Monkey Bytes: August 27

Monday’s slate featured two doubleheaders, with Toronto and Boston completing a June game that had been suspended. Kansas City and the Blue Jays recorded sweeps in their double dips, causing a shift in the American League standings. During the 12-game slate, relievers recorded six wins and converted seven saves. Our condensed recaps cover the high-leverage events of interest.

Closer CliffsNotes

  • Jared Shuster (CHW) suffered his third loss and a second blown save, allowing four hits, four earned runs, and a walk while striking out three over 1.1 innings. 
  • Hunter Gaddis (CLE) allowed Bobby Witt Jr.’s go-ahead lead-off home run in the top of the eighth, recorded an out, and gave up a double before being removed. He suffered his third loss during Game 1 of a doubleheader. Emmanuel Clase navigated around two hits for a scoreless ninth during an eventual loss in Game 2. 
  • Tyler Kinley (COL) locked down his seventh save with a clean ninth while striking out two during a one-run win over Miami. He’s been scoreless in 12 of 13 appearances since July 28, with 16 strikeouts against three walks through 14 innings.
  • Tyler Holton (DET) retired the side against the White Sox 7-8-9 hitters on 11 pitches for his fifth save. He’s been scoreless over his last seven games, spanning 10.1 innings, and this marked his first save since August 6.
  • Josh Hader (HOU) logged his sixth multi-inning outing, though he did not record an out in the tenth. After striking out the side in the ninth, he issued Trea Turner a lead-off walk in the bottom of the tenth and gave up Bryce Harper’s walk-off RBI single, resulting in his seventh loss. 
  • Lucas Erceg (KCR) notched his eighth save and fifth with the Royals, tossing a scoreless ninth while navigating around a walk in Game 1. He’s been scoreless since his acquisition, posting 15 strikeouts against one walk across 12.1 innings. John Schreiber earned his fourth win, firing 1.2 clean frames and striking out one.
  • Daniel Lynch IV (KCR) logged three scoreless innings and recorded his first career save, closing out a five-run win in Game 2. He allowed a hit and a walk while striking out one in his appearance. Sam Long collected his third win, working 1.1 scoreless frames, navigating around a hit and a walk while striking out one. 
  • Clay Holmes (NYY) shut the door on his 28th save with a clean ninth. This sets a career-high in the category, and he’s been scoreless over his last three. 
  • Matt Strahm (PHI) retired the side at the top of the tenth versus the Astros’ top of the lineup and collected his fifth win courtesy of a walk-off rally in the bottom of the inning. 
  • Chad Green (TOR) closed out a three-run win during the conclusion of the suspended game in Boston. He will be credited with his third save, but it’s his 15th of the season. He gave up a two-out double and recorded three strikeouts in a scoreless ninth. 
  • Brendon Little (TOR) tossed 1.1 scoreless innings, allowing a hit and striking out one for his first career save in Game 2, preserving a sweep in Boston. 

Vulture Save Options for Tuesday, August 27

  • Jeff Hoffman (PHI): Estévez has pitched in two straight. 
  • Jason Adam (SDP): Suarez and Scott have appeared in the two previous games. 
  • Tayler Scott (HOU): Hader, Abreu, and Neris have logged back-to-back outings. 

Vulture Save Stash for Wednesday, August 28

  • Tommy Kahnle (NYY): If Holmes pitches tonight, it will be back-to-back appearances. 

Three Takeaways

  • Kinley Shoves: It was against the Marlins, but Tyler Kinley nailed down his seventh save and first since Victor Vodnik landed on the injured list. After this outing, 12 of Kinley’s last 13 appearances have been scoreless since July 28, and he’s recorded 16 strikeouts against three walks (26.5 K-BB%) across 14 innings. He’s also improved his strike rate (65 percent) and produced an 18 percent swinging strike rate with a 0.50 WHIP.  If these outings continue, he may remain the closer, even when Vodnik can be activated in early September. Stay tuned. 
  • A Royal Sweep: Beating the Guardians at their own game, Kansas City used timely hitting with strong outings by its bullpen to pull within one game in the division, sweeping a doubleheader on Monday. Relievers recorded a win and a save in both games. Before his back issues flared, Hunter Harvey emerged as the preferred save option. However, Lucas Erceg secured his ninth save in Game 1 and has converted five saves over his last six appearances, been scoreless through his 11 games since being acquired, and over his last 14 games since July 22 with 18 strikeouts versus one walk across 15.1 innings with a minuscule 0.46 WHIP. Also of interest, Daniel Lynch IV notched his first career save with three scoreless frames in the nightcap. Moving forward, he replaced Angel Zerpa in the bullpen and could provide solid outings in deeper formats while logging multiple-inning outings. When Harvey returns in September, this will be a deep leverage ladder. 
  • Toronto Takes Two with a caveat: If one searches game logs on Baseball Reference, Chad Green’s save yesterday afternoon will appear as his third save of the season, recorded on June 26. However, it will be considered his 15th of the season for our purposes. Unofficially, he’s converted all eight save chances this month during his 12 outings and has been a sneakily productive fantasy reliever.

Monday’s Full Recaps

Colorado Rockies – Locking down his seventh save, Tyler Kinley retired the side and recorded two strikeouts while preserving a one-run win over Miami. He threw 15 pitches (11 strikes – 73.3 Strike%) and generated seven whiffs (46.7 SwStr%). He’s been scoreless in 12 of 13 appearances since July 28, with 16 strikeouts against three walks through 14 innings.

