Monkey Bytes: September 2

Happy Labor Day! Here’s hoping you enjoy quality time with family and friends. As for Sunday’s games, eight relievers recorded a win and six secured saves. The slate ended with an extra-inning battle between Atlanta and Philadelphia, with the Phillies winning on a walk-off rally in the bottom of the 11th, handing Carlos Estévez his third win. It also featured Ben Joyce securing his fourth save while working on consecutive days. Our condensed recaps cover all of yesterday’s high-leverage events of interest, and our What to Watch For sets the plate for the first week of September.

Closer CliffsNotes

  • Aaron Bummer (ATL) gave up a walk and left with runners on the corners in the bottom of the 11th. He suffered his third loss when Grant Holmes allowed Nick Castellanos’ walk-off RBI single. Raisel Iglesias worked two scoreless frames, giving up a walk and striking out three. 
  • Hierarchy remains: Raisel Iglesias | Joe Jiménez | Pierce Johnson
  • Rich Hill (BOS) entered a tied game at the bottom of the fifth but gave up a walk, and Spencer Torkelson’s go-ahead two-run home run resulted in his first loss. 
  • Hierarchy remains: Kenley Jansen | Chris Martin | Justin Slaten
  • Alexis Díaz (CIN) retired the side in the top of the 11th and collected his second win following a walk-off rally in the bottom of the inning. After a rough August, which featured two losses and three saves in five chances, the Reds’ closer would benefit from a strong finish to ensure his role in 2025. 
  • Hierarchy remains: Alexis Díaz | Emilio Pagán | Tony Santillan
  • Jason Foley (DET) nailed down his 20th save with a clean ninth and one strikeout, preserving a three-run win over Boston. He’s been scoreless in his last eight outings while converting all five save chances since August 14. 
  • Hierarchy remains: *Jason Foley | *Tyler Holton | Shelby Miller
  • *= closer-by-committee
  • Ben Joyce (LAA) preserved a one-run lead by navigating around a lead-off single with a double play groundout and a game-ending strikeout. He extended his scoreless streak to six games, and he’s recorded a win while converting three saves with eight strikeouts against zero walks in his last seven innings.
  • Hierarchy remains: Ben Joyce | Hunter Strickland | José Quijada
  • Calvin Faucher (MIA) fired a clean bottom of the ninth while striking out the side and recording his sixth save. Since August 3, he’s been scoreless in ten of 12 appearances, converting all six save chances with 18 strikeouts versus four walks over 12 innings.
  • Updated Hierarchy: Calvin Faucher | John McMillon | Jesús Tinoco
  • Bryse Wilson (MIL) logged an extended outing, working 3.2 innings but suffered his fourth loss when the “place” runner scored on a ricocheted comebacker in the bottom of the 11th in Cincinnati. He allowed two hits and an unearned run while striking out two. 
  • Hierarchy remains: Devin Williams | Trevor Megill | Joel Payamps
  • Jhoan Durán (MIN) preserved a one-run win over the Blue Jays and recorded his 20th save. He worked around a hit batter and struck out one. He’s been scoreless in his last two outings, recording a save in each, but last worked a clean inning on August 15.
  • Hierarchy remains: Jhoan Durán | Griffin Jax | Cole Sands
  • Edwin Díaz (NYM) shut the door on his 16th save with a clean bottom of the ninth while striking out the side. After consecutive losses, he’s leaned into his four-seam fastball and been scoreless in his last three appearances, striking out seven of nine batters.
  • Hierarchy remains: Edwin Díaz | Phil Maton | Reed Garrett
  • Mason Miller (OAK) allowed Jace Jung’s walk-off three-run home run, resulting in his second loss. After giving up a hit in a scoreless ninth, Miller returned for the tenth, allowing two hits, four runs (three earned), and a walk while striking out one. This marked his 12th multiple-inning appearance and third-highest pitch total of the season. 
  • Hierarchy remains: Mason Miller | Tyler Ferguson | Michel Otañez
  • Carlos Estévez (PHI) collected his third win on a walk-off rally in the bottom of the 11th. He worked two clean frames, stranding both “place” runners while striking out two. After a slow start since his acquisition, he’s been scoreless over his last five with a win and two saves. 
  • Hierarchy remains: Carlos Estévez | Jeff Hoffman | Matt Strahm
  • Robert Suarez (SD) held on for his 30th save, navigating around a hit and a walk for a scoreless ninth, preserving a one-run win in Tampa Bay. He’s converted 30 of 32 save opportunities this season but has allowed a run in four of his last nine appearances. Tanner Scott collected his ninth win. He gave up a hit and a walk while striking out two in a scoreless bottom of the eighth.
  • Hierarchy remains: Robert Suarez | Tanner Scott | Jason Adam
  • JoJo Romero (STL) stranded two runners in the sixth and logged 1.1 scoreless innings, allowing a hit and a walk while striking out three. He collected his sixth win after his teammates rallied for five runs in the top of the seventh. 
  • Hierarchy remains: Ryan Helsley | Andrew Kittredge | JoJo Romero
  • Manuel Rodríguez (TB) took over a tied game at the top of the ninth. His outing began with a walk and a single, followed by a go-ahead sacrifice fly, resulting in his fourth loss. 
  • Hierarchy remains: *Manuel Rodríguez | *Edwin Uceta | *Garrett Cleavinger
  • *= closer-by-committee
  • Matt Festa (TEX) gave up two runs (one earned) on two hits and recorded two strikeouts in the top of the tenth. Despite this, he collected his third win on a walk-off rally in the bottom of the inning.
  • Hierarchy remains: Kirby Yates | David Robertson | Andrew Chafin
  • Chad Green (TOR) took over with a two-run lead in the bottom of the eight. However, he not only had his five-game scoreless streak snapped, he suffered his fourth loss and a first blown save, giving up Royce Lewis’ go-ahead three-run home run. Hierarchy remains: Chad Green | Génesis Cabrera | Erik Swanson

Vulture Save Options for Monday, September 2

  • Emilio Pagán (CIN): Alexis Díaz has pitched in four of the previous five days. 
  • Phil Maton (NYM): Edwin Díaz has appeared in four of the last five games. 
  • Michel Otañez (OAK): Miller threw 34 pitches across a two-inning outing on Sunday. Tyler Ferguson could also be used, so this is a tougher dart throw. 

