Closer Monkey’s Leverage Ledger | July 29

Monday began with a bombshell when it was announced Emmanuel Clase will be suspended through August 31 pending an MLB investigation into gambling accusations. This removes him and his teammates in the bullpen from trade talks, but they struggled in their first game with him away from the team, resulting in a loss against the Rockies.

On Monday’s slate, relievers recorded eight wins, although Robert Suarez’s outing was accompanied by a blown save, and converted nine saves while being tagged with five losses. Two of last night’s saves were of the one-out variety; here they are in condensed form:

For the save streamers, these games have better options than the doubleheader between Toronto and Baltimore:

Vulture Save Options for July 29

  • Reid Detmers (LAA); Jansen has pitched in consecutive contests. 
  • Garrett Whitlock (BOS): He was unavailable due to illness last night, but Hicks has worked in back-to-back games, and Aroldis Chapman is dealing with a back issue. 
  • Griffin Jax (MIN): Durán has appeared in consecutive games. 
  • Alex Vesia (LAD): Treinen threw 25 pitches last night. 
  • Dennis Santana (PIT): Bednar threw a season-high 32 pitches last night. 
  • Tyler Kinley (COL): Halvorsen threw 27 pitches and Vodnik 29 during last night’s win over Cleveland. 

Doubleheader Options

  • Baltimore: Andrew Kittredge
  • Toronto: Yariel Rodríguez

Vulture Save Stah for July 30

  • Edwin Uceta (TB): If Fairbanks pitches today, it’s back-to-back appearances. 

Three Takeaways

(1) Smith was not sharp: It was a rough debut as the potential fill-in for Emmanuel Clase. Cade Smith hung a slider against Warming Bernabel, resulting in a lead-off double, made a throwing error on a bunt, scoring an unearned run, and could not put away hitters in this outing. He finished with two hits and four runs (one earned) while recording one out en route to his fourth loss and a third blown save. First, his illustrator:

And the results:

Whether it was sequencing, trying too hard, or simply missing spots, better days lie ahead for Smith. Through 47 games, he has a 2.60 SIERA, a 2.73 xERA, a 15.3 swinging strike percentage, and a 24.6 K-BB percentage. He has a double-digit swinging strike percentage with all three of his pitches: four-seam fastball (14 percent), split-fingered fastball (19.1 percent), and his slider (18.4 percent).

Updated Hierarchy: Cade Smith | Hunter Gaddis | Tim Herrin

(2) Treinen was also not sharp: Minor league rehab outings never tell the full story, and Blake Treinen took over with a four-run lead at the bottom of the ninth in Cincinnati, making his first MLB outing since April 13. He threw 25 pitches (60% strike rate) and produced three whiffs (12 SwStr%) while giving up two hits, an earned run, and two walks while striking out two. His illustrator:

And his results:

Treinen departed with the bases loaded and two outs. Jack Dreyer replaced him and induced a game-ending groundout against Matt McLain for his first career save. Once again, better days lie ahead for the veteran reliever; hopefully, this outing was the result of rust.

Updated Hierarchy: *Blake Treinen | *Alex Vesia | *Jack Dreyer

(3) Hicks suffers a walk-off loss: Warming up for a save chance before the rain delay, Jordan Hicks was not sharp when the contest resumed. Taking over with a one-run lead, he allowed DeShawn Keirsey Jr.’s lead-off single, hit consecutive batters to load the bases, recorded an out on a fielder’s choice force out at home, then gave up Brooks Lee’s walk-off two-RBI single. Hicks suffered his seventh loss and a first blown save during Boston’s MLB-leading tenth walk-off loss this season. He threw 23 pitches (65.2% strike rate) without a whiff. Although his strike percentage does not seem like his command was lacking, he hit two batters on three pitches:

The one out he recorded would have been ball four if Carlos Correa had not swung. As the last man standing, this should not be overanalyzed, but Hicks has not fared well in back-to-back outings since returning to the bullpen. Aroldis Chapman (back) and Garrett Whitlock (illness) were not available.

Hierarchy Remains: Aroldis Chapman | Garrett Whitlock | Jordan Hicks

Trade Deadline Links

Here are the remaining leverage events of interest from Monday.

Leverage Ledger

Atlanta Braves – Inheriting a bases-loaded situation with no outs in Kansas City, Raisel Iglesias let one runner score on a sacrifice fly while retiring all three batters, sealing the win for his 12th save. He threw seven pitches, all strikes, and induced one whiff (14.3 SwStr%) while recording his first save in the second half.

  • Rafael Montero made the mess, giving up two hits, three earned runs, and two walks without retiring a batter.
  • Dylan Lee allowed Randal Grichuk’s solo home run at the bottom of the eighth and recorded a strikeout.
  • Daysbel Hernández gave up two hits and an earned run in the seventh, getting credited with his eighth hold.
  • Pierce Johnson retired the side and struck out one for his ninth hold in the sixth.

Hierarchy Remains: Raisel Iglesias | Dylan Lee | Pierce Johnson

Colorado Rockies – Capping his team’s four-run rally at the top of the ninth, Seth Halvorsen battled through spotty command and held on for his 11th save. However, he allowed a hit, an earned run, and two walks before a game-ending strikeout. He threw 27 pitches (48.1% strike rate) and only induced two whiffs (7.4 SwStr%). His pitch descriptions:

Halvorsen has converted his last six save chances since June 22, but has a 1.935 WHIP with eight strikeouts versus six walks across 9.1 innings.

  • Tyler Kinley collected his first win, walking and striking out one in a scoreless bottom of the eighth.

Hierarchy Remains: Seth Halvorsen | Victor Vodnik | Jake Bird

Los Angeles Angels – Tasked with his first four-out save since May 17, Kenley Jansen answered the bell, retiring all four batters and striking out one while recording his 19th save, preserving a two-run margin against the Rangers’ 1-2-3-4 batters. He threw 12 pitches (75% strike rate) and produced two whiffs (16.7 SwStr%).

He has been scoreless in all ten appearances in July, posting two wins while converting all four save opportunities with a minuscule 0.291 WHIP and 12 strikeouts versus zero walks (36.4 K-BB%).

  • Ryan Zeferjahn stranded two runners at the top of the seventh but gave up two hits and an earned run in the eighth. He finished with three strikeouts during 1.1 innings and notched his 16th hold.
  • José Quijada allowed a walk and a hit while recording one out in the seventh, getting credit for his first hold.
  • Connor Brogdon collected his second win, stranding two runners in the fifth, allowing two hits and an earned run while striking out one during his 1.1 inning outing.

Hierarchy Remains: Kenley Jansen | Reid Detmers | Ryan Zeferjahn

Milwaukee Brewers – Pressed into duty with two runners on and two outs at the top of the ninth, Trevor Megill nailed down his 24th save by striking out his only batter (Seiya Suzuki) on three pitches, all strikes, with one whiff. Through eight scoreless outings in July, Megill has recorded a win (two) or a save (six) in all of them while posting a 0.411 WHIP with 10 strikeouts against one walk (35 K-BB%) across 7.1 innings.

  • Craig Yoho issued two walks during two-thirds scoreless at the top of the ninth.
  • Abner Uribe worked a scoreless eighth, hitting a batter and striking out one.
  • Jared Koenig let one of two inherited runners score, giving up a hit and striking out one in two-thirds scoreless in the seventh for his 20th hold.
  • Grant Anderson allowed a hit, an earned run, and a hit batter in one-third of the seventh, getting credit for his fight hold.
  • Nick Mears worked a clean sixth and recorded two strikeouts, resulting in his second win.