  • Angel Chivilli notched his third hold, giving up a hit and striking out two in a scoreless eighth.
  • Justin Lawrence gave up a hit during a scoreless seventh, securing his fourth hold.
  • Jake Bird collected his second win. He tossed a scoreless sixth, issuing a walk and striking out two.

Updated Hierarchy: Tyler Kinley | Angel Chivilli | Justin Lawrence

Detroit Tigers – Summoned with a three-run lead against the White Sox 7-8-9 lineup pocket, Tyler Holton retired the side, securing his fifth save. He threw 11 pitches (72.7 Strike%) and induced one whiff. He’s been scoreless in his last seven games, spanning 10.1 innings, and this marked his first save since August 6.

  • Beau Brieske allowed a solo home run during his 1.1-inning outing.
  • Sean Guenther collected his first win, logging 1.2 scoreless frames. He allowed a hit and recorded one strikeout. 

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

*= closer-by-committee

Kansas City Royals – Preserving a one-run win in Game 1, Lucas Erceg navigated around a one-out walk to José Ramírez for a scoreless ninth and his eighth save. He threw 14 pitches (50 Strike%) and induced one whiff. He remains scoreless since the trade deadline through 11 appearances with 15 strikeouts versus one walk across 12.1 innings.

  • John Schreiber collected his fourth win. He logged 1.2 clean frames and recorded a strikeout.
  • Kris Bubic suffered his second blown save, giving up four hits and an earned run while striking out one during his 1.1-inning outing.
  • James McArthur worked a scoreless fifth, walking and striking out one.

Making his first appearance since June, Daniel Lynch IV recorded his first career save. He logged three scoreless innings, allowing a hit and a walk while striking out one during a five-run win in Game 2 in Cleveland.

  • Sam Long collected his third win, working 1.1 scoreless frames, navigating around a hit and a walk while striking out one.

Updated Hierarchy: Lucas Erceg | John Schreiber | Kris Bubic

New York Yankees – Shutting the door in his 28th save, Clay Holmes set a new career high while retiring the side during a three-run win in Washington. He threw 19 pitches (13 strikes – 68.4 Strike%) and induced one whiff. He’s been scoreless over his last three and converted six of eight save chances in August.

  • Jake Cousins allowed a walk and recorded two outs in the eighth for his fourth hold.
  • Mark Leiter Jr. gave up Jacob Young’s solo home run during two-thirds innings, getting credit for his 15th hold.

Hierarchy remains: Clay Holmes | Tommy Kahnle | Luke Weaver

Philadelphia Phillies – After stranding the “place” runner in the top of the tenth, Matt Strahm collected his sixth win courtesy of a walk-off rally in the bottom of the inning. He retired the top of the Astros lineup on eight pitches (75 Strike%).

  • Carlos Estévez tossed a clean ninth, including pinch-hitter Jose Altuve, on 11 pitches (72.7 Strike%) with two whiffs (18.2 SwStr%).
  • Jeff Hoffman worked around a hit and a walk for a scoreless eighth.
  • Orion Kerkering allowed a hit and recorded a strikeout in a scoreless seventh. 

Hierarchy remains: Carlos Estévez | Jeff Hoffman | Matt Strahm

Toronto Blue Jays – Securing his 15th save in the suspended contest against Boston, Chad Green worked a scoreless ninth. He allowed a two-out Masataka Yoshida double and recorded all three outs via strikeout. He threw 19 pitches (13 strikes – 68.4 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (15.8 SwStr%). This will be reported as his third save of the season, but we all know better, right?

  • Erik Swanson allowed Jarren Duran’s solo home run in the eighth.
  • Génesis Cabrera notched his fourth hold with a clean seventh and striking out one.
  • Zach Pop was awarded his first win; he stranded two runners while retiring his only batter in the sixth.
  • Ryan Yarbrough logged 3.1 scoreless frames, yielding two hits and a walk while striking out four.

Brendon Little recorded 1.1 scoreless innings for his first career save in Game 2. He allowed a hit and recorded a strikeout on 13 pitches (9 strikes – 69.2 Strike%) with two whiffs (15.4 SwStr%).

Hierarchy remains: Chad Green | Génesis Cabrera | Erik Swanson

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 26

Sunday featured a bevy of high-leverage events of interest. Seven relievers recorded a win, including two on walk-off rallies (Pittsburgh and San Diego). Eight relievers secured a save, including an ancillary one by Anthony Banda (LAD). Our condensed game recaps cover the outcomes of interest from yesterday’s slate.

