Hicks logged two innings, giving up three hits and two earned runs while striking out one, getting credit for his first hold.
Taylor Rogers notched his seventh hold and struck out the side in the fifth.
Randy Rodríguez collected his third win. He tossed three innings, allowing two hits and an earned run while striking out three.

Hierarchy remains: Camilo Doval | Tyler Rogers | Ryan Walker

St. Louis Cardinals – Entering a tied game and working around a lead-off single with a lineout and an inning-ending double play, Ryan Helsley collected his fourth win courtesy of a walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth. He threw seven pitches, all strikes, and induced one whiff (14.3 SwStr%). He’s been scoreless in nine of his last ten appearances with 12 strikeouts versus four walks across 11 innings.

Andrew Kittredge retired the side and struck out one in the eighth.
John King gave up a hit and recorded a strikeout during a scoreless seventh.

Hierarchy remains: Ryan Helsley | Andrew Kittredge | JoJo Romero

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Monkey Bytes: July 28

Kenley Jansen walks off after his third blown save.

Saturday’s slate provided plenty of intrigue in a few games but only three saves. Six relievers recorded wins, though two were attached two blown saves. Three trades were made, with Carlos Estévez being the headliner. Our Trade Deadline Tracker covers these as they occur. As bullpens display signs of fatigue early in the second half, the price of relievers keeps rising in the trade market, which will be intriguing over the next three days; two teams will be highlighted in today’s three takeaways.

Closer CliffsNotes

Kenley Jansen (BOS) allowed Trent Grisham’s two-out, two-strike, game-tying RBI double, resulting in his third blown save. Chase Anderson suffered his second loss, allowing three runs (two earned) in the top of the tenth.
Julian Merryweather (CHC) took over with a runner on and one out in the bottom of the sixth. He gave up a Freddy Fermin double, followed by Hunter Renfroe’s two-RBI single, scoring the inherited runner and putting an earned run on his ledger, but collected his first win on a go-ahead grand slam in the seventh.
Josh Hader (HOU) retired the side at the top of the ninth during a tied game and notched his fourth win on a walk-off home run at the bottom of the frame.
Sam Long (KCR) inherited a bases-loaded situation in the seventh and allowed a pinch-hit Patrick Wisdom grand slam during his first blown save.
Blake Treinen (LAD) stranded the bases loaded in the eighth, retiring Jose Altuve via strikeout, but suffered his third loss on a walk-off Alex Bregman home run leading off the ninth.
Bryan Hoeing (MIA) recorded his first win after logging three scoreless frames in Milwaukee as the “bulk follower,” scattering three hits and issuing a walk while striking out three.
Clay Holmes (NYY) kept the game tied with a scoreless ninth and preserved his second win with a scoreless tenth. He allowed a walk and struck out two during his two-inning appearance.
Tyler Ferguson (OAK) fired a clean bottom of the ninth and recorded two strikeouts for his second save.
Camilo Doval (SFG) held on for his 19th save, navigating around a hit batter and a single with a game-ending double play.
Andrés Muñoz (SEA) let an inherited runner score in the eighth on a wild pitch but retired all four batters for his 17th save.

Roster Updates

Philadelphia Phillies – One of the big closer chips was moved. Carlos Estévez has been traded to Philadelphia for two breakout pitching prospects, announced first by Ken Rosenthal. This year, Estévez owns a 0.74 WHIP with 32 strikeouts against five walks (21.8 K-BB percentage) and converted 20 of 23 save chances. He will join the Phillies amid an 18-game scoreless streak with a robust 15:2 K:BB and minuscule 0.28 WHIP through 18 innings. His role in the team’s “floating closer” concept can cause some apprehension, but he will be firmly affixed in save chances and moves atop our hierarchy:

Adjusted Hierarchy: *Carlos Estévez | *Jeff Hoffman | *José Alvarado

Chicago Cubs – With eyes on 2025 and beyond, the Cubs have traded two prospects, one requiring Rule 5 protection, to Toronto for reliever Nate Pearson, as Jesse Rogers of ESPN reported first. This does not currently impact the hierarchy, but it potentially signals upcoming trades for veterans like Héctor Neris and possibly Mark Leiter Jr. Stay tuned.

