Monkey Bytes, April 5: Bednar’s on the board, Game Recaps from Thursday’s small slate, and What to Watch for this weekend

Small slates can be slippery, especially with a doubleheader involved, but some performances of interest presented themselves, including a closer recording his first save of the season.

Pittsburgh Pirates – Save number one for “The Renegade”. David Bednar fired a clean bottom of the ninth and recorded two strikeouts finishing off a three-run win over the Nationals. He threw 19 pitches (14 strikes – 73.7 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (11.1 SwStr%). He owns a 0.33 WHIP with five strikeouts versus zero walks through his first three appearances. Aroldis Chapman took over in the eighth with two runners on and retired his only batter faced via strikeout for his second hold. This contest made team history as well. During its first five saves this season, five different relievers have secured them.

Hierarchy Remains: David Bednar | Aroldis Chapman | Ryan Borucki

Cleveland Guardians – Racking up his third save, Emmanuel Clase retired the side in order in the ninth, finishing off a two-run win in Minnesota matching up with the 9-1-2 lineup pocket. He threw 14 pitches (57.1 Strike%) and did not record a whiff. After three outings, he owns a 1.00 WHIP with two strikeouts against zero walks. Scott Barlow notched his third hold, yielding a hit and striking out three in a scoreless eighth. There’s stability in the eighth and ninth innings, but it’s been a revolving door based on availability for the bridge innings, making it tough mining holds in this leverage ladder, hopefully someone emerges in the vacated role filled by Trevor Stephan.

Hierarchy Remains: Emmanuel Clase | Scott Barlow | Tyler Beede

Detroit Tigers – (Game 1): Collecting his second win, Shelby Miller tossed two scoreless innings, stranding both “place” runners, navigating around two walks, and striking out four. He threw 34 pitches (18 strikes – 52.9 Strike%) and induced three whiffs. He owns a 0.33 WHIP with six strikeouts over six innings through four games this season. Jason Foley issued a lead-off walk (Brandon Nimmo), allowed a stolen base, recorded a strikeout, walked Pete Alonso, and produced an inning-ending double play ground-out, keeping the game tied. He only gave up 15 walks last year and never walked two during any of his 70 appearances. He threw 25 pitches (64 Strike%) with one whiff. Andrew Chafin fired a clean eighth, striking out one. Alex Lange worked a scoreless seventh, walking one and striking out two.

Detroit Tigers – (Game 2): Taking over in the sixth, Tyler Holton worked two scoreless frames, yielding a hit and striking out one for his first hold. He has picked up where he left off last season, logging 4.1 scoreless innings with six strikeouts versus zero walks while recording a 0.46 WHIP. Alex Faedo gave up a game-tying home run to Pete Alonso, issued a walk to Brett Baty, followed by a sacrifice bunt and walk-off RBI single by Tyrone Taylor, resulting in his first loss and his first blown save.

Flexing its bullpen’s depth and pliability, the Tigers could not close out a sweep but kept its leverage relievers on regular workloads after these games.

Hierarchy Remains: Jason Foley | Shelby Miller | Andrew Chafin

New York Mets – (Game 1): Suffering his second loss, Michael Tonkin allowed four hits and three runs (two earned) while recording a strikeout in a tough luck outing. Jorge López retired the side in order in the 10th, stranding the “place” runner. Edwin Díaz fired a clean ninth, striking out two on 12 pitches (75 Strike%) and generating three whiffs (25 SwStr%). He’s posted a 0.33 WHIP with five strikeouts versus zero walks through his first three contests. Adam Ottavino was tagged with his first blown save, serving up a game-tying solo home run by Riley Greene and striking out one in the eighth.

Hierarchy Remains: Edwin Díaz | Adam Ottavino | Brooks Raley

St. Louis Cardinals – Securing his second save, Ryan Helsley fired a clean ninth, striking out one versus the 9-1-2 lineup pocket of Miami. He threw 11 pitches (72.7 Strike%) with no whiffs. This outing lowered his WHIIP to 1.50 and he’s posted a 5:0 K:BB over four innings this season. JoJo Romero notched his second hold, retiring the side in order in the eighth, recording one strikeout. Giovanny Gallegos collected his first win, stranding a runner while retiring his only batter faced in the seventh.

