Tuesday provided a high volume of high-leverage events, including six wins by relievers and three via walk-offs. There were 10 saves across the 15-game slate, including three requiring only one out. Both Chicago teams recorded a save, though the names may be a surprise.
Three Takeaways
- Brebbia preserves shutout: Even though Michael Kopech last pitched on June 13, Pedro Grifol called upon John Brebbia for the save chance with a runner on and two outs in the ninth. He preserved the win, and the shutout, inducing a game-ending groundout. Over the last 30 days, he owns a 24.5 K-BB percentage, a 1.18 WHIP, and a 2.52 SIERA. He’s not flashy, and his 80 percent contact rate allowed in this sample cannot be overlooked, but he’s been one of the most stable relievers in this bullpen. There’s been no official announcement regarding role changes, but it appears he’s in the mix for saves moving forward, though the team will not abandon Kopech in leverage situations as they try building a trade market for each reliever.
- Keegan nails down the save: After scoring three runs in the bottom of the eighth, Craig Counsell summoned Keegan Thompson for the save in the top of the ninth. He responded with a clean outing, striking out the side against the Giants’ 4-5-6 lineup pocket. Tyson Miller collected the win, retiring all four batters faced, and he should supplant Hayden Wesneski in the hierarchy moving forward. Fantasy managers have seen bursts of productivity by Thompson before, but he’s on the watch list for a growing leverage role through the end of the month. Stay tuned, this hierarchy will be fluid as roles get reshuffled based on performance.
- Holmes scuffles during win: It will not be on the radar since he appeared in a non-save capacity on Tuesday night. However, Clay Holmes allowed a lead-off single by Gunnar Henderson, followed by a two-run home run by Anthony Santander. With the lead cut in half, Holmes bore down, inducing a groundout, a strikeout, and a game-ending grounder by Colton Cowser. He threw 17 pitches (11 strikes—64.7 Strike%) and induced two whiffs. He’s given up multiple runs in consecutive appearances and multiple hits in three straight. He can be a streaky pitcher, so monitor his outings through the end of this month. It may decide how the Yankees proceed ahead of the trade deadline with so many relievers on the precipice of being moved. Through seven games this month, he’s accrued 6.2 innings while giving up nine hits, four earned runs, and a 1.50 WHIP.
Our condensed and full game recaps cover Tuesday’s high-leverage events of interest.
Closer CliffsNotes
American League
(RP | BOS): Preserving a one-run win in Toronto, Kenley Jansen fired a clean bottom of the ninth and recorded one strikeout for his 13th save.
(RP | CHW): Brought into the top of the ninth with a runner on and two outs, John Brebbia induced a game-ending groundout by Victor Caratini, preserving the shutout and recording his second save. He’s been scoreless in seven of his eight outings in June, with 14 strikeouts versus one walk across 7.2 innings. Fantasy managers will await if this represents an ancillary save chance or a potential changing of the guard atop the bullpen’s hierarchy.
Updated Hierarchy: *John Brebbia | *Michael Kopech | Tanner Banks
*= closer-by-committee
(RP | MIN): Keeping the game tied with a clean top of the ninth and recording two strikeouts, Jhoan Durán collected his third win courtesy of a walk-off rally in the bottom of the inning against Tampa Bay.
(RP | OAK): Locking down his 13th save, Mason Miller retired the side and recorded one strikeout while closing out a two-run win over the Royals.
(RP | SEA): Taking over a bases-loaded situation in the bottom of the eighth, Andrés Muñoz quelled the threat by inducing two ground ball outs. He returned for the ninth and worked around a two-out double with a game-ending strikeout for his 13th save.
(RP | TBR): With the score tied in the bottom of the ninth, Pete Fairbanks gave up a lead-off single, and a two-out comebacker hit his hand, forcing him from the contest. However, Phil Maton allowed a walk-off single, putting the earned run and loss on Fairbanks’ ledger.
(RP | TEX): A tough luck loss for Kirby Yates, his first of the year. He took over a tied game in the top of the ninth and after issuing a one-out walk, a batter reached via catcher’s interference, and the game-winning run scored on an RBI double by Pete Alonso.
National League
(RP | ATL): Save number 19 for Raisel Iglesias. He retired the side in the top of the ninth, recording one strikeout and finishing a one-run win over Detroit.
(RP | CHC): Entering with a three-run lead, Keegan Thompson fired a clean top of the ninth and struck out the side for his first save of the season.
(RP | CIN): Shutting the door on his 16th save, Alexis Díaz fired a clean ninth and recorded a strikeout while preserving a one-run win over the Pirates.