Hierarchy Remains: Trevor Megill | Abner Uribe | Jared Koenig

Minnesota Twins – Entering a tied game at the top of the ninth, Jhoan Durán issued Abraham Toro a lead-off walk, a leverage no-no. Toro was replaced by pinch-runner David Hamilton, who stole second and third, then scored on Roman Anthony’s go-ahead RBI single. Durán bore down, retiring Alex Bregman on a flyout, Anthony was caught stealing, and after another walk (Jarren Duran), an inning-ending strikeout of Trevor Story. However, the Twins’ closer collected his sixth win courtesy of a walk-off rally after a prolonged rain delay. He has allowed multiple runs in two of his last four games.

  • Brock Stewart worked a scoreless eighth, giving up a hit and striking out one.
  • Griffin Jax fired a clean seventh, striking out two.

Hierarchy Remains: Jhoan Durán | Griffin Jax | Louis Varland

Pittsburgh Pirates – It was a white-knuckle ride at the bottom of the ninth, but David Bednar held on for his 17th save and an eventual one-run win. His outing began with a Willy Adames lead-off double, and a one-out RBI single by Jung Hoo Lee, followed by Wilmer Flores’ single before a pop-out, and a game-ending groundout. Bednar threw 32 pitches (84.4% strike rate) without a whiff.

This marked his first earned run allowed since June 15, ending his 13-game scoreless streak.

  • Dennis Santana allowed a hit during a scoreless eighth, notching his 13th hold.
  • Isaac Mattson secured his third hold, firing a clean seventh and striking out two.
  • Yohan Ramírez let his only inherited runner score, handing him his first blown save. However, he collected his first win while logging 2.1 innings, giving up a hit, two hit batters, and two walks while striking out one.

Hierarchy Remains: David Bednar | Dennis Santana | Caleb Ferguson

San Diego Padres – Handed a one-run lead at the top of the ninth, Robert Suarez allowed Ronny Mauricio’s game-tying solo home run and recorded a strikeout, suffering his fourth blown save. His teammates picked him up, providing him with his third win on a walk-off rally at the bottom of the inning. He threw 16 pitches (62.5% strike rate) and induced two whiffs (12.5 SwStr%).

This snapped two streaks: his seven-game scoreless stretch, and he had converted his last seven chances since July 2.

  • Jason Adam worked a clean eighth, striking out one for his 26th hold.
  • Jeremiah Estrada retired his only batter, securing his 22nd hold in the seventh.
  • Adrian Morejon logged 1.2 clean frames and recorded four strikeouts for his 15th hold.

Hierarchy Remains: Robert Suarez | Jason Adam | Jeremiah Estrada

Seattle Mariners – Despite allowing Miguel Andujar’s lead-off single at the bottom of the ninth, Andrés Muñoz secured his 24th save, producing a double play groundout and a game-ending strikeout, preserving the two-run lead against the A’s. He threw 10 pitches (80% strike rate) and induced one whiff.

He has been scoreless in his last six appearances, converting all three save chances with a 0.833 WHIP and nine strikeouts against four walks.

  • Matt Brash gave up a hit and a walk while stranding a runner during his one-third of the eighth for his 14th hold.
  • Gabe Speier issued a walk during two-thirds scoreless in the eighth and his 14th hold.

Hierarchy Remains: Andrés Muñoz | Matt Brash | Gabe Speier

Tampa Bay Rays – Forced into action with a runner on second and two outs, Pete Fairbanks recorded an inning-ending strikeout against Giancarlo Stanton, then worked a scoreless ninth, working around Ryan McMahon’s two-out single for his 18th save. He threw 19 pitches (73.7% strike rate) and induced two whiffs (10.5 SwStr%).

He has converted his last three save chances and been scoreless in his last two.

  • Garrett Cleavinger allowed a hit during his two-thirds of the eighth, getting credit for his 15th hold.
  • Edwin Uceta fired two clean frames, striking out four while securing his 15th hold.

Updated Hierarchy: Pete Fairbanks | Edwin Uceta | Garrett Cleavinger

Washington Nationals – Locking down his 20th save, Kyle Finnegan retired the side and recorded a strikeout at the bottom of the ninth, preserving a one-run lead in Houston. He threw 10 pitches (80% strike rate) and produced two whiffs.

This marked his second save in the second half, and he has been scoreless in three of his last four appearances.

  • Jose A. Ferrer allowed a hit and recorded two strikeouts at the bottom of the eighth, notching his 19th hold.
  • Luis García navigated around a hit and a walk while striking out one in a scoreless seventh, securing his fifth hold.
  • Konnor Pilkington collected his second win, giving up a hit and striking out one in two-thirds of the sixth.

Updated Hierarchy: Kyle Finnegan  | Jose A. Ferrer | Luis García

Quick Hits

  • Baltimore Orioles: Corbin Martin took over with two runners on and one out at the top of the fifth. He stranded both and recorded 1.2 scoreless frames, yielding a hit and striking out four while collecting his first win.
  • Chicago White Sox: After working as the “opener” on Sunday, Grant Taylor closed out a four-run win over the Phillies with a clean top of the ninth while recording two strikeouts. He threw 15 pitches (60% strike rate) and induced one whiff.
  • Detroit Tigers: An adventurous ninth inning ended on a double play groundout, but Will Vest made things interesting. After recording an out with a four-run lead, he hit Eugenio Suárez on the hand with a sinker, followed by Adrian Del Castillo’s single, putting runners on the corners before inducing the game-ending play. He threw 14 pitches (64.3% strike rate) without a whiff.
  • Houston Astros: Taking over a tied game at the top of the seventh, Bryan King suffered his second loss, allowing Riley Adams’ go-ahead solo home run and issuing a walk while striking out two. Bryan Abreu worked a scoreless eighth, walking one and striking out three. Josh Hader fired a clean top of the ninth, striking out two. He has recorded multiple strikeouts in six of his eight outings in July.
  • New York Mets: After his teammates tied the game at the top of the ninth, Gregory Soto could not get the game into extra innings. His outing began with Xander Bogaerts’ lead-off single, followed by Jose Iglesias reaching on a fielder’s choice groundout on a throwing error by Soto. A sacrifice bunt put both runners into scoring position, but Soto recorded a strikeout before giving up Elias Díaz’s walk-off RBI single, resulting in his third loss.
  • New York Yankees: Appearing in an eventual loss, Luke Weaver stranded two runners at the top of the seventh while recording two outs, one via strikeout. However, during his return in the eighth, he gave up a single and was removed. Tim Hill could not strand the runner, putting an earned run on Weaver’s ledger.
  • San Francisco Giants: In an eventual one-run loss, Camilo Doval fired a clean top of the ninth and recorded two strikeouts on 16 pitches (68.8% strike rate) with three whiffs (18.8 SwStr%). Carson Seymour was tagged with his first loss while tossing three innings, allowing four hits, two earned runs, and two walks while striking out three.
  • The Athletics: During an eventual loss, Elvis Alvarado tossed a scoreless top of the ninth, yielding a hit and striking out three on 16 pitches (68.8 Strike%) with six whiffs (37.5 SwStr%). Sean Newcomb allowed a hit during a scoreless eighth. 

Closer Monkey Emails for 2025

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Statistical Credits:

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BrooksBaseball.net

Trade Deadline Cheat Sheet and Flow Charts

Even though a reliever gets listed in our Cheat Sheet, it does not mean he will be traded, but he has been mentioned in an article or by a national writer. This post shares closers and setup relievers who may be moved before Thursday’s trade deadline at 6 P.M. ET.

