Closer Monkey

2024 Trade Deadline Buy/Sell: American League

Updated: July 26, 2024

With days remaining until the trade deadline (July 30), here are the latest playoff projections for the American League courtesy of Baseball-Reference:

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 the closer role by the trade deadline.

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

TL;DR – American League Relievers

BUY+: Ben Joyce (LAA)

BUY: Jason Adam (TBR): Hunter Harvey (KCR); Tyler Ferguson (OAK)

SELL: Pete Fairbanks (TBR); Clay Holmes (NYY); Chad Green (TOR); James McArthur (KCR); Mason Miller (OAK); Kenley Jansen (BOS)

SELL+: Michael Kopech (CHW); Carlos Estévez (LAA)

In case you missed it, our First Half in Review for Relievers covers leaders for saves, holds, SOLDS, and underlying metrics for the first half and the last 365 days.

American League East

Baltimore Orioles – With eyes on a repeat of a postseason berth, the Orioles will be buyers ahead of the trade deadline. Though its main focus will be on starting pitching, getting a veteran reliever capable of setting up in high-leverage situations will also be on the team’s radar. Reports have speculated that the team will get Tanner Scott back from Miami, and a left-handed reliever makes sense, given the timeline for Danny Coulombe‘s injury. How Craig Kimbrel pitches early in the second half will determine his team’s course of action at closer.

BUY: None; SELL: None

Boston Red Sox – Losing four straight beginning the second half places general manager Craig Breslow into a tough position. He planned on trading closer Kenley Jansen, per reports, early in the season, but the players and manager suggest the team should be adding, not selling, ahead of the deadline. This weekend and next week may play a pivotal part in how he threads the needle in handling the roster for the rest of the season. Liam Hendriks may be available as soon at some point in August, which could bolster the leverage ladder if the team adds before the deadline.

BUY: TBD; SELL: Kenley Jansen

New York Yankees – This bullpen’s deficiencies are not its closer’s fault, but there is a chance Clay Holmes should be the primary set-up reliever, not the closer. Much of this will depend on how the Yankees handle the trade deadline. New York should add one if not two, relievers for the stretch run, but will it shop at the top of the closer food chain? Time will tell.

BUY: None; SELL: Clay Holmes

Tampa Bay Rays – According to Tankathon, the Rays have the second most difficult schedule from July 23-on, which does not help its current 1.4 percent playoff odds by Baseball-Reference. This may prompt the team to buy and sell ahead of the trade deadline, which puts closer Pete Fairbanks on the block. He’s converted 18 of 20 save chances this season with diminished underlying metrics. However, the Rays may keep him based on his below market value contract and move Jason Adams instead. Stay tuned.

BUY: Jason Adam; SELL: Pete Fairbanks

Toronto Blue Jays – Projected as a seller, the Blue Jays will try moving pending free agents Yimi García and Trevor Richards. How they handle Chad Green will determine how save chances are recorded in the last two months of the season, but if he’s traded too, this bullpen may be worth avoiding from a fantasy perspective. Reports suggest Baltimore and the Yankees are interested in Green.

BUY: None; SELL: Chad Green (if traded)

American League Central

Chicago White Sox – It may be ironic if the team traded John Brebbia but did not move Michael Kopech. Both may be moved, but time will tell how Chris Getz handles the deadline. If he trades both veteran relievers, the hierarchy will be very light on experience for the last two months. Unpopular opinion, if Kopech stays: he will finish the year strong despite his team’s limited upside for wins in the second half.

BUY: None; SELL+: Michael Kopech

Cleveland Guardians – Representing one of the few contenders not requiring bullpen help, an extra veteran with playoff experience would prove beneficial based on the team’s second half strength of schedule. Focused on winning the division, do not plan on many changes in the leverage ladder, one of the most stable in the majors.

BUY: None; SELL: None

Detroit Tigers – Although Jason Foley has recorded 15 of his team’s 22 saves, he’s only secured four since the start of June. Through 17 games in July, he has notched two saves, while Andrew Chafin, Tyler Holton, and Shelby Miller have one each. This bullpen has been fluid over the last 14 days. Projected as sellers, Chafin and Miller will be traded, if possible, since they are pending free agents. How the team handles save chances during the second half will be monitored closely.

BUY: None; SELL: Jason Foley

Kansas City Royals – In an early move to strengthen their leverage ladder, they traded for Hunter Harvey in early July. General Manager J.J. Picollo discussed getting him in this video and suggested that he will work in high-leverage innings and save situations will evolve. For now, James McArthur remains the closer, but his runway in the role gets shorter with Harvey in the mix.

BUY: Hunter Harvey; SELL: James McArthur

Minnesota Twins – The biggest thing for fantasy managers in this leverage ladder is how Jhoan Durán finishes the season and his velocities. This team has other needs than the bullpen, so do not anticipate a big move here unless an injury happens in the next ten days. Getting Brock Stewart and Justin Topa back may represent the second-half’s two biggest additions for this bullpen.

BUY: None; SELL: None

American League West

Houston Astros – Although he’s had some issues with home runs, Josh Hader will remain the closer. After the slow start, the team enters the last week before the deadline tied with Seattle for first place. Only a collapse would prompt the team to move Ryan Pressly, who will opt out at the end of the season if he wants to close games next year. Projected as buyers, the team will target one or two veterans for the bullpen, capable of protecting leads in the sixth and seventh innings.