(RP | COL): Forced into action with a one-run lead in the top of the ninth, Victor Vodnik suffered his first loss and blown save, allowing two hits and a walk, including a three-run, go-ahead home run by Teoscar Hernández.
(RP | LAD): A fantasy favorite one-out save was recorded by Evan Phillips, closing out a come-from-behind win in Colorado. He took over with a runner on and struck out Hunter Goodman for his 11th save.
(RP | MIA): Despite letting the “place” runner score on consecutive flyouts in the top of the tenth, Calvin Faucher collected his second courtesy of a walk-off rally in the bottom of the inning.
(RP | MIL): While securing his 14th save, Trevor Megill inherited a sticky situation with two runners on and two outs in the bottom of the ninth but induced a game-ending flyout at the wall by Taylor Ward. Megill has converted a save in his last six appearances and has been scoreless in seven of his eight games in June.
Hierarchy remains: Trevor Megill | Joel Payamps | Bryan Hudson
(RP | NYM): Protecting a one-run lead, Edwin Díaz tossed a scoreless bottom of the ninth in Texas, working around a lead-off single with a scoreless ninth.
(RP | PHI): Appearing with his team down one in the top of the ninth, Jeff Hoffman retired the side and struck out two. He collected his third win courtesy of a walk-off rally in the bottom of the inning.
(RP | SDP): After recording an out in the eighth, Robert Suarez returned for the ninth. He allowed a lead-off single by Bryce Harper, followed by three more consecutive hits, scoring the game-tying and go-ahead runs. Suarez suffered his first loss and first blown save in a walk-off in Philadelphia.
(RP | SFG): Suffering his second loss, Tyler Rogers allowed four hits, three earned runs, and a walk while striking out one over two-thirds in the bottom of the eighth against the Cubs.
Hierarchy remains: Camilo Doval | Tyler Rogers | Ryan Walker
(RP | STL): Entering with a one-run lead in the bottom of the tenth, Chris Roycroft suffered his first loss and first blown save, giving up three hits and two runs (one earned) over two-thirds of an inning. Consecutive one-out singles scored the game-tying run, and Vidal Bruján produced a walk-off RBI single.
Hierarchy remains: Ryan Helsley | Andrew Kittredge | JoJo Romero
Vulture Save Options for Wednesday, June 19
- Bryan Hudson (MIL): Megill has appeared in three of the last four days, and Payamps struggled last night so Hudson could receive a multi-inning save in today’s contest.
- Ryne Stanek (SEA): I’m not sure if he’s a vulture, but Muñoz logged 1.2 innings last night and should be ready for today’s game.
- Jason Adam (TBR): Fairbanks suffered a contusion last night and may need a day or two off, putting Adam in line for the save chance.
- Declan Cronin (MIA): The Marlins’ bullpen is running on fumes. The entire hierarchy has pitched on consecutive days.
Vulture Save Stash Options for Thursday, June 20
- Josh Staumont (MIN): If Durán and Jax pitch again today, it will be back-to-back outings, and Staumont could benefit on Thursday and receive the ninth inning.
- Dany Jiménez (OAK): If Miller pitches again today, it should be Jiménez in line for the vulture save on Thursday.
American League – Full Recaps
Boston Red Sox – Capping a comeback win, Kenley Jansen retired the side in the bottom of the ninth while recording one strikeout during his 13th save. He threw 11 pitches (72.7 Strike%) and induced one whiff facing the Blue Jays’ 8-9-1 hitters. He’s been scoreless in seven of his last eight games, converting all six save opportunities while producing 10 strikeouts against one walk across 8.2 innings. Justin Slaten retired his only batter in the eighth, securing his sixth hold and stranding a runner. Brennan Bernardino allowed a hit during his two-thirds scoreless in the eighth. Zack Kelly collected his first win, firing 1.1 clean frames while striking out one.
Updated Hierarchy: Kenley Jansen | Chris Martin | Justin Slaten
Minnesota Twins – After retiring the side and striking out two at the top of the ninth, Jhoan Durán earned his third win following a walk-off rally at the bottom of the inning. He threw 15 pitches (60 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (20 SwStr%). He’s been scoreless in six out of seven outings in June, collecting three wins, two saves, and a hold. Griffin Jax retired the side in the eighth. Jorge Alcala worked a clean seventh, striking out one.