Three Takeaways

Boston’s second-half struggles: For the eighth time in eight games in the second half, the Red Sox blew a lead in the seventh inning or later, per Alex Speier of The Boston Globe. Saturday represented the third time it happened twice in one contest. There are seven blown saves since the All-Star Break, two by closer Kenley Jansen. The bullpen has posted a combined 3.7 K-BB percentage, a 2.12 WHIP, and a 5.11 SIERA, all worst in the majors in the second half. Help may be on the way with Chris Martin and Justin Slaten resuming throwing programs, plus Liam Hendriks nearing a rehab assignment, but the team needs reinforcements now:

Dodgers’ bullpen reeling: Since Yoshinobu Yamamoto was placed on the injured list on June 15, Los Angeles relievers have logged the second-most innings (145.2) in the majors. Their 13 blown saves in these games represent the most in the majors, with the fifth-worst WHIP (1.43). When the team’s best reliever since 2022 (Evan Phillips) has an 11.42 ERA in his last 11 appearances, it creates ripple effects in the leverage ladder, with roles being reshuffled on the fly. Like Boston, help may arrive soon. Brusdar Graterol, Ryan Brasier, and Michael Grove are on rehab assignment at Triple-A. But does this team need a bonafide closer for the stretch run? Stay tuned.
Adjusted Angels Hierarchy: Estévez’s trade creates a restructured bullpen for the Angels. Currently, veteran Luis García takes over the top spot, but fantasy managers await save chances for Ben Joyce. Ron Washington has mentioned him as a potential option for the ninth inning before in this post by Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register. Joyce was also mentioned in yesterday’s column with advice from his former teammate, also by Fletcher. Where there is smoke, there is fire, but we await actual usage patterns before declaring the team’s flamethrower closer: Updated Hierarchy: Luis García | Ben Joyce | Roansy Contreras

Vulture Save Options for Sunday, July 28

Luis García (LAA): If he’s not traded today, he will line up for the save chance until Ben Joyce, hopefully, takes over as the team’s replacement for Estévez.
Tyler Rogers (SFG): If the Giants can sweep the four-game set with the Rockies, they will do so without Doval and Walker available. Each has pitched on consecutive days.
Greg Weissert (BOS): He was one of two unused relievers last night and may need a two-inning save if the team has a lead late in tonight’s pivotal match with New York.
Luke Weaver (NYY): If taking the other side of this contest, Holmes has pitched three innings over the last two days.
Brent Honeywell (LAD): With the bullpen running on fumes and Alex Vesia potentially matching up with Yordan Alvarez before the ninth, the crafty veteran may be called upon for his second save opportunity.

Vulture Save Options for Monday, July 29

Ryan Pressly (HOU): If Hader pitches today it will be back-to-back outings.
Mark Leiter Jr. (CHC): If the team used Neris today, he will have thrown on consecutive days.
A.J. Minter (ATL): If Iglesias pitches this afternoon, it will be two straight outings this weekend.

American League – Game Recaps

Boston Red Sox – Entering in the top of the tenth, Chase Anderson suffered his second loss. He allowed two hits, three runs (two earned), and a walk against the Yankees.

Kenley Jansen was tagged with his third blown save. He gave up a one-out Ben Rice double, induced a groundout, and with two strikes, Trent Grisham produced a game-tying RBI double. Jansen has allowed at least a run in four of his last five while converting two of four save chances.
Zack Kelly was awarded his sixth hold despite letting one of two inherited runners score, yielding a hit during his two-thirds of the eighth.
Bailey Horn was credited with his first hold, giving up a hit, an earned run, and a walk while striking out one in one-third of the eighth.
Cam Booser incurred his first blown save, permitting one of two inherited runners to score during his two-thirds of the seventh.

Updated Hierarchy: Kenley Jansen | Zack Kelly | Greg Weissert

Houston Astros – After retiring the side in the top of the ninth, Josh Hader collected his fourth win courtesy of a walk-off, Alex Bregman home run leading off the bottom of the inning. Hader threw nine pitches (44.4 Strike%) and did not induce a whiff against the Dodgers’ 3-4-5 lineup pocket.

Tayler Scott gave up a Cavan Biggio solo home run and a walk while striking out three in the eighth.
Bryan Abreu fired a clean seventh.

Hierarchy remains: Josh Hader | Ryan Pressly | Bryan Abreu

New York Yankees – With the score tied in the bottom of the ninth, Clay Holmes retired the side and returned for the tenth with a three-run lead. He navigated around a two-out walk with a game-ending Masataka Yoshida groundout, collecting his second win. He threw 26 pitches (19 strikes – 73.1 Strike%) and induced three whiffs.

Tommy Kahnle stranded the bases loaded in the seventh and retired all four batters in his outing, two via strikeout.
Michael Tonkin gave up three hits, two earned runs, and a walk during one-third of the eighth.
Tim Hill worked a scoreless combined inning, walking and striking out one.