BUY: None; SELL: None

Los Angeles Angels – There is no denying the improvement displayed by Ben Joyce since introducing his “splinker” on June 14, but he needs the team to trade Luis García, not just Carlos Estévez, for a full run as the closer. This should happen, but one cannot ignore Ron Washington’s patience in not moving up Logan O’Hoppe or Zach Neto in the lineup to avoid putting pressure on the young hitters. The good news is that the Angels should be moving any commodity possible, and with the easiest remaining strength of schedule, Joyce hopefully accrues six to eight saves down the stretch.

BUY+: Ben Joyce; SELL+: Carlos Estévez

Oakland A’s – One of the biggest trade deadline questions remains: how will they handle Mason Miller? In the latest post about the topic by Joel Sherman of the New York Post. This decision looms, especially after Miler’s dominant outing in the All-Star game. The team may hold onto him and move Lucas Erceg instead, but monitor how this evolves closely. If the team does move Erceg, it paves the way for Tyler Ferguson to gain a larger leverage role for the rest of the season.

BUY: Tyler Ferguson; SELL: None

Seattle Mariners – This leverage ladder remains a delicate ecosystem. All three relievers have missed time because of injuries, with Andrés Muñoz and Ryne Stanek pitching through lingering back issues and Gregory Santos missing most of the first half with a lat injury. With one of the best rotations in baseball, the team must add one, if not two, relievers for depth in leverage situations.

BUY: None; SELL: None

Texas Rangers – With a week until the trade deadline, they sit only four games back in the division, making their plans more difficult. Preparing to buy and sell, a mix of both will likely happen. If they decide to sell, they can take over the reliever market with Kirby Yates and José Leclerc being pending free agents, while David Robertson (mutual option) could also be moved. This would create a huge chasm in the leverage ladder, but if he’s healthy, Josh Sborz could be the beneficiary of save chances over the last two months with Jonathan Hernández getting a larger leverage role as well.

**Updated on July 25: Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reports the team will buy ahead of the deadline, which would remove Yates, Robertson, and Leclerc from trade discussions.

BUY: None; SELL: None

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Monkey Bytes: July 23

Monday’s 13-game slate provided six reliever wins, featuring late-inning rallies and two extra-inning contests. Six relievers secured saves, with only Cole Sands providing a vulture one because his team padded its lead. Another late-inning collapse cost the Red Sox, and it may affect their trade deadline maneuvers, which are covered in today’s takeaways.

Three Takeaways

Boston’s bullpen creates tough decisions: With the caveat that the recent struggles in the bullpen are due to the lack of depth, Pete Abraham’s tweet encapsulates how front offices must manage in-season events versus the future. During a four-game losing streak at the onset of the second half, the Red Sox have suffered five blown saves. Having Chris Martin and Justin Slaten on the injured list, Liam Hendriks still throwing fastballs only in his side sessions, and Kenley Jansen out for the Colorado series, this leverage ladder is running on fumes. These next two games against the Rockies and this weekend’s set versus the Yankees may decide this team’s modus operandi at the trade deadline, but since peaking at 53 percent postseason odds at Fangraphs on July 18, after last night’s loss, the team’s trending in the wrong direction:

As the Dodgers bullpen turns: No, it’s not a new miniseries idea, but recent events in this Los Angeles hierarchy have made things difficult. Daniel Hudson notched his fourth save in as many appearances Monday night and owns the top spot in our updated leverage ladder. However, Dave Roberts maintains Evan Phillips will continue being used in high-leverage situations, though as Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times notes in this post, it may be certain lineup lanes, not save chances in the near term.
Díaz, contact, and usage patterns: Displaying signs of rust during his first appearance since July 14, Alexis Díaz could not preserve the combined shutout during a traffic-laden bottom of the ninth. It began with Marcell Ozuna’s lead-off single, a one-out walk by Adam Duvall, a sacrifice fly, a Sean Murphy walk, and a game-ending flyout by Orlando Arcia. Díaz allowed a hit, an earned run, and two walks while throwing 21 pitches (10 strikes – 47.6 Strike%) with two whiffs. After this outing, he owns a 1.67 WHIP through six innings in July with two saves. It’s tough finding a rhythm as a reliever with sporadic usage patterns. Twenty of his 38 appearances have occurred on two days’ rest or more. He’s also allowing more contact while producing fewer whiffs since the second half of last year. His 1.54 WHIP over the last statistical year ranks sixth-worst among all qualified relievers, and his 4.9 K-BB percentage does not inspire confidence. With the Reds becoming sellers, they must determine if he’s their closer entering next season, but these trends must improve:

Next, our condensed game recaps cover Monday’s high-leverage events of interest.

Closer CliffsNotes

American League

Boston Red Sox – Tasked with a bases-loaded situation and two outs in the bottom of the 12th, Chase Anderson allowed a walk-off RBI single by Ezequiel Tovar. Bailey Horn suffered his first loss and a blown save. He gave up a hit, two runs (one earned), and two walks (both intentional) while striking out one in two-thirds of the 12th.

Greg Weissert tossed a scoreless 11th, intentionally walking Michael Toglia and striking out one.
Zack Kelly logged two innings, which included a scoreless ninth. However, in the tenth, he could not preserve a two-run lead, giving up a game-tying two-run home run by Sam Hilliard. Kelly recorded three strikeouts in his outing on 26 pitches (20 strikes – 76.9 Strike%) and generated eight whiffs (30.8 SwStr%).