Vulture Save Stashes for Tuesday, September 3

  • Tyler Holton (DET): If Foley pitches today, it will be consecutive outings.

What to Watch For (September 2-through-8)

Arizona Diamondbacks -How does Justin Martinez fare in September? He took over the ninth inning in August, recording seven saves while logging 14.1 innings with a 24:7 K:BB (27 K-BB%) and a 1.33 WHIP. One would prefer less traffic on the bases, but his 2.56 SIERA, 17.8 swinging strike percentage, and 63.6 percent contact rate allowed insulate his success during high-leverage events. 

Boston Red Sox – Liam Hendriks has circled this weekend’s series against his former team for his return. With Kenley Jansen affixed as the closer, will the Red Sox ease Hendriks into a high-leverage role and provide him with save chances over the last two weeks of the season? Jansen will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the year, while Hendriks is signed through the end of 2025. 

Chicago Cubs – Since designated Héctor Neris for assignment on August 20, Porter Hodge has recorded two saves, Jorge López one, and Keegan Thompson notched a one-out ancillary save. Fantasy managers prefer clarity and will monitor how the Cubs deploy Hodge and López in September. 

Chicago White Sox – Prelander Berroa retired six of seven batters faced, including five via strikeout, allowing only a walk against the Mets. He threw 39 pitches (24 strikes – 61.5 Strike%) and generated eight whiffs (20.5 SwStr%). He’s been inconsistent but has racked up ten strikeotus over his last five innings, giving up one earned run. If these trends continue, it should be worth finding out how he handles a save opportunity in a lost season. 

Cincinnati Reds – It’s been a bumpy season for Alexis Díaz and those with him on their fantasy rosters. Hope lies in his 1.23 second-half WHIP, but can he reestablish himself in the ninth inning? Over his last 14 games, he owns a 1-2 record while converting five of seven save chances with 12 strikeouts against four walks, but he’s also allowed eight runs (seven earned) through 12 innings. Over the last statistical year, he’s posted a 6.9 K-BB percentage and a 1.51 WHIP. 

Colorado Rockies -Although Tyler Kinley has converted his last two save opportunities and been scoreless in 19 of his last 22, he may be usurped in the bullpen hierarchy. Victor Vodnik threw a bullpen session at 80 percent on Saturday, and he’s slated for an “aggressive” bullpen session on Tuesday. If all goes well, he could be activated or work a rehab outing or two before his return. How he finishes the season will determine roles in 2025 for this leverage ladder. 

Los Angeles Angels – One of the biggest concerns regarding Ben Joyce as the closer of the future was workload management. He rarely recorded consecutive outings in college due to multiple-inning appearances. This year, he’s recorded four appearances on back-to-back days for the Angels and accomplished the feat two times at Double-A before his promotion. He’s appeared three times in the last four days, securing two saves and collecting a win while allowing three hits over 3.1 scoreless innings with four strikeouts. As he establishes himself in the closer role, fantasy players hope he will improve on his 9.9 swinging strike percentage and 1.21 WHIP since the All-Star break.

New York Mets – Taking his recent results with a grain of salt, since two saves happened against the White Sox, Edwin Díaz has changed his sequencing following a walk-off loss in Arizona on a hanging slider. In his last three appearances, he’s thrown 42 pitches, 35 four-seam fastballs, and only seven sliders. He’s retired all nine batters, seven via strikeout, while recording one save against Arizona and two versus the White Sox. Adjustments are constantly required in baseball, so it will be intriguing to see how his usage patterns evolve over the rest of September. 

Oakland A’s – Recency bias suggests Mason Miller has struggled in the second half after a walk-off three-run home run in Texas on his 34th pitch. He has seen a dip since the All-Star break, posting a 1.00 WHIP, a 21.1 K-BB percentage, and a 3.21 ERA versus a 3.13 SIERA. Through 12 games in the second half, he’s converted all eight save chances with 17 strikeouts versus five walks across 14 innings. Sustaining the gaudy numbers he produced in the first month was unrealistic, but his results during the remainder of the season will help project how he’s ranked among his peers entering 2025 drafts. 

Pittsburgh Pirates – Aroldis Chapman nailed down his fifth save, his first save since July 11, and he’s been scoreless in ten of his last 11 appearances with 20 strikeouts versus two walks across 11 innings. He should be the preferred save option in the interim. David Bednar did record a clean appearance on Sunday in a low-leverage outing against the 9-1-2-3 hitters of Cleveland, issuing Steven Kwan a walk but retiring the other three, including an inning-ending groundout by José Ramírez. There’s no timeline for Bednar’s removal from the closer role, but it will take more outings like this one and a few strikeouts with his secondary pitches before a return will be imminent.

San Diego Padres – His recent struggles with traffic and earned runs bring more attention to his performance than it should, especially after Robert Suarez recorded his career-best 30th save on Sunday. However, one does notice his 0.90 WHIP through 37.2 innings in the first half versus his 1.10 WHIP in 16.1 innings in the second half. It can be some bad luck, especially in strand rate, but he’s improved his swinging strike percentage and reduced contact allowed since the All-Star break, so this could be working through fatigue. He’s already reached a career-high in innings this season and is working in uncharted territory as the closer while his team fights for playoff positioning each game.

Those seeking full game recaps should surf the team pages; they’ve all been updated with Sunday’s results.

Thanks for being a part of the Closer Monkey community. Stay safe and be well.