Updated Hierarchy: Clay Holmes | Luke Weaver | Tommy Kahnle

Oakland A’s – Shutting the door on his second save, Tyler Ferguson fired a clean bottom of the ninth and recorded one strikeout, securing a two-run win. He threw an efficient seven pitches, all strikes, and induced two whiffs (28.6 SwStr%). He’s amid a seven-game scoreless streak with 12 strikeouts against two walks in his last 8.1 innings.

Michel Otañez notched his first hold, issuing a walk and striking out one in a scoreless eighth.
Austin Adams gave up a hit and struck out one during a scoreless seventh, resulting in his 20th hold.

Hierarchy remains: *Lucas Erceg | *Tyler Ferguson | Scott Alexander

Seattle Mariners – Securing his MLB-leading seventh save requiring four or more outs, Andrés Muńoz closed out a three-run win against the White Sox. He took over a bases-loaded situation in the eighth and spiked a slider, scoring an inherited runner before recording an inning-ending strikeout of Luis Robert Jr. Muńoz finished 1.1 scoreless frames with two strikeouts and his 17th save. He threw 14 pitches (71.4 Strike%) and induced two whiffs, extending his scoreless streak to nine games.

Gregory Santos gave up two hits, an earned run, a walk, and a hit batter while striking out one in two-thirds of the eighth.
Yimi García notched his 11th hold with a clean seventh and struck out two in his team debut. Austin Voth allowed an unearned run and a hit while striking out one in the sixth.
Collin Snider collected his first win, navigating around two hits and striking out one in a scoreless fifth.

Hierarchy remains: Andrés Muñoz | Yimi García | Gregory Soto

National League – Game Recaps

Los Angeles Dodgers – Pressed into action in the bottom of the eighth with the bases loaded and two outs, Blake Treinen recorded a strikeout of Jose Altuve, keeping the game tied. Treinen returned for the ninth and allowed a walk-off Alex Bregman home run, resulting in his third loss.

Daniel Hudson suffered his sixth blown save. He gave up three hits, two earned runs, and a walk during two-thirds of the eighth before being removed. This outing snapped his nine-game scoreless streak and represents his first blown save since June 29.
Anthony Banda stranded two runners in the sixth and retired all four batters, two via strikeout for his fifth hold.
Evan Phillips entered a messy situation with two runners on and two outs in the sixth. He put gasoline on the fire, allowing four consecutive hits and two earned runs on his ledger, along with both inherited runners scoring without recording an out. He’s allowed at least a run in six of his 10 appearances this month.

Updated Hierarchy: *Daniel Hudson | *Blake Treinen | *Alex Vesia

*= closer-by-committee

Miami Marlins – Logging three scoreless innings as the “bulk follower,” Bryan Hoeing collected his first win. He scattered three hits and allowed a walk while striking out three.

Huascar Brazobán fired a clean eighth and recorded two strikeouts on 13 pitches (9 strikes – 69.2 Strike%) with one whiff. He’s been scoreless over his last six outings with seven strikeouts against zero walks across 7.1 innings.
Calvin Faucher worked a scoreless ninth, giving up a hit and striking out one while finishing a four-run win in Milwaukee.

Hierarchy remains: Tanner Scott | Andrew Nardi | Huascar Brazobán

San Francisco Giants – (Game 1): Despite two runners reaching base, one via a hit-by-pitch and another on a single, Camilo Doval benefited from his defense when Matt Chapman turned a game-ending double play. Doval finished a three-run win with his 19th save but owns a 1.60 WHIP through 40 innings. He threw 12 pitches (75 Strike%) and induced two whiffs. He’s allowed at least a run in two of his last four outings.

Tyler Rogers notched his 21st hold with a clean eighth while recording a strikeout.
Ryan Walker suffered his fourth blown save, allowing a game-tying Michael Toglia solo home run, but he collected his seventh win courtesy of a two-run rally at the bottom of the seventh.

Hierarchy remains: Camilo Doval | Tyler Rogers | Ryan Walker

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Monkey Bytes: July 27

Friday provided a bevy of high-leverage events and three trades involving relievers, with more on the way soon. In last night’s slate, relievers recorded five wins and five saves. However, the most interesting storylines may have been the Yankees’ blown save in Boston and a loss in Baltimore.