Hierarchy remains: Kenley Jansen | Zack Kelly | Brennan Bernardino

Chicago White Sox – Taking over in the tenth, Steven Wilson recorded two quick outs. He issued two intentional walks (Corey Seager and Josh Smith) ahead of Wyatt Langford’s walk-off RBI single, resulting in his sixth loss.

John Brebbia suffered his second blown save and his team’s 25th of the season. He gave up two hits, including Jonah Heim’s game-tying single with two outs, one earned run, and a walk while striking out one in the bottom of the ninth.
Michael Kopech stranded a runner in the seventh and logged 1.2 scoreless frames, striking out one. He threw 17 pitches (12 strikes – 70.6 Strike%) and induced two whiffs, extending his modest four-game scoreless streak.

Hierarchy remains: Michael Kopech | John Brebbia | Tanner Banks

Los Angeles Angels – Shutting the door on his 19th save, Carlos Estévez fired a clean bottom of the ninth and recorded a strikeout during a two-run win in Seattle. He threw nine pitches, all strikes, and produced three whiffs (33.3 SwStr%) facing the 4-5-6 lineup pocket. He boasts a 17-game scoreless streak, converting all 12 save opportunities with 15 strikeouts against two walks since May 28.

Luis García was awarded the win for a second straight game, his fifth on the season, working a scoreless bottom of the eighth. He allowed a hit and recorded two strikeouts.
Hunter Strickland retired the side and struck out two in the seventh.
Hans Crouse stranded two runners, striking out his only batter in the sixth.

Hierarchy remains: Carlos Estévez | Luis García | Ben Joyce

Minnesota Twins – After retiring the side at the top of the eighth and protecting a two-run lead, Cole Sands remained in the game for the ninth after his teammates tacked on three runs at the bottom of the eighth. He secured his third save, working around a hitter reaching on an error for two scoreless frames and recording two strikeouts. He threw 30 pitches (70 Strike%) and produced four whiffs (13.3 SwStr%). He’s only given up two unearned runs over six games in July, with 11 strikeouts versus zero walks across nine innings. Jhoan Durán was warming for the ninth but sat down when the lead expanded beyond a save chance.

Hierarchy remains: Jhoan Durán | Griffin Jax | Jorge Alcala

Seattle Mariners – With the game in the balance, Andrés Muñoz took over with two runners on and one out in the top of the eighth. After a double steal put the runners on second and third, he suffered his third blown save, letting one of the two inherited runners score on a Taylor Ward game-tying sacrifice fly. Muñoz threw 10 pitches (50 Strike%) and induced one whiff while retiring both hitters in the eighth.

Ryne Stanek gets credit for his 15th hold despite issuing two walks and an earned run on his ledger while striking out one in one-third of the eighth.
Trent Thornton gets tagged with his second loss. He gave up consecutive two-out walks and a go-ahead RBI single by Jo Adell, scoring two runs (one earned) in the top of the ninth.

Hierarchy remains: Andrés Muñoz | Ryne Stanek | Gregory Santos

Texas Rangers – Benefiting from a walk-off rally at the bottom of the tenth, Jonathan Hernández collected his third win. He retired the side at the inning’s top and recorded two strikeouts. He threw nine pitches (88.9 Strike%) and generated five whiffs (55.6 SwStr%).

Kirby Yates allowed his first home run of the season, a solo shot by Paul DeJong, issued a walk, and struck out two in the top of the ninth.
David Robertson tossed a clean eighth, striking out one.
José Leclerc fired two clean frames and recorded four strikeouts.

Hierarchy remains: Kirby Yates | David Robertson | José Leclerc

National League

Chicago Cubs – Recording his 14th save, Héctor Neris worked around a two-out Garrett Mitchell double with a game-ending William Contreras ground-out, preserving a two-run win against the Brewers. He threw 12 pitches (83.3 Strike%) and induced one whiff. He extended his scoreless streak to nine games, collecting two wins and converting all four save chances.

Porter Hodge was credited with his fourth hold despite allowing Willy Adames’ solo home run in the eighth.
Mark Leiter Jr. fired a clean seventh, striking out the side.
Tyson Miller notched his sixth hold, yielding a hit and striking out two in a scoreless sixth.
Drew Smyly earned his third win and gave up a hit through 1.2 scoreless frames.

Hierarchy remains: Héctor Neris | Mark Leiter Jr. | Porter Hodge

Colorado Rockies – Despite letting the “place” runner score in the top of the 12th, Justin Lawrence collected his third win following his team’s walk-off rally at the bottom of the inning. He logged two innings, allowing an RBI single and striking out one.

Victor Vodnik gave up two hits and two runs (one earned) while recording a strikeout during his two-inning outing. He tossed a scoreless ninth and gave up both runs in the top of the tenth on a Dominic Smith double and a sacrifice fly.
Jalen Beeks suffered his seventh blown save, giving up three hits, including a game-tying Connor Wong solo home run in the eighth.
Nick Mears retired the side and recorded a strikeout in the seventh.

Updated Hierarchy: *Jalen Beeks | *Victor Vodnik | Nick Mears

*= closer-by-committee

Los Angeles Dodgers – Capping an eighth-inning rally, Daniel Hudson secured his seventh save. He navigated around a two-out walk with a game-ending flyout, preserving the one-run win. He threw 19 pitches (11 strikes – 57.9 Strike%) and produced four whiffs (21.1 SwStr%) while recording two strikeouts. This marked his second instance of appearing three times in four days this season, and he’s recorded four straight saves.