Hierarchy Remains: Ryan Helsley | Giovanny Gallegos | JoJo Romero

Vulture Save Watch for Friday, April 5

STL: Ryan Helsley has appeared in three of the last four days, opening the door for a save chance by Giovanny Gallegos or JoJo Romero based on lineup pockets in today’s contest.

Vulture Save Watch for Saturday, April 6

DET: If Jason Foley pitches again on Friday, he will receive Saturday off. This opens the door for a Shelby Miller save chance, or Alex Lange, depending on how Hinch handles the leverage innings.

What to Watch For (Weekend Contests)

Kansas City Royals – Will the team give Will Smith its next save chance? Do they use a match-up-based approach? This would shift Smith into outings against left-handed hitting pockets and John Schreiber versus right-handed hitting pockets during high-leverage events. Also, will James McArthur migrate his early results toward the mean (12.00 ERA versus 3.50 SIERA) and work himself into future save chances?

Miami Marlins – Can Tanner Scott rebound from his early command issues (-5.6 K-BB%; 56.3 Strike%) and find his form from the second half last season? Andrew Nardi turned in another rough outing on Thursday and owns a 3.00 WHIP while allowing a 75 percent contact rate over his first three appearances. This leverage ladder needs stability and no one has stepped forward.

Milwaukee Brewers – Making his fourth appearance in six days resulted in a blown save for Joel Payamps. He also worked with reduced velocity based on this heavy usage pattern. With Trevor Megill on the seven-day concussion injured list, which reliever can step up in the sixth and seventh innings? Hoby Milner? Elvis Peguero?

Texas Rangers – It’s still early, but José Leclerc has not recorded a scoreless outing or a save. Kirby Yates has matched up with left-handed leaning lineup pockets while David Robertson faces right-handed hitting pockets in leverage situations. If Bochy gets an itchy trigger finger, which veteran with “closer” experience takes over the primary save share?

Closer Monkey’s filthy pitch of the day, Edwin Díaz produced an ugly whiff on this slider, courtesy of the Pitching Ninja.

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Tiered Rankings for SOLDS, April 5

Once again, noting these rankings remain fluid, here’s an updated tiered look at relievers in SOLDS formats. Those in leagues with holds as a separate category can use this list as well.

Tier One

  • Emmanuel Clase (CLE)
  • Evan Phillips (LAD)
  • Edwin Díaz (NYM)
  • Andrés Muñoz (SEA)
  • David Bednar (PIT)
  • Raisel Iglesias (ATL)
  • Pete Fairbanks (TBR)
  • Ryan Helsley (STL)
  • Josh Hader (HOU)
  • Griffin Jax (MIN)

Tier Two

  • Craig Kimbrel (BAL)
  • Adbert Alzolay (CHC)
  • Robert Suarez (SDP)
  • Jason Foley (DET)
  • Carlos Estévez (LAA)
  • Clay Holmes (NYY)
  • Abner Uribe (MIL)
  • Kyle Finnegan (WSH)
  • Alexis Díaz (CIN)
  • Camilo Doval (SFG)
  • Kenley Jansen (BOS)
  • Kevin Ginkel (ARI)

Tier Three

  • José Alvarado (PHI)
  • Aroldis Chapman (PIT)
  • Chris Martin (BOS)
  • Tanner Scott (MIA)
  • A.J. Minter (ATL)
  • Giovanny Gallegos (STL)
  • Jason Adam (TBR)
  • Joel Payamps (MIL)
  • Jeff Hoffman (PHI)
  • Hunter Harvey (WSH)
  • Hector Neris (CHC)
  • Ryan Pressly (HOU)
  • Ian Hamilton (NYY)
  • Yennier Cano (BAL)
  • Bryan Abreu (HOU)
  • Mason Miller (OAK)