Statistical Credits:

Fangraphs.com

Baseball-Reference.com

Statcast

Monkey Bytes: September 1

Saturday’s slate was rife with high-leverage events, including Aroldis Chapman nailing down his fifth save of the season and first since July 11, filling in capably for David Bednar. Across the 15-game slate, five relievers recorded a win and 11 secured saves. Before delving into the condensed game recaps, here are some observations for three relievers.

Three Takeaways

  • Chapman nails down his first audition: With David Bednar working in non-save outings, Aroldis Chapman continued his strong second half, securing his first save since July 11 with a clean ninth while striking out two. Since the All-Star break, he ranks third among all qualified relievers in K-BB percentage (37.5), first in SIERA (1.44), 17th in WHIP (0.76), and 23rd in swinging strike percentage (16.9). Perhaps the most impressive part of his success is that he’s attacking hitters and throwing more strikes (70.8 strike percentage in the second half). It’s tough trusting the volatile southpaw, but he’s on a heater, as his rolling chart displays:
  • The “Airbender” and elevated pitch counts: The good news is that he’s been scoreless over his last three appearances and recorded three saves. However, Devin Williams has needed at least 25 pitches in three of his previous four games while issuing six walks against six strikeouts with a 51.5 strike percentage. No reliever can maintain a 30 percent walk rate and remain successful. This may be a blip, especially given his missed time during the season and a condensed buildup ahead of his return. Still, it’s worth monitoring efficiency for a reliever returning from a back injury. 
  • Muñoz and home runs: Suffering his sixth loss and third in his last six outings, Andrés Muñoz gave up Mickey Moniak’s walk-off home run on a 1-2 count with a slider in the strike zone. He’s served up three home runs in this rough patch among his five hits allowed over his last 5.1 innings. He’s also recorded ten strikeouts versus four walks, putting his walk percentage at 16 against his last 25 batters faced. With his team struggling, he only converted one save in three opportunities in August. He’s also logged a heavy workload, securing seven saves requiring four or more outs this season. His next save will mark his first 20-save season, but fantasy managers will monitor his finish in September closely along with tracking his velocities:

Closer CliffsNotes for August 31

  • Justin Martinez (ARI) was summoned with two runners on and one out during a tied game at the top of the ninth. He recorded an out and allowed a two-RBI bloop single by Tommy Edman. Ryan Thompson suffered his fourth loss. He allowed three hits and two earned runs while striking out one during his combined inning of relief. 
  • Hierarchy remains: Justin Martinez | A.J. Puk | Ryan Thompson
  • Craig Kimbrel (BAL) took over a tied game at the bottom of the eighth and suffered his fifth loss, allowing two hits and two earned runs while striking out one in Colorado. 
  • Hierarchy remains: Seranthony Domínguez | Yennier Cano | Cionel Pérez
  • Porter Hodge (CHC) notched his third save with a scoreless ninth, navigating around a one-out single and a walk with consecutive strikeouts. He’s been scoreless over his last 11 appearances with 19 strikeouts versus five walks and recorded two wins and two saves in his last five contests.
  • Updated Hierarchy: *Porter Hodge | *Jorge López | Drew Smyly
  • *= closer-by-committee
  • Tyler Kinley (COL) capped a two-run rally and secured his eighth save with a scoreless ninth against the Orioles. He allowed a walk and recorded all three outs via strikeout. He finished August with a win and converted three of four save opportunities while posting a 16:3 K:BB over 12.2 innings.
  • Hierarchy remains: Tyler Kinley | Angel Chivilli | Justin Lawrence
  • Tyler Holton (DET) preserved a one-run win over the Red Sox, working around a walk while tossing a scoreless top of the ninth. He’s recorded three saves since August 6 and has been scoreless in nine of his last 11 appearances with ten strikeouts against one walk. 
  • Updated Hierarchy: *Jason Foley | *Tyler Holton | Shelby Miller
  • *= closer-by-committee
  • Ryan Pressly (HOU) closed out a three-run win for his third save with a scoreless ninth. He allowed a hit and recorded one strikeout against the Royals. He’s been scoreless in both outings since his activation, with a win and a save. 
  • Hierarchy remains: Josh Hader | Ryan Pressly | Bryan Abreu
  • Ben Joyce (LAA) navigated around a hit batter and a single for a scoreless top of the ninth while striking out one. He collected his second win on a walk-off home run in the bottom of the inning. He finished August with this win, three saves, and two holds with 11 strikeouts versus four walks over 10.1 innings.
  • Hierarchy remains: Ben Joyce | Hunter Strickland | José Quijada
  • Evan Phillips (LAD) shut the door on his 18th save with a clean bottom of the ninth, preserving a two-run win in Arizona. He’s been scoreless over eight of his last nine appearances, converting three of four save chances with 12 strikeouts against one walk. He was the only reliever to not appear during Friday’s impromptu bullpen contest. 
  • Hierarchy remains: *Michael Kopech | *Evan Phillips | Anthony Banda
  • *= closer-by-committee
  • Calvin Faucher (MIA) nailed down his fifth save with a clean bottom of the ninth and two strikeouts against the Giants. He finished August with a loss and converted five of six save chances with 16 strikeouts against six walks.
  • Updated Hierarchy: Calvin Faucher | Andrew Nardi | Jesús Tinoco
  • Devin Williams (MIL) worked into and out of trouble while preserving a one-run win for his eighth save. He issued a one-out and two-out walk followed by a hit-batter, loading the bases before inducing a game-ending groundout. He’s been scoreless in eight of his last nine, converting eight of nine save chances with 15 strikeotus versus seven walks across 8.2 innings. Aaron Ashby collected his first win, logging two scoreless frames. He allowed a hit and a walk while striking out three. 
  • Hierarchy remains: Devin Williams | Trevor Megill | Joel Payamps
  • Tyler Ferguson (OAK) returned for the ninth after tossing a scoreless bottom of the eighth and striking out the side. He hit Nathaniel Lowe with a pitch leading off the inning, induced a pop-out, issued a walk, and gave up Leody Tavares’ walk-off RBI single, resulting in his second loss. 
  • Hierarchy remains: Mason Miller | Tyler Ferguson | Michel Otañez
  • José Buttó (NYM) held on for his third save despite allowing three hits and an earned run in the bottom of the ninth while facing the White Sox. He’s allowed at least a run in two of his last three.
  • Hierarchy remains: Edwin Díaz | Phil Maton | Reed Garrett 
  • Carlos Estévez (PHI) completed a combined shutout, working around a hit and striking out two while recording his 23rd save. He’s been scoreless over his last four outings and converted three of four save chances since his acquisition. This was an encouraging outing and usage pattern for Estévez.
  • Hierarchy remains: *Carlos Estévez | *Jeff Hoffman | Matt Strahm
  • *= closer-by-committee
  • Aroldis Chapman (PIT) nailed down his fifth save and first since July 11 with a clean ninth while striking out two. He’s been scoreless in ten of his last 11 appearances with 20 strikeouts versus two walks across 11 innings. This was the 326th save of his career, moving him into a tie for 19th all-time with Roberto Hernandez. One more usage pattern like this and our hierarchy will reflect Chapman as the preferred option despite Derek Shelton suggesting a committee. If targeting one reliever here, it’s the high-octane southpaw.
  • Hierarchy remains: *Aroldis Chapman | *Dennis Santana | Kyle Nicolas
  • *= closer-by-committee
  • Andrés Muñoz (SEA) took over a tied game at the bottom of the ninth and recorded two quick outs, one via strikeout, before allowing Mickey Moniak’s walk-off home run, resulting in his sixth loss. He’s allowed a home run in three of his last six appearances and only converted one of three save chances in August.
  • Adjusted Hierarchy: Andrés Muñoz | Collin Snider | Austin Voth
  • Ryan Helsley (STL) recorded his MLB-leading 42nd save while preserving a one-run win against the Yankees. With two outs, he allowed Juan Soto’s double and issued Aaron Judge an intentional walk ahead of a game-ending Austin Wells strikeout. This extended his scoreless streak to nine games, and he’s converted nine straight saves since August 3.
  • Hierarchy remains: Ryan Helsley | Andrew Kittredge | JoJo Romero
  • Kirby Yates (TEX) worked around a two-out single and a walk for a scoreless top of the ninth, keeping the game tied. He collected his sixth win on a walk-off rally in the bottom of the inning. He went 3-1 while converting six of seven save chances across 12 games with 22 strikeouts versus six walks in August.
  • Hierarchy remains: Kirby Yates | David Robertson | Andrew Chafin