Blake Treinen collected his fourth win, working a scoreless eighth. He issued a walk and recorded two strikeouts.
Ryan Yarbrough suffered his second blown save, allowing a game-tying Tyler Fitzgerald solo home run and striking out two in the seventh.
Alex Vesia took over in the sixth with runners on the corners and recorded consecutive strikeouts, stranding both in a high-leverage moment.

Updated Hierarchy: *Daniel Hudson | *Alex Vesia | *Blake Treinen

*= closer-by-committee

New York Mets –Hanging on for his 12th save, Edwin Díaz worked himself into and out of trouble in the bottom of the ninth in Miami. He allowed a one-out single, walked Jazz Chilsolm Jr., and loaded the bases with a Bryan De La Cruz single. After giving up a run on a fielder’s choice groundout, Díaz induced a game-ending pop-out by Jake Burger, finishing the two-run win. He threw 28 pitches (15 strikes – 53.6 Strike%) and produced five whiffs (17.9 SwStr%). This snapped the closer’s nine-game scoreless streak.

Phil Maton tossed a clean eighth, recording his 11th hold.
José Buttó notched his second hold, allowing a De La Cruz solo home run and striking out three over two innings.

Hierarchy remains: Edwin Díaz | Dedniel Núñez | Phil Maton

Pittsburgh Pirates – Securing his 18th save, David Bednar navigated around a two-out Paul Goldschmidt with a game-ending Nolan Gorman strikeout. He threw 13 pitches (11 strikes – 84.6 Strike%) and produced four whiffs (30.8 SwStr%) while preserving a one-run win. He’s been scoreless in four of his last five while converting four saves.

Aroldis Chapman collected his second win. He retired the side and struck out one in the eighth, ahead of his team taking the lead in the bottom of the inning. He’s made consecutive clean appearances in the second half, striking out four of six batters.

Hierarchy remains: David Bednar | Aroldis Chapman | Colin Holderman

Vulture Save Options for Tuesday, July 23

Ben Joyce (LAA): Estévez and García have worked in back-to-back games, leaving the rookie in line for the save chance.
Jonathan Hernández (TEX): Yates and Robertson have pitched on consecutive days. Leclerc also logged two innings in Monday’s game, leaving the leverage ladder a bit thin and Hernández potentially atop the hierarchy for a save chance. Josh Sborz will also be in the mix.
Gregory Santos (SEA): Muñoz has appeared in two straight, and Stanek’s nursing a sore back.
Jorge López (CHC): It’s a long shot, but the Cubs hierarchy has pitched the last two days, leaving the veteran in line for the vulture save chance in Milwaukee.

Vulture Save Stash for Wednesday, July 23

Colin Holderman (PIT): If Bednar and Chapman pitch tonight, it will be consecutive outings and three of the last four.

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Monkey Bytes: July 22

Late-inning rallies highlighted Sunday’s slate, which featured six wins by relievers and 11 saves. Kyle Finnegan saved each game during a sweep of Cincinnati. Evan Phillips‘ struggles continued in a non-save outing against Boston, though he was warming for the save chance before his team scored three in the bottom of the eighth. There has yet to be an announcement about his status with the team, but our hierarchy reflects a shift until he turns in better performances during high-leverage events. Once again, he’s a topic in our takeaways.

Three Takeaways

Phillips and his role in the near term: Relief pitchers’ production can be volatile, and Evan Phillips has struggled in recent appearances. His manager supported him in this column by Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register, suggesting the team is “digging” into his recent results on Saturday. Fantasy managers may not have this luxury, but it’s best to reserve the reliever until answers surface. After going down a rabbit hole this morning, it may be a matter of velocity. Here are his splits-by-pitch at or below a chosen velocity for each, though there’s some overlap when using Statcast:

Link: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/NL0fO/1/

Kenley’s not going to Coors: Those in daily leagues can easily swap out the Red Sox closer from their lineups, but those in weekly formats face a more challenging decision. Because of his heart issue and past results in Colorado, Kenley Jansen will not accompany his team to Coors Field, leaving the team one player short in this series. In recent outings, he’s allowed at least a run in three straight games, including both this weekend against his former franchise.
Muñoz dominates: In a refreshing development, Andrés Muñoz recorded his 16th save and retired the side via strikeout against Houston, preventing a sweep in their weekend series. While striking out the side, he produced six whiffs. This represented the fifth time he’s recorded at least six whiffs in an outing, but only the second when he’s not retired four or more batters. After his back issue became newsworthy in early June, he’s not produced as many whiffs, but resting during the All-Star break may help him finish the season strong—outings like this help, especially with his team fighting for the division.

Closer CliffsNotes

American League

Los Angeles Angels – Despite issuing Lawrence Butler a lead-off walk, Carlos Estévez recorded his 18th save with a scoreless ninth, finishing off a come-from-behind win. He threw 16 pitches (62.5 Strike%) and induced one whiff. He extended his scoreless streak to 16 since May 28, during which he’s converted 11 saves with 14 strikeouts against two walks across 16 innings.

Luis García was awarded his fourth win. He retired the side in the eighth and recorded a strikeout.
Ben Joyce struggled in the seventh. He took over with two runners on, letting both score, one on a bases-loaded walk and one on a wild pitch. He remains scoreless over his last 12 appearances but must improve his performance in messy situations.