Closer CliffsNotes

  • Justin Martinez (ARI) finished his sixth save despite allowing Tyler O’Neill’s solo home run during a two-run win in Boston. He’s converted six of eight save opportunities in August with 21 strikeouts against seven walks. 
  • Luke Jackson (ATL) took over a tied game in the top of the seventh and suffered his third loss. He allowed two hits and three runs (two earned) while striking out one in one-third of the inning. 
  • Burch Smith (BAL) served up two solo home runs in the top of the seventh against Houston, resulting in his first loss. 
  • Alexis Díaz (CIN) suffered his fourth loss and a third blown save. He recorded an out, hit Bryan De La Cruz with a pitch, and served up Bryan Reynolds’ walk-off two-run home run. Díaz has not converted a save since August 13 and allowed a home run in two of his last three appearances.
  • Emmanuel Clase (CLE) shut the door on his American League-leading 38th save with a clean ninth while striking out the side against Texas. He only needed 12 pitches and has converted 25 straight saves since May 20. 
  • Josh Hader (HOU) began his outing by identifying mound issues and walking Gunnar Henderson, who led off the bottom of the ninth. Hader rebounded with a lineout and a game-ending double play groundout for a scoreless outing and his 28th save. He’s only allowed one unearned run across ten appearances in August while recording two wins and converting all seven save chances. 
  • Anthony Banda (LAD) was summoned with a two-run lead and worked around a one-out single for a scoreless ninth, securing his second save. He’s been scoreless in 10 of 11 outings in August, with 14 strikeouts against two walks while converting two saves.
  • Jhoan Durán (MIN) allowed a one-out single, followed by a fielder’s choice throwing error, putting runners on second and third with one out. After recording a strikeout, he gave up Lars Nootbar’s go-ahead two-RBI single, resulting in his seventh loss and a second blown save. He finished with two hits, two unearned runs, and strikeouts. 
  • Edwin Díaz (NYM) was tasked with a tied game in the bottom of the ninth. He retired Jake Cronenworth via strikeout, then gave up Jackson Merrill’s walk-off home run, resulting in his second loss. 
  • Mason Miller (OAK) locked down his 21st save while retiring all four batters faced, one via strikeout, preserving a one-run win over the Brewers. He’s converted nine straight save chances since June 18 while posting 26 strikeouts against five walks over 18 innings. 
  • Aroldis Chapman (PIT) worked a scoreless top of the ninth, giving up a hit and striking out two. He collected his fifth win courtesy of a walk-off home run in the bottom of the inning. He’s been scoreless in his last nine outings with 17 strikeouts against one walk across nine innings.
  • Robert Suarez (SDP) fired a clean top of the ninth and recorded a strikeout against the Mets, keeping the game tied. He collected his eighth win on Jackson Merrill’s walk-off blast in the bottom of the inning. Through nine outings in August, he’s recorded two wins and converted all six save chances. 
  • Andrés Muñoz (SEA) navigated around two walks and recorded two strikeouts during a scoreless ninth for his 19th save. This represents his first save since July 28, and he’s been scoreless over his last two appearances. 
  • Ryan Helsley (STL) allowed a lead-off single and then retired the next three batters en route to his 39th save. He’s been scoreless over his last six and converted his last seven save chances. 
  • Richard Lovelady (TBR) hit Shohei Ohtani with a pitch and gave up Mookie Betts’ go-ahead two-run home run, resulting in his fifth loss. 
  • Kyle Finnegan (WSH) entered with a three-run lead and a runner in the bottom of the eighth. He logged 1.1 scoreless innings, allowing a hit and striking out two for his 32nd save. Two of his four saves in August have required four out appearances. 

Vulture Save Options for Monday, August 26

  • Chris Martin (BOS): His team will complete a suspended game and play a full one. In a sweep, he could nab an ancillary save.
  • Scott Barlow (CLE): A second doubleheader features the Guardians and the Royals. A sweep for Cleveland could feature Barlow unless Clase wants the ball in both contests.
  • John Schreiber (KCR): If Erceg appears in Game 1, it could be Schreiber in Game 2. 

Vulture Save Stashes for Tuesday, August 27

  • Jeff Hoffman (PHI): If Estévez pitches today, it will be consecutive outings. 
  • Tayler Scott (HOU): If Hader, Abreu, and Neris work tonight, it will be back-to-back outings for the Astros triumvirate.

What to Watch For

Arizona Diamondbacks – The Diamondbacks’ bullpen will face the Mets and Dodgers this scoring period, which will be a true test of its postseason aspirations. Justin Martinez has converted all six save opportunities since August 5 but has allowed a run in four of his last five games. Over his last nine games, he’s posted a 1.45 WHIP with 15 strikeouts against six walks (20.5 K-BB%) and a 3.24 SIERA. Will A.J. Puk be deployed against the top three Dodgers’ hitters, including two left-handed ones? He’s been scoreless in his last 11 outings with 14 strikeouts versus one walk (37.1 K-BB%) with a 0.52 WHIP and a 1.54 SIERA. Stay tuned, but how Martinez gets used in September may be decided this week. 

Baltimore Orioles – After a three-game stretch, allowing a solo home run in each appearance, Seranthony Domínguez rebounded with consecutive scoreless games while securing a save. In his 14 games with the Orioles, he’s 0-2 with five saves and one hold while recording 15 strikeouts against three walks (27.1 K-BB%). He’s only allowed seven hits, but four have been solo home runs. With three games against the Dodgers on the road and three in Coors Field, his home run per fly ball rate will be tested. 

Boston Red Sox – Beginning the week with the resumption of a suspended game resulting in a de facto doubleheader applies pressure to an already struggling bullpen. Entering gameplay this week, the Red Sox leverage ladder has a 1.57 WHIP and negative 1.37 Win Probability Added for the month, next to last in the majors. Kenley Jansen and Chris Martin have pitched very well, but can the setup relievers get them leads? 