Cheat Sheet

There are zero guarantees these relievers are traded. However, for our purposes, their controllable years or contract options are shared for posterity in the event they are moved. They are included because they have been mentioned in articles about the trade deadline. 

  • Mason Miller (ATH): Enters his arbitration window in 2026 and is under team control through 2029. (Miller traded to San Diego)
  • Jhoan Durán and Griffin Jax (MIN): Both are under team control through 2027. (Durán traded to Philadelphia)
  • David Bednar and Dennis Santana (PIT): Both are under team control through 2026. (Bednar traded to the Yankees)
  • Camilo Doval (SF): Under team control through 2027. 
  • Pete Fairbanks (TB): Team option for 2026 for $7 million with clauses that can reach $11 million. 
  • Jake Bird (COL): Under team control through 2028. 
  • Victor Vodnik (COL): Under team control through 2029. 
  • Seth Halvorsen (COL): Under team control through 2030. 
  • Anthony Bender (MIA): Under team control through 2027. 
  • Ronny Henriquez (MIA): Under team control through 2030. 
  • Calvin Faucher (MIA); Under team control through 2029. 

Now for the hired guns: relievers who will or can be free agents at the end of the season. 

Right-Handed Relievers

  • Robert Suarez (SD) – has an opt-out clause
  • Ryan Helsley (STL) – traded to the Mets
  • Raisel Iglesias (ATL)
  • Kenley Jansen (LAA)
  • Shelby Miller (ARI)
  • Kyle Finnegan (WSH) – traded to Detroit
  • Phil Maton (STL)
  • Tyler Rogers (SF) – traded to the Mets

Left-Handed Relievers

  • Danny Coulombe (MIN) – traded to Texas
  • Steven Matz (STL) – traded to Boston
  • Jalen Beeks (ARI)
  • Caleb Ferguson (PIT) – traded to Seattle
  • Sean Newcomb (ATH)

Fantasy Flow Charts

Arizona Diamondbacks

  • If they trade Shelby Miller, Kevin Ginkel remains the preferred save share; however, the team should start mixing in the newly acquired relievers as potential candidates for next season. 

Atlanta Braves

  • If they trade Raisel Iglesias but keep Pierce Johnson, he will split saves in a matchup-based approach with Dylan Lee. 
  • If they trade Iglesias and Johnson, then it’s Lee and Daysbel Hernández sharing saves until Joe Jiménez can return. 

Baltimore Orioles

  • They should be trading Seranthony Domínguez. This leaves Yennier Cano, Andrew Kittredge, and Keegan Akin atop the leverage ladder. Based on today’s usage pattern, it lines up for Kittredge and Akin to share saves, assuming a matchup-based approach with Cano as the primary setup reliever. This changes if they also deal Kittredge. Stay tuned.

Colorado Rockies

  • They should be fielding calls on any reliever a team’s interested in. I believe Jake Bird will be traded, but they will keep Seth Halvorsen and Victor Vodnik. 

Los Angeles Angels

  • If they move Kenley Jansen, this will give Reid Detmers a chance to close, and getting José Quijada active makes this transition smoother for the team. Robert Stephenson has made little progress in his return-to-play protocols. 

Miami Marlins

  • There have been rumors that the team would be willing to trade Anthony Bender, Ronny Henriquez, or Calvin Faucher. Fantasy managers would welcome a narrowed field for saves, but this may not be Clayton McCullough’s modus operandi. 

Minnesota Twins

  • If they trade Jhoan Durán, Griffin Jax becomes the preferred save option. If they trade Jax, Louis Varland gets a larger leverage role. Odds remain low that one or both get moved based on how the team’s front office operates, but there’s a chance.

Pittsburgh Pirates

  • If they trade David Bednar, it’s Dennis Santana. However, if they trade both, we prefer Isaac Mattson. 

San Diego Padres

  • In a buy-and-sell model, the team could trade Robert Suarez (Cubs?) and add a less expensive reliever while restructuring its “four horsemen.” However, if this happened, I believe Jeremiah Estrada would become the preferred save option, not Jason Adam. This also brings Adrian Morejon into the hierarchy. He leads all relievers with eight wins this season and has recorded two saves. Suarez could get the left-fielder the team desires, perhaps a catcher as well. Preller may be forced to trade from a strength to address a weakness. There seems to be an undercurrent of conversations about Suarez.

San Francisco Giants

  • It’s a bit off the reservation, but two columns posted on Monday suggested the Giants should listen to offers for Camilo Doval. Though a long shot, if he’s traded, it would pave the way for Randy Rodríguez as the team’s closer. 

St. Louis Cardinals (Updated on 7.29)

  • If they trade Ryan Helsley, then Phil Maton and Steven Matz should also be considered for a move, as they are all on expiring contracts. This would result in JoJo Romero and one of Kyle Leahy or Gordon Graceffo being the match-up-based options during save situations. Recent appearances favor Leahy. The wild card will be Riley O’Brien, who has the velocity, but is he in the “trust tree?”

Tampa Bay Rays

  • Recent reports suggest that the team prefers keeping Pete Fairbanks, but if things change, Bryan Baker is insurance for high-leverage events. However, he left his outing early on Saturday with a calf issue. If he misses time, then Edwin Uceta may be used for saves, and if Mason Montgomery can rebound after his demotion, he could work his way into a timeshare. As of July 30, it’s Uceta > Baker > Montgomery for saves if Fairbanks is moved.

The Athletics

  • If they trade Mason Miller, this leverage ladder becomes somewhat disarrayed. Justin Sterner could be called upon for saves. Elvis Alvarado has the velocity, but lacks command. Michael Kelly has been a reliable setup reliever since being activated, but I’m not sure he can handle the ninth inning. 

Washington Nationals

  • If the team finds a buyer for Kyle Finnegan, Jose A. Ferrer will be in line for the majority of save chances with Cole Henry as his right-handed leverage complement. 

Buyer Beware (Closer or Preferred Save Share at risk if team buys)

Do not panic, at least for now. There is a slight chance that these relievers could have their roles shifted if their team adds a veteran closer, such as Ryan Helsley, although he would likely displace all of them. 

  • Daniel Palencia (CHC) – odds are 25 percent
  • Will Vest (DET) – odds are 50 percent
  • Matt Strahm (PHI) – he’s no longer the closer
  • Robert Garcia (TEX) – odds are greater than 50 percent
  • Jeff Hoffman (TOR) – odds are 25 percent

Closer Monkey Emails for 2025

This year, the daily emails will change. Those interested in daily free updates with links should subscribe to our page at Substack. Subscribers to the former site will not transfer over; readers must register using the new link.

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BrooksBaseball.net

Closer Monkey’s Leverage Ledger | July 28

Sunday’s slate had its share of blowouts with six games decided by five or more runs. Despite this, relievers recorded three wins and seven saves while suffering three losses. Here are the saves in condensed form:

RelieverSave #PitchesStrike%SwStr%K:BBBF
Carlos Estévez271566.700:04
Edwin Díaz232548162:26
Emilio Pagán221376.915.41:03
Kenley Jansen181090302:03
Devin Williams161361.523.12:03
Daniel Palencia141877.816.71:04
Jordan Hicks2255481:15

For the save streamers:

Vulture Save Options for July 28

  • Ryne Stanek (NYM): Edwin Díaz has appeared in back-to-back games. 
  • Garrett Whitlock (BOS): Aroldis Chapman has worked in consecutive games and is dealing with back tightness. 
  • Graham Ashcraft (CIN): Emilio Pagán and Tony Santillan have pitched in three straight contests. 
  • Hunter Harvey (KC): Carlos Estévez and Lucas Erceg have been used in back-to-back games. If the team prefers not to use Harvey in the same manner, then John Schreiber may be called upon. 