Hierarchy remains: Carlos Estévez | Luis García | Ben Joyce

Seattle Mariners – Slamming the door on his 16th save, Andrés Muñoz fired a clean top of the ninth, striking out the side during a two-run win over Houston. He threw 12 pitches (75 Strike%) and generated six whiffs (50 SwStr%). He remains unscored upon through six outings in July and has converted all three save chances.

Gregory Santos notched his first hold, allowing two hits and an earned run over 1.1 innings.

Hierarchy remains: Andrés Muñoz | Ryne Stanek | Gregory Santos

Tampa Bay Rays – Hanging on for his 18th save, Pete Fairbanks issued a one-out walk, followed by Juan Soto’s RBI double before bearing down. He retired Aaron Judge (flyout) and Austin Wells (strikeouts), preserving a two-run win in New York. He threw 23 pitches (13 strikes – 56.5 Strike%) and induced two whiffs. He’s converted his last five save chances but has allowed a run in three.

Edwin Uceta secured his first hold, retiring the side and striking out one in the eighth.
Jason Adam allowed four hits, including a three-run home run by Aaron Judge, and struck out one in the seventh. This snapped his 12-game scoreless streak.
Colin Poche notched his 13th hold with a scoreless sixth, striking out one. Manuel Rodríguez secured his third hold with a clean fifth, recording a strikeout.
Garrett Cleavinger stranded two while retiring both batters in the fourth, one via strikeout, and collected his sixth win.

Hierarchy remains: Pete Fairbanks | Jason Adam | Colin Poche

Texas Rangers – Finishing a one-run win, Kirby Yates fired a clean ninth and recorded two strikeouts for his 17th save. He threw 13 pitches (10 strikes – 76.9 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (15.4 SwStr%). He’s been scoreless in nine of his last ten outings, converting seven saves and posting 15 strikeouts versus three walks.

David Robertson was credited with his 21st hold despite giving up two hits, including Anthony Santander’s two-run home run and a walk while striking out two in the eighth.
Josh Sborz secured his fifth hold, logging two scoreless frames. He gave up a hit and recorded three strikeouts.

Hierarchy remains: Kirby Yates | David Robertson | José Leclerc

Toronto Blue Jays – Summoned with a one-run lead and one out in the top of the eighth, Chad Green retired all five batters he faced while nailing down his seventh save. He preserved the one-run win, throwing 14 pitches (9 strikes – 64.3 Strike%) without inducing a whiff. He’s been scoreless over his last three outings and has converted all seven save chances.

Génesis Cabrera secured his fourth hold, allowing a hit and a walk while striking out one across two-thirds of a combined inning outing.

Hierarchy remains: Chad Green | Yimi García | Trevor Richards

National League

Arizona Diamondbacks – With the bullpen stretched thin, Justin Martinez took over in the ninth, marking his third straight appearance in this series. He suffered his first blown save, allowing a lead-off double by Nico Hoerner and Seiya Suzuki’s game-tying RBI single. His final line: two hits, one earned run and a walk.

In the tenth, Joe Mantiply incurred his second loss. He allowed a hit and a walk, departing with the bases loaded and one out. Humberto Castellanos forced in the winning run via a walk-off walk against Hoerner.
Bryce Jarvis tossed a scoreless eighth, issuing a walk for his fourth hold.

Hierarchy remains: Paul Sewald | Kevin Ginkel | Justin Martinez

Chicago Cubs – Entering in the top of the tenth, Héctor Neris stranded the “place” runner despite issuing a walk during a scoreless outing while striking out one. He faced the 5-6-7-8 Arizona hitters and collected his eighth win courtesy of a walk-off in the bottom of the inning. Neris threw 12 pitches (66.7 Strike%) and induced one whiff while extending his scoreless streak to eight games (7 IP, 12:4 K:BB).

Porter Hodge fired a clean top of the ninth and recorded two strikeouts with his team down one.
Mark Leiter Jr. retired the side and recorded two strikeouts in the eighth.

Hierarchy remains: Héctor Neris | Mark Leiter Jr. | Porter Hodge

Los Angeles Dodgers – Inheriting a bases-loaded situation in the top of the ninth, Daniel Hudson let one runner score on a fielder’s choice groundout, then induced a game-ending flyout for his sixth save. He’s secured a save in his last three appearances and been scoreless through six games in July.

Evan Phillips struggled in a non-save outing. He allowed three hits, three earned runs, and two walks while striking out one in the top of the ninth. He’s given up multiple runs in three straight outings and at least a run in six of his last eight.
Anthony Banda notched his fourth hold, working a scoreless eighth, yielding a hit and striking out one.
Ryan Yarbrough retired all four batters faced, three via strikeout for his first hold.

Updated Hierarchy: *Daniel Hudson | *Alex Vesia | *Blake Treinen

*= closer-by-committee

Miami Marlins – Locking down his 16th save, Tanner Scott fired a clean top of the ninth and recorded two strikeouts while closing out a two-run win over the Mets. He threw 16 pitches (13 strikes – 81.3 Strike%) and produced four whiffs (25 SwStr%). He extended his scoreless streak to 14 games, during which he posted 17 strikeouts against five walks while converting all eight save chances.