Chicago Cubs – Fantasy managers prefer clarity but the Cubs used two different relievers in save chances last scoring period, Porter Hodge and Jorge López. Hodge has been scoreless over his last eight games, recording two wins, a save, and four holds. López has not allowed a run in eight of nine games this month while posting a win, two saves, and two holds. Here are their underlying metrics for August: 

  • Hodge: 13:3 K:BB (27.5 K-BB%), 0.93 WHIP, 2.52 SIERA, 11.3 SwStr%, 72.7 percent contact rate allowed, 62.4 Strike%
  • López: 16:1 K:BB (44.1 K-BB%). 0.75 WHIP, 0.87 SIERA, 19 SwStr%, 62.1 percent contact rate allowed, 75,8 Strike%

Cincinnati Reds – Closer Alexis Díaz last recorded a save on August 13, though he’s been pitching better in the second half. However, his walk rate depresses his K-BB percentage (14.3 percent since the All-Star break), and his 1.00 WHIP does not reflect two hit batters reaching base. Those seeking positives will point out he’s converted five of six chances in the second half with a 14.8 swinging strike percentage. Expanding his sample to the last statistical year, he’s 27-for-32 in save chances with a 1.47 WHIP and a 7.3 K-BB percentage (56:37 K:BB). How he finishes the season may determine how he’s viewed by fantasy players for 2025. 

Colorado Rockies – With Victor Vodnik landing on the injured list, Tyler Kinley should assume the primary save share in the interim. Since July 28, Kinley’s recorded a win, a save in two chances, and seven holds with 14 strikeouts against three walks (23.9 K-BB%) and a 0.54 WHIP. Vodnik has a 1.94 WHIP with a zero K-BB percentage while allowing an 82.7 percent contact rate in this same timeframe. Perhaps fantasy managers focus too much on saves? 

Detroit Tigers – Segue alert, but Jason Foley has resumed his primary save share status for the Tigers. He’s secured his team’s last two saves (August 15 and 23) while being scoreless in eight of his last nine appearances.

Los Angeles Angels – Amidst a five-game losing streak, manager Ron Washington tried a match-up-based approach on Saturday in Toronto, using Ben Joyce in the eighth against the opposition’s 3-4-5 lineup pocket. Joyce secured his eighth hold, but the team lost when Roansy Contreras served up consecutive home runs at the bottom of the ninth without recording an out. Will this be a trend moving forward, or will the rookie be used in save situations over the remaining five weeks? 

Los Angeles Dodgers – First, there is no closer on this team right now. Although Michael Kopech converted saves on the 16th and 18th, he also appeared in the eighth inning on Saturday, with Evan Phillips receiving the save chance with a one-run lead. Dave Roberts may be using relievers against lineup lanes, so naming a closer in this bullpen seems misleading. Will Kopech continue receiving save chances? Yes. Will Phillips? It appears likely. Those in deep leagues can also try streaming Anthony Banda. He’s taken over as the top left-handed relief option in the hierarchy. He could be used against Joc Pederson later this week, though Phillips projects as the preferred option against Eugenio Suárez. Stay tuned for “As the Dodgers’ leverage events turn.”

Milwaukee Brewers – With a three-run lead entering the top of the ninth on Saturday in Oakland, Trevor Megill was warming for the potential save opportunity and Bryse Wilson if the lead grew. After the Brewers scored two runs in the top of the inning, Wison took over in a non-save outing. However, Devin Williams was not a part of the equation despite last appearing on Wednesday. After tireless searching on “X,” this video appeared with Pat Murphy speaking about a sore left shoulder for Williams. This sounds like a non-issue, but monitor usage patterns for this bullpen closely during this scoring period. 

New York Yankees – As September approaches, help for the bullpen may be arriving soon. Ian Hamilton made his first rehab outing at Double-A with a clean inning while striking out the side on 12 pitches. Lou Trivino has been scoreless over his last four appearances and retired his last nine batters faced, four via strikeout, also at Double-A. Clay Holmes remains the closer, and his underlying data portends better results than he’s experienced. However, when recalled, Hamilton could be a sneaky play, especially if the team keeps him in one-inning appearances. 

Pittsburgh Pirates – Recency bias affects fantasy managers, especially when valuing relievers at the end of the season for next year. David Bednar will be a hot topic this winter. After going through a six-game stretch allowing at least a run in each, he’s been scoreless in three of his last four, converting two saves. It’s a small step forward, but his splits before and after his in-season oblique injury cannot be overlooked. How he performs over the next five weeks may determine how the Pirates and fantasy players view him for 2025. 

San Francisco Giants – Despite recalling Camilo Doval on Saturday, Bob Melvin kept Ryan Walker installed as his closer. It’s tough arguing with his decision. Walker’s been scoreless in nine of ten games in August while posting the second-best K-BB percentage (45.7) among all qualified relievers. His robust 23 strikeouts versus two walks over 11.2 innings with a 0.69 WHIP and 16.3 swinging strike percentage are impressive enough, then toss in his 68.7 strike percentage. It’s far from Doval’s traffic-infused outings throughout the season. However, when the team drifts further from playoff contention, should it discover what it has in Doval? Or feature him for a potential trade this winter? Time will tell, but Walker will be the preferred save share until usage patterns suggest otherwise. 