Hierarchy remains: Jhoan Durán | Griffin Jax | Josh Staumont
Oakland A’s – Shutting the door on his 13th save, Mason Miller fired a clean top of the ninth and recorded a strikeout while preserving a two-run win over the Royals facing the 9-1-2 lineup pocket. He threw 10 pitches (80 Strike%) and generated three whiffs (30 SwStr%). This marks his first save since June 5 and only his second in June. Scott Alexander stranded a runner and retired his only batter faced in the eighth for his fourth hold. Lucas Erceg gave up two hits, two earned runs, and a walk over two-thirds of the eighth. He’s struggled since returning from the injured list, allowing at least a run in three of four appearances. Austin Adams worked a scoreless seventh, giving up a hit and striking out two, and may replace Erceg in set-up situations.
Hierarchy remains: Mason Miller | Lucas Erceg | Dany Jiménez
Seattle Mariners – Inheriting a bases-loaded situation in the bottom of the eighth, Andrés Muñoz induced an RBI fielder’s choice grounder and an inning-ending groundout. He returned for the ninth and navigated around a two-out double with a game-ending strikeout, resulting in his 13th save. This marks his eighth multi-inning outing of the season and fifth save requiring four or more outs. Trent Thornton made the mess in the eighth, allowing a hit, an earned run, and two hit batters during his one-third of the inning. Ryne Stanek secured his 11th hold, retiring his only batter via strikeout and stranding two runners in the seventh. Tayler Saucedo gave up two hits, an earned run, and a walk while striking out one in two-thirds of the seventh. Austin Voth notched his sixth hold, recording an out and stranding two runners in the sixth.
Hierarchy remain: *Andrés Muñoz (HLR/PSS) | *Ryne Stanek | Tayler Saucedo
*= An HLR/PSS means he’s the preferred save option but will be used at the highest-leverage moment in games when necessary.
Tampa Bay Rays – Taking over a tied contest at the bottom of the ninth, Pete Fairbanks allowed Manuel Margot to lead off a single, then recorded two outs before allowing a single by Carlos Correa, a comebacker which ricocheted off of his hand, forcing him from the outing. He departed with two runners and two outs. Phil Maton entered and gave up a walk-off RBI single by Carlos Santana, handing Fairbanks his third loss of the season. Jason Adam tossed a scoreless eighth, giving up a hit. Garrett Cleavinger retired the side and recorded two strikeouts in the seventh. Colin Poche turned in a clean sixth, striking out two. Shawn Armstrong suffered his first blown save, allowing two hits, two earned runs, and a walk while striking out one in the bottom of the fifth.
After the game, it was reported by Tricia Whitaker the X-rays on Fairbanks were negative for a break. He has a right-thumb contusion.
Hierarchy remains: Pete Fairbanks | Jason Adam | Colin Poche
Texas Rangers – Entering a tied game in the top of the ninth, Kirby Yates issued a one-out walk, J.D. Martinez reached via catcher’s interference, and Pete Alonso doubled, scoring the eventual game-winning run. Yates suffered his first loss as a result. Jacob Latz stranded a runner while walking one during his one-third of the eighth. David Robertson suffered his fifth blown save, giving up three hits and two earned runs while recording three strikeouts. José Leclerc was credited with his third hold despite allowing two hits, an earned run, and a walk while striking out one in one-third of the seventh.
Hierarchy remains: Kirby Yates | David Robertson | José Leclerc
National League – Full Recaps
Atlanta Braves – Nailing down his 19th save, Raisel Iglesias fired a clean top of the ninth and recorded one strikeout. He threw 11 pitches (72.7 Strike%) and generated four whiffs (36.4 SwStr%). He’s converted 11 consecutive save chances while posting a 12:3 K:BB over 14.1 innings since May 7. Joe Jiménez notched his 15th hold, tossing a scoreless eighth. He allowed a hit and struck out one. Pierce Johnson secured his seventh hold, giving up a hit and striking out one.
Hierarchy remains: Raisel Iglesias | Joe Jiménez | Pierce Johnson
Chicago Cubs – With a three-run lead, Keegan Thompson secured his first save by striking out the side against the Giants. He faced the 4-5-6 lineup pocket, throwing 15 pitches (66.7 Strike%) and producing three whiffs (20 SwStr%). He’s been scoreless in both appearances since his recall from Triple-A. Tyson Miller collected his second win, retiring all four batters faced, two via strikeout. He threw 15 pitches (66.7 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (13.3 SwStr%).
Updated Hierarchy: Héctor Neris | Mark Leiter Jr. | Tyson Miller
Cincinnati Reds – Preserving a one-run win, Alexis Díaz nailed down his 16th save. He retired the side in the bottom of the ninth, facing the Pirates’ 4-5-6 lineup pocket. He threw 13 pitches (10 strikes – 76.9 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (15.4 SwStr%). He’s converted nine straight saves since May 21 with 11 strikeouts against six walks across 10.2 innings. Fernando Cruz secured his 14th hold, issuing a walk during a scoreless eighth.