Tier Four

  • Pierce Johnson (ATL)
  • Lucas Sims (CIN)
  • Fernando Cruz (CIN)
  • Scott Barlow (CLE)
  • Daniel Hudson (LAD)
  • Justin Lawrence (COL)
  • Kirby Yates (TEX)
  • David Robertson (TEX)
  • José Leclerc (TEX)
  • Brock Stewart (MIN)
  • Tyler Rogers (SFG)
  • Shelby Miller (DET)
  • JoJo Romero (STL)
  • Andrew Chafin (DET)
  • Ryne Stanek (SEA)
  • Yimi García (TOR)
  • Taylor Rogers (SFG)

Tier Five

  • Michael Kopech (CWS)
  • Gabe Speier (SEA)
  • John Schreiber (KCR)
  • Ryan Borucki (PIT)
  • Will Smith (KCR)
  • Chad Green (TOR)
  • James McArthur (KCR)
  • Matt Moore (LAA)
  • Ryan Thompson (ARI)
  • Julian Merryweather (CHC)
  • Emilio Pagán (CIN)
  • Joe Kelly (LAD)
  • Josh Sborz (TEX)
  • Gregory Soto (PHI)

Tiered Rankings for Saves, April 5

Noting these rankings remain fluid, here’s an updated tiered look at relievers for saves-only formats entering the weekend.

Tier One

  • Emmanuel Clase (CLE)
  • Edwin Díaz (NYM)
  • Evan Phillips (LAD)
  • David Bednar (PIT)
  • Raisel Iglesias (ATL)
  • Pete Fairbanks (TBR)
  • Ryan Helsley (STL)
  • Josh Hader (HOU)

Tier Two

  • Craig Kimbrel (BAL)
  • Andrés Muñoz (SEA)
  • Adbert Alzolay (CHC)
  • Robert Suarez (SDP)
  • Carlos Estévez (LAA)
  • Clay Holmes (NYY)
  • Abner Uribe (MIL)
  • Jason Foley (DET)
  • Kyle Finnegan (WSH)
  • Alexis Díaz (CIN)
  • Camilo Doval (SFG)
  • Kenley Jansen (BOS)
  • Kevin Ginkel (ARI)

Tier Three

  • Griffin Jax (MIN)
  • José Alvarado (PHI)
  • Tanner Scott (MIA)
  • Mason Miller (OAK)
  • José Leclerc (TEX)
  • Michael Kopech (CWS)
  • Justin Lawrence (COL)
  • Aroldis Chapman (PIT)
  • Brock Stewart (MIN)
  • Joel Payamps (MIL)
  • Giovanny Gallegos (STL)
  • Daniel Hudson (LAD)
  • Will Smith (KCR)

Tier Four

  • Hunter Harvey (WSH)
  • Ian Hamilton (NYY)
  • Ryan Pressly (HOU)
  • Chris Martin (BOS)
  • Jason Adam (TBR)
  • Shelby Miller (DET)
  • David Robertson (TEX)
  • Kirby Yates (TEX)
  • Bryan Abreu (HOU)
  • Yennier Cano (BAL)
  • Chad Green (TOR)
  • Yimi García (TOR)
  • John Schreiber (KCR)
  • James McArthur (KCR)
  • Jeff Hoffman (PHI)
  • Scott Barlow (CLE)
  • Dany Jiménez (OAK)

Tier Five

  • A.J. Minter (ATL)
  • Lucas Sims (CIN)
  • Fernando Cruz (CIN)
  • Hector Neris (CHC)
  • José Soriano (LAA)
  • John Brebbia (CWS)
  • Anthony Bender (MIA)
  • Yuki Matsui (SDP)
  • Josh Sborz (TEX)

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Monkey Bytes, April 4: Kenley works on consecutive days, Will Smith struggles continue, Alexis Díaz records his first save, Game Recaps, and more

Wednesday’s slate provided a little bit of everything. A veteran closer moved up the all-time saves list, and a walk-off rally in Baltimore frustrated fantasy players with Cole Ragans on their roster. Plus, a closer secured his first save after a lengthy substance check in Philadelphia.