Tampa Bay Rays – Tankathon rates the Rays’ remaining schedule as the second hardest in the majors, behind only the Giants. Manuel Rodríguez, Edwin Uceta, and Garrett Cleavinger recorded a save in the last scoring period. This aligns with past closer-by-committee machinations by Kevin Cash and the organization. Although the team traded Jason Adam and potentially lost Pete Fairbanks for the rest of the season, it ranks first in bullpen WHIP (0.95) in the second half while sitting second in K-BB percentage and Win Probability Added. As for clarity, our adjusted hierarchy lists all three relievers; hopefully, their roles become more pronounced over the next two weeks.

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: August 25

Saturday’s slate only provided six saves, and four relievers recorded wins. An extra-inning game between the Rays and the Dodgers culminated yesterday’s action, with Tampa Bay emerging with the one-run win in ten innings. Casey Kelly (CIN) made his first major league appearance since 2018, tossing three clean innings for his first career save. Even though the team activated Camilo Doval, Ryan Walker closed out his team’s win in Seattle and will be the closer moving forward.

Our condensed game recaps cover the high-leverage events of interest.

Closer CliffsNotes

  • Pierce Johnson (ATL) cashed receipts for our save vultures. He nailed down his second save on an efficient four-pitch outing while retiring the side against the Nationals. 
  • Seranthony Domínguez (BAL) fired a clean top of the ninth and recorded a strikeout for his sixth save. He’s retired the side in two straight contests and converted all five save chances since August 10 with the Orioles. 
  • Casey Kelly (CIN) recorded his first career save, finishing an eight-run win over the Pirates with three clean innings while striking out two. This marked his first MLB outing since 2018. 
  • Tayler Scott (HOU) inherited a bases-loaded situation in the bottom of the sixth and suffered his third blown save, allowing Jackson Holliday’s three-RBI double. 
  • Joe Kelly (LAD) suffered his first loss. He gave up a go-ahead José Caballero two-run home run in the top of the tenth against the Rays. 
  • Jhoan Durán (MIN) made his first appearance since August 18 while closing out a combined shutout in a non-save capacity. He allowed a walk and recorded two strikeouts on 16 pitches (50 Strike%) while generating five whiffs (31.3 SwStr%).
  • Ryan Walker (SFG) nailed down his third save. He allowed a hit and recorded two strikeouts in a scoreless ninth, preserving a win in Seattle. He’s been scoreless in nine of ten games in August, with 23 strikeouts against two walks over 11.2 innings. 
  • Garrett Cleavinger (TBR) faced the top of the Dodgers’ lineup with a two-run lead in the bottom of the tenth and held on for his fourth save, allowing an unearned run on a sacrifice fly. Manuel Rodríguez collected his third win. He tossed a scoreless ninth, issuing a walk and striking out two while keeping the game tied. 
  • Chad Green (TOR) took over with a two-run lead after a failed no-hit attempt and closed out his 14th save while retiring all three batters. He’s been scoreless in his last four appearances and has recorded one win and seven saves through 11 games in August with eight strikeouts against two walks across 10.1 innings. 

Vulture Save Options for Sunday. August 25

  • Yennier Cano (BAL): Domínguez has pitched in two straight, three of the last four, and four of the previous six. He deserves a day off.
  • Camilo Doval (SFG): Walker has appeared on back-to-back days and thrown 39 pitches. 
  • Génesis Cabrera (TOR): Green has logged outings in consecutive games. 
  • Daniel Hudson (LAD): Kopech and Phillips worked the previous two days. 

Vulture Save Stashes for Monday, August 26

  • Chris Martin (BOS): His team will complete a suspended game and play a full one. In a sweep, he could nab an ancillary save.
  • Scott Barlow (CLE): A second doubleheader features the Guardians and the Royals. A sweep for Cleveland could feature Barlow unless Clase wants the ball in both contests.
  • John Schreiber (KCR): If Erceg appears in Game 1, it could be Schreiber in Game 2. 

Three Takeaways

  • Dodgers ninth remains fluid: Although Michael Kopech recorded a game-finished and two saves in his previous three appearances, he worked in the top of the eighth on Saturday night against the bottom of the Rays’ lineup. Evan Phillips was lined up for the top of the batting order but took over with a one-run lead against the 3-4-5 hitters instead, allowing a game-tying home run. It’s frustrating from a fantasy standpoint, but Kopech and Phillips will share save opportunities based on lineup lanes with its divisional lead at three games entering game play on Sunday. 
  • Rays continue their fluidity: Securing his fourth save of the season, Garrett Cleavinger was the team’s preferred option against the top three hitters in the Dodgers lineup, including Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman. Manuel Rodríguez pitched a scoreless ninth and has taken over the top spot in the team’s hierarchy based on recent usage patterns, though the committee designation remains firmly affixed. Both relievers have pitched on consecutive days, which should translate into Edwin Uceta in the highest–leveraged moment in today’s contest.
  • Williams unavailable on Saturday: With a three-run lead at the top of the ninth, Milwaukee had Trevor Megill and Bryse Wilson warming up in Oakland. If there were a save chance, it would have been Megill, not Devin Williams. The last time we saw Williams, he struggled with his command during a 31-pitch appearance on Wednesday and threw 48 pitches on back-to-back days. This may have been workload management for the closer, but fantasy managers must monitor his availability and usage patterns over the last five weeks of the season.

Full Game Recaps from Saturday, August 25

Atlanta Braves – Providing his teammates with much-needed rest, Pierce Johnson secured his second save with a clean ninth, finishing a two-run win over the Nationals. He threw four pitches, all strikes.