Vulture Save Options for Sunday, September 1

  • Trevor Megill (MIL): Williams has pitched in two straight and thrown 57 pitches.
  • John Schreiber (KCR): If Lucas Erceg remains unavailable with his finger injury, it should be Schreiber in the ninth unless they use Kris Bubic versus Yordan Alvarez. 
  • Andrew Kittredge (STL): Helsley has logged outings in three of the last four.
  • A.J. Puk (ARI): Martinez and Thompson have pitched in three of the previous four days. 
  • Andrew Chafin (TEX): Yates and Robertson have worked in four of the last five games.

Vulture Save Stashes for Monday, September 2

  • Keegan Thompson (CHC): If Hodge and López appear again today, it will be consecutive outings for both.

Those seeking full game recaps should surf the team pages; they’ve all been updated with Saturday’s results.

Thanks for being a part of the Closer Monkey community. Stay safe and be well.

Statistical Credits:

Fangraphs.com

Baseball-Reference.com

Statcast

Monkey Bytes: August 31

Before delving into Friday’s game action, the site experienced an attack yesterday and was down for most of the evening, and I apologize. Pittsburgh announced a change in their leverage roles before yesterday’s game.

Three Takeaways

  • Bednar removed as closer: In a pregame press conference, Derek Shelton confirmed David Bednar was removed as the closer for the Pirates in the short term and will work in lower leveraged appearances. This feels like an attempt at the Craig Kimbrel reset; the Orioles succeeded once earlier this season. Bednar must improve his results with his secondary pitches (split-finger and curve) and the command of his four-seam fastball. It’s tough being successful as the closer, with a 2.18 WHIP in the second half. Shelton brought up the dreaded committee approach. Aroldis Chapman has recorded four wins, seven holds, and a blown save since the All-Star break with 26 strikeouts versus four walks (36.1 K-BB%), a 0.81 WHIP, and a 17.2 swinging strike percentage through 16 games. He should be the preferred save share. Dennis Santana could also be in the mix. He’s notched a win and two holds with 22 strikeouts versus two walks (28.6 K-BB%) with a 0.74 WHIP in the second half across 16 appearances spanning 19 innings. We prefer Chapman, he’s the team’s highest-paid player and should treated as such in upcoming save chances. Our adjusted hierarchy: *Aroldis Chapman | *Dennis Santana | Kyle Nicolas
  • Hendriks’ potential return looming: Depending on Boston’s playoff chances down the stretch, the team may take a sneak preview at their potential closer for 2025, Liam Hendriks. He’s targeting a return on September 6 against his former team, the White Sox. He’s been scoreless over his last two appearances at Triple-A, though neither outing has been clean. With Kenley Jansen on the precipice of free agency, he may cede save chances in the last two weeks if they are not contending for a postseason berth. Hendriks should be eased into leverage chances, but stay tuned on his performance and evolving role upon activation. 
  • Dodgers and fluidity: It’s frustrating from a fantasy perspective, but the Dodgers are focused on winning the division, not how reliever roles are defined. Michael Kopech and Evan Phillips have shared saves since August 16, with Kopech recording three and Phillips two. While avidly watching games, it may depend on the situation and lineup lanes assigned before the series match-ups. Both will be viable, but for those seeking a label, it may not happen over the remainder of the season and in the playoffs.