Calvin Faucher notched his tenth hold, tossing a scoreless eighth. He gave up a hit and struck out two.
A.J. Puk secured his seventh hold with a scoreless seventh, giving up a hit and striking out two.
Declan Cronin collected his second win, logging 1.1 scoreless frames, yielding a hit and striking out three.

Updated Hierarchy: Tanner Scott | A.J. Puk | Calvin Faucher

Milwaukee Brewers – Surviving a ninth-inning rally, Trevor Megill recorded his 19th save. He allowed a Byron Buxton lead-off home run, followed by Max Kepler’s double. After a flyout and an RBI fielder’s choice groundout, he recorded a game-ending strikeout against Matt Wallner. Megill threw 15 pitches (80 Strike%) and induced one whiff in his outing. He’s converted 18 of 20 save opportunities but has allowed multiple runs in two of his last three games.

Elvis Peguero navigated around two hits and a walk while striking out two in a scoreless eighth, notching his tenth hold.
Jared Koenig collected his eighth win, tossing a scoreless seventh, giving up a hit and a walk while striking out one.
Devin Williams made his first rehab appearance at Triple-A. He was scoreless, allowing a walk and striking out one. He threw 20 pitches (70 Strike%) and produced two whiffs.

Hierarchy remains: Trevor Megill | Elvis Peguero | Bryan Hudson

San Diego Padres – Securing his sixth save requiring at least four outs, Robert Suarez stranded a runner in the eighth and retired all four batters while preserving his 23rd save. He preserved a one-run win while facing the top of the lineup in the ninth. He threw 16 pitches (62.5 Strike%) and induced one whiff, recording one strikeout in his appearance. This marked his first save since July 4.

Jeremiah Estrada notched his tenth hold, issuing a walk and striking out one during two-thirds of the eighth.

Hierarchy remains: Robert Suarez | Jeremiah Estrada | Adrian Morejon

San Francisco Giants – During his first appearance in the second half, Camilo Doval recorded his 18th save, working around a two-out walk with a game-ending ground-out, preserving a one-run win in Colorado. He threw 16 pitches (9 strikes – 56.3 Strike%), producing four whiffs (25 SwStr%) and striking out two. This represents his first save since July 5.

Tyler Rogers notched his 19th hold, allowing a hit during a scoreless eighth.
Ryan Walker tossed a scoreless seventh, giving up a hit and striking out one for his 17th hold.

Hierarchy remains: Camilo Doval | Tyler Rogers | Ryan Walker

St. Louis Cardinals – After warming up for the save chance, Ryan Helsley made his second-half debut in a non-save situation, closing out a four-run win in Atlanta after his teammates tacked on a run in the top of the ninth. It did not come easy as he navigated around a two-out walk and an Eddie Rosario single before producing a game-ending Ramón Laureano strikeout. Helsley threw 19 pitches (12 strikes – 63.2 Strike%) and generated five whiffs (26.3 SwStr%) while striking out two in his outing.

Andrew Kittredge notched his 26th hold, allowing a hit during a scoreless eighth.
Ryan Fernandez secured his tenth hold, retiring the side and striking out one in the seventh.

Hierarchy remains: Ryan Helsley | Andrew Kittredge | JoJo Romero

Washington Nationals – Capping his team’s eighth-inning rally, Kyle Finnegan shut the door on his 28th save with a clean top of the ninth, recording one strikeout. He only needed five pitches, all strikes, and induced one whiff (20 SwStr%). He’s appeared in three straight games, securing a save in each and converting his last five save chances.

Robert Garcia collected his second win, tossing a scoreless eighth. He worked around a two-out walk and recorded a strikeout facing the Reds’ 9-1-2-3 hitters. He owns a modest seven-game scoreless streak and has registered a win in two of his last three.

Hierarchy remains: Kyle Finnegan | Robert Garcia | Derek Law

Vulture Save Options for Monday, July 22

Zack Kelly (BOS): Fantasy players can use him today and for the three-game set in Coors with Jansen out for the series.
Joel Payamps (MIL): Megill and Peguero have appeared in back-to-back games, leaving the veteran atop the hierarchy in today’s match-up versus the Cubs.

Vulture Save Options for Tuesday, July 23

Hunter Gaddis (CLE): If Clase pitches today, it will be consecutive outings, and Gaddis did not make an appearance on Sunday, leaving him available if needed on Tuesday.
Tyson Miller (CHC): If Neris gets summoned tonight, he will be off on Tuesday. If Hodge and Leiter Jr. also pitch, it should be Miller for the vulture save in this circumstance.

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Monkey Bytes: July 21

Saturday’s 17 games featured two extra-inning games, a split doubleheader between St. Louis and Atlanta, and three one-run contests. Relievers recorded six wins and six saves, with only one ancillary one by Kyle Leahy of the Cardinals in Game 2.

During an eventual win against Boston, Evan Phillips allowed another home run by Tyler O’Neill on a sweeper in the top of the tenth inning. Kyle Finnegan secured his 27th save. Will he be moved ahead of the deadline? Last in our three takeaways, is there a reliever emerging in Colorado?