Boston Red Sox – Another white-knuckle ride in high-leverage with Kenley Jansen, but he preserved a shutout win in Oakland, navigating around two walks with a game-ending strikeout for his second save of the season. This also marked the 422nd save of his career, moving him into a tie for sixth all-time with Billy Wagner. He threw 21 pitches (10 strikes – 47.6 Strike%) and induced two whiffs. Through three appearances, he owns a 1.67 WHIP with five strikeouts versus five walks over three innings. Chris Martin notched his second hold, giving up two hits and striking out one.

Hierarchy Remains: Kenley Jansen | Chris Martin | Josh Winckowski

Kansas City Royals – Spoiling a strong start by Cole Ragans, closer Will Smith suffered his second loss and first blown save during a walk-off rally in Baltimore. His outing began with a lead-off walk to Ryan Mountcastle, a high-leverage mortal sin, followed by a single, sacrifice bunt, and an intentional walk loading the bases. After recording a strikeout, he gave up a two-RBI single by James McCann. Smith threw 17 pitches (7 strikes – 41.2 Strike%) with two whiffs (11.8 SwStr%) working with reduced velocity. Angel Zerpa let both inherited runners score on a sacrifice fly and a single while recording two outs in the eighth for his first hold. James McArthur stranded two runners in the seventh, but struggled in the eighth, giving up two hits and two earned runs. He got credit for his first hold but owns a 2.33 WHIP through his first three innings this season. It’s a small sample, but stashing John Schreiber for a future save chance feels warranted given Smith’s early struggles and drop in velocity.

Hierarchy Tentative Remains: Will Smith | John Schreiber | James McArthur

Cincinnati Reds – Although he underwent a lengthy pre-outing inspection for a tacky substance, Alexis Díaz was allowed to pitch and recorded his first save of the season with a scoreless ninth. He recorded two strikeouts and worked around a two-out single while preserving the three-run win over the Phillies. He threw 24 pitches (75 Strike%) and induced two whiffs. His velocity was down, but it’s likely because of the weather conditions in this contest. Fernando Cruz notched his second hold, firing a clean eighth and striking out one against the 3-4-5 lineup pocket. Lucas Sims secured his first hold, tossing a scoreless seventh, walking one and striking out two.

Hierarchy Remains: Alexis Díaz | Lucas Sims | Fernando Cruz

American League (Game Recaps from April 3)

Baltimore Orioles – Benefiting from a walk-off rally, Yennier Cano collected his first win after firing a clean top of the ninth and striking out one. He threw 10 pitches (80 Strike%) and generated three whiffs (30 SwStr%). He’s turned in 3.1 scoreless frames early on with three strikeouts against one walk.

Hierarchy Remains: Craig Kimbrel | Yennier Cano | Keegan Akin

Minnesota Twins – After his team tacked a run on their lead removing the save chance, Steven Okert tossed a scoreless bottom of the ninth, walking one and striking out three, closing out a come-from-behind four-run victory. Griffin Jax fired a clean eighth, striking out one on 18 pitches (11 strikes – 61.1 Strike%) with two whiffs (11.1 SwStr%), matching up with Milwaukee’s 2-3-4 lineup pocket for his first hold. Brock Stewart notched his second hold, retiring the side in order in the seventh, recording two strikeouts.

Hierarchy Remains: *Griffin Jax | *Brock Stewart | Steven Okert

New York Yankees – A wild finale in the desert ended in a save for Caleb Ferguson, striking out pitcher Scott McGough with the bases loaded. Ferguson let one of two inherited runners score, giving up a hit, and a walk while striking out two over two-thirds of an inning. Clay Holmes collected his first win, along with suffering his first blown save, allowing a hit, three unearned runs, and striking out one over 1.1 innings. He threw 22 pitches (13 strikes – 59.1 Strike%) and produced two whiffs during his outing. He also hit a batter and uncorked a wild pitch. He owns a 1.38 WHIP with one strikeout over 4.1 innings.