Friday’s 16-game slate featured a doubleheader sweep by the Brewers over the Reds. Six relievers recorded wins, though two resulted from a blown save (Kenley Jansen and Josh Hader), and eight saves were converted. Closer Monkey congratulates Emmanuel Clase on becoming the franchise leader in saves, recording his 150th for Cleveland. Our condensed recaps cover the high-leverage events of interest for each team.

Closer CliffsNotes

  • Dylan Floro (ARI) allowed Max Muncy’s double at the top of the sixth and was removed after recording two outs. Floro was tagged with his fourth loss by the official scorer when Muncy scored the go-ahead run on a wild pitch by Joe Manitply. 
  • Hierarchy remains: Justin Martinez | A.J. Puk | Ryan Thomson
  • Seranthony Domínguez (BAL) allowed two hits, including Brendon Rodgers’ solo home run, but held on for his eighth save, finishing a two-run win in Colorado. All five runs Domínguez has allowed as an Oriole have been on solo home runs, but he’s converted all six save chances since August 2 with 11 strikeouts against three walks over eight innings.
  • Hierarchy remains: Seranthony Domínguez | Yennier Cano | Cionel Pérez
  • Chris Martin (BOS) recorded his second save, retiring the side in the bottom of the tenth, although the “place” runner scored. Kenley Jansen suffered his fourth blown save, the first since July 27, allowing two hits and an earned run in the bottom of the ninth. He’s allowed a run in three of his last five outings. 
  • Hierarchy remains: Kenley Jansen | Chris Martin | Justin Slaten
  • Keegan Thompson (CHC) retired his only batter via strikeout for his second save, preserving a one-run win in Washington. He last recorded a save on June 18 and stranded two runners in the one-run win. 
  • Hierarchy remains: *Jorge López | *Porter Hodge | Drew Smyly
  • Alexis Díaz (CIN) suffered his fifth loss in Game 1, allowing the “place” runner to score in the top of the tenth against Milwaukee. He allowed two hits, an unearned run, and recorded a strikeout. He’s allowed at least a run in three of his last four and four of his previous six games.
  • Updated Hierarchy: Alexis Díaz | Emilio Pagán | Tony Santillan
  • Emmanuel Clase (CLE) gave up Andrew McCutchen’s lead-off home run, snapping his nine-game scoreless streak. But, he bore down, retiring the next three batters, one via strikeout, for his American League-leading 40th save. He’s converted 27 straight save chances since May 20 and has reached 40 saves in the last three seasons. He also became the all-time franchise leader in the category, securing the 150th of his career. 
  • Hierarchy remains: Emmanuel Clase | Hunter Gaddis | Cade Smith 
  • Shelby Miller (DET) worked a clean top of the ninth and returned for the tenth. However, he allowed Cedanne Rafaela’s go-ahead two-run home run, resulting in his eighth loss. Miller finished with one hit, two runs (one earned), and two strikeouts over his 1.1 innings. 
  • Hierarchy Remains: *Jason Foley | *Tyler Holton | Shelby Miller
  • Josh Hader (HOU) had his save streak snapped by Paul DeJong’s game-tying two-run home run. Hader had converted 29 straight saves since April 7 but collected his seventh win courtesy of a walk-off rally in the bottom of the inning. He’s recorded three wins and converted eight of nine saves in August.
  • Hierarchy Remains: Josh Hader | Bryan Abreu | Ryan Pressly
  • James McArthur (KCR) gave up a one-out single by Jake Meyers and Jose Altuve’s walk-off RBI double with two outs in the bottom of the ninth, resulting in his sixth loss. 
  • Hierarchy Remains: Lucas Erceg | Kris Bubic | John Schreiber
  • Ryan Brasier (LAD) worked a scoreless bottom of the fifth in Arizona and was awarded his first win during an eventual one-run victory. 
  • Hierarchy remains: *Michael Kopech | *Evan Phillips | Anthony Banda
  • Mike Baumann (MIA) suffered his first loss and was credited with his seventh hold after allowing a hit and two walks in the bottom of the eighth before being removed. George Soriano gave up a bases-clearing three-RBI double by Matt Chapman, charging all three runs to Baumann, resulting in his third blown save. 
  • Hierarchy Remains: Calvin Faucher | Andrew Nardi | Jesús Tinoco
  • Devin Williams (MIL) secured his seventh save, issuing a walk and striking out one in the bottom of the tenth, preserving a one-run win during Game 1. He did throw 25 pitches, which may prevent him from being used in Saturday’s contest. He’s converted seven of eight save chances since August 10 with 13 strikeouts against four walks in his last 7.2 innings.
  • Updated Hierarchy: Devin Williams | Trevor Megill | Joel Payamps
  • Jhoan Durán (MIN) navigated around a lead-off single with a game-ending double play groundout, securing his 19th save and completing a combined shutout. This snapped a two-game streak, allowing multiple runs, and he’s converted four saves in five chances this month. 
  • Hierarchy remains: Jhoan Durán | Griffin Jax | Cole Sands
  • Edwin Díaz (NYM) appeared for a third straight game, closing out a four-run win in the bottom of the ninth against the White Sox. He has retired the side and recorded two strikeouts in consecutive outings. 
  • Hierarchy remains: Edwin Díaz | Phil Maton | Reed Garrett
  • Clay Holmes (NYY) locked down his 29th save, firing a clean top of the ninth against the 5-6-7 hitters of St. Louis. He’s been scoreless in four straight and converted seven of nine save chances in August. 
  • Hierarchy remains: Clay Holmes | Tommy Kahnle | Luke Weaver
  • Carmen Mlodzinski (PIT) took over in the bottom of the fifth but suffered his fourth loss. He allowed four hits, including two home runs and four earned runs, during his inning of work. 
  • Updated Hierarchy: *Aroldis Chapman | *Dennis Santana | Kyle Nicolas
  • Ryan Walker (SFG) nailed down his fifth save with a clean top of the ninth and two strikeouts against Miami, preserving a two-run win. Since taking over as the closer on August 10, he’s allowed one unearned run while collecting a win and converting all five save chances with 21 strikeouts against two walks during eight appearances spanning ten innings. 
  • Hierarchy remains: Ryan Walker | Tyler Rogers | Camilo Doval