Closer CliffsNotes

Paul Sewald (ARI) allowed a hit and recorded a strikeout for his 16th save.
Craig Kimbrel (BAL) suffered his third loss, serving up a go-ahead Jurickson Profar two-run home run in the top of the ninth.
Kenley Jansen (BOS) held on for his 20th save, navigating around two hits and striking out two, capping a come-from-behind win over the Yankees.
Alexis Díaz (CIN) secured his 20th save, the first since July 3, with a scoreless ninth in Tampa Bay.
Emmanuel Clase (CLE) notched his 32nd save, giving up a hit and striking out one versus the Phillies.
Clay Holmes (NYY) was tagged with his seventh blown save; he gave up two hits and an earned run while striking out one during his two-thirds of the bottom of the eighth.
Lucas Erceg (OAK) recorded his third save. He worked a scoreless ninth, allowing a hit and striking out one.
Robert Suarez (SDP) took over with runners on the corners and one out in the eighth with his team ahead by one, but let an inherited runner score on a sacrifice fly, resulting in his third blown save. However, he collected his fifth win courtesy of Profar’s home run, tossing a scoreless bottom of the ninth.
Chad Green (TOR) earned his third win after working a scoreless top of the ninth in a tied contest and benefiting from his team’s walk-off rally in the bottom of the inning.
Jacob Barnes (WSH) retired the side in the bottom of the ninth in St. Louis and collected his sixth win courtesy of his teammates’ four-run top of the tenth.

Roster Updates

Seattle Mariners – Traded two minor league players to Toronto for Yimi García.

Updated Hierarchy: Andrés Muñoz | Yimi García | Gregory Soto

Philadelphia acquired a much-needed right-handed hitting outfielder, Austin Hays, for Seranthony Domínguez and Cristian Pache. There has been no change in the Phillies’ hierarchy or the Orioles’.

New York Mets –After trading for García, Seattle moved Ryne Stanek to the Mets for a minor-league outfielder. Because New York has Dedniel Núñez and Reed Garrett currently on the injured list, and José Buttó mainly works multiple-inning outings, the hierarchy will shift once Stanek arrives.

Updated Hierarchy: Edwin Díaz | Phil Maton | Ryne Stanek

Three Takeaways

Kimbrel on the hot seat: During his last four outings, three in the second half, Craig Kimbrel suffered two blown saves and a loss while allowing eight runs (six earned) and five walks versus four strikeouts across 3.2 innings. Expanding his results to the last 30 days, he’s made 10 appearances with a 14:7 K:BB (15.2 K-BB percentage) but let 16 of 46 batters faced (34.8 percent) reach base. He owns a 1.45 WHIP with a 60.6 strike percentage, a 69.9 percent contact rate allowed, and a 34.8 hard hit percentage since June 28. He’s converted six of eight save chances in this sample, but his rolling 10-game chart from Fangraphs reflects his recent struggles. Will this prompt the team to add a closer ahead of the trade deadline?

Yankees reeling: There’s more than one fire to address on this roster for Brian Cashman before the trade deadline passes, but his inactivity speaks volumes, with every team in his division making a move on Friday except his. Since June 15, New York has posted a 10-23 (.303 winning percentage) record. The bullpen has a combined 4.64 ERA and a 1.29 WHIP in this timeframe. Clay Holmes has posted a 25 K-BB percentage during his outings since June 15, but his 1.31 WHIP has converted only two of five save chances. He’s had some bad luck, as his 2.30 SIERA against his 5.91 ERA in these outings suggests, but the Win Probability Added chart by the Yankees relievers in these 33 games highlights how weak this leverage ladder is:

Devin Williams is ready for his return: In a tweet shared on Twitter, the “Airbender” noted on Instagram that he would see Milwaukee soon. Earlier on Friday, general manager Matt Arnold suggested the reliever only needed to clear one more hurdle, his next rehab outing, in this tweet. Williams worked a scoreless inning, giving up a hit for Triple-A Nashville. He’s recorded four rehab appearances, allowing a hit and two walks while striking out six. He’s thrown 67 pitches (41 strikes – 61.2 Strike%) and generated 11 whiffs (16.4 SwStr%). He also maintained his velocity in last night’s outing, and his activation could be imminent:

Vulture Save Options for Saturday, July 27

Yennier Cano (BAL): Kimbrel’s not only struggling, but he’s worked in back-to-back games.
Scott Barlow (CLE): Clase and Gaddis have pitched in three of the last four, one could pitch today, but they both may get the day off in Philadelphia.
Tyler Ferguson (OAK): He secured his first major league save on Thursday, and Erceg has appeared in consecutive games.
Andrew Nardi (MIA): Scott has pitched in three of the last four and should not be overused before of the deadline. Could the southpaw get an audition for the post-deadline Marlins hierarchy?

Vulture Save Options for Sunday, July 28

David Robertson (TEX): If Yates pitches again today, he will be off on Sunday.
A.J. Puk (MIA): He reports to his new team today, and if Sewald works again today, he will be rested on Sunday.
Fernando Cruz (CIN): Cruz will be in line for Sunday if he does not pitch today and Díaz does.

