Rankings remain fluid, especially in the world of closers. However, we have updated rankings for saves and SOLDS before our second full week of contests ensues. But first, some risers and closers on the proverbial “hot seat.”
Three Relievers on the Rise
- Robert Suarez (SD): Pitching with renewed vigor and a wider arsenal, he’s converted all four save chances with a miniscule 0.25 WHIP while striking out six against one walk (35.7 K-BB percentage) through four contests. He’s not allowed a run, and his 1.44 SIERA confirms his strong start.
- José Alvarado (PHI): Healthy and throwing with improved velocity this season, Alvarado has emerged as the preferred save share for the Phillies. He’s already recorded a win, two saves, and one hold with 10 strikeouts against two walks (38.1 K-BB percentage) through five innings.
- Luke Jackson (TEX): He’s converted his last five save chances while recording a 0.80 WHIP with four strikeouts against one walk over five innings. He’s attacking hitters in the strike zone, posting a 75 percent strike rate, and if he commands his four-seam fastball, it sets up his slider (14 SwStr%) and his curve (18.2 SwStr%).
Relievers on the “Hot Seat”
- Ryan Pressly (CHC): After six appearances, the good news is that he’s recorded a win and three saves. However, his 4.50 ERA accompanies a 6.65 SIERA, a 2.50 WHIP, and a negative 13.3 K-BB percentage. He’s been tentative in the strike zone, and his 4.2 swinging strike percentage results in too much contact (88.6 percent contact rate allowed).
- Jordan Romano (PHI): Highlighted in today’s Monkey Bytes, he’s working with reduced velocity and a bloated 15.75 ERA. Hope lies in his 4.46 SIERA, but that’s still substandard for a high-leverage reliever. He will work in lower leveraged situations, but Orion Kerkering may “Wally Pipp” him for the top right-handed leverage option in this leverage ladder.
Updated Top 40 for Saves
| Rank | Relievers |
| 1 | Mason Miller |
| 2 | Josh Hader |
| 3 | Robert Suarez |
| 4 | Ryan Helsley |
| 5 | Emmanuel Clase |
| 6 | Devin Williams |
| 7 | Edwin Díaz |
| 8 | Raisel Iglesias |
| 9 | Ryan Walker |
| 10 | Jeff Hoffman |
| 11 | Tanner Scott |
| 12 | Andrés Muñoz |
| 13 | José Alvarado |
| 14 | Kenley Jansen |
| 15 | Pete Fairbanks |
| 16 | Trevor Megill |
| 17 | Aroldis Chapman |
| 18 | Jhoan Durán |
| 19 | Kyle Finnegan |
| 20 | Félix Bautista |
| 21 | Luke Jackson |
| 22 | Justin Martinez |
| 23 | A.J. Puk |
| 24 | Carlos Estévez |
| 25 | Seth Halvorsen |
| 26 | Ryan Pressly |
| 27 | Dennis Santana |
| 28 | Anthony Bender |
| 29 | Tommy Kahnle |
| 30 | Emilio Pagán |
| 31 | Blake Treinen |
| 32 | Jason Adam |
| 33 | Griffin Jax |
| 34 | Lucas Erceg |
| 35 | Porter Hodge |
| 36 | Bryan Abreu |
| 37 | Chris Martin |
| 38 | Yimi García |
| 39 | Yennier Cano |
| 40 | Luke Weaver |
Just Missed:
- Tony Santillan (CIN)
- Ben Joyce (LAA)
- Orion Kerkering (PHI)
- Justin Slaten (BOS)
- Jeremiah Estrada (SD)
- Edwin Uceta (TB)
- Mike Clevinger; Cam Booser (CHW)
Stash Candidates
- Graham Ashcraft (CIN)
- Abner Uribe (MIL)
- Mason Montgomery (TB)
- Justin Lawrence (PIT)
Updated Top 75 for SOLDS
| Rank | Reliever |
| 1 | Mason Miller |
| 2 | Josh Hader |
| 3 | Robert Suarez |
| 4 | Ryan Helsley |
| 5 | Emmanuel Clase |
| 6 | Devin Williams |
| 7 | Edwin Díaz |
| 8 | Raisel Iglesias |
| 9 | Ryan Walker |
| 10 | Jeff Hoffman |
| 11 | José Alvarado |
| 12 | Jason Adam |
| 13 | Tanner Scott |
| 14 | Justin Martinez |
| 15 | A.J. Puk |
| 16 | Andrés Muñoz |
| 17 | Bryan Abreu |
| 18 | Jeremiah Estrada |
| 19 | Luke Weaver |
| 20 | Aroldis Chapman |
| 21 | Lucas Erceg |
| 22 | Griffin Jax |
| 23 | Yennier Cano |
| 24 | Ben Joyce |
| 25 | Yimi García |
| 26 | Chris Martin |
| 27 | Robert Garcia |
| 28 | Luke Jackson |
| 29 | Trevor Megill |
| 30 | Tyler Rogers |
| 31 | Orion Kerkering |
| 32 | Jhoan Durán |
| 33 | Cade Smith |
| 34 | Tony Santillan |
| 35 | Kenley Jansen |
| 36 | Pete Fairbanks |
| 37 | Mason Montgomery |
| 38 | Hunter Harvey |
| 39 | Carlos Estévez |
| 40 | Félix Bautista |
| 41 | Porter Hodge |
| 42 | Cole Sands |
| 43 | Kyle Finnegan |
| 44 | Phil Maton |
| 45 | JoJo Romero |
| 46 | Blake Treinen |
| 47 | Camilo Doval |
| 48 | Dennis Santana |
| 49 | Reed Garrett |
| 50 | Edwin Uceta |
| 51 | Matt Strahm |
| 52 | Alex Vesia |
| 53 | Justin Slaten |
| 54 | Tyler Holton |
| 55 | Tommy Kahnle |
| 56 | Anthony Banda |
| 57 | Justin Sterner |
| 58 | Kirby Yates |
| 59 | Chad Green |
| 60 | Erik Miller |
| 61 | Mark Leiter Jr. |
| 62 | Seranthony Domínguez |
| 63 | Shelby Miller |
| 64 | Ryan Pressly |
| 65 | Keegan Akin |
| 66 | A.J. Minter |
| 67 | Anthony Bender |
| 68 | Paul Sewald |
| 69 | Hunter Gaddis |
| 70 | Ben Casparius |
| 71 | Jacob Webb |
| 72 | Randy Rodríguez |
| 73 | Bryan King |
| 74 | Abner Uribe |
| 75 | Gabe Speier |
Relievers on the Rise
- Justin Sterner (ATH): He’s been earning more leverage outings and posted two holds through five appearances. In them, he has a 0.80 WHIP with eight strikeouts versus two walks (27.8 K-BB percentage) and a 20.4 swinging strike percentage. It’s a limited sample, but he has a swinging strike percentage over 18 with all three of his pitches: four-seam fastball (18.5 SwStr%), cutter (23.8 SwStr%), and his slider (22.2 SwStr%).
- Matt Strahm (PHI): His underlying data has not been terrific, but he will receive more leverage work with Romano struggling. Last season, Strahm recorded six wins, three saves, and 18 holds with a 0.75 WHIP. If he were dropped in your SOLDS league, he’s worth adding.
- Tony Santillan (CIN): While his usage patterns annoy those seeking saves in the Reds’ bullpen, he has been a reliable leverage option for first-year manager Terry Francona. He has a 0.75 WHIP with seven strikeouts versus two walks (26.3 K-BB percentage) through five games, spanning 5.1 innings.
Thanks for being a part of the Closer Monkey community. Stay safe, and be well.
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