  • Grant Holmes notched his first hold, navigating around two hits during a scoreless eighth.
  • Dylan Lee retired the side for his fifth hold in the seventh.
  • Aaron Bummer collected his fifth win. He stranded a runner while retiring his only batter (Joey Gallo) via strikeout in the top of the sixth. 

Hierarchy remains: Raisel Iglesias | Joe Jiménez | Pierce Johnson

Baltimore Orioles – Capping a comeback rally, Seranthony Domínguez shut the door on his sixth save with a clean ninth, preserving a one-run win over Houston. He threw eight pitches (75 Strike%) and produced two whiffs (25 SwStr%) while recording one strikeout. He’s posted consecutive clean appearances and converted all five save chances since August 10.

  • Yennier Cano did the heavy lifting, recording his 30th hold. He retired four of five batters while facing the top of the Astros lineup in the eighth, recording three strikeouts.
  • Keegan Akin collected his third win. He allowed a hit and struck out one in a scoreless combined inning, ahead of his team’s three-run rally in the bottom of the sixth.

Hierarchy remains: Seranthony Domínguez | Yennier Cano | Cionel Pérez

Los Angeles Dodgers – Summoned in the top of the tenth, Joe Kelly suffered his first loss. He allowed José Caballero’s go-ahead two-run home run.

  • Evan Phillips was tagged with his third blown save. He gave up a game-tying Junior Caminero solo home run in the top of the ninth, then retired the next three batters via strikeout.
  • Michael Kopech was credited with his sixth hold. However, his 15-game scoreless streak was snapped after he loaded the bases on two hits and a walk before inducing a sacrifice fly-double play. He escaped with only one earned run allowed.
  • Blake Treinen notched his tenth hold, giving up a hit and a walk during a scoreless seventh.
  • Ryan Brasier retired the side on six pitches in a clean sixth, securing his fifth hold.

Updated Hierarchy: *Michael Kopech | *Evan Phillips | Daniel Hudson

*= closer-by-committee

San Francisco Giants – Though reports suggested an off-day for Ryan Walker after logging two innings on Friday, he secured his third save, preserving a one-run win in Seattle. He allowed a two-out single and recorded two strikeouts while throwing 14 pitches (11 strikes – 78.6 Strike%) with one whiff. He’s been scoreless in nine of ten games in August, with 23 strikeouts against two walks over 11.2 innings.

  • Camilo Doval made his return, tossing 1.1 scoreless innings. He gave up a walk and recorded two strikeouts on 19 pitches (9 strikes – 47.4 Strike%) with two whiffs.
  • Jordan Hicks was credited with his second hold, allowing a hit, an earned run, and two walks while striking out one.
  • Spencer Bivens collected his third win. He worked three scoreless frames, scattering two hits and striking out two.

Updated Hierarchy: Ryan Walker | Tyler Rogers | Camilo Doval

Tampa Bay Rays – Entering with a two-run lead and matched up against the top of the Dodgers’ lineup, Garrett Cleavinger secured his fourth save. He allowed the “place” runner to score on a Mookie Betts sacrifice fly but preserved a one-run win in the bottom of the tenth.

  • Manuel Rodríguez collected his third win. He worked a scoreless ninth, issuing a walk and striking out two on 20 pitches (55 Strike%) with three whiffs (15 SwStr%).
  • Joel Kuhnel allowed Miguel Rojas’ solo home run during his two innings of relief. 

Updated Hierarchy: *Manuel Rodríguez | *Edwin Uceta | *Garrett Cleavinger

*=  closer-by-committee

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 24

After a slow Thursday in the world of high-leverage events, Friday made up for it. Nine relievers recorded a win (60 percent of the slate), and seven secured saves. Ron Washington frustrated fantasy managers everywhere using Ben Joyce in the eighth against Toronto’s 3-4-5 lineup pocket and suffered a walk-off loss with his best reliever not on the mound. Atlanta, Seattle, and the Dodgers also provided walk-off wins on a crazy slate. Our condensed game recaps cover the high-leverage events of interest.