American League – Game Recaps

Baltimore Orioles – After throwing 28 pitches yesterday in Miami, Craig Kimbrel was summoned in the top of the ninth during a tied game. He struck out Ha-Seong Kim, allowed a Luis Campusano single, induced a groundout, and then served up a go-ahead two-run home run by Jurickson Profar. Kimbrel suffered his third loss. He’s allowed a home run in two of his last four outings and multiple runs in three of four.

Seranthony Domínguez navigated around two hits and recorded a strikeout in a scoreless eighth, making his team debut.
Keegan Akin retired the side and struck out one in the seventh.

Hierarchy remains: Craig Kimbrel | Yennier Cano | Cionel Pérez

Boston Red Sox – Capping his team’s rally, Kenley Jansen recorded his 20th save, navigating consecutive one-out singles with a strikeout and a game-ending groundout. He threw 18 pitches (77.8 Strike%) and induced two whiffs. This snapped a streak of allowing a run in three games, and he converted four of five save chances in July.

Bailey Horn collected his first win, yielding a hit during a scoreless eighth ahead of his team, scoring three runs in the bottom of the frame.
Zack Kelly suffered his first blown save, allowing three hits and letting both inherited runners score, along with two earned on his ledger during two-thirds of the seventh.
Brennan Bernardino gave up a hit, two earned runs, and a walk while recording one out in the seventh for his eighth hold.

Hierarchy remains: Kenley Jansen | Zack Kelly | Brennan Bernardino

Cleveland Guardians – Securing his American League-leading 32nd save, Emmanuel Clase worked around a two-out single with a game-ending strikeout, preserving a two-run win in Philadelphia. He threw 11 pitches (72.7 Strike%) and induced one whiff. He’s converted 19 straight saves in his last 25 appearances since May 20 and has posted 17 strikeouts versus four walks with a 0.72 WHIP through 25 innings.

Hunter Gaddis retired the side in the eighth, locking down his 22nd hold.
Cade Smith recorded his 16th hold, navigating around two hits for a scoreless seventh.

Hierarchy remains: Emmanuel Clase | Hunter Gaddis | Scott Barlow

New York Yankees – With a one-run lead in the eighth inning and two runners on, Clay Holmes suffered his seventh blown save. He gave up a game-tying RBI double by Wilyer Abreu, followed by a go-ahead Masataka Yoshida two-RBI single. He finished with two hits and an earned run while striking out one during his two-thirds inning.

Luke Weaver was tagged with his second loss and received credit for his 14th hold, giving up two hits, three earned runs, and a walk while striking out three in his 1.1-inning outing.
Tim Hill allowed a hit, an earned run, and a walk during one-third combined innings.
Tommy Kahnle tossed a scoreless combined inning, issuing a walk and striking out three.

Hierarchy remains: Clay Holmes | Luke Weaver | Jake Cousins

Oakland A’s – Handed a one-run lead, Lucas Erceg secured his third save, working around a one-out Mickey Moniak single with a strikeout and a game-ending groundout. He threw 11 pitches (72.8 Strike%) and produced two whiffs (1818.2 SwStr%). He’s been scoreless in nine of ten appearances this month, with seven strikeouts against two walks during his 7.2 innings.

T.J. McFarland stranded two runners and struck out his only batter, Nolan Schanuel, for his 13th hold.
Joey Estes logged 2.2 scoreless innings, navigating around two hits and two walks while securing his first hold.

Updated Hierarchy: *Lucas Erceg | *Tyler Ferguson | Scott Alexander

Texas Rangers – Pressed into action with two runners on and one out, Kirby Yates recorded a strikeout of Danny Jansen, issued Spencer Horwitz an intentional walk, and allowed a walk-off Ernie Clement single, scoring an inherited runner. This was a curious usage pattern. If Yates was available, why not use him at the start of the inning?

Josh Sborz suffered his first loss. He allowed two hits, an earned run, and a walk while striking out two over 1.1 innings.
Jacob Latz stranded two runners and retired both batters in the seventh. Jonathan Hernández was tagged with his second blown save, giving up two hits, an earned run, and a walk during his 1.1-inning outing.

Hierarchy remains: Kirby Yates | David Robertson | José Leclerc

Toronto Blue Jays – Chad Green not only stranded a runner in the eighth, but he retired all four Rangers’ batters faced and collected his third win courtesy of a walk-off rally in the bottom of the ninth. He threw 17 pitches (11 strikes – 64.7 Strike%) and induced two whiffs. He’s been scoreless over his last five while securing two saves and this win.

Brendon Little walked one during a scoreless, combined inning.
Zach Pop retired three batters, one via strikeout.
Génesis Cabrera allowed two hits during a scoreless combined inning.