Three Takeaways

Phillips and home runs: During the broadcast on Fox, Adam Wainwright suggested slumps happen for pitchers, and Phillips is currently mired in one. He gave up a go-ahead home run in the top of the tenth, his first allowed by a right-handed hitter this season on a hanging sweeper. His surface statistics are in line with past results. However, over the last 365 days, he’s given up eight home runs with a 75.9 percent contact rate allowed and an 11.9 swinging strike percentage. The Dodgers will remain patient with their high-leverage reliever, but he must produce better outings soon, or save chances will be sparse in the second half. Here’s his 15-game rolling game chart:

Is Finnegan on the move?: When the team moved Hunter Harvey before the draft, it signaled the Nationals were selling ahead of the trade deadline. Fantasy managers would like to know if this includes Kyle Finnegan. He’s under team control through the end of 2025, and general manager Mike Rizzo has been a proponent of his closer but also remains pragmatic about the team’s future in this post by Mark Zuckerman for MASN. Rizzo will listen, but if the price remains too high, Finnegan may remain with the Nationals, which may ultimately be decided by how teams like Texas and the Cubs handle their rosters before July 30.
Can fantasy managers trust a Rockies reliever this year?: There’s a risk with any reliever playing half of his games in Coors Field, especially for those protecting ratio statistics. On Saturday, Victor Vodnik secured his third save of the season, first in the second half, while protecting a one-run lead against the Giants. Over the last 30 days, he has recorded a win, three saves in four chances, a hold, and a 15:5 K:BB (20.4 K-BB percentage) through 12.1 innings. In these outings, he also has a 10.3 swinging strike percentage and a 75.8 percent contact rate allowed. Hope lies in his 0.89 WHIP with a 2.81 SIERA versus a 2.19 ERA. He may be a worthwhile streaming option, especially if the team moves Jalen Beeks, but those in shallower formats may prefer a larger sample.

Closer CliffsNotes

American League

Boston Red Sox – After blowing his fourth save chance in the bottom of the tenth, Greg Weissert suffered his second loss, allowing a walk-off RBI single by Will Smith. He logged 1.1 innings, giving up three hits, three runs (one earned), and two walks (one intentional) while striking out two.

Kenley Jansen allowed a game-tying Kiké Hernández solo home run in the ninth, resulting in his second blown save, the first since April 16. He finished with two hits allowed, an earned run, and a walk (intentional) while striking out one.
Josh Winckowski notched his first hold, navigating around two hits and a walk in a scoreless eighth.
Cam Booser secured his fourth hold, working a scoreless seventh. He issued a walk and recorded two strikeouts.

Hierarchy remains: Kenley Jansen | Zack Kelly | Brennan Bernardino

Detroit Tigers – Forced into action in the third inning, Alex Faedo collected his fifth win, tossing two scoreless frames. He allowed a hit and recorded three strikeouts after replacing Reese Olson, who left with a shoulder issue.

Kenta Maeda was credited with his first hold, giving up three hits, including a two-run home run by Vlad Guerrero Jr., and three earned runs while striking out one during his two innings of relief.
Tyler Holton worked two scoreless innings, yielding a hit and striking out three. He owns a 10-game scoreless streak, spanning 12.1 innings, since June 29.
Shelby Miller closed out the four-run win with a clean bottom of the ninth.

Hierarchy remains: *Jason Foley | *Tyler Holton | *Shelby Miller

*= closer-by-committee

Houston Astros – Appearing on consecutive days, Josh Hader recorded his 20th save, issuing a walk (on a pitch timer violation) and striking out two while preserving a two-run win. He threw 19 pitches (13 strikes – 68.4 Strike%) and generated six whiffs (31.6 SwStr%). He’s been scoreless in his last five, with a save in each.

Ryan Pressly extended his scoreless streak to 14 games, securing his 17th hold and striking out one in a clean eighth.
Bryan Abreu navigated around a lead-off walk with a pickoff at first and two strikeouts, posting his 23rd hold.
Tayler Scott collected his seventh win. He retired his only batter in the sixth.

Hierarchy remains: Josh Hader | Ryan Pressly | Bryan Abreu

Minnesota Twins – Steven Okert let one of two inherited runners score while giving up two hits, three runs (two earned), and a walk during his two-thirds combined innings. Josh Staumont struggled in the 12th, letting all three inherited runners score and allowing three hits with two earned runs on his ledger.

Cole Sands gave up a hit and two runs (one earned) during one-third of the 11th.
Jhoan Durán fired a clean tenth and recorded two strikeouts while stranding the “place” runner. He threw 12 pitches (7 strikes – 58.3 Strike%) and induced one whiff.
Griffin Jax retired the side in the ninth.
Jorge Alcala worked a scoreless eighth with his team down one, giving up a hit.

Hierarchy remains: Jhoan Durán | Griffin Jax | Jorge Alcala

National League

Arizona Diamondbacks – Shutting the door on his 15th save and preserving a combined shutout, Paul Sewald tossed a scoreless ninth, giving up a one-out double and striking out one. He threw 18 pitches (14 strikes – 77.8 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (16.7 SwStr%). He extended his modest scoreless streak to five games and converted four straight save chances.

Ryan Thompson retired the side in the eighth for his 17th hold.
Justin Martinez notched his sixth hold, firing a clean seventh and striking out two.
Kevin Ginkel worked a clean sixth, securing his eighth hold.

Hierarchy remains: Paul Sewald | Kevin Ginkel | Justin Martinez

Atlanta Braves – After inducing a lineout double play in the top of the tenth, Pierce Johnson collected his third win courtesy of a walk-off in the bottom of the inning of Game 1. He threw 17 pitches (13 strikes – 76.5 Strike%) and induced one whiff.