Vulture Save Stashes for July 29

  • Luke Weaver (NYY): If he’s not used and Devin Williams is tonight, Weaver will be in line for the save on Tuesday. If both appear, it could be Ian Hamilton. 
  • Brad Keller (CHC): If Palencia pitches tonight, it’s two back-to-back outings.

Doubleheader Options

  • Baltimore Orioles: Corbin Martin
  • Toronto Blue Jays: Yariel Rodríguez

Trade Deadline Links

Speaking of the trade deadline, I have appeared on two podcasts recently, speaking about relievers at these two links:

Sunday’s Spotlight

Boston Red Sox – Forced into action with two runners on and one out at the top of the eighth, Jordan Hicks induced an inning-ending double play on a lineout. Returning for the ninth, Hicks retired the first two batters, walked Michael Conforto, and produced a game-ending groundout against Tommy Edman for his second save. He logged 1.2 scoreless frames, walking and striking out one on 25 pitches (56% strike rate) with two whiffs.

Aroldis Chapman took over at the top of the eighth, lined up against the Dodgers’ 9-1-2 lineup pocket, but issued consecutive walks before a Shohei Ohtani flyout, then left the game with the trainer after working with reduced velocity.

He was credited with his fourth hold.

  • Justin Wilson notched his 15th hold, yielding a hit during a scoreless seventh.
  • Greg Weissert tossed a scoreless sixth, allowing a hit and striking out one.
  • Brennan Bernardino was awarded his fourth win, despite yielding a hit and a walk during one-third of the fifth.

After the game, it’s being reported that Chapman left with tightness in his back.

This will be monitored closely. For now: 

Hierarchy Remains: Aroldis Chapman | Garrett Whitlock | Jordan Hicks

Here are the remaining leverage events of interest from Sunday.

Leverage Ledger

Baltimore Orioles – Held for the ninth inning, Seranthony Domínguez finished a four-run win after his teammates tacked on a run at the bottom of the eighth, removing the save opportunity. He allowed a lead-off single, then retired the next three batters, including a game-ending strikeout.

  • Andrew Kittredge notched his seventh hold, yielding a hit and striking out two in a scoreless eighth, throwing 14 pitches (71.4% strike rate) with three whiffs (21.4 SwStr%).
  • Yennier Cano navigated around two walks and recorded a strikeout in a scoreless seventh for his 14th hold.

Based on this usage pattern:

Adjusted Hierarchy: Seranthony Domínguez | Andrew Kittredge | Yennier Cano

Chicago Cubs –Called upon with two outs at the top of the eighth, Daniel Palencia retired Miguel Vargas via strikeout, then worked a scoreless ninth despite hitting a batter, preserving a one-run win over the White Sox, securing his 14th save. He threw 18 pitches (77.8% strike rate) and produced three whiffs (16.7 SwStr%).

This extended his scoreless streak to ten games, during which he has converted all seven save chances while recording a 0.515 WHIP with 11 strikeouts against one walk (28.5 K-BB%) across 9.2 innings.

  • Ryan Brasier allowed three hits, including Andrew Benintendi’s three-run home run during his combined inning, getting credit for his second hold.
  • Drew Pomeranz gave up two hits and recorded a strikeout during two-thirds of the seventh for his eighth hold.
  • Caleb Thielbar retired the side and recorded two strikeouts while securing his 13th hold in the sixth.

Hierarchy Remains: Daniel Palencia | Brad Keller | Ryan Pressly

Cincinnati Reds – Appearing for a third straight game, Emilio Pagán fired a clean top of the ninth and recorded a strikeout, preserving a one-run lead against the Rays for his 22nd save. He threw 13 pitches (76.9% strike rate) and produced two whiffs (15.4 SwStr%).

He extended his scoreless streak to seven games, posting a 0.952 WHIP with six strikeouts against two walks (16 K-BB%) over his last 6.1 innings.

  • Tony Santillan also worked in a third straight contest, retiring both batters faced in the eighth, one via strikeout for his 22nd hold. 

Hierarchy Remains: Emilio Pagán | Tony Santillan | Graham Ashcraft

Kansas City Royals – Working around a Gabriel Arias’ lead-off double, Carlos Estévez retired the next three batters, closing out a three-run win over Cleveland for his 27th save. He threw 15 pitches (66.7% strike rate) without a whiff.

He has been scoreless in his last three games and converted both save chances. However, he has a 1.50 WHIP with seven strikeouts versus two walks across 10 innings in July with declining whiff rates:

  • Lucas Erceg secured his 17th hold with a scoreless eighth, giving up a hit and striking out one.
  • Angel Zerpa allowed two hits, including an Arias solo home run, and recorded two strikeouts in the seventh.
  • Hunter Harvey worked a clean sixth, back from the injured list on 11 pitches (63.6% strike rate).

Updated Hierarchy: Carlos Estévez | Lucas Erceg | Hunter Harvey

Los Angeles Angels – Shutting the door on his 18th save, Kenley Jansen fired a clean top of the ninth and recorded two strikeouts during a three-run win over Seattle. He threw 10 pitches (90% strike rate) and produced three whiffs.

He extended his scoreless streak to all nine appearances in July, recording two wins and three saves while posting a 0.33 WHIP with 11 strikeouts versus zero walks (37.9 K-BB%) through nine innings. If the team decides to trade him, he has been steadily improving as the season has progressed:

  • Brock Burke secured his 11th hold, walking and striking out one in a scoreless eighth.
  • Reid Detmers retired the side, striking out one for his tenth hold in the seventh.

Hierarchy Remains: Kenley Jansen | Reid Detmers | Ryan Zeferjahn

Miami Marlins – Entering a tied game at the bottom of the ninth, Cade Gibson suffered his fifth loss, allowing three hits, including Blake Perkins’ walk-off RBI single, and a walk while striking out one in one-third of an inning.

  • Ronny Henriquez suffered his fourth blown save, giving up two hits, an earned run, and a walk while striking out one in the eighth, taking over against the 2-3-4 lineup pocket.
  • Anthony Bender notched his 18th hold, retiring the side and striking out one in the seventh.
  • Valente Bellozo gave up two hits during a scoreless sixth for his first hold.

Hierarchy Remains: *Ronny Henriquez | *Anthony Bender | *Calvin Faucher

*= highest-leverage reliever in a closer-by-committee

Milwaukee Brewers – After tossing a scoreless top of the ninth, allowing Javier Sanoja’s two-out double, Trevor Megill collected his third win on a walk-off rally at the bottom of the inning. He threw eight pitches (75% strike rate) without a whiff while striking out one in his outing.

He owns a seven-game scoreless streak with two wins and five saves while posting a 0.429 WHIP with nine strikeouts versus one walk (33.3 K-BB%) through seven innings.

  • Abner Uribe allowed a hit during a scoreless eighth.
  • Aaron Ashby issued two walks and recorded a strikeout in a scoreless seventh.

Hierarchy Remains: Trevor Megill | Abner Uribe | Jared Koenig

New York Mets – Provided a two-run lead at the bottom of the ninth, Edwin Díaz took over against the Giants’ 9-1-2 hitters and walked the tightrope while recording his 23rd save. After retiring Brett Wisely on a flyout, Jung Hoo Lee drew a walk, a pitch hit Heliot Ramos, and Rafael Devers walked to load the bases. Díaz bore down, striking out Willy Adames looking and Matt Chapman swinging, quelling the rally. He threw 25 pitches (48% strike rate) and produced four whiffs (16 SwStr%). His illustrator:

When struggling with his command, he misses to the arm side, as the chart above displays. His results:

This extended his scoreless streak to 17 games, during which he has a 0.751 WHIP with 25 strikeouts versus five walks (29.8 K-BB%) through 17.1 innings.

  • Brooks Raley notched his second hold, allowing a hit and retiring a batter while stranding one at the bottom of the eighth.
  • Reed Garrett gave up a hit and struck out two during two-thirds of the eighth, securing his 20th hold.
  • Gregory Soto made his team debut, retiring the side and striking out one for his 19th hold.
  • José Buttó worked a clean sixth and recorded a strikeout while collecting his third win.

Hierarchy Remains: Edwin Díaz | Ryne Stanek | Gregory Soto

New York Yankees – Locking down his 16th save, Devin Williams fired a clean top of the ninth and recorded two strikeouts, preserving a one-run lead against the Phillies. He threw 13 pitches (61.5% strike rate) and produced three whiffs (23.1 SwStr%).

He has converted a save in his last three appearances and been scoreless in two. After a slow start this season, he has registered a 0.739 WHIP with 27 strikeouts against three walks (31.2 K-BB%) over his last 20.1 innings since May 27.

  • Tim Hill retired the side against the 1-2-3 lineup pocket at the top of the eighth for his 12th hold.
  • Luke Weaver fired a clean seventh, striking out one while securing his ninth hold.
  • Jonathan Loáisiga gave up a hit and recorded a strikeout in two-thirds of the sixth, recording his sixth hold.

Hierarchy Remains: Devin Williams | Luke Weaver | Tim Hill

Quick Hits

  • Detroit Tigers: In order of appearance, Tyler Holton recorded two outs while giving up a hit and a walk at the top of the seventh, getting credit for his 11th hold. Brenan Hanifee stranded both runners and worked 1.1 scoreless frames, yielding a hit for his tenth hold. Luke Jackson had a less-than-auspicious team debut, allowing two hits, four earned runs, and three walks while striking out one at the top of the ninth.
  • Minnesota Twins: Pitching during an eventual five-run loss, Jhoan Durán navigated around two hits for a scoreless top of the ninth. He has allowed multiple hits in three of his last five games.
  • Philadelphia Phillies: In an eventual one-run loss, Matt Strahm tossed a scoreless bottom of the eighth, yielding a hit and striking out one. Tanner Banks stranded a runner in the sixth and worked 1.1 scoreless frames while issuing a walk.
  • San Francisco Giants: Within a bullpen game, Randy Rodríguez took over at the top of the sixth with a runner on and one out. He stranded his inherited runner despite issuing a walk by inducing a groundout and recording an inning-ending strikeout. He returned for the seventh, but things did not go as smoothly. He allowed Ronny Mauricio’s lead-off game-tying solo home run, retired two batters, then gave up Juan Soto’s opposite field, go-ahead solo home run, resulting in his second loss and a second blown save. Rodríguez finished with two hits, two earned runs, and a walk while striking out two during 1.1 innings. He entered this game with one home run allowed all season, which tripled after this contest.
  • Washington Nationals: Closing a five-run win, Kyle Finnegan gave up Kody Clemens’ lead-off single, then retired the next three batters, one via strikeout. He threw 11 pitches (81.8% strike rate) and induced one whiff.

Closer Monkey Emails for 2025

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

Statistical Credits:

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BaseballSavant.com

BrooksBaseball.net

Closer Monkey’s Leverage Ledger | July 27

Saturday’s 17-game slate featured six games decided by five runs or more. Still, relievers recorded six wins, though one was accompanied by a blown save (Graham Ashcraft), and five saves versus six losses. Here are the saves in condensed form:

RelieverSave #PitchesStrike%SwStr%K:BBBF
Robert Suarez301764.723.52:04
Emmanuel Clase241266.700:03
Edwin Díaz221471.442.91:04
Aroldis Chapman181752.95.91:14
David Bednar161376.930.82:03
Tyler Phillips14568.94.44:015

Varied usage patterns make for a light forecast for the save streamers:

Vulture Save Option for July 27

  • Cade Smith (CLE): Clase and Gaddis worked in both games of yesterday’s doubleheader. 

*Emilio Pagán and David Bednar have pitched in three consecutive games this season. If they are rested today: 

  • Cincinnati: Scott Barlow
  • Pittsburgh: Isaac Mattson

Vulture Save Stash for July 28

  • Michael Kelly (ATH): If Miller pitches today, it’s back-to-back games and three in the last four. 

Trade Deadline Links

News, Notes, and Observations

Baltimore Orioles – Needing to clear one more hurdle on his rehab, Keegan Akin could be activated as soon as Monday:

On Saturday, he retired both batters faced, one via strikeout on ten pitches (60% strike rate).

Detroit Tigers – Signed free agent Luke Jackson after he was designated for assignment by Texas. His role in the hierarchy will be determined, so there will be no changes to the current hierarchy.

Hierarchy Remains: Will Vest | Tommy Kahnle | Tyler Holton

Los Angeles Dodgers – While this leverage ladder remains fluid, last year’s postseason star, Blake Treinen, could be back today, but not available until Monday, per Bill Plunkett:

The team will also be transitioning Bobby Miller into a relief role at Triple-A:

Lastly, but not least, Bill Shaikin made his case for the team to reacquire Kenley Jansen in this Los Angeles Times post.

Here are the leverage events of interest from Saturday.

Leverage Ledger

Atlanta Braves – Called upon during a tied game at the bottom of the tenth, Enyel De Los Santos intentionally walked Corey Seager, then allowed Marcus Semien’s walk-off RBI single, resulting in his third loss.

Raisel Iglesias could not preserve a one-run lead, giving up a one-out walk to Josh Jung, who was replaced by pinch-runner Sam Haggerty, who stole second base and scored on Jonah Heim’s game-tying RBI double. His illustrator:

And results with the double happening against his change-up:

After posting a 15-game scoreless streak, Iglesias has allowed at least a run in two of his last three appearances.

  • Pierce Johnson fired a clean top of the eighth, recording two strikeouts.
  • Dylan Lee worked a clean seventh and recorded one strikeout.
  • Dane Dunning fired two clean frames, striking out four.

Hierarchy Remains: Raisel Iglesias | Dylan Lee | Pierce Johnson

Boston Red Sox – Securing his 18th save, Aroldis Chapman navigated around Esteury Ruiz’s two-out walk with a game-ending strikeout of Mookie Betts, preserving the two-run lead. He threw 17 pitches (52.9% strike rate) and induced one whiff.

It’s his first save in the second half, and he has been scoreless in six of seven appearances in July, posting a 0.685 WHIP with 11 strikeouts versus one walk (37 K-BB%) through 7.1 innings.

  • Garrett Whitlock fired a clean top of the eighth and recorded two strikeouts for his 13th hold, extending his scoreless streak to eight games.
  • Justin Wilson allowed a hit and struck out two in a scoreless seventh, notching his 14th hold.