Vulture Save Options for Saturday, August 31

  • Tony Santillan (CIN): Díaz and Pagán have appeared in three straight games. 
  • Ryan Pressly (HOU): Hader and Abreu have worked in back-to-back contests. 
  • John Schreiber (KCR): Depending on the severity of Erceg’s injury, he may be in line for the save on Saturday. 
  • Trevor Megill (MIL): Williams needed 25 pitches during his save on Friday during Game 1 and may get today off for workload management. 
  • José Buttó (NYM): He could receive a multi-inning save chance. Díaz has pitched in three straight games, Maton and Garrett in three of the last four. 

Vulture Save Stashes for Sunday, September 1

  • Cole Sands (MIN): If Durán and Jax pitch today, both relievers will have logged consecutive outings. 
  • Edwin Uceta (TBR): If Rodrìguez pitches in today’s game, it will be back-to-back appearances.

Those seeking full game recaps should surf the team pages; they’ve all been updated with Friday’s results.

Thanks for being a part of the Closer Monkey community. Stay safe and be well.

Statistical Credits:

Fangraphs.com

Baseball-Reference.com

Statcast

Monkey Bytes: August 30

Thursday’s 11-game slate began with Ben Joyce recording his third save with 1.1 scoreless innings and Ryan Helsley securing his 41st. Things became more chaotic as the day progressed into the evening contests. In all, relievers recorded five wins and secured eight saves, but our three takeaways will cover some usage patterns and a potential injury. For now, our condensed recaps cover yesterday’s high-leverage events of interest.

Closer CliffsNotes

  • Justin Martinez (ARI) took over a tied game in the top of the ninth. He allowed a one-out double and a two-out, go-ahead RBi single, resulting in his fifth loss. 
  • Grant Holmes (ATL) took over with a runner on second and one out with a one-run lead at the bottom of the seventh. After inducing a groundout, he allowed Nick Castellanos’ go-ahead two-run home run, resulting in his first loss and a blown save. Holmes finished 1.2 innings, allowing two hits, an earned run, and a walk while striking out one. 
  • Emilio Pagán (CIN) stranded a runner while retiring all three batters, one via strikeout. He benefited from his team’s walk-off rally and collected his fourth win. Alexis Díaz entered with a one-run lead and suffered his fourth blown save. He gave up Lawrence Butler’s lead-off home run, a walk, a double, and a two-RBI single, prompting his removal without recording an out.
  • Josh Hader (HOU) nailed down his 29th save with a clean ninth and one strikeout. Across 12 appearances in August, he’s been scoreless in 11 with two wins and eight saves. He’s also converted his last 29 save chances after blowing his first save chance of the season on April 2.
  • Lucas Erceg (KCR) appeared for the third time in four days and was not sharp. He could not protect a one-run lead in the bottom of the eighth. His outing began with a walk (Jose Altuve), and after inducing a Yordan Alvarez flyout, things unraveled. Victor Caratini singled, and a comebacker off of Erceg combined with an errant throw scored the game-tying run and removed him from the contest with two runners on. He suffered his fifth loss and fifth blown save, allowing two hits, three earned runs, and a walk over one-third of the eighth. 
  • Ben Joyce (LAA) took over a bases-loaded situation with two outs in the eighth and responded with an inning-ending strikeout of Spencer Torkelson. After allowing a lead-off single in the ninth, Joyce retired the next three hitters, secured his third save, and completed the combined shutout. He’s recorded four or more outs in all three saves this season. 
  • Evan Phillips (LAD) preserved a three-run win despite hitting leadoff hitter Cedric Mullins by retiring the next three batters, including two via strikeout. He’s been scoreless in seven of his last eight appearances, converting two of three save chances with 12 strikeouts versus one walk.
  • Jésus Tinoco (MIA) collected his first win, logging 2.1 scoreless innings. He gave up two hits and recorded three strikeouts on 21 pitches (85.7 Strike%) with four whiffs (19 SwStr%).
  • Edwin Díaz (NYM) recorded his 15th save with a clean bottom of the ninth while striking out two. He only threw one slider among his 18 pitches, relying on his four-seam fastball while preserving a one-run win in Arizona. This marked his first save since August 7 and second in August. 
  • Grant Holman (OAK) received his first save chance but suffered his first loss and blown save during a walk-off rally in Cincinnati. He gave up a lead-off walk, a Jonathan India single, a wild pitch moving both runners into scoring position, and a walk to Elly De La Cruz, loading the bases with no outs. Tyler Stephenson delivered an RBI single, and TJ Friedl’s walk-off two-RBI single sealed the loss.
  • Jeff Hoffman (PHI) preserved a one-run win with a clean top of the ninth and recorded a strikeout for his tenth save. This represents his first save since July 10, and he’s been scoreless over his last four appearances. The “floating closer” concept may be back for the Phillies. 
  • Ryan Helsley (STL) shut the door on his MLB-leading 41st save, closing out a three-run win over the Padres. This marked his 20th save with a clean appearance, also most in the majors. Since August 3, he’s recorded two wins and converted all eight save chances.
  • Kirby Yates (TEX) gave up a one-out Andrew Benintendi solo home run while recording his 25th save, preserving a one-run win over the White Sox. Through 11 appearances this month, he’s recorded a win in two of three decisions and converted six of seven save chances with 21 strikeouts against five walks over 13 innings.
  • Chad Green (TOR) closed out his 16th save and a combined shutout in Boston. He worked around a hit batter for a scoreless ninth. He’s been scoreless over his last five appearances and converted all eight save chances in August.