Hierarchy Remains: Clay Holmes | Ian Hamilton | Jonathan Loáisiga

Texas Rangers – During a non-save appearance, José Leclerc recorded an out before hitting Isaac Paredes with a pitch, then gave up consecutive hits, including an RBI single by Harold Ramírez before retiring the last two batters he faced. He threw 21 pitches (66.7 Strike%) and induced one whiff. Through three outings, he owns a 3.00 WHIP and only registered one strikeout over 2.2 innings. David Robertson notched his third hold, working around two hits and striking out one in a scoreless eighth.

Hierarchy Remains: José Leclerc | Kirby Yates | David Robertson

National League (Game Recaps from April 3)

Arizona Diamondbacks – Taking over in the top of the 11th, Scott McGough allowed two hits and two runs (one earned), while striking out one, resulting in his first loss. Kevin Ginkel served up a two-run home run in the top of the 10th facing Alex Verdugo, scoring the “place” runner, but did not factor in the decision courtesy of his team’s rally in the bottom of the frame. He threw 12 pitches (66.7 Strike%) with one whiff.

Hierarchy Remains: Kevin Ginkel | Ryan Thompson | Scott McGough

Chicago Cubs –Capping a late rally after blowing a large lead, Adbert Alzolay tossed a scoreless top of the ninth, giving up a hit and striking out two for his first save of the year. He threw 17 pitches (10 strikes – 58.8 Strike%) and induced three whiffs (17.6 SwStr%). He owns a 1.13 WHIP with four strikeouts versus one walk over three innings. Hector Neris suffered his first blown save, but collected his second win, letting all three inherited runners score in the eighth while allowing three hits and two earned runs while striking out two over two-thirds of an inning.

Hierarchy Remains: Adbert Alzolay | Hector Neris | Julian Merryweather

Milwaukee Brewers – Joel Payamps suffered his first loss and first blown save, allowing four hits and four earned runs over one-third of the seventh. This marked his fourth outing in six days. In a roster note, Trevor Megill was placed on the seven-day concussion injury list before this contest.

Adjusted Hierarchy: Abner Uribe | Joel Payamps | Hoby Milner

San Diego Padres –  Forced into an extended outing, Robert Suarez held on for his third save, logging 1.2 scoreless frames, preserving a one-run win over the Cardinals. It did not come easy, he stranded a runner in the eighth after walking a batter and then induced an inning-ending double play groundout. During the ninth, he allowed a hit and a walk before recording a game-ending strikeout. He threw 33 pitches (20 strikes – 60.6 Strike%) and produced three whiffs. He owns a 5:2 K:BB with a 1.25 WHIP through four innings this season.

Hierarchy Remains: Robert Suarez | Yuki Matsui | Wandy Peralta

Washington Nationals – Short memories remain a must for leverage relievers and Kyle Finnegan bounced back with a scoreless ninth, securing his second save. He worked around an error allowing a baserunner and recorded two strikeouts. He threw 16 pitches (62.5 Strike%) with one whiff. Hunter Harvey retired all five batters faced, four via strikeout on 26 pitches (16 strikes – 61.5 Strike%), and generated five whiffs (19.2 SwStr%).

Hierarchy Remains: Kyle Finnegan | Hunter Harvey | Jordan Weems

Ancillary Save Alerts

Los Angeles Angels – First career save alert, this one by Guillermo Zuñiga during an eight-run win in Miami. He fired three clean frames, striking out one, needing only 28 pitches (60.7 Strike%) and producing two whiffs.

Los Angeles Dodgers – Providing Evan Phillips with rest, Dinelson Lamet recorded his first career save, firing a clean top the ninth, striking out two. He threw 11 pitches 63.6 Strike%) with one whiff.

Closer Monkey filthy pitch of the day goes to Fernando Cruz and his splitter, courtesy of the Pitching Ninja.

Vulture Save Alert for Thursday, April 4

Doubleheaders can create strange save situations if there’s a sweep, but it’s a hedge, nothing guaranteed

  • DET: Shelby Miller and Will Vest (Alex Lange?)
  • NYM: Adam Ottavino and Drew Smith
  • KCR: Will Smith has appeared in two straight, James McArthur in two of the last three, which may create a save chance for John Schreiber in today’s contest.

Thursday’s limited slate makes vulture saves very limited on Friday, but we are watching the Marlins leverage ladder closely.