Updated Hierarchy: Chad Green | Erik Swanson | Génesis Cabrera

National League – Game Recaps

Arizona Diamondbacks – Preserving a one-run lead, Paul Sewald worked around a two-out Oneil Cruz single with a game-ending strikeout for his 16th save. He threw 17 pitches (11 strikes – 64.7 Strike%) and induced two whiffs. He’s been scoreless in six of his last seven and converted all five saves with strikeouts versus zero walks since blowing three straight save chances at the start of July.

Ryan Thompson notched his 18th hold, allowing a hit and striking out one in a scoreless eighth.
Kevin Ginkel retired the side and recorded two strikeouts in the seventh, securing his ninth hold.

Hierarchy remains: Paul Sewald | A.J. Puk | Kevin Ginkel

Cincinnati Reds – Recording his 20th save and first since July 3, Alexis Díaz tossed a scoreless bottom of the tenth, preserving a one-run win over the Rays. He threw 19 pitches (11 strikes – 57.9 Strike%) and induced three whiffs (15.8 SwStr%), recording a strikeout and hitting a batter. Through seven outings in July, he’s converted three saves despite his 5:4 K:BB over seven innings.

Nick Martinez collected his fourth win, logging two scoreless frames, allowing a hit and a walk while striking out two.
Fernando Cruz gave up a hit and retired a batter in the seventh.

Hierarchy remains: Alexis Díaz | Fernando Cruz | Sam Moll

Miami Marlins – During a non-save appearance, Tanner Scott finished a four-run win in Milwaukee with a scoreless bottom of the ninth. He navigated around a lead-off William Contreras single and a one-out walk with consecutive strikeouts. He threw 19 pitches (11 strikes – 57.9 Strike%) and produced four whiffs (21.1 SwStr%). His scoreless streak reached 17 games, spanning 17.2 innings, with a 22:7 K:BB and ten saves since June 17.

Huascar Brazobán secured his second hold, retiring the side and striking out one in the eighth. He owns a modest five-game scoreless streak.
Anthony Bender logged 1.2 scoreless frames, striking out two, and recorded his ninth hold.

Updated Hierarchy: Tanner Scott | Andrew Nardi | Huascar Brazobán

San Diego Padres – Although he did not convert his seventh save, which required four or more outs, Robert Suarez collected his fifth win and third blown save. He took over with runners on the corners and one out in the eighth, allowing a game-tying sacrifice fly, followed by a single before an inning-ending strikeout of Cedric Mullins. After his team rallied for two in the ninth, Suarez retired the first three batters in the Orioles lineup. He threw 19 pitches (12 strikes – 63.2 Strike%) and produced four whiffs (21.1 SwStr%).

Adrian Morejon allowed three hits, two earned runs, and a walk while striking out one during his two-thirds innings but was credited with his eighth hold.
Jeremiah Estrada recorded two outs, allowed a hit, and struck out one during his two-thirds innings.
Yuki Matsui notched his ninth hold, yielding a hit in a scoreless sixth.

Hierarchy remains: Robert Suarez | Jeremiah Estrada | Adrian Morejon

St. Louis Cardinals – A tough luck third loss for Ryan Fernandez. He entered in the top of the tenth and allowed a bases-clearing three-RBI triple by Jacob Young on a questionable route by Dylan Carlson. Fernandez finished with two hits allowed, four runs (three earned), and two walks (one intentional) while striking out two.

Ryan Helsley tossed a scoreless ninth, issuing a walk and striking out one, keeping the game tied. He threw 11 pitches (55.6 Strike%) and induced one whiff.
JoJo Romero logged 1.1 scoreless, yielding two hits and striking out two.
Andrew Kittredge suffered his fifth blown save, letting his only inherited runner score, walking one and striking out one in two-thirds of the seventh.
John King secured his seventh hold, giving up an earned run and a walk while striking out one in a combined inning.

Hierarchy remains: Ryan Helsley | Andrew Kittredge | JoJo Romero

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Monkey Bytes: July 26

Thursday’s eight-game slate provided plenty of intrigue, but the news cycle off the field was even more robust. Four relievers recorded a win yesterday, and there were five saves, including two career-firsts. Because of the smaller slate, here are the Closer CliffsNotes:

Yennier Cano (BAL) was awarded his fourth win after replacing Craig Kimbrel during a blown save in the bottom of the ninth. Cionel Pérez secured his second save in the bottom of the tenth against Miami.
Shelby Miller (DET) notched his second save in a potential trade showcase with a clean ninth inning, preserving a combined shutout of Cleveland.
David Robertson (TEX) tossed two clean frames for his second save during a one-run win over the White Sox.
Brent Honeywell (LAD) secured his first major league save, finishing a two-run win over the Giants.
Phil Maton (NYM) collected his second win after tossing a clean tenth inning against Atlanta and courtesy of his team’s walk-off.
Tyler Ferguson (OAK) nailed down his first major league save with a clean ninth against the Angels, finishing a one-run win on the road.