Raisel Iglesias tossed a scoreless ninth, issuing a walk and striking out one on 13 pitches (7 strikes – 53.8 Strike%) with two whiffs.
Joe Jiménez retired the side in the eighth.
Dylan Lee gave up Nolan Arenado’s solo home run among his two hits and recorded two strikeouts in the seventh.

Hierarchy remains: Raisel Iglesias | Joe Jiménez | A.J. Minter

Colorado Rockies – Securing his third save, Victor Vodnik retired the side and recorded a strikeout during a one-run win over the Giants. He threw 15 pitches (60 Strike%) and induced one whiff. He owns a three-game scoreless streak and has forged a save share at the onset of the second half.

Nick Mears notched his eighth hold, logging two clean frames and striking out four on 26 pitches (19 strikes – 73.1 Strike%) with seven whiffs (26.9 SwStr%).

Updated Hierarchy: *Jalen Beeks | *Victor Vodnik | Tyler Kinley

*= closer-by-committee

Los Angeles Dodgers – Benefiting from a walk-off rally in the bottom of the 11th, Blake Treinen earned his third win. He worked a scoreless top of the inning, stranding the “place” runner by retiring the side and striking out one. He threw 20 pitches (70 Strike%) and generated five whiffs (25 SwStr%).

Evan Phillips allowed a two-run home run by Tyler O’Neill in the tenth, putting an earned run on his ledger and recording a strikeout. He’s allowed a home run in consecutive appearances and four of six games in July.
Brent Honeywell logged two scoreless frames, yielding a hit and striking out three.

Hierarchy remains: *Evan Phillips | *Daniel Hudson | Alex Vesia

*= closer-by-committee

Milwaukee Brewers – Despite suffering his first blown save in the 11th, giving up a game-tying Carlos Santana two-run home run, Jakob Junis was credited with his second win courtesy of a five-run rally in the top of the 12th. Junis logged two innings, allowing two hits and three runs (one earned) while striking out one.

Trevor Megill tossed a scoreless tenth, issuing Byron Buxton an intentional walk and striking out one. He threw eight pitches (62.5 Strike%) without a whiff.
Joel Payamps worked a scoreless ninth, yielding a hit and striking out one.
Devin Williams had his rehab transferred to Triple-A Nashville, but Saturday’s game was postponed, canceling his scheduled appearance.

Hierarchy remains: Trevor Megill | Elvis Peguero | Bryan Hudson

New York Mets – Starting the second half in style, Edwin Díaz nailed down his 11th save with a clean bottom of the ninth while recording one strikeout. He threw 12 pitches (75 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (25 SwStr%) against the Marlins’ 8-9-1 lineup pocket. He’s been scoreless over his last nine outings and converted six of seven save chances since June 13.

Dedniel Núñez navigated around two hits with three strikeouts in a scoreless eighth for his eighth hold.
José Buttó tossed a scoreless seventh, issuing a walk and striking out two, securing his first hold.

Hierarchy remains: Edwin Díaz | Dedniel Núñez | Phil Maton

St. Louis Cardinals – Taking over a tied game in the bottom of the tenth, Chris Roycroft suffered his second loss. He allowed a sacrifice bunt, issued a walk, and a walk-off Ozzie Albies sacrifice fly, scoring the “place” runner in Game 1.

Andrew Kittredge worked around two hits for a scoreless ninth and recorded one strikeout.
Ryan Fernandez was tagged with his first blown save. He took over with a runner on and two outs in the bottom of the seventh and gave up a game-tying Eddie Rosario two-run home run. Fernandez finished 1.1 innings with one hit, an earned run, and a walk while striking out one on his ledger.

Game 2: Kyle Leahy secured his first major league save with two scoreless innings, allowing a hit and striking out two.

Hierarchy remains: Ryan Helsley | Andrew Kittredge | JoJo Romero

Washington Nationals – Preserving a one-run win, Kyle Finnegan locked down his 27th save with a clean ninth and recorded a strikeout. He threw 15 pitches (66.7 Strike%) and induced two whiffs. He’s been scoreless over his last four appearances and secured a save in each.

Derek Law collected his sixth win, allowing a hit and striking out two through two scoreless innings.
Dylan Floro logged two scoreless frames, scattering two hits and a walk while striking out one.
Robert Garcia retired the side and struck out one in the fourth.

Hierarchy remains: Kyle Finnegan | Robert Garcia | Derek Law

Vulture Save Options for Sunday, July 21

Tayler Scott (HOU): With his team’s entire hierarchy having pitched on consecutive days in Seattle, Scott should be atop the list for the vulture save, if provided, on Sunday.
Bryce Jarvis (ARI): HIs manager has used Sewald, Thompson, Martinez, and Ginkel in the first two games of the second half, leaving the leverage options thin in today’s contest. Jarvis could provide a vulture win or save, so he gets the nod in our process.
Robert Garcia (WSH): Although Finnegan has appeared in two straight, he only faced two batters on Friday, so there’s a chance he goes for three straight with an off day on Monday. If not, it may be time for the Nationals to see how the southpaw responds in a save situation.

Vulture Save Options for Monday, July 22

Dedniel Núñez (NYM): He’s pitched in two straight and will receive Sunday off. If Díaz pitches today, it will be consecutive outings and an off-day on Monday, putting Núñez in line for a potential save chance against the Marlins.
Colin Holderman (PIT): If Bednar and Chapman pitch this afternoon, each will have back-to-back appearances, leaving Holderman atop the hierarchy on Monday.

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Statistical Credits: