Closer Monkey

Trade Deadline Buy/Sell for the National League

Updated on July 25

With less than one week until the trade deadline, how teams will handle their rosters remains in flux. Some teams will use their next two series as a litmus test on how to proceed. There are clear buyers at the top of the Wild Card standings and three teams within two and a half games, but Arizona has opened for business trading Josh Naylor, and St. Louis is trending toward moving their expiring contracts.

Entering the last weekend before the trade deadline, here is how things stand for teams in the National League regarding their relievers:

Chart Link

Glossary:

BUY+: This reliever has a strong chance (50 percent or better) of becoming a closer after the trade deadline.

BUY: This reliever has a slight chance (at least 20 percent) of becoming a closer after the trade deadline.

SELL: This reliever has a slight chance (at least 20 percent) of losing his team’s closer role by the trade deadline.

SELL+: This reliever has a strong chance (50 percent or higher) of losing his team’s closer role by the trade deadline.

TL;DR – National League Relievers

BUY+: Ronny Henriquez (MIA)

BUY: Joe Jiménez (ATL); Dylan Lee (ATL); Blake Treinen (LAD); David Robertson (PHI); Isaac Mattson (PIT); Jeremiah Estrada (SD); Luis García (WSH); Jose A. Ferrer (WSH)

SELL: Matt Strahm (PHI); Orion Kerkering (PHI); Robert Suarez (SD)

SELL+: Raisel Iglesias (ATL); Ryan Helsley (STL); Kyle Finnegan (WSH)

**Arizona will trade Shelby Miller and Jalen Beeks if possible, but both are currently on the injured list.

National League Projected Buyers

Chicago Cubs – Despite Daniel Palencia taking over as the closer, the team could use another veteran presence with “closer” experience for the playoffs. Who they add will determine how roles evolve.

Cincinnati Reds – Emilio Pagán has been a savior for Terry Francona this year, converting 20 of 23 save chances before the All-Star break. If they are serious about the playoffs, adding a fresh arm to the leverage ladder would be advisable. Tony Santillan and Scott Barlow are tied for the eighth most appearances (48) entering game play this weekend.

Los Angeles Dodgers – Although the team prefers not to overpay ahead of the trade deadline, the health statuses of Blake Treinen, Michael Kopech, and Brusdar Graterol may force them into the right-handed reliever pool. Treinen cleared his last rehab hurdle and should be activated as soon as this weekend in Boston. Will this and the reports of inflammation for Tanner Scott make getting a closer not a priority? We will find out soon.

Buy: Blake Treinen

Milwaukee Brewers – The bullpen represents a strength for this team, so trading from it may occur, but I’m not sure any additions will be forthcoming to it.

New York Mets – Targeting a reliable eighth-inning setup option will be a priority. If he remains under team control through next year, it would be a welcome bonus.

Philadelphia Phillies – There has not been a post about the Phillies, not to mention the team’s apparent need for high-leverage relievers. Can they pry a reliever with team control beyond 2025? It’s possible, and there have even been reports that they have inquired about David Bednar and Dennis Santana as a package deal from in-state rival, Pittsburgh. The team is also scouting the Twins (Jhoan Durán and Griffin Jax), but there will be a hefty price tag attached to trading for one of them. But it fits the team’s two-year “Wheeler window.” Stay tuned. With David Robertson working his way into game shape, he could be activated by August 4. Depending on who the team adds will determine the fantasy fate of Matt Strahm. For now:

Buy: David Robertson

Sell: Orion Kerkering; Matt Strahm

San Diego Padres – Like the Brewers, the leverage ladder remains one of its strengths, though getting one more leverage reliever would help the four primary relievers. There is a slight chance the team buys and sells, and if this happens, Robert Suarez could be moved. Just in case:

Buy: Jeremiah Estrada

Sell: Robert Suarez

San Francisco Giants – Whether or not Camilo Doval can remain atop the hierarchy does not impact the team ahead of the trade deadline. Starting pitcher represents this team’s apparent need for a shot at the playoffs, not a reliever.

National League Projected Sellers

Arizona Diamondbacks – If Shelby Miller clears his live batting practice on Friday, his activation could be pending, making him available for a contending team. If he stays, he will continue to be the closer.

Sell: Shelby Miller

Atlanta Braves – Trading pending free agent Raisel Iglesias makes sense, and his recent results should improve the prospect capital in return. However, though many feel Dylan Lee makes sense as the potential fill-in, it appears they may use a shared save approach between him and Daysbel Hernández until Joe Jiménez returns. Jiménez could be ready by late August and use the last five to six weeks of the season as an audition for the closer role in 2026. He’s our preferred stash.

Buy: Joe Jiménez; Dylan Lee

Sell+: Raisel Iglesias

Colorado Rockies – Getting out of Coors should help a reliever like Jake Bird, who could be an intriguing multi-inning capable reliever for contenders. Reports also suggest Seth Halvorsen or Victor Vodnik could be moved, but Bird remains the most probable reliever being moved.

Miami Marlins – Selfishly hoping the team traded Anthony Bender, rumored on the proverbial trade block, so that Ronny Henriquez can be the preferred save share.

Buy+: Ronny Henriquez

Sell: Anthony Bender

Pittsburgh Pirates – Selling high on the aforementioned Bednar and Santana makes sense. Caleb Ferguson, a pending free agent, should also be moved. Can Isaac Mattson fill the late-inning void? Will the team let him? If Dennis Santana stays, he will take over the ninth.

Buy: Isaac Mattson

Sell+: David Bednar; Dennis Santana

St. Louis Cardinals – Struggling at the onset of the second half should result in the team selling ahead of the deadline. This affects Ryan Helsley. He may not be traded, and the team remains comfortable offering him a qualifying offer if he’s not dealt; however, he told The Athletic he feels 90 percent sure he will be moved. He, Steven Matz, and Phil Maton can be free agents at the end of the year.

Buy: Andre Granillo; JoJo Romero

Sell+: Ryan Helsley; Steven Matz; Phil Maton

Washington Nationals – The team hopes it can move Kyle Finnegan over the next two weeks and continue the rebuild. In the preseason, the team felt Jose A. Ferrer could become a potential option for the ninth inning, but the recent addition of Luis García should not be ignored. A dreaded committee could ensue, or the team opts for the veteran with “closer” experience. As for Ferrer, we must heed his splits:

Ferrer vs. LHH: .189 batting average against, .229 weighted on-base average, 21.2 K-BB%, 0.72 WHIP
Ferrer vs. RHH: .325 batting average against, .360 weighted on-base average, 9.8 K-BB%, 1.60 WHIP

Since signing with the Nationals, García has posted a 0.60 WHIP with five strikeouts versus one walk (18.2 K-BB%), and a 2.48 SIERA.

Buy: Jose A. Ferrer; Luis García

Sell+: Kyle Finnegan

This may be updated next week if more clarity emerges.

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Trade Deadline Buy/Sell for the American League

Updated on July 25

With less than one week until the trade deadline, how teams will handle their rosters remains in constant flux. Some teams will use their next three series as a litmus test on how to proceed. There are two teams within one and a half games of the last Wild Card spot, three within three games, and six within five and a half:

Entering the weekend, here is how things stand for teams in the American League regarding their relievers:

Chart Link

Glossary:

BUY+: This reliever has a strong chance (50 percent or better) of becoming a closer after the trade deadline.

BUY: This reliever has a slight chance (at least 20 percent) of becoming a closer after the trade deadline.

SELL: This reliever has a slight chance (at least 20 percent) of losing his team’s closer role by the trade deadline.

SELL+: This reliever has a strong chance (50 percent or higher) of losing his team’s closer role by the trade deadline.

TL;DR – American League Relievers

BUY+: None

BUY: Cade Smith (CLE); Reid Detmers (LAA); Griffin Jax (MIN); Louis Varland (MIN); Jon Gray (TEX)

SELL: Mason Miller (ATH); Emmanuel Clase (CLE); Carlos Estévez (KC); Kenley Jansen (LAA); Jhoan Durán (MIN)

SELL+: Seranthony Domínguez (BAL)

Unless one of the closers on the block is moved, things may not shift significantly in the American League leverage ecosystem.

American League Projected Buyers

Boston Red Sox – Although the team’s most pressing needs are a starting pitcher and a first baseman, a reliever capable of working in the sixth or seventh inning would strengthen the depth of the bullpen.

Detroit Tigers – All preseason, articles focused on the Tigers adding a reliever with “swing-and-miss” stuff, resulting in the team signing Tommy Kahnle. He limped into the break, and Will Vest has emerged as the team’s preferred option for high-leverage events. Adding a veteran reliever with closing experience should be a priority, but time will tell.

Houston Astros – Already equipped with one of the best late-inning duos in the majors (Josh Hader and Bryan Abreu), adding a right-handed reliever for the bridge innings (sixth and seventh) should be the modus operandi ahead of the deadline.

New York Yankees – Getting Devin Williams back on track and the break allowing Luke Weaver time to recover makes this a strong backend of the bullpen. However, getting games to them remains an issue. Fernando Cruz‘s eventual return will help, but the Yankees will be trying to acquire at least one, if not two, relievers before the deadline passes.

Seattle Mariners – Wasting a season like the “Big Dumper” is having would be criminal, so Seattle should be adding a veteran to the leverage ladder. Managing the workloads for Matt Brash and Andrés Muñoz will be pivotal for postseason success.

Toronto Blue Jays – The health of Yimi García should determine how aggressive the team should be ahead of the deadline. Getting a veteran reliever with playoff experience should be a goal, regardless.

American League Projected Sellers

Baltimore Orioles – Félix Bautista landing on the injured list removes him from trade consideration. However, pending free agent Seranthony Domínguez should keep a go bag packed. Manager Tony Mansolino employed a matchup-based approach in the first game without “The Mountain,” which may alter our valuation of some relievers, depending on what Bautista’s MRI reveals:

Buy: Yennier Cano; Keegan Akin

Sell: Seranthony Domínguez

Chicago White Sox – Anyone not named Grant Taylor should be available via trade. Left-handed relievers Brandon Eisert and Tyler Alexander may garner some interest.

The Athletics – Teams will call regarding Mason Miller, who is under team control through 2029 but enters his arbitration window this winter. If the A’s could receive young starting pitching prospects, they will listen, but it’s more likely he’s moved over the winter than before the deadline. However, if a team like Philadelphia makes an offer they cannot refuse, here are the last 30 days’ results for their relievers (through July 24):

A match-up-based approach may occur. Elvis Alvarado has the velocity but lacks command. Sean Newcomb (if not traded) can face left-handed hitting pockets, and Justin Sterner could be a sleeper for saves as well.

American League Teams in Limbo

Cleveland Guardians – There has been an undercurrent suggesting the team could deal Emmanuel Clase, and it’s possible, but not likely, especially since the Guardians have one of the easiest schedules based on opponents’ winning percentage in the second half. A recent push has them within one and a half games of the playoffs, so unless an offer blows them away, Clase and Cade Smith will remain on the roster. Just in case:

Buy: Cade Smith

Sell: Emmanuel Clase

Kansas City Royals – Remaining four and a half games back entering the last weekend before the deadline may not be ideal, so the next two series may determine how they handle the trade deadline. Teams are calling about Carlos Estévez, so stay tuned.

Buy: Lucas Erceg

Sell: Carlos Estévez

Los Angeles Angels – In playoff purgatory, selling hurts the optics for a team trying to get Mike Trout into the playoffs. Kenley Jansen signed because he could pursue 500 career saves, and he prefers not to be moved to the setup role on a contender if his team fades. However, if he’s moved, the destination determines his fantasy relevance. Teams are also interested in Reid Detmers. If both get moved, José Quijada has saved games in the past and the return of Robert Stephenson could result in another match-up-based leverage ladder.

Buy: Robert Stephenson; Reid Detmers

Sell: Kenley Jansen; Reid Detmers

Minnesota Twins – Being five games back from the last Wild Card spot may prompt a move for one of their coveted relievers: Jhoan Durán and Griffin Jax. Marc Feinsand of MLB.com feels one will be moved. If the team trades Durán, Jax should be next in line, but those in deeper leagues can take a shot at stashing Louis Varland just in case. Philadelphia has scouts following these relievers.

Buy: Griffin Jax, Louis Varland

Sell: Jhoan Durán, Griffin Jax

Tampa Bay Rays – Treading water in the standings, reports indicate the team prefers not trading Pete Fairbanks, so there may not be many moves in this leverage ladder.

Buy/Sell: None

Texas Rangers – Suddenly, being within striking distance of the last Wild Card spot may change this team’s outlook for the trade deadline. However, it’s hampered by a desire not to exceed the CBT, making any additions difficult. Jon Gray made his debut as a reliever, collecting a win after working two scoreless frames. He could emerge with a share of save chances if the team stands pat with the roster.

Buy: Jon Gray

This may be updated one more time if more clarity emerges.

Closer Monkey Emails for 2025

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Monkey Bytes | July 24

Wednesday’s slate proved volatile for relievers, illustrated by two blown saves accompanying the six wins accrued (Greg Weissert and Bennett Sousa) while suffering seven losses. There were also seven saves, from the one-out variety to two requiring multiple-inning efforts:

Reliever	Save #	Pitches	Strike%	SwStr%	K:BB	BF
Josh Hader	27	18	61%	27.8	2:0	4
Emmanuel Clase	23	12	75	0	2:0	3
Edwin Díaz	21	25	64	16	2:0	6
Calvin Faucher	9	22	63.6	4.5	0:0	6
Robert Garcia	8	12	66.7	50	2:0	4
Dan Altavilla	2	17	47.1	0	0:2	5
Brennan Bernardino	1	6	100	0	1:0	1

For the save streamers:

Vulture Save Options for July 24

Bryan Abreu (HOU): Hader has thrown 36 pitches the previous three days and 71 since July 19.
Cade Smith (CLE): Clase has pitched in back-to-back games, though he could appear for a third by keeping low pitch counts in each.
Seranthony Domínguez (BAL): He was in line for the save chance yesterday with Félix Bautista not feeling “right.”

Vulture Save Stash for July 25

Yariel Rodríguez (TOR): If Hoffman pitches tonight, it’s three appearances in four days, and he threw in four of the five previous games before Thursday’s game.

News, Notes, and Observations

Félix Bautista (BAL) was not available last night:

Mansolino indicated an update would be forthcoming today, which fantasy managers must monitor closely. Bautista threw a season-high 34 pitches on Sunday, working with reduced velocity:

His minimum velocity in this outing was 94.1 miles per hour, and his in-game chart reflects this recent trend:

Initial reports for Tanner Scott (LAD) are positive, but until there is a timeline, it’s tough for fantasy managers to plan on his rest-of-the-season impact:

As for his teammate, things went well for Blake Treinen during his rehab outing at Triple-A:

Treinen’s last hurdle will be an appearance tonight on consecutive days, and if successful, he could meet the team in Boston this weekend.

Last, but not least, Shelby Miller (ARI) is slated to throw live batting practice again on Friday:

Will this give him enough runway to return next week and possibly be traded? Time will tell.

Here are the leverage events of interest from Wednesday.

Closer CliffsNotes

Boston Red Sox –Pressed into action with a runner on first and two outs at the bottom of the 11th, Brennan Bernadino recorded his first career save, striking out Max Kepler and preserving a one-run win in Philadelphia.

Jorge Alcala retired his first two batters faced, then let the “place” runner score on an RBI single by Johan Rojas and was removed, but was credited with his second hold.
Greg Weissert allowed a hit and an unearned run while striking out one at the bottom of the tenth, suffering his sixth blown save, but also collected his third win.
Garrett Whitlock fired a clean bottom of the ninth, keeping the game tied.
Aroldis Chapman made his first point of entry in the seventh inning this season, but allowed a game-tying solo home run by J.T. Realmuto at the bottom of the eighth, resulting in his second blown save.
Jordan Hicks allowed a hit and recorded two outs in the seventh.

Hierarchy Remains: Aroldis Chapman | Garrett Whitlock | Jordan Hicks

Chicago White Sox – A white-knuckle ride at the bottom of the ninth ended in a second save for Dan Altavilla. He allowed an infield single, but the runner was tagged out returning to first, walked Danny Jansen, recorded a groundout, moved the runner to third with a wild pitch, walked José Caballero, then induced a game-ending lineout by Chadler Simpson, preserving the two-run lead. He threw 17 pitches (47.1 Strike%) without a whiff.

Tyler Gilbert let two of three inherited runners score, but was awarded his second hold.
Steven Wilson gave up two hits and two earned runs while striking out one during one-third of the eighth inning.
Jordan Leasure worked around two hits and recorded a strikeout in a scoreless seventh while collecting his third win.
Grant Taylor tossed a scoreless sixth, yielding a hit and a walk while striking out one.

Updated Hierarchy: *Grant Taylor | *Jordan Leasure | *Dan Altavilla

*= closer-by-committee

Cleveland Guardians – Nailing down his 23rd save, Emmanuel Clase fired a clean top of the ninth while striking out two, preserving a one-run lead against the Orioles. He threw 12 pitches (75 Strike%) without a whiff.

He has converted his last five save chances and been scoreless in his last seven games, posting a 0.39 WHIP with eight strikeouts versus zero walks (30.8 K-BB%).

Hunter Gaddis earned his first win, retiring the side and striking out one at the top of the eighth, ahead of his team’s go-ahead rally at the bottom of the inning.
Nic Enright worked a scoreless seventh, walking and striking out one.

Hierarchy Remains: Emmanuel Clase | Cade Smith | Hunter Gaddis

Houston Astros – Securing his American League-leading 27th save, Josh Hader allowed Geraldo Perdomo’s two-out single, then recorded a game-ending strikeout of Ketel Marte, preserving a one-run lead in Arizona. He threw 18 pitches (61.1 Strike%) and generated five whiffs (27.8 SwStr%) while striking out two.

He has made seven appearances this month, with three requiring four or more outs, posting a 1.556 WHIP with 11 strikeouts versus six walks through nine innings.

Bennett Sousa gave up four hits, two earned runs, and a walk at the bottom of the eighth, resulting in his first blown save. However, courtesy of his teammates’ rally at the top of the ninth, he collected his fourth win.

Hierarchy Remains: Josh Hader | Bryan Abreu | Bennett Sousa

Miami Marlins – Forced into action at the top of the eighth with one out, Calvin Faucher took over with a runner on and stranded him by inducing a pop-out, giving up a single, and an inning-ending lineout by Luis Arraez. Returning for the ninth, he retired the 3-4-5 Padres’ lineup pocket, preserving the one-run lead for his ninth save. He finished with a hit against during 1.2 scoreless frames while throwing 22 pitches (63.6 Strike%) with one whiff.

This marked his first save since June 24.

Cade Simpson allowed two hits and an earned run during one-third of the eighth, getting credit for his first hold.

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

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

Minnesota Twins – Handed a one-run lead at the bottom of the ninth, Griffin Jax recorded two quick outs before Mookie Betts reached on an infield single, following a check swing with two strikes not being ruled a swing. Jax intentionally walked Shohei Ohtani, then walked Esteury Ruiz to load the bases. After getting a 0-2 count on Freddie Freeman, he could not put him away, allowing an opposite field sinking line drive narrowly missed by Harrison Bader, resulting in a walk-off, two-RBI single. Jax gets tagged with his fifth loss and fifth blown save.

Brock Stewart worked around a hit, a hit batter, and a walk (intentional – Will Smith) for a scoreless eighth and his 14th hold.
Louis Varland let one of two inherited runners score, giving up a hit and a walk during two-thirds of the seventh.

Hierarchy Remains: Jhoan Durán | Griffin Jax | Louis Varland

New York Mets – Called upon with two outs and a runner on, Edwin Díaz hit Travis d’Arnaud with a pitch, then recorded a strikeout against Luis Renfigo. Returning for the ninth, he hit Chris Taylor leading off the inning and retired the next three hitters, one via strikeout for his 21st save. He threw 25 pitches (64 Strike%) and produced four whiffs (16 SwStr%) while striking out two.

Díaz has been scoreless since June 6, posting a 0.667 WHIP with 22 strikeouts against three walks (33.3 K-BB%) across 15.1 innings in his last 15 appearances.

Brooks Raley worked a scoreless combined inning, walking two and striking out one for his first hold.
José Buttó struggled upon return from the injured list, giving up three hits and two earned runs during two-thirds of the seventh.

Hierarchy Remains: Edwin Díaz | Reed Garrett | Huascar Brazobán

Texas Rangers – Summoned with a one-run lead at the top of the ninth, Robert Garcia navigated around Shea Langeliers’ lead-off single by retiring the next three batters, including consecutive strikeouts, while securing his eighth save. He threw 12 pitches (66.7 Strike%) and generated six whiffs (50 SwStr%).

Despite some sporadic usage patterns, he has recorded a save in two of his last three appearances.

Hoby Milner stranded a runner and retired his only batter via strikeout for his 13th at the top of the eighth.
There was no easing Jon Gray into his relief role. He took over with runners at the corners with two outs at the top of the sixth, and benefited from a great catch in center, stranding both. Gray worked two scoreless combined frames, yielding a hit, and collected his first win. He threw 15 pitches (60 Strike%) without a whiff.

How Gray’s role as a reliever evolves will be intriguing, for now:

Updated Hierarchy: Robert Garcia | Shawn Armstrong | Jon Gray

Quick Hits

Arizona Diamondbacks: Entering a tied game at the top of the ninth, Kevin Ginkel gave up a bunt single, followed by Taylor Trammell’s single, before retiring Victor Caratini via pop-up. However, Christian Walker laced a go-ahead RBI single to center. Ginkel finished with three hits and an earned run while striking out one during his fourth loss.
Atlanta Braves: In a loss, Raisel Iglesias fired a clean top of the ninth and recorded two strikeouts on 11 pitches (72.7 Strike%) with three whiffs (27.3 SwStr%). Dylan Lee struck out the side at the top of the eighth on 13 pitches and induced four whiffs (30.8 SwStr%).
Baltimore Orioles: With the score tied at the bottom of the eighth, Colin Selby took over and recorded two quick outs, then allowed Bo Naylor’s double and a go-ahead RBI single by Steven Kwan, resulting in his second loss in as many appearances.
Colorado Rockies: Completing a combined shutout, Tyler Kinley retired the side and recorded two strikeouts at the top of the ninth against the Cardinals. Jimmy Herget gave up a hit during the seventh and eighth innings.
Kansas City Royals: Wrapping up a four-run win against the Cubs, Lucas Erceg retired the side on six pitches at the bottom of the ninth. Through ten appearances in July, he has two wins, a loss, two holds, and a blown save while being scoreless in seven, but with a 1.40 WHIP across ten innings.
Los Angeles Angels: As the “bulk follower,” Jake Eder suffered his first loss, allowing seven hits, five earned runs, and a walk while striking out seven across six innings.
Los Angeles Dodgers: After working a scoreless top of the ninth, Anthony Banda collected his fifth win. He allowed a hit and recorded three strikeouts. Alex Vesia let two of three inherited runners score, on a double play groundout and an RBI single by Harrison Bader during his scoreless inning of relief, handing him his first blown save. Kirby Yates took over at the top of the eighth and issued three walks, resulting in two earned runs without retiring a batter.
Philadelphia Phillies: Tasked with the top of the 11th, Seth Johnson suffered his first loss, allowing two hits, including Carlos Narvaez’s go-ahead two-run home run. Johnson finished with two hits, two runs (one earned), and three strikeouts.
Tampa Bay Rays: An implosion at the top of the eighth resulted in a second loss and a third blown save by Kevin Kelly. He allowed four hits, six runs (five earned), and two walks during his one-third of an inning.
The Athletics: Taking over a tied game at the bottom of the sixth, Jack Perkins suffered his first loss, giving up a run on a missed fly ball, scoring a runner from first. He logged three innings, allowing a hit, an earned run, and two walks while striking out four.
Toronto Blue Jays: Capping his team’s four-run win over the Yankees, Yariel Rodríguez fired a clean top of the ninth. He threw nine pitches (66.7 Strike%) and induced one whiff (11.1 SwStr%). Justin Bruihl gave up two hits and recorded two outs in the eighth.

Closer Monkey Emails for 2025

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Monkey Bytes | July 23

Tuesday’s games yielded four wins by relievers and eight saves, while they suffered five losses. Here are the saves in condensed form:

Reliever	Save #	Pitches	Strike%	SwStr%	K:BB	BF
Emmanuel Clase	22	13	69.2	7.7	1:0	4
Andrés Muñoz	22	28	53.6	10.7	2:2	5
Pete Fairbanks	17	12	66.7	0	0:0	3
David Bednar	15	18	72.2	27.8	2:1	5
Devin Williams	15	19	78.9	15.8	2:0	4
Ronny Henriquez	6	17	64.7	23.5	1:1	6
Ryne Stanek	3	13	84.6	15.4	1:0	5
Bryan King	1	11	72.7	9.1	1:0	5

For the save streamers:

Vulture Save Options for July 23

Dennis Santana (PIT): Bednar has appeared in three straight games.
Yariel Rodríguez (TOR): Hoffman has pitched in consecutive games and four of the last five days.
Shawn Armstrong (TEX): Garcia threw 28 pitches last night.
Griffin Jax (MIN): Durán logged two innings and has thrown 40 pitches over the previous three days.

Vulture Save Stashes for July 24

Trent Thornton (SEA): If Muñoz and Brash pitch today, it’s back-to-back games.

Here are the leverage events of interest from Tuesday.

Closer CliffsNotes

Cleveland Guardians – Closing out a three-run lead and his 22nd save, Emmanuel Clase worked around Coby Mayo’s one-out single with a pop-out and a game-ending lineout by Jackson Holliday. Clase threw 13 pitches (69.2 Strike%) and induced one whiff while striking out one.

He extended his scoreless streak to six games, during which he has posted a 0.448 WHIP with six strikeouts (26.1 K-BB%) through 6.2 innings.

Cade Smith stranded two runners at the top of the seventh and tossed 1.1 scoreless frames, walking and striking out one for his 19th hold.
Matt Festa gave up two hits, an earned run, and a walk without retiring a batter in the seventh.
Eric Sabrowski logged 1.2 innings, giving up two hits and an earned run while striking out two, getting credit for his third hold.

Hierarchy Remains: Emmanuel Clase | Cade Smith | Hunter Gaddis

Houston Astros – Operating in a match-up-based approach, Bryan King took over at the bottom of the ninth against Arizona’s 4-5-6 lineup pocket and pulled a “Houdini,” finishing the combined shutout. Despite giving up three consecutive singles to load the bases, he recorded a strikeout versus Blaze Alexander, then induced a game-ending double play groundout against Jose Herrera for his first career save.

Bryan Abreu fired a clean bottom of the eighth and recorded a strikeout against Eugenio Suarez while securing his 24th hold. He was reserved for this lineup pocket during the late innings. Abreu has recorded at least one strikeout in his last 13 games, during which he has two wins and six holds in seven chances with a 0.699 WHIP while racking up 30 strikeouts (53.6 K%) through 14.1 innings.

Hierarchy Remains: Josh Hader | Bryan Abreu | Bennett Sousa

Miami Marlins – Bending but not breaking at the top of the ninth, Ronny Henriquez held on for his sixth save, preserving a one-run lead. However, his outing began with a lead-off walk to Gavin Sheets, a leverage mortal sin, followed by consecutive doubles, scoring two runs. Henriquez bore down, retiring the next three batters, one via strikeout sandwiched between two infield pop-ups. He threw 17 pitches (64.7 Strike%) and produced four whiffs (23.5 SwStr%). His illustrator:

And his results:

One would have preferred he was dialed in upon entry, but this was a growth outing, securing the save despite not having his best stuff.

Anthony Bender fired a clean eighth and recorded a strikeout for his 17th hold.
Cade Gibson worked 1.1 scoreless frames, stranding two runners in the sixth, and striking out one en route to his fourth hold.

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

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

Minnesota Twins – During an eventual win, Jhoan Durán worked two innings, giving up three hits, including Shohei Ohtani’s two-run home run with two outs at the bottom of the ninth. He threw 24 pitches (66.7 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (8.3 SwStr%) while recording one strikeout. His illustrator:

And the results:

He last recorded a save on July 11 and has allowed multiple hits in two of his last three games.

Anthony Misiewicz issued Freddie Freeman a walk at the bottom of the eighth, then left the game, forcing Durán’s entry.
Griffin Jax hit a batter and recorded a strikeout in a scoreless eighth.
Louis Varland allowed three hits and two earned runs, while striking out two for his 17th hold in the sixth.
Brock Stewart retired the side and struck out one in the fifth. He was awarded his second win as a result.

Hierarchy Remains: Jhoan Durán | Griffin Jax | Louis Varland

New York Mets – Working into and then out of trouble, Ryne Stanek preserved a one-run margin against the Angels for his third save, second in the last three days. His outing began with Logan O’Hoppe’s single, followed by him recording two outs, then allowing Nolan Schanuel’s single before getting a game-ending pop-out by Mike Trout. Stanek threw 13 pitches (84.6 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (15.4 SwStr%).

Reed Garrett stranded a runner in the seventh and tossed 1.1 clean frames while striking out two for his 18th hold.
Rico Garcia notched his first hold, giving up a hit and striking out two during a scoreless combined inning.

Hierarchy Remains: Edwin Díaz | Reed Garrett | Huascar Brazobán

New York Yankees – Shutting the door on his 15th save, Devin Williams worked around Vlad Guerrero Jr.’s lead-off single by retiring the next three batters, two on strikeouts, preserving a one-run win in Toronto. He threw 19 pitches (78.9 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (15.8 SwStr%).

He has recorded a win and converted all four save chances over his last seven appearances, posting a 0.571 WHIP with 12 strikeouts against one walk (44 K-BB%) through seven innings.

Ian Hamilton stranded a runner and retired his only batter at the bottom of the eighth. He was awarded his second win after a rally at the top of the ninth.
Luke Weaver walked one and logged 1.2 scoreless frames.
Jonathan Loáisiga suffered his third blown save, letting his only inherited runner score, giving up two hits and striking out during one-third of the sixth.
Tim Hill was credited with his 11th hold despite allowing a hit and two unearned runs in two-thirds of the sixth.

Hierarchy Remains: Devin Williams | Luke Weaver | Tim Hill

Pittsburgh Pirates – Called upon for a third straight appearance, David Bednar navigated around a lead-off walk and a one-out single with consecutive game-ending strikeouts, recording his 15th save. He threw 18 pitches (72.2 Strike%) and generated five whiffs (27.8 SwStr%).

This extended his scoreless streak to 11 games, during which he has a win and converted all five save chances while posting a 1.00 WHIP with 14 strikeouts versus four walks (23.3 K-BB%).

Caleb Ferguson struggled once again, giving up two hits, two earned runs, and striking out two in the eighth.
Isaac Mattson tossed a scoreless seventh, yielding a hit and striking out two.

Hierarchy Remains: David Bednar | Dennis Santana | Caleb Ferguson

Seattle Mariners – Slamming the door on his 22nd save, Andrés Muñoz preserved the 1-0 lead despite issuing two walks, putting two runners on with one out by recording a strikeout, followed by a game-ending fielder’s choice groundout by Andrew Vaughn. Muñoz threw 28 pitches (53.6 Strike%) and induced three whiffs (10.7 SwStr%).