Before Oakland’s game in Los Angeles, the team announced Mason Miller was placed on the 15-day injured list, and after their game, Miami traded A.J. Puk to Arizona. Today’s takeaways feature these news items and the Dodgers’ ever-evolving bullpen. If you have not done so, please bookmark our Trade Deadline Tracker; it will update each trade as it happens through Tuesday.

Three Takeaways

Miller lands on the IL: The first instinct in these situations usually works out, but for fantasy managers on Thursday night, things did not go as planned. It started with news that Mason Miller was placed on the 15-day injured list with a fractured pinky. His manager provided the full story of how the injury transpired. After our update was sent via email, Mark Kotsay suggested he would run a match-up-based approach during save situations while Miller is sidelined. This played out in Thursday’s save situation and is reflected in our updated hierarchy in the game recap below. Before rushing to add Lucas Erceg or Tyler Ferguson, last night’s save was the team’s first since July 10 and third since June 21.
Miami trades Puk for two prospects: Many of us; myself included, felt A.J. Puk could be the heir apparent to replace Tanner Scott atop the Marlins’ bullpen hierarchy. This will not happen since he’s been traded to Arizona. He arrives with a 13-game scoreless streak, recording four wins and a robust 22 strikeouts against three walks across 15 innings. Our adjusted hierarchy places Puk as next-in-line to Paul Sewald, but if the veteran closer’s struggles continue into August, the newly acquired southpaw could earn a share of saves with a postseason spot on the line.
As the Dodgers bullpen turns: This may be a recurring series in our takeaways segment. Not only did Daniel Hudson not get the save opportunity yesterday, he took over in the sixth inning with a two-run lead. This usage pattern resembles match-ups based on lineup pockets. Hudson took over against Mike Yastrzemski, a left-handed hitter, then faced Michael Conforto as a pinch-hitter as the lineup turned over to the top. Evan Phillips would line up against the first four right-handed hitters but settled for taking over in the sixth versus the 3-4-5 hitters. Alex Vesia was summoned against the Yastrzemski pocket in the eighth but allowed two earned runs. Blake Treinen entered with a runner on second and two outs, giving up a game-tying RBI single by Jorge Soler. This left Brent Honeywell as the last reliever standing in the ninth, and he responded with his first career save. Long story short, this will be a confusing leverage ladder unless roles settle in early August.

Vulture Save Option for Friday, July 26

Yennier Cano (BAL): Kimbrel suffered a blown save and threw 28 pitches against the Marlins and should be unavailable tonight.

Vulture Save Option for Saturday, July 27

A.J. Minter (ATL): If Iglesias pitches against tonight, he will be off on Saturday.
Jake Diekman (NYM): If Díaz pitches this evening, it will be consecutive outings and Saturday off.

Game Recaps from Thursday, July 25

Baltimore Orioles – Securing his second save, Cionel Pérez retired the side and recorded two strikeouts in the bottom of the tenth in Miami. He threw 12 pitches (66.7 Strike%) and generated four whiffs (33.3 SwStr%) while facing the 5-6-7 lineup pocket.

Yennier Cano collected his fourth win. He took over with two runners on and two outs in the bottom of the ninth. He stranded both courtesy of an inning-ending strikeout of Bryan De La Cruz.
Craig Kimbrel suffered his sixth blown save. He allowed a one-out single and issued consecutive walks, loading the bases before a fielding error by Gunnar Henderson scored a run. Kimbrel also gave up a sacrifice fly and an RBI single by Josh Bell before his removal. He threw 28 pitches (16 strikes – 57.1 Strike%) and induced three whiffs. He’s given up multiple runs in two of his last three appearances.

Hierarchy remains: Craig Kimbrel | Yennier Cano | Cionel Pérez

Detroit Tigers – Finishing a bullpen game and perhaps being showcased for a trade, Shelby Miller recorded his second save, issuing a walk and striking out one in a scoreless ninth. He preserved the combined shutout, throwing 18 pitches (50 Strike%) and induced two whiffs. This extended his scoreless streak to eight games, spanning ten innings.