Closer CliffsNotes

  • Raisel Iglesias (ATL) had his batter-retired streak snapped on a hit batter but collected his third win courtesy of a walk-off rally in the bottom of the tenth. He recorded two scoreless frames and one strikeout in his outing. He’s been scoreless over his last 15 appearances, spanning 17 innings, with 20 strikeouts against one walk and a minuscule 0.18 WHIP. 
  • Seranthony Domínguez (BAL) notched his fifth save and fourth with the Orioles, retiring the Astros’ 9-1-2 lineup pocket in order, capping his team’s comeback win. 
  • Jorge López (CHC) fired a clean bottom of the ninth and recorded a strikeout for his fourth save, second with the Cubs. Porter Hodge logged 1.1 scoreless frames, giving up a walk and striking out three while collecting his second win. 
  • Jason Foley (DET) notched his 17th save with a clean ninth on four pitches while preserving a three-run win over the White Sox. He’s recorded a save in two of his last three outings. 
  • Bryan Abreu (HOU) suffered his second loss. He gave up five hits, including Anthony Santander’s grand slam, and five earned runs over one-third of the eighth. 
  • Lucas Erceg (KCR) worked around a lead-off double for a scoreless ninth and seventh save. He’s been scoreless through ten outings since his acquisition, with 15 strikeouts against zero walks while converting all four save chances.
  • Roansy Contreras (LAA) took over with a one-run lead at the bottom of the ninth and served up consecutive home runs, resulting in his third loss and a second blown save. 
  • Michael Kopech (LAD) kept the game tied with a clean top of the ninth while recording two strikeouts. He collected his fourth win on Shohei Ohtani’s walk-off grand slam in the bottom of the inning. Kopech has been scoreless through ten appearances since the trade deadline, with 15 strikeouts against one walk while retiring 31 of 33 batters across 10.2 innings. 
  • Brett de Geus (MIA) gave up two hits, including Isaac Paredes’ go-ahead RBI double, resulting in his second loss. 
  • Bryan Hudson (MIL) entered in the bottom of the fifth and tossed two clean frames while striking out one en route to his sixth win. 
  • Clay Holmes (NYY) secured his 27th save while preserving a combined shutout of the Rockies. He allowed a hit and recorded a strikeout during a scoreless ninth. 
  • David Bednar (PIT) navigated around a lead-off double and a two-out walk for his 23rd save in a scoreless top of the ninth. He’s converted four of six save chances this month despite posting a 2.22 WHIP through nine innings in August. 
  • Collin Snider (SEA) tossed a scoreless top of the tenth, issuing a walk and recording two strikeouts. He collected his third win after his teammates provided a walk-off rally in the bottom of the tenth. 
  • Colin Poche (TBR) was called upon at the bottom of the ninth with two runners on and two outs. He issued a walk and served up Shohei Ohtani’s walk-off grand slam. Manuel Rodríguez suffered his third loss as a result. During his two-thirds of the ninth, he gave up a hit and a hit batter, resulting in two earned runs.
  • Kirby Yates (TEX) shut the door on his 23rd save with a clean ninth while recording a strikeout. He’s recorded two wins and four saves in five chances in August, with 18 strikeouts against four walks across 11 innings.
  • Chad Green (TOR) tossed a scoreless top of the ninth, a hit and striking out one. He collected his fourth win courtesy of consecutive home runs in the bottom of the inning.
  • Eduardo Salazar (WSH) was the tough-luck loser, suffering his first loss of the season. He logged 1.2 innings, but the “place” runner scored on a throwing error during a walk-off loss in Atlanta. 

Vulture Save Options for Saturday, August 24

  • Pierce Johnson (ATL): Iglesias appeared in a second straight game and logged two innings last night. Jiménez pitched in three of the previous four. 
  • Kyle Nicolas (PIT): Bednar and Chapman have pitched in three of the previous four. 

Vulture Save Stashes for Sunday. August 25

  • Yennier Cano (BAL): If Domínguez pitches today, it will be consecutive outings. 
  • Emilio Pagán (CIN): If Díaz appears in today’s contest, it will be back-to-back days. 
  • Tyler Holton (DET): If Foley pitches on Saturday, it will be two straight outings. 
  • John Schreiber (KCR): If Erceg appears today, it will be consecutive games and three in the last four. 

Three Takeaways

  • Hodge operates as the HLR: In the highest-leveraged moment during Friday’s game, the Cubs called upon Porter Hodge with two runners on and two outs in the bottom of the seventh. He stranded both runners and logged 1.1 scoreless frames, allowing a walk while striking out three. Usage patterns like this suggest he’s the HLR (highest leveraged reliever) and not a closer, which will disappoint fantasy managers seeking clarity. However, as Tuesday attests, he will still be in the mix for saves. This also keeps Jorge López in the mix for saves and mixed league-worthy. 
  • Match-up-based outing in Toronto: Although José Quijada only faced one batter in the seventh, if Ron Washington did not want a two-inning save from Ben Joyce, why not keep the southpaw in the game against the Blue Jays 3-4-5 hitters, two of which were left-handed? Instead, Joyce faced them and turned in a scoreless eighth, giving up a hit and striking out one. But did not return for the ninth. Roansy Contreras received the save chance and promptly allowed consecutive home runs, resulting in a walk-off loss. This was a confusing and frustrating usage pattern for those with Joyce on their fantasy rosters. 
  • Match-up-based outing for the Rays: This one is less of a surprise and indicates roles will be fluid with Pete Fairbanks sidelined by a lat injury. Edwin Uceta took over in the sixth against the Dodgers’ 4-5-6 lineup pocket and worked 1.1 scoreless innings, allowing two hits and striking out three. Garrett Cleavinger replaced him to face Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman, retiring all four batters faced. This led to Manuel Rodríguez in the ninth. He hit Will Smith with a pitch, allowed a Tommy Edman single, and after a sacrifice bunt put both runners in scoring position, he induced a Gavin Lux groundout before being replaced. Colin Poche took over against pinch-hitter Max Muncy and issued a walk before allowing the walk-off Ohtani grand slam. Kevin Cash may perceive Uceta and Rodríguez as the highest-leveraged relievers, but he will deploy them as needed in a game. This means fantasy managers will sometimes be frustrated with how saves get distributed in a match-up-based bullpen.

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

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Monkey Bytes: August 23

Thursday’s 10-game slate was a quiet one for high-leverage events. Only two relievers recorded a win, with one being a bulk appearance by Ryan Yarbrough (TOR). Three relievers recorded a save, including an MLB-leading 39th by Ryan Helsley. Our condensed game recaps cover the limited leverage outcomes from yesterday.