Gabe Speier stranded a runner and retired his only batter in the eighth for his 12th hold.
Eduard Bazardo issued a walk during two-thirds scoreless in the eighth, getting credit for his third hold.
Matt Brash retired both batters in the seventh and stranded a runner while securing his 12th hold.

Hierarchy Remains: Andrés Muñoz | Matt Brash | Gabe Speier

Tampa Bay Rays – Securing his 17th save, Pete Fairbanks retired the side and preserved a one-run lead against the White Sox. He threw 12 pitches (66.7 Strike%) without a whiff.

This snapped a streak of two games allowing at least a run, and he has converted his last two save chances.

Garrett Cleavinger gave up a hit during a scoreless eighth, notching his 14th hold.
Bryan Baker allowed Colson Montgomery’s solo home run and recorded a strikeout at the top of the seventh, getting credit for his 11th hold.
Edwin Uceta took over at the top of the fifth and logged two scoreless frames, yielding a hit and striking out four, resulting in his seventh win.

Hierarchy Remains: Pete Fairbanks | Bryan Baker | Garrett Cleavinger

Quick Hits

Arizona Diamondbacks: Summoned with a one-run lead, Kevin Ginkel stranded an inherited runner at the top of the seventh, walking and striking out one against Houston for his sixth hold. Jake Woodford replaced him in the eighth and issued a one-out walk, followed by a two-run home run, resulting in his first loss and a first blown save. He finished with four hits, three earned runs, and a walk while striking out one during his 1.2 innings.
Chicago Cubs: Making a non-save appearance, Daniel Palencia navigated around Bobby Witt Jr.’s lead-off single by inducing a double play groundout and Salvador Perez’s two-out single with a game-ending strikeout, preserving the combined shutout. He threw 13 pitches (61.5 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (15.4 SwStr%). Since June 26, he has turned in nine consecutive scoreless outings, converting all six save opportunities while recording a 0.602 WHIP with 10 strikeouts against one walk.
Colorado Rockies: Preserving a four-run lead, Seth Halvorsen worked around Alec Burleson’s two-out walk with a game-ending strikeout against Willson Contreras in a non-save outing. He threw 14 pitches (50 Strike%) and produced four whiffs (28.6 SwStr%).
Los Angeles Dodgers: With the score tied at the top of the sixth, Ben Casparius took over but struggled with his command. He allowed a walk, a double, and two more walks, forcing in a run before being removed without retiring a batter. Alexis Díaz made his team debut, letting two of three inherited runners score on Christian Vazquez’s single and recording a strikeout, retiring three of four batters faced. Still, Casparius was charged with his fourth loss as a result.
Milwaukee Brewers: Entering with two runners on and two outs, DL Hall stranded both at the bottom of the fourth and logged 1.2 clean innings while striking out one. Nick Mears allowed the game’s only run on Cal Raleigh’s solo home run at the bottom of the sixth, resulting in his third loss.
St. Louis Cardinals: Forced into an extended outing, Kyle Leahy tossed 3.2 innings, allowing three hits, an earned run, and a walk while striking out seven against the Rockies, throwing 49 pitches (73.5 Strike%) with nine whiffs (18.4 SwStr%).
Toronto Blue Jays: Summoned for the fourth time in five days, Jeff Hoffman entered a tied contest at the top of the ninth. He allowed Ben Rice’s go-ahead solo home run, resulting in his third loss. It’s his first loss since May 13 and snaps a modest four-game scoreless streak.
Washington Nationals: Taking over at the top of the fifth, Konnor Pilkington fired two clean frames and recorded three strikeouts, collecting his first win. He threw 21 pitches (71.4 Strike%) and induced four whiffs (19 SwStr%).

News, Notes, and Observations

Arizona Diamondbacks: The good news is that Shelby Miller will avoid injury. He threw live batting practice on Tuesday, but it was cut short, not because of his forearm.

Boston Red Sox: More for those in SOLDS or holds formats, but also intriguing as the right-handed high-leverage complement for Aroldis Chapman, by design, Garrett Whitlock has been working one-inning appearances or less since June 29. In these eight games, he has recorded five holds with a 0.548 WHIP and 12 strikeouts versus zero walks (44.4 K-BB%) through 7.1 innings.

Minnesota Twins: An update about their deadline modus operandi:

They should be asking for talent for Durán and Jax, time will tell if a contender bites or the prices deescalate depending on who becomes available.

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