Hierarchy Remains: Aroldis Chapman | Garrett Whitlock | Jordan Hicks

Cincinnati Reds – For a second straight appearance, Emilio Pagán finished a win over the Rays in a non-save capacity. He took over with a four-run lead against the 7-8-9 lineup pocket, retiring the side on three lineouts, throwing 11 pitches (72.7% strike rate) with two whiffs (18.2 SwStr%). This extended his scoreless streak to six games, during which he has a 1.053 WHIP with five strikeouts against two walks through 5.2 innings.

  • Tony Santillan notched his 21st hold, yielding a hit and striking out three in a scoreless top of the eighth.
  • Graham Ashcraft gave up two hits, an earned run, and a walk, resulting in his third blown save. However, he collected his sixth win courtesy of a two-run rally at the bottom of the seventh.

Hierarchy Remains: Emilio Pagán | Tony Santillan | Graham Ashcraft

Cleveland Guardians – (Game 1) – Taking over with a one-run lead at the bottom of the tenth, Emmanuel Clase walked lead-off hitter John Rave, a leverage no-no, but redeemed himself by picking off the “place” runner at second base. However, after issuing another walk to the ninth-place hitter, Luke Maile, Clase served up a walk-off, three-run home run by Jonathan India, resulting in his third loss and a fifth blown save. He only threw six of 15 pitches for strikes (40% strike rate) while getting one whiff.

This outing snapped his seven-game scoreless streak.

  • Hunter Gaddis retired the side and recorded a strikeout at the bottom of the ninth.
  • Cade Smith stranded a runner at the bottom of the seventh and retired all four batters faced, one via strikeout.

(Game 2) – Bouncing back quickly, Emmanuel Clase preserved a two-run lead at the bottom of the ninth in the nightcap for his 24th save, retiring the side on 12 pitches (66.7% strike rate).

  • Hunter Gaddis also appeared in both games of the doubleheader, recording his 20th hold with a scoreless eighth despite giving up a hit.
  • Nic Enright logged two clean frames and recorded two strikeouts, securing his first hold.

Hierarchy Remains: Emmanuel Clase | Cade Smith | Hunter Gaddis

Kansas City Royals – (Game 1) – Despite giving up two hits, including Kyle Manzardo’s go-ahead RBI single at the top of the tenth, Steven Cruz collected his third win courtesy of a walk-off home run at the bottom of the inning. He finished with two hits, an unearned run, and a walk while striking out one.

  • Carlos Estévez navigated around a hit and a walk, recording two strikeouts in a scoreless top of the ninth. He threw 20 pitches (70% strike rate) and induced two whiffs.
  • Lucas Erceg stranded a runner at the top of the seventh and retired all four batters, one via strikeout, keeping the game tied.
  • John Schreiber allowed two hits, an earned run, and a walk while striking out one during two-thirds of the seventh, resulting in his second blown save.
  • Angel Zerpa worked two-thirds scoreless in the sixth, giving up a hit and striking out one for his ninth hold.

Hierarchy Remains: Carlos Estévez | Lucas Erceg | John Schreiber

Miami Marlins – In old-school fashion, Tyler Phillips earned his first career save while logging four innings against Milwaukee. He allowed three hits, including Andrew Vaughn’s solo home run, and recorded four strikeouts, throwing 45 pitches (68.9% strike rate) with two whiffs. This represents his longest relief outing this season and snapped his six-game scoreless streak.

Hierarchy Remains: *Ronny Henriquez | *Anthony Bender | *Calvin Faucher

*= highest-leverage reliever in a closer-by-committee

New York Mets – With a hat tip to his defense, Edwin Díaz notched his 22nd save, working around Jung Hoo Lee’s one-out double with a strikeout and a game-ending lineout snagged by Pete Alonso, preserving a one-run win over the Giants. He threw 14 pitches (71.4% strike rate) and generated six whiffs (42.9 SwStr%) with only one strikeout.

Since June 6, he has recorded 16 scoreless appearances, two wins, and converted nine of ten save chances with 0.675 WHIP and 23 strikeouts against three walks (32.9 K-BB%) through 16.1 innings.

  • Ryne Stanek retired the side and secured his eighth hold in the eighth inning.
  • Reed Garrett fired a clean seventh, striking out two for his 19th hold. 

Updated Hierarchy: Edwin Díaz | Ryne Stanek | Gregory Soto

Pittsburgh Pirates – Completing a combined shutout and securing his 16th save, David Bednar retired Arizona’s 4-5-6 lineup pocket in order. He threw 13 pitches (76.9% strike rate) and generated four whiffs (30.8 SwStr%).

He extended his scoreless streak to 13 games, during which he has a win and converted all six save chances with a 0.846 WHIP and 17 strikeouts against four walks (26.5 K-BB%). This marked his 100th career save, all with the Pirates, for now. 

  • Dennis Santana worked a scoreless eighth, walking and striking out one for his 12th hold.
  • Caleb Ferguson fired a clean seventh, striking out one, notching his tenth hold.

Hierarchy Remains: David Bednar | Dennis Santana | Caleb Ferguson

San Diego Padres – Locking down his MLB-leading 30th save, Robert Suarez hit a batter and recorded a strikeout during a scoreless bottom of the ninth against the Cardinals’ 3-4-5-6 hitters. He threw 17 pitches (64.7% strike rate) and produced four whiffs (23.5 SwStr%).

He has converted a save in each of his last six appearances while being scoreless with seven strikeouts (35 K-BB%).

  • Jason Adam issued a walk but was scoreless at the bottom of the eighth, securing his 25th hold.
  • Jeremiah Estrada stranded a runner at the bottom of the sixth and logged 1.1 scoreless frames, yielding a hit while striking out two. He was awarded his fourth win as a result.

Hierarchy Remains: Robert Suarez | Jason Adam | Jeremiah Estrada

Texas Rangers – Tasked with the top of the ninth during a tied game, Shawn Armstrong allowed Michael Harris II’s lead-off triple, resulting in an earned run. After his teammates re-tied the contest, he tossed a scoreless top of the tenth and collected his fourth win at the bottom of the inning.

Jon Gray suffered his first blown save, allowing a game-tying solo home run by Harris II while logging three innings and recording three strikeouts. He threw 29 pitches (75.9% strike rate) and induced two whiffs. Through two relief appearances, he has posted a 0.40 WHIP with three strikeouts across five innings.

Hierarchy Remains: Robert Garcia | Shawn Armstrong | Jon Gray

The Athletics – Finishing a four-run win in Houston, Mason Miller retired the side and recorded a strikeout on 19 pitches (68.4% strike rate) with four whiffs (21.1 SwStr%).

After this outing, he owns an 11-game scoreless streak, during which he has converted all six save opportunities while posting a 0.561 WHIP with 13 strikeouts against four walks across 10.2 innings.

  • Sean Newcomb notched his third hold, tossing two scoreless frames, walking one, and striking out four.
  • Justin Sterner worked 1.2 innings, giving up two hits and an earned run while striking out one. He was awarded his third win as a result.