Updated Hierarchy: Alexis Díaz | Fernando Cruz | Lucas Sims
Colorado Rockies – Concluding an epic meltdown in the top of the ninth, Victor Vodnik suffered his first loss and first blown save. He allowed two hits, including a go-ahead three-run home run by Teoscar Hernández, and a walk while striking out one in two-thirds of the ninth. Tyler Kinley entered with a five-run lead and struggled. He gave up two hits and two walks, culminating in a grand slam by Jason Heyward during his one-third of the ninth. He threw 27 pitches (14 strikes – 51.9 Strike%) and induced three whiffs. Jalen Beeks logged 1.1 scoreless frames, issuing two walks. This leverage ladder remains volatile, not only in usage patterns but also in its outcomes.
Hierarchy remains: *Jalen Beeks | *Tyler Kinley | Justin Lawrence
*= closer-by-committee (match-up-based)
Los Angeles Dodgers – Sealing a massive comeback win in Coors Field, Evan Phillips recorded a game-ending strikeout of Hunter Goodman, stranding a runner for his 11th save. Alex Vesia was credited with his sixth hold, issuing a walk during two-thirds scoreless in the bottom of the ninth before his removal. Michael Peterson collected his first win during his MLB debut. He logged two innings, giving up a hit, an earned run, and a walk while striking out two ahead of his team’s seven-run top of the ninth.
Hierarchy remains: Evan Phillips | Blake Treinen | Daniel Hudson
Miami Marlins – Benefiting from a walk-off in the bottom of the tenth, Calvin Faucher collected his second win. He allowed a flyout and a sacrifice fly, scoring the “place” runner, then recorded an inning-ending strikeout. Tanner Scott fired a clean ninth and struck out one, keeping the score tied. He threw 15 pitches (60 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (20 SwStr%). He’s been scoreless in 15 of 16 games since the start of May, with 21 strikeouts versus eight walks across 17.1 innings. Andrew Nardi retired the side in the eighth. JT Chargois worked a scoreless seventh, allowing a hit and a walk while striking out one. Kent Emanuel logged two scoreless frames, yielding a hit and striking out two.
Updated Hierarchy: Tanner Scott | Calvin Faucher | Andrew Nardi
New York Mets -Despite allowing a lead-off single, Edwin Díaz secured his seventh save with a scoreless ninth in Texas, preserving a come-from-behind one-run win. He threw nine pitches (77.8 Strike%) and induced one whiff. He’s been scoreless with a win and two saves since returning from the injured list. Reed Garrett collected his seventh win, firing a clean bottom of the eighth and striking out one ahead of his team’s rally in the ninth. Jake Diekman retired both batters faced in the seventh.
Hierarchy remains: Edwin Díaz | Reed Garrett | Adam Ottavino
Philadelphia Phillies – Keeping his team within one, Jeff Hoffman fired a clean top of the ninth and recorded two strikeouts. He threw 14 pitches (71.4 Strike%) and generated four whiffs (28.6 SwStr%). Courtesy of a walk-off rally, he collected his third win. He owns an 11-game scoreless streak, posting 13 strikeouts against one walk in his last 10.2 innings. Matt Strahm retired the side in the eighth. Orion Kerkering tossed a clean seventh, striking out one.
Hierarchy remains: *José Alvarado | *Jeff Hoffman | Orion Kerkering
San Diego Padres – All streaks must conclude. Robert Suarez suffered his first loss and blown save in walk-off fashion against the Phillies. After recording the last out in the eighth, he returned for the ninth against the heart of the lineup. He gave up a lead-off single by Bryce Harper, followed by three straight singles, scoring the game-tying and go-ahead runs. He had previously converted all 17 save chances this season, and this outing was only the fourth time he’s given up multiple hits through 29 games. Wandy Peralta allowed a solo home run and struck out one during two-thirds of the eighth for his ninth hold. Jeremiah Estrada gave up a hit and recorded all three outs via strikeout in the seventh, securing his sixth hold. Adrian Morejon allowed a hit during two-thirds scoreless in the sixth, notching his fourth hold. Yuki Matsui stranded two runners in two-thirds scoreless combined innings, walking one and striking out two.
Hierarchy remains: Robert Suarez | Jeremiah Estrada | Yuki Matsui
Closer Monkey’s filthy outing of the day goes to Jeremiah Estrada, who recorded three strikeouts in the seventh against the Phillies—video courtesy of the Pitching Ninja.
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