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Monkey Bytes, April 3: Kopech hangs on for his first career save, Hader blows his first in Houston, Game Recaps, and more

Chicago White Sox – Taking over with two runners on and one out in the eighth, Michael Kopech issued a walk and induced an inning-inning double-play grounder. In the ninth, he served up a solo home run (Marcell Ozuna), issued a second walk, and gave up a single, but recorded his first major league save, closing out a one-run win. He threw 39 pitches (23 strikes – 59 Strike%) with two whiffs. Seven of his pitches reached triple digits (17.9%). John Brebbia retired one batter and issued two walks over one-third of the eighth, receiving credit for his first hold. 

Hierarchy Remains: *Michael Kopech | *John Brebbia | *Steven Wilson

Houston Astros – With a chance at closing out a combined shutout, and his first save as an Astro, Josh Hader came up short, suffering his second loss and first blown save. His outing began with a lead-off single by Vlad Guerrero Jr. followed by a double play groundout. However, a two-out walk to Justin Turner preceded the go-ahead two-run home run by Davis Schneider before an inning-ending grounder. Hader gave up two hits, two earned runs, and a walk while throwing 21 pitches (13 strikes – 61.9 Strike%) with two whiffs. He owns a 1.50 WHIP with seven strikeouts versus two walks through four innings. Ryan Pressly secured his first hold, retiring his only batter faced and stranding a runner in the eighth.

Hierarchy Remains: Josh Hader | Ryan Pressly | Bryan Abreu

American League (Game Recaps from April 2)

Boston Red Sox – Working two scoreless innings, and benefiting from his team’s run in the top of the 11th, Josh Winckowski collected his first win, issuing an intentional walk and striking out two in Oakland. He threw 15 pitches, all strikes, and induced four whiffs (26.7 SwStr%). Kenley Jansen made his first appearance in four days, navigating around two walks and striking out two in a scoreless bottom of the ninth, throwing 26 pitches (14 strikes – 53.8 Strike%) and producing five whiffs (19.2 SwStr%). Chris Martin fired a clean eighth, striking out one on an efficient nine pitches (77.8 Strike%) with two whiffs (22.2 SwStr%).

Hierarchy Remains: Kenley Jansen | Chris Martin | Josh Winckowski

Cleveland Guardians – Nailing down his second save, Emmanuel Clase allowed a one-out single by Dominic Canzone and recorded a strikeout during a scoreless bottom of the ninth in Seattle. He threw 17 pitches (14 strikes – 82.4 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (11.8 SwStr%). Through two outings, he owns a 1.50 WHIP with two strikeouts.

Hierarchy Remains: Emmanuel Clase | Scott Barlow | Tyler Beede

Kansas City Royals -Securing his first save of the season, Will Smith fired a clean ninth in Baltimore, recording one strikeout. He threw 11 pitches (54.5 Strike%) and induced one whiff. Through two outings, he owns a 2.00 WHIP with one strikeout against two walks. John Schreiber worked a scoreless eighth, giving up a hit for his second hold.

Hierarchy Remains: Will Smith | James McArthur | John Schreiber

Oakland A’s – Suffering his first loss, Mitch Spence gave up an RBI, go-ahead single by Reese McGuire, scoring the “place” runner in the top of the 11th. Mason Miller logged two scoreless frames, giving up a hit and a walk while striking out four across the ninth and 10th innings. He threw 29 pitches (20 strikes – 69 Strike%) and generated an eye-popping 11 whiffs (37.9 SwStr%). Dany Jiménez fired a clean eighth, striking out two.

Hierarchy Remains: *Mason Miller | *Dany Jiménez | Austin Adams

Toronto Blue Jays – Collecting his first win in a very strange contest, Chad Green took over in the eighth with two runners on, but the inning ended when Jose Altuve was picked off at third. Following a go-ahead two-run home run, Green returned for the ninth, with a runner reaching on an error, the pinch-runner was thrown out during a steal attempt after falling, then he recorded the last two outs. All told, he logged 1.1 scoreless innings while striking out one throwing 23 pitches (12 strikes – 52.1 Strike%) with three whiffs. Tim Mayza walked one during two-thirds scoreless in the eighth. Yimi García tossed a scoreless seventh, allowing a hit and striking out one.

Adjusted Hierarchy: *Chad Green | *Yimi García | Génesis Cabrera

National League (Game Recaps from April 2)

Los Angeles Dodgers – Finishing off a bullpen contest, Evan Phillips recorded his third save, allowing a hit and striking out two over 1.1 scoreless frames. He threw 17 pitches (14 strikes – 82.4 Strike%) and produced one whiff. He’s posted a minuscule 0.27 WHIP with five strikeouts versus zero walks through 3.2 innings.

Hierarchy Remains: Evan Phillips | Daniel Hudson | Joe Kelly

Milwaukee Brewers – Despite issuing a lead-off walk to Carlos Correa, Abner Uribe induced a ground ball double play and retired Carlos Santana on a ground out, securing his third save of the season. He threw eight pitches (50 Strike%) without recording a whiff. He owns a 0.67 WHIP with two strikeouts versus one walk over his first three innings. Joel Payamps notched his second hold, retiring the side in order in the eighth, facing the Twins’ 2-3-4 lineup pocket.

Hierarchy Remains: Abner Uribe | Joel Payamps | Trevor Megill

St. Louis Cardinals – Recording his first save of the season, Ryan Helsley worked a scoreless bottom of the ninth, navigating around a lead-off single by Luis Campusano with two strikeouts and a game-ending pop-out. Helsley threw 13 pitches (10 strikes – 76.9 Strike%) with one whiff. He’s posted a 2.00 WHIP with four strikeouts over his first three outings. Andrew Kittredge notched his third hold with a clean eighth, striking out one. Giovanny Gallegos worked around a hit and a walk for a scoreless seventh, securing his first hold.

Hierarchy Remains: Ryan Helsley | Giovanny Gallegos | JoJo Romero

Ancillary Saves from April 2

Los Angeles Angels – Hanging on for his first save of the year, and first since August 20, 2022, Luis García allowed a solo home run but recorded a game-ending strikeout, preserving a 3-1 win over Miami. He threw 19 pitches (11 strikes – 57.9 Strike%) and produced two whiffs. He now has an ERA (36.00) after not recording an out during his first appearance. Matt Moore retired the side in order in the eighth for his second hold. If interested, Adam Cimber was warming in case he was needed in the ninth with Carlos Estévez unavailable for this contest.

Hierarchy Remains: Carlos Estévez | Matt Moore | José Soriano

Philadelphia Phillies – After six years between appearances with the Phillies, Ricardo Pinto provided his teammates with much-needed rest by logging four innings for his first save of the season, and the first save of his career. He allowed three hits and two earned runs while striking out four, throwing 73 pitches with seven whiffs. 

Hierarchy Remains: *José Alvarado | *Jeff Hoffman | Seranthony Domínguez

Vulture Save Candidates for Wednesday, April 3

  • BOS: Chris Martin since Kenley Jansen threw 26 pitches last night and has a balky back.
  • CWS: Steven Wilson after Michael Kopech logged 1.2 innings and threw 39 pitches on Tuesday.
  • HOU: Josh Hader has appeared in three of the last four days, so Ryan Pressly likely receives the save chance if provided, though the team could opt for Bryan Abreu. It would be ironic if Pressly secured a save before Hader.
  • OAK: Because Mason Miller worked two innings last night, Dany Jiménez lines up as the likely save option in today’s game against Boston.
  • St. Louis: Ryan Helsley has appeared in two straight games, which creates a vulture save chance for Giovanny Gallegos, though JoJo Romero could be a factor depending on how lineup pockets proceed in the high-leverage innings.

Vulture Save Candidates for Thursday, April 4

  • MIA: Andrew Nardi could be in play, but this is a small slate, and usage patterns on Wednesday will be necessary before suggesting strong plays.

Closer Monkey’s filthy pitch of the day goes to Dillon Tate and his sweepers against Kansas City last night, courtesy of the Pitching Ninja.

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