Vulture Save Options for Friday, August 30

  • A.J. Puk (ARI): Martinez has pitched in consecutive outings. Puk will face Shohei Ohtani’s lineup pocket in the late innings; if it’s not the ninth, it may be Ryan Thompson for the save. These two teams will be playing this series like the playoffs. 
  • Andrew Kittredge (STL): Helsley has appeared on back-to-back days. 
  • James McArthur (KCR): Erceg and Schreiber have pitched in three of the previous four days. 
  • Phil Maton (NYM): Díaz has worked in consecutive outings. 
  • Trevor Megill (MIL): He could receive the save in Game 2 if the Brewers can sweep. DL Hall is also in play for those in leagues with daily streaming as the bulk reliever in this contest. 
  • Tony Santillan (CIN): Díaz and Pagán have appeared in back-to-back games. 
  • Andrew Chafin (TEX): Yates and Robertson have worked in three consecutive games.

Vulture Save Stashes for Saturday, August 31

  • Héctor Neris (HOU): If Hader, Pressly, and Abreu pitch again tonight, it will be consecutive outings for the Astros triumvirate. 
  • John Schreiber (KCR): Depending on the severity of Erceg’s injury, he may be in line for the save on Saturday. 

Three Takeaways

  • Different Díaz, same slider issues: It’s been a tough season for the embattled Reds’ closer. Alexis Díaz suffered his fourth blown save, allowing Lawrence Butler’s lead-off home run at the top of the ninth. Since the All-Star break, Díaz has a loss and converted five of seven save opportunities but has allowed four home runs, at least a run in five of 13 appearances, and multiple runs in two of his last three. Five of his six home runs this season have been off his slider. With shaky four-seam fastball command, it’s letting hitters sit on the slider as his split-by-pitch indicate:

Link: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/CK44C/3/

  • Not a “floating closer,” yet: With the leverage arms fully rested ahead of a pivotal series against Atlanta, Rob Thomson summoned Jeff Hoffman with a one-run lead at the top of the ninth last night. In a postgame interview, he maintained that Carlos Estévez was healthy and had gone with Hoffman since he began warming up in case he was needed during the eighth inning, which television replays confirm. Being cautious, the hierarchy will adjust as a shared save situation just in case, and the next few chances will be monitored closely. 
  • Royals in potential flux: Matched up with the top of Houston’s lineup at the bottom of the eighth, Lucas Erceg had a tough outing, not only in his results, but he also left with an injured finger after being hit by a comebacker. A blown save is tough enough for fantasy managers, but the team sent him and teammate Vinnie Pasquantino for X-rays following this play. With Hunter Harvey still sidelined with a lower back issue, this leverage ladder will be shorthanded this weekend if Erceg misses time as well:

Adjusted Hierarchies

Philadelphia Phillies – *Carlos Estévez | *Jeff Hoffman | Matt Strahm

*= closer-by-committee

Those seeking full game recaps should surf the team pages; they’ve all been updated with Wednesday’s results.

Thanks for being a part of the Closer Monkey community. Stay safe and be well.

Statistical Credits:

Fangraphs.com

Baseball-Reference.com

Statcast

Monkey Bytes: August 29

Once again, Wednesday provided an extra game, which technically counts on Tuesday per suspended contest rules, but there were 16 games on the slate for our purposes. Relievers recorded nine wins and secured ten saves in a bevy of high-leverage events of interest. Our condensed game recaps feature notes regarding 19 different teams from this slate.