Closer CliffsNotes

  • Raisel Iglesias (ATL) locked down his 28th save while striking out the side against Philadelphia’s 3-4-5 hitters, preserving a one-run win. He’s been scoreless in the second half, allowing two hits and a walk while recording 18 strikeouts and converting all six save chances. 
  • Nick Mears (MIL) suffered his fifth loss. He allowed three hits, three earned runs, and a walk during two-thirds of the seventh in St. Louis. 
  • Mason Miller (OAK) recorded his 20th save with a scoreless ninth. He allowed a hit and recorded two strikeouts. He’s the third rookie pitcher in team history with at least 20 saves, joining Andrew Bailey (2009) and Huston Street (2005). 
  • Ryan Helsley (STL) secured his MLB-leading 39th save with a scoreless ninth while finishing a combined shutout. His next save will mark the ninth time a reliever has recorded 40 saves in team history and the first since Trevor Rosenthal (48 in 2015). 
  • Ryan Yarbrough (TOR) collected his fifth win as the “bulk follower.” He worked five scoreless frames, scattering three hits and striking out four against the Angels. 

Vulture Save Options for Friday, August 23

  • Ryan Fernandez (STL): Helsley, Kittredge, and Romero have worked in consecutive games. 
  • A.J. Puk (ARI): Teams have been matching up their left-handed relievers against Boston, and Martinez has thrown 38 pitches in his last two outings; he may require rest until Saturday. 

Vulture Save Stashes for Saturday. August 24

  • Joe Jiménez (ATL): If Iglesias pitches again tonight, it will be back-to-back appearances and three in the previous four. 

What to Watch For (Weekend Edition)

Baltimore Orioles – How will Brandon Hyde handle save situations? Seranthony Dominguez has converted three saves since with 15 strikeouts against three walks (28.6 K-BB%). However, he’s allowed a home run in his last three appearances, resulting in two losses. He’s given up seven hits in his 12 games with the Orioles, but four have been solo home runs. He needs a strong weekend to remain the team’s preferred option for the ninth inning. 

Chicago Cubs – After Jorge López recorded a save last Saturday with Porter Hodge working ahead of him, he seemed like the logical pivot for the closer role after the team placed Héctor Neris on waivers. But Porter Hodge, who pitched very well in leverage this season, received this bullpen’s first save in the post-Neris era. Hopefully, their respective roles will be clarified this weekend for the remainder of the season. 

Colorado Rockies – Tyler Kinley has been scoreless in 11 outings since July 28 over his 12 appearances, with 14 strikeouts against three walks and a 0.54 WHIP over 13 innings. He’s operated as the team’s closer before and has acknowledged he feels healthy compared to earlier this season when he struggled during ninth-inning outings. Angel Chivilli secured his first major league save earlier this week and remains on the periphery of leverage opportunities, while Victor Vodnik is on the injured list. 

Kansas City Royals—Will Lucas Erceg be used as a more traditional closer moving forward? He’s been scoreless through his first nine outings with the Royals, producing 14 strikeouts against zero walks (40 K-BB%) and a minuscule 0.39 WHIP across 10.1 innings. Here are his splits-by-pitch since his acquisition: 

Link: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/OYcfJ/2/

Milwaukee Brewers—When the team activated Devin Williams, it maintained that his workload would be managed closely, especially regarding consecutive appearances. However, he’s pitched on back-to-back days twice in the last nine days:

His first time was a dominating outing against the Dodgers. His second resulted in a blown save, during which he only threw 12 of his 31 pitches for strikes. Back injuries can be tricky, as can pursuing a bye in the playoffs while keeping its leverage ladder on optimal rest. This will be an intriguing needle for the team to thread, and fantasy managers will be tracking his performance down the stretch with eyes on his potential impact next year as a pending free agent. 

Pittsburgh Pirates—After a six-game stretch of allowing at least a run, David Bednar recorded consecutive clean appearances, providing a glimmer of hope for fantasy players. However, it was short-lived. He suffered a walk-off loss in Texas and has given up at least a run in seven of his last nine games. Using his pre-and-post oblique injury as the focal point of his splits-by-pitch, here are his results from his first 34 games against his last 13 since returning in July: 

Link: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/CR69S/3/

San Francisco Giants – Reports indicate the team will activate Camilo Doval before its series in Seattle begins this evening. After a rough first outing, he recorded three clean appearances at Triple-A. His role remains to be determined, but the team will likely ease him into leverage situations. Before his demotion, manager Bob Melvin said the bullpen works best with Doval closing so Ryan Walker can be deployed in the highest-leveraged moments. Time will tell if this was true or if Walker remains the closer with the team pursuing a playoff berth, though it’s a long shot (the playoffs, not Walker closing). 

Seattle Mariners – Andrés Muñoz recorded a 14-game scoreless streak between June 28 through August 14 but has allowed at least a run in his last two appearances. Under Scott Servais, he would be used in the highest-leverage moments in big games. With a new manager, fantasy managers should monitor his usage patterns over the last five-plus weeks.

Tampa Bay Rays – Although fantasy players prefer not hearing about a potential committee for save share, at least Kevin Cash remained true to his word when asked about replacing Pete Fairbanks. He suggested higher leverage roles for Edwin Uceta and Manuel Rodríguez. Each secured their first save for the Rays during this week’s games in Oakland. As the season progresses, we will track who gets the majority share and how they are used in the same contest.

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

Statistical Credits:

Fangraphs.com

Baseball-Reference.com

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