Hierarchy Remains: Mason Miller | Michael Kelly | Sean Newcomb

Quick Hits

  • Chicago White Sox: Entering a scoreless tie at the top of the seventh, Jordan Leasure allowed three hits, including two home runs, and three earned runs, resulting in his sixth loss.
  • Detroit Tigers: Summoned against the top of Toronto’s lineup, Will Vest allowed a pinch-hit lead-off single by Joey Loperfido, followed by George Springer’s single, and a wild pitch put them both into scoring position. After inducing a groundout against Vlad Guerrero Jr., Vest gave up Bo Bichette’s two-RBI single, before retiring the next two batters, resulting in his second loss.
  • Houston Astros: In an eventual loss, Bryan Abreu retired the side at the top of the eighth on seven pitches (71.4% strike rate) with one whiff (14.3 SwStr%).
  • San Francisco Giants: During a one-run loss, Randy Rodríguez tossed a scoreless top of the ninth, giving up a two-out infield single by Francisco Lindor while striking out three on 14 pitches (71.4% strike rate) with three whiffs (21.4 SwStr%).
  • St. Louis Cardinals: Summoned with two on and two outs trailing by two, John King retired his only batter at the top of the ninth. Andre Granillo allowed two hits and an earned run, but was ejected after hitting Manny Machado with a pitch. Riley O’Brien retired the side and recorded a strikeout in the eighth.
  • Tampa Bay Rays: With the game tied, Bryan Baker took over at the bottom of the seventh, but issued two walks and recorded a strikeout before being removed. Garrett Cleavinger entered with two runners on and two outs, issuing Matt McClain a walk to load the bases, then gave up Elly De La Cruz’s go-ahead two-RBI bloop single, putting two earned runs on Baker’s ledger and his fourth loss.
  • Toronto Blue Jays: Taking over at the bottom of the seventh, Braydon Fisher retired the side against Detroit’s 6-7-8 hitters and collected his fourth win when his teammates scored two runs at the top of the eighth.

Closer Monkey Emails for 2025

This year, the daily emails will change. Those interested in daily free updates with links should subscribe to our page at Substack. Subscribers to the former site will not transfer over; readers must register using the new link.

Premium subscribers can still use this link for daily, ad-free content or submit a $25 payment via Venmo to @gjewett9.

If you would like to leave a tip, please use this link for PayPal. Venmo can be sent to the address above.

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

Statistical Credits:

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BrooksBaseball.net

Monkey Bytes | July 26

Friday’s slate had six blowouts (games decided by five or more runs) and three shutouts, including two 1-0 contests. There was also a postponed game, which will be made up as a doubleheader today in Kansas City. Relievers recorded five wins, though one was accompanied by a blown save (Jake Bird), and five saves while suffering five losses. Here are the saves in condensed form:

RelieverSave #PitchesStrike%SwStr%K:BBBF
Ryan Helsley211392.323.12:04
Jhoan Durán16683.316.71:03
Seth Halvorsen101163.69.10:03
Kevin Ginkel3683.316.70:03
Ben Casparius11963.25.30:05

For the save streamers:

Vulture Save Option for July 26

  • Carlos Vargas (SEA): Muñoz, Brash, and Bazardo have all appeared in consecutive games. 
  • Randy Rodríguez (SF): Doval threw 29 pitches in a non-save outing last night. 
  • Shawn Armstrong (TEX): Garcia has worked in three of the previous four days, throwing 52 pitches. 
  • Andre Granillo (STL): Helsley, Maton, and Romero have all worked in back-to-back contests. 

Doubleheader Plays

  • Cleveland Guardians: Paul Sewald
  • Kansas City Royals: Taylor Clarke

Vulture Save Stash for July 27

  • Louis Varland (MIN): If Durán and Jax pitch today, it’s consecutive appearances for both. 

Links

Three Takeaways

(1) Doval and inefficiency: His team’s struggles have not provided Camilo Doval with a save chance since the All-Star break. However, in his two non-save appearances, he has not been sharp. Last night, during his first appearance since July 21, he hit a batter leading off the top of the ninth, recorded two strikeouts, then gave up Francisco Lindor’s double, scored a runner on a wild pitch, followed by Juan Soto’s RBI single before an inning-ending strikeout. He finished with two hits and two earned runs while striking out three on 29 pitches (58.6 Strike%) with six whiffs (20.7 SwStr%), snapping his modest four-game scoreless streak. His illustrator:

It’s been a challenging stretch for Doval and his fantasy managers alike. However, his WHIP and hard hit percentages have been increasing as the season progresses, which may reach a tipping point soon:

Link: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/zNK0V/2/

(2) Weaver and home runs against: In last night’s loss against the Phillies, Luke Weaver took over with two on and one out, giving up a game-tying infield single by Nick Castellanos with an error on the throw, followed by J.T. Realmuto’s go-ahead three-run home run, resulting in his third blown save. He has served up seven home runs in his last 15 appearances since May 25. He has a 1.37 WHIP with a 4.25 SIERA, and a 14.3 K-BB percentage in these 15.1 innings. Of his 49 batted ball events in these contests, he has allowed six barrels (12.2 percent) with only a 34.7 percent hard-hit rate. Five of the seven home runs have been against his four-seam fastball in the following counts: two were during 3-2 pitches.

And his four-seam heatmap from this sample:

There is no easy fix for this problem other than improving his location with the four-seam fastball when he is even or behind in the count. However, hitters are hunting fastballs and succeeding since his return from the injured list.

(3) Yates passed over in Boston: We joke about the “trust tree” for leverage relievers, but with a three-run lead on the road, Kirby Yates was not summoned with a myriad of his teammates on the injured list and Blake Treinen not yet activated. It seemed like he would be an impact reliever for the Dodgers, but it has not transpired, as his team’s Win Probability Added chart illustrates:

Those hoping for ancillary saves by Yates should focus on the trade deadline or stash a reliever on the precipice of a larger leverage role based on recent performance and usage patterns for the struggling Dodgers’ reliever.

Here are the leverage events of interest from Friday.

Closer CliffsNotes

Arizona Diamondbacks – Preserving a combined shutout with a clean bottom of the 11th, Kevin Ginkel secured his third save. He threw six pitches (83.3 Strike%) and induced one whiff (16.7 SwStr%) versus the Pirates’ 2-3-4 lineup pocket.

He has been scoreless in six of his last seven.

  • Anthony DeSclafani logged four scoreless frames, issuing two walks and recording three strikeouts while collecting his first win.

Hierarchy Remains: *Kevin Ginkel | *Kendall Graveman | *Kyle Backhus

*= closer-by-committee

Colorado Rockies – Sealing a one-run win in Baltimore, Seth Halvorsen retired the side on 11 pitches (63.6 Strike%) with one whiff.

He has been scoreless in his last three appearances and has converted his last five save opportunities since June 22.

  • Tyler Kinley notched his eighth hold, giving up a hit and striking out two at the bottom of the eighth.
  • Jake Bird suffered his fifth blown save, allowing two hits and an earned run while striking out one in the seventh, but was awarded his fourth win when his team reclaimed the lead at the top of the eighth.

Hierarchy Remains: Seth Halvorsen | Victor Vodnik | Jake Bird

Los Angeles Angels – Entering at the top of the tenth, Ryan Zeferjahn issued Cole Young a lead-off walk but retired Seattle’s 1-2-3 hitters in order, including an inning-ending strikeout of Cal Raleigh to strand the “place” runner. He collected his sixth win courtesy of a walk-off rally at the bottom of the frame.

  • Kenley Jansen maintained the tie by retiring the side on three groundouts on nine pitches (88.9 Strike%) while inducing one whiff (11.1 SwStr%). He has posted eight scoreless appearances in July with a 0.375 WHIP and nine strikeouts (34.6 K-BB%).
  • Reid Detmers tossed a scoreless eighth, allowing a hit and striking out three.
  • Brock Burke gave up a hit during a scoreless seventh.