Andrew Chafin notched his eighth hold, tossing 1.1 scoreless frames with a hit batter and two strikeouts while stranding a runner in the seventh.
Jason Foley allowed a hit during two-thirds scoreless in the eighth for his sixth hold.
Alex Faedo logged two scoreless innings, giving up a hit and striking out three, securing his eighth hold.
Easton Lucas worked two clean frames and recorded two strikeouts for his first career win.

Updated Hierarchy: *Jason Foley | *Shelby Miller | *Tyler Holton

*= closer-by-committee

Los Angeles Dodgers – Things were interesting with the bullpen working the last five innings of Clayton Kershaw’s season debut. Brent Honeywell recorded his first career save with a scoreless ninth. He allowed a lead-off single, induced a groundball double play, and produced a game-ending strikeout of Patrick Bailey. Honeywell threw 12 pitches (7 strikes – 58.3 Strike%) and induced one whiff.

Blake Treinen collected his fifth win despite suffering his third blown save. He took over in the eighth with a runner at second and two outs, giving up a game-tying Jorge Soler RBI single before recording a strikeout. His team’s two solo home run rally proved beneficial.
Alex Vesia was credited with his seventh hold, allowing two hits and two earned runs while recording two strikeouts in his two-thirds of the eighth.
Evan Phillips retired the side and recorded a strikeout for his second hold in the seventh, facing two right-handed batters.
Daniel Hudson notched his 14th hold, tossing a scoreless sixth. He issued a walk and struck out two versus the Giants’ 8-9-1 hitters.
Joe Kelly navigated around a hit and a walk while striking out three in a scoreless fifth.

Updated Hierarchy: *Daniel Hudson | *Evan Phillips | *Blake Treinen

*= closer-by-committee

Miami Marlins – Taking over in the top of the tenth, Calvin Faucher suffered his second loss. He allowed a lead-off single by Anthony Santander, then recorded a strikeout, followed by a go-ahead Ryan Mountcastle RBI single with two runners being thrown out on the bases, ending the inning. Faucher finished with two hits allowed and an unearned run.

JT Chargois escaped with a scoreless ninth despite giving up three hits.
Declan Croniin logged three scoreless frames, yielding a hit and striking out two.

Updated Hierarchy: Tanner Scott | Andrew Nardi | Calvin Faucher

Oakland A’s – With their closer landing on the injured list, Mark Kotsay said he would use a match-up-based approach during save opportunities. Rookie Tyler Ferguson locked down his first MLB save with a clean ninth and recorded two strikeouts while preserving a one-run win over the Angels. He threw 13 pitches (9 strikes – 69.2 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (23.1 SwStr%) while facing the 5-6-7 lineup pocket.

Lucas Erceg retired the 2-3-4 batters in order in the eighth, recording one strikeout on 11 pitches for his 12th hold. He was used like an HLR, so be patient for save chances with Miller sidelined.
Austin Adams notched his 19th hold, allowing a hit and striking out one in a scoreless seventh.
Scott Alexander stranded a runner and struck out his only batter in the sixth, securing his sixth hold.

Updated Hierarchy: *Lucas Erceg | *Tyler Ferguson | *Scott Alexander

New York Mets – After retiring the side in the top of the tenth, Phil Maton collected his second win courtesy of a walk-off rally in the bottom of the inning. He only needed seven pitches against Atlanta’s ninth and lead-off batters on a sacrifice bunt; the “place” runner retired in a rundown and an inning-ending groundout.

Edwin Díaz tossed a scoreless ninth, issuing a walk and recording two strikeouts. He threw 13 pitches (7 strikes – 53.8 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (15.4 SwStr%). He’s been scoreless in six of seven outings in July and converted five of six save chances.
José Buttó logged three clean frames and struck out four on 40 pitches (62.5 Strike%) with ten whiffs (25 SwStr%). He’s worked 13.2 innings over seven appearances as a reliever, giving up one earned run while posting 17 strikeouts against five walks. He has been a SPARP (starting pitcher as a relief pitcher) stud in formats with pitcher designations.

Hierarchy remains: Edwin Díaz | Dedniel Núñez | Phil Maton

Texas Rangers – Slamming the door on his second save, David Robertson logged two clean frames and recorded two strikeouts, preserving a one-run win over the White Sox. He threw 19 pitches (15 strikes – 78.9 Strike%) and induced three whiffs (15.8 SwStr%). He’s been scoreless in 11 of his last 12 appearances, with 17 strikeouts against walks across 12.1 innings.

José Leclerc notched his seventh hold, stranding two runners and retiring his only batter (Nick Senzel) on an inning-ending groundout.
Jacob Latz was credited with his ninth hold despite allowing two hits and a walk while striking out one in two-thirds of the seventh.

Hierarchy remains: Kirby Yates | David Robertson | José Leclerc

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