Closer CliffsNotes

  • Justin Martinez (ARI) locked down his seventh save, retiring the side and striking out one, which capped a comeback win over the Mets. In his last ten outings, he’s converted seven saves with 16 strikeouts versus six walks over 10.2 innings.
  • Raisel Iglesias (ATL) extended his scoreless streak to 17 games while closing out a four-run win in Minnesota. He’s racked up 22 strikeouts against one walk during his streak and converted seven of eight save chances since July 14. 
  • Kenley Jansen (BOS) completed a combined shutout of Toronto while retiring the side and striking out one for his 25th save. He only needed six pitches against the 9-1-2 lineup pocket. 
  • Porter Hodge (CHC) took over with his team down two in the eighth but collected his third win after a six-run rally in the top of the ninth. Hodge logged two innings, allowing a hit and a walk while striking out three. 
  • Justin Anderson (CHW) suffered his first loss, allowing two hits, an earned run, and a walk during his 1.1 innings against Texas in the regularly scheduled game on Wednesday. 
  • Emilio Pagán (CIN) entered the top of the eighth with a one-run lead but gave up five hits, including Seth Brown’s go-ahead three-run home run and four runs, resulting in his fourth loss and a first blown save. 
  • Emmanuel Clase (CLE) finished his 39th save with a scoreless ninth, yielding a hit and striking out one during a two-run win over Kansas City. Through 11 appearances, he’s allowed one unearned run this month and converted 26 consecutive save chances since May 20.
  • Jason Foley (DET) closed out a one-run win over the Angels with a clean top of the ninth and recorded two strikeouts. This extended his scoreless streak to seven games, and he converted a save in four of his last six. 
  • Lucas Erceg (KCR) was summoned with two runners on and no outs in the bottom of the seventh. He let both score and an earned run on his ledger, resulting in his fourth loss and fourth blown save. He allowed three hits and recorded one strikeout while losing his 12.1-inning scoreless streak since his acquisition. 
  • Michael Kopech (LAD) finished a two-run win over the Orioles with a clean ninth and two strikeouts, facing the 9-1-2 lineup pocket. Since his acquisition, he’s logged 13 outings, 12 scoreless, with two wins and three saves while producing 19 strikeouts against three walks across 13.1 innings.
  • Devin Williams (MIL) shut the door on his sixth save with a clean top of the ninth and recorded one strikeout. He faced the Giants’ 6-7-8 lineup pocket, dispensing them on 11 pitches (63.6 Strike%) with two whiffs (18.2 SwStr%). 
  • Edwin Díaz (NYM) took over with a one-run lead, a runner on and two outs in the bottom of the eighth. He issued consecutive walks and allowed Corbin Carroll’s go-ahead grand slam, resulting in his third loss and sixth blown save. He’s given up a home run in back-to-back outings, getting tagged with a loss in each. 
  • Mason Miller (OAK) recorded his 23rd save, tying Huston Street for the second most by a rookie in team history. Miller worked a scoreless ninth despite allowing a hit and a walk with two strikeouts. He’s converted all eight save chances through ten appearances this month. 
  • David Bednar (PIT) filed another chapter in his frustrating 2024 campaign. Taking over with a two-run lead, he gave up three hits, five earned runs, and two walks (one intentional), resulting in his seventh loss and a sixth blown save. After being scoreless in four of his previous five, this implosion spiked his second-half WHIP to 2.18 through 14.2 innings. His manager would not comment about his role going forward after the game. 
  • Robert Suarez (SD) recorded two quick outs, then allowed three straight sngles, resulting in his second loss during a walk-off rally in St. Louis. 
  • Ryan Helsley (STL) navigated around a lead-off double and a sacrifice bunt with consecutive strikeouts, keeping the game tied in the top of the ninth. He collected his sixth win courtesy of a walk-off in the bottom of the inning. He’s been scoreless in his last seven games, recording two wins and five saves. 
  • Tyler Alexander (TB) suffered his fourth loss. He worked 4.1 innings as the “bulk follower,” giving up five hits, five earned runs, and a walk while striking out four in Seattle. 
  • Kirby Yates (TEX) notched his 24th save, closing out a two-run during the completion of the suspended game from Tuesday. He walked one and recorded two strikeouts in a scoreless ninth. He’s converted five of six save chances in August, with 20 strikeouts versus five walks in 10 appearances, spanning 12 innings.
  • Grant Anderson (TEX) took over with the bases loaded and two outs in the bottom of the ninth, and induced a game-ending flyout for his first career save in the regularly scheduled game on Wednesday. 
  • Kyle Finnegan (WSH) held on for his 34th save, preserving a three-run win over the Yankees. He allowed a one-out hit and a walk but retired the last two batters, including a game-ending strikeout of Gleyber Torres with two runners in scoring position and Juan Soto on deck. Finnegan has recorded a save in each of his last four appearances. 

Vulture Save Options for Thursday, August 29

  • Pierce Johnson (ATL): If Iglesias pitches tonight, it will be consecutive outings. 
  • Chris Martin (BOS): Jansen has pitched in two straight games. 
  • Tyler Holton (DET): Foley has worked on back-to-back days. 
  • Tanner Scott (SD): Suarez has appeared in three of the previous four, and Adam has pitched on consecutive days. 

Vulture Save Stashes for Friday, August 30

  • A.J. Puk (ARI): If Martinez pitches today, it will be consecutive outings, or Puk faces Shohei Ohtani’s lineup pocket in the ninth. These two teams will be playing this series like the playoffs. 
  • Joel Payamps (MIL): With a doubleheader on tap, he could nab an ancillary save in a sweep, or if Williams pitches again today, it would be consecutive outings. 
  • Ryan Fernandez (STL): If Helsley, Romero, and Kittredge pitch in today’s game, it would be back-to-back appearances for each reliever. 

Three Takeaways

  • Bednar’s role moving forward: Although he was not the only reliever who struggled during Wednesday’s loss against the Cubs, David Bednar receives our focus based on his role as the closer. He allowed three hits, five earned runs, and two walks (one intentional) during his seventh loss and sixth blown save. It’s been noted previously in our recaps he’s struggled since returning from his in-season oblique injury. In his 16 games since July 12, he’s recorded four losses while converting seven of ten save opportunities with a 2.04 WHIP over 15.2 innings. Caught between a rock and a hard place, his manager must decide on how he’s deployed over the last four-plus weeks, with his job also on the line. 
  • Díaz’s slider mechanics are off: In the postgame recap by Anthony DiComo of MLB.com, Edwin Díaz was quoted as saying his slider mechanics are “off,” and he’s landing closer to third, leaving his slider in the strike zone. Expecting the same results as 2022 for the closer would be unrealistic. However, his slider has produced over 20 percent fewer whiffs per Statcast this season. Although his hard-hit percentage has dropped, he’s allowed five home runs on the pitch versus one in 2022. There’s time for a strong finish, but time may be running out on a push for the postseason. 
  • Suarez and workload management: One believes part of the reason the Padres built a “superpen” at the trade deadline was to insulate the workload for its closer, Robert Suarez. Every inning pitched this year adds to his already career-high 53 innings. On Wednesday, he suffered a walk-off loss, his third outing in four days. He’s given up a run in his last two appearances and five of 11 games in August. His inflated .343 batting average on balls in play (BAbip) will normalize, but fantasy managers must note his 1.36 WHIP and 13 K-BB percentage through 10.1 innings this month. The good news is that his 3.00 SIERA sits below his 4.35 ERA, but less contact would be appreciated through the end of the season, along with slightly less work in non-save outings like the one he logged on Monday.

Adjusted Hierarchies

Pittsburgh Pirates – Updated Hierarchy: David Bednar | Aroldis Chapman | Dennis Santana

  • Bednar may be on the hot seat, but a change’s not official. If they remove him from save situations, it could be shared saves between Chapman and Santana. Stay tuned.

Washington Nationals – Updated Hierarchy: Kyle Finnegan | Jacob Barnes | Jose A. Ferrer

Those seeking full game recaps should surf the team pages; they’ve all been updated with Wednesday’s results.

Thanks for being a part of the Closer Monkey community. Stay safe and be well.

Statistical Credits:

Fangraphs.com

Baseball-Reference.com

Statcast