Updated Hierarchy: Kenley Jansen | Reid Detmers | Ryan Zeferjahn

Los Angeles Dodgers – Navigating around Trevor Story’s lead-off double and a hit batter, Ben Casparius recorded his first career save with a game-ending groundout against Rob Refsnyder. He worked a scoreless ninth, throwing 19 pitches (63.2 Strike%) and inducing one whiff.

  • Alex Vesia fired a clean bottom of the eighth, striking out two while nailing down his 19th hold.
  • Edgardo Henriquez retired his only batter at the bottom of the seventh for his first hold.
  • Anthony Banda logged 1.2 scoreless frames, yielding a hit and striking out one, securing his sixth hold.

Adjusted Hierarchy: *Alex Vesia | *Ben Casparius | Jack Dreyer

Miami Marlins – Finishing a four-run win over the Brewers, Calvin Faucher took over at the bottom of the ninth against the 3-4-5 lineup pocket. He issued Christian Yelich a lead-off walk and Isaac Collins a one-out walk before inducing a groundout, followed by a game-ending strikeout. He threw 26 pitches (50 Strike%) without a whiff.

  • Ronny Henriquez fired a clean eighth, versus the 9-1-2 hitters, and recorded a strikeout on 12 pitches (58.3 Strike%) with three whiffs (25 SwStr%).
  • Anthony Bender worked a scoreless seventh, giving up a hit and a walk while striking out one.
  • Josh Simpson collected his second win, retiring the side and striking out one at the bottom of the sixth, ahead of his team’s four-run rally at the top of the seventh.

Hierarchy Remains: *Ronny Henriquez | *Anthony Bender | *Calvin Faucher

*= highest-leverage reliever in a closer-by-committee

Minnesota Twins – Shutting the door on his 16th save, Jhoan Durán preserved a 1-0 win against the Nationals by retiring the 2-3-4 lineup pocket in order and striking out one. He threw six pitches (83.3 Strike%) and produced one whiff (16.7 SwStr%).

Through eight outings in July, he has a 1-1 record while converting all four save chances with a 1.30 WHIP and ten strikeouts versus two walks (19.5 K-BB%) across ten innings.

  • Griffin Jax worked a scoreless eighth, giving up a hit and a walk while striking out two for his 21st hold.
  • Danny Coulombe fired a clean seventh, securing his eighth hold. 

Hierarchy Remains: Jhoan Durán | Griffin Jax | Louis Varland

Philadelphia Phillies – Closing a seven-run road win against the Yankees, Daniel Robert retired the side at the bottom of the ninth.

  • Orion Kerkering notched his 16th hold, giving up a hit and striking out two during a scoreless bottom of the eighth.
  • Jordan Romano was credited with his seventh hold despite allowing two hits, two earned runs, and striking out one in the seventh inning.
  • Tanner Banks stranded a runner, yielding a hit and striking out one at the bottom of the sixth. He was awarded his third win after his team scored four runs at the top of the seventh.

Hierarchy Remains: *Matt Strahm | *Orion Kerkering | Tanner Banks

*= “floating closer” concept

Pittsburgh Pirates – Tasked with the tenth and 11th innings against Arizona, Braxton Ashcraft suffered his first loss, letting the “place” runner score on Eugenio Suárez’s sacrifice fly. Ashcraft allowed a walk and recorded two strikeouts during his two innings.

David Bednar fired a clean ninth, striking out one on seven pitches (71.4 Strike%) and produced one whiff (14.3 SwStr%). He extended his scoreless streak to 12 games, during which he has posted a 0.917 WHIP with 15 strikeouts against four walks (23.9 K-BB%) across 12 innings.

  • Dennis Santana navigated around two walks and recorded a strikeout in a scoreless eighth.
  • Isaac Mattson gave up two hits and struck out one in a scoreless seventh.

Hierarchy Remains: David Bednar | Dennis Santana | Caleb Ferguson

Seattle Mariners – With the score tied at the bottom of the tenth, Casey Legumina retired Logan O’Hoppe on a flyout but had the “place” runner reach third. After issuing LaMonte Wade Jr. a walk, Luis Rengifo grounded into a fielder’s choice groundout with the runner retired at home. Zach Neto produced a walk-off RBI single, resulting in Legumina’s fifth loss.

  • Andrés Muñoz retired the side and recorded two strikeouts in the ninth. He threw 16 pitches (62.5 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (18.8 SwStr%).
  • Matt Brash worked a clean eighth, striking out one.
  • Eduard Bazardo tossed a clean seventh, recording two strikeouts.

Hierarchy Remains: Andrés Muñoz | Matt Brash | Gabe Speier

St. Louis Cardinals – Locking down his 21st save, Ryan Helsley completed a combined shutout against the Padres’ 6-7-8-9 hitters, working around Jose Iglesias’ two-out single and recording two strikeouts. He threw 13 pitches (92.3 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (23.1 SwStr%).

This extended his scoreless streak to four games and he has converted his last eight save chances since June 19.

  • JoJo Romero allowed a hit in the eighth while recording his 16th hold.
  • Phil Maton retired the side and recorded a strikeout in the seventh, securing his 20th hold.
  • Steven Matz worked around two hits while recording his seventh hold. 

Hierarchy Remains: Ryan Helsley | Phil Maton | JoJo Romero

Quick Hits

  • Baltimore Orioles: With the score tied at the top of the eighth, Andrew Kittredge allowed Ezequiel Tovar’s go-ahead solo home run and recorded three strikeouts, resulting in his second loss.
  • Cincinnati Reds: Wrapping up a five-run win over the Rays, Emilio Pagán fired a clean top of the ninth and recorded a strikeout on 11 pitches (63.6 Strike%) with one whiff. Tony Santillan tossed a scoreless eighth, allowing a hit and striking out one. Graham Ashcraft notched his 12th hold, walking one and striking out three in the seventh. Lyon Richardson gave up a hit and a walk but remained scoreless in the sixth, earning his third hold.
  • Milwaukee Brewers: Taking over at the top of the sixth, Aaron Ashby allowed Otto Lopez’s lead-off double, but cut him down at the plate on a fielder’s choice grounder. Returning for the seventh, he gave up Xavier Edwards’ lead-off single and left after retiring Jesús Sánchez. Nick Mears put gas on the fire, issuing two walks upon entry to load the bases and giving up Lopez’s bases-clearing double. Ashby gets charged with his first loss with two hits, an earned run, and a walk while striking out one over 1.1 innings.
  • New York Yankees: Tim Hill retired Bryson Stott via strikeout, ending the top of the sixth. However, in the seventh, he allowed consecutive hits by Trea Turner and Kyle Schwarber before inducing a groundout by Trea Turner, forcing his removal, and resulting in his third loss when Weaver allowed his inherited runner to score.
  • Texas Rangers: Forced into action with the bases loaded and one out at the top of the ninth, Robert Garcia induced an RBI groundout by Matt Olson, then retired Ronald Acuña Jr. via strikeout, completing a win over Atlanta. He threw 12 pitches (58.3 Strike%) and produced two whiffs (16.7 SwStr%).
  • Washington Nationals: During a shutout loss, Jose A. Ferrer retired the side and recorded a strikeout at the bottom of the eighth. Luis García fired a clean seventh, striking out one. Konnor Pilkington retired his only batter in the sixth, stranding all three inherited runners.

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Statistical Credits:

Fangraphs.com

Baseball-Reference.com

BaseballSavant.com

BrooksBaseball.net