Closer Monkey

Monkey Bytes | June 28

Another day, and more shutouts, four to be exact. Friday’s slate featured six games decided by five runs or more. Relievers recorded five wins and six saves while suffering four losses. Saves came in varied forms, with one save only requiring facing one batter, and another lasting five innings. Here are the saves in condensed form:

Reliever	Save #	Pitches	Strike%	SwStr%	K:BB	BF
Josh Hader	22	3	100	0	0:0	1
Tanner Scott	18	16	62.5	6.3	1:1	5
Camilo Doval	13	16	68.8	12.5	2:0	3
Jhoan Durán	12	9	77.8	11.1	1:0	3
Devin Williams	11	15	73.3	20	1:0	3
Alan Rangel	1	71	69	9.9	4:1	21

For the save streamers:

Vulture Save Options for June 28

Kirby Yates (LAD): Scott has worked in consecutive contests and three of the previous four.
Anthony Bender (MIA): Faucher and Henriquez have pitched in three of the past four days.

Vulture Save Stash for June 29

Bryan Abreu (HOU): If Hader pitches today, it’s back-to-back appearances and four in the last five.

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Here are the leverage events of interest from Friday.

Closer CliffsNotes

Houston Astros – Summoned with a runner on second and two outs, Josh Hader induced a game-ending lineout by Ian Happ, sealing the three-run win while throwing three pitches for his 22nd save. Making his 13th appearance this month, he has a 4-1 record while converting all eight saves with a 0.551 WHIP and 21 strikeouts against one walk (43.5 K-BB%) through 12.2 innings.

Bennett Sousa logged 1.2 innings, giving up a hit, an earned run, and a walk while striking out three.
Steven Okert stranded a runner and retired both batters in the seventh, one via strikeout.

Hierarchy Remains: Josh Hader | Bryan Abreu | Bryan King

Los Angeles Dodgers – After striking out Bobby Witt Jr., Tanner Scott allowed a hit, a walk, and a single, loading the bases, but pulled a “Houdini,” by inducing a game-ending double play groundout by Jac Caglianone, recording his 18th save. He threw 16 pitches (62.5 Strike%) and produced one whiff. First, his illustrator:

And his results:

He has been scoreless in seven of his last eight games, converting all six save chances while posting a 0.843 WHIP with eight strikeouts versus two walks (20.7 K-BB%) across 8.1 innings.

Alex Vesia hit a batter during a scoreless eighth for his 16th hold.
Anthony Banda was credited with his fifth hold, allowing a hit and a walk while striking out one in one-third of the seventh.
Lou Trivino was awarded his third win, tossing 1.2 scoreless frames, yielding a hit and striking out one.

Hierarchy Remains: Tanner Scott | Kirby Yates | Michael Kopech

*= closer-by-committee with a preferred save share (Scott)

Miami Marlins – In order of appearance, Ronny Henriquez took over at the bottom of the fifth, with a runner on, and allowed Geraldo Perdomo’s two-run home run, then settled in, recording consecutive strikeouts. He finished with a hit and an earned run while striking out three, collecting his fourth win.

Cade Gibson notched his third hold despite giving up Alek Thomas’ solo home run during his two-thirds of an inning.
Calvin Faucher issued a walk and recorded a strikeout for his fourth hold, tossing two-thirds scoreless in the seventh.
Anthony Bender retired the side in the eighth, securing his 13th hold.
Tyler Phillips allowed three hits, three runs (two earned), and a walk while striking out one in the ninth, barely maintaining his four-run lead upon entry.

Hierarchy Remains: Calvin Faucher | Ronny Henriquez | Anthony Bender

Milwaukee Brewers – Finishing a four-run win over the Rockies, Grant Anderson fired a clean top of the ninth and recorded two strikeouts.

Abner Uribe let both inherited runners score in the eighth, allowing a two-RBI double by Braxton Fulford on a ball just missed by Isaac Collins, then retired the next two batters via strikeout, securing his MLB-leading 22nd hold.
Jared Koenig gave up two hits and two earned runs during one-third of the eighth, getting credit for his 14th hold.
Nick Mears logged 1.1 scoreless frames, yielding two hits and striking out two for his tenth hold.

Hierarchy Remains: Trevor Megill | Abner Uribe | Jared Koenig

Minnesota Twins – Closing his 12th save with a clean bottom of the ninth, Jhoan Durán preserved a three-run win in Detroit while recording a strikeout. He threw nine pitches (77.8 Strike%) and induced one whiff (11.1 SwStr%).

Through 11 games in June, he has two losses and converted three of four save chances while posting a 1.20 WHIP with 10 strikeouts versus three walks (15.9 K-BB%) across ten innings.

Griffin Jax allowed three hits and an earned run while striking out three in the eighth.
Louis Varland worked around a hit and a walk while striking out one.
Danny Coulombe stranded a runner and retired his only batter in the sixth for his third hold.

Hierarchy Remains: Jhoan Durán | Griffin Jax | Louis Varland

New York Yankees – Slamming the door on his 11th save and a combined shutout, Devin Williams fired a clean top of the ninth and recorded one strikeout against the A’s. He threw 15 pitches (11 strikes – 73.3 Strike%) and produced three hits (20 SwStr%).

This extended his scoreless streak to eight games, during which he has converted all five save opportunities while posting a 0.39 WHIP with nine strikeouts (32.1 K%) and no walks through 7.2 innings.

Luke Weaver tossed a clean eighth, striking out one and securing his seventh hold.
Fernando Cruz notched his ninth hold, retiring the side and striking out one in the seventh.
Tim Hill worked a scoreless sixth, yielding a hit and striking out one.

This marks consecutive games Williams has pitched the ninth, and Weaver was in the eighth when both have appeared. Once can be a mistake, but two is a trend, which may be the case for their roles moving forward.

Hierarchy Remains: *Devin Williams | *Luke Weaver | Fernando Cruz

*= closer-by-committee

San Francisco Giants – Handed a three-run lead at the bottom of the ninth, Camilo Doval recorded his 13th save, retiring the side while striking out two against the White Sox. He threw 16 pitches (11 strikes – 68.8 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (12.5 SwStr%).

This snapped a two-game streak of giving up multiple runs. Doval has a loss and converted seven of eight save chances in June, posting a 2.00 WHIP with 13 strikeouts against eight walks across 12 innings.

Tyler Rogers tossed a clean eighth, securing his 18th hold.
Randy Rodríguez notched his 11th hold, issuing a walk during a scoreless seventh.
Ryan Walker stranded a runner and retired both batters in the sixth for his seventh hold.

Hierarchy Remains: Camilo Doval | Randy Rodríguez | Tyler Rogers

Seattle Mariners – As one of the last relievers standing during the 12-inning contest, Eduard Bazardo collected his third win, tossing two scoreless frames despite allowing three walks (one intentional) and striking out one in Texas.

Andrés Muñoz was tagged with his fifth blown save. He took over at the bottom of the tenth with a one-run lead and intentionally walked Corey Seager, induced a fly-out, moving the “place” runner to third, followed by Adolis García’s game-tying sacrifice fly, scoring an unearned run.

Matt Brash worked a scoreless ninth, giving up a hit and striking out two.
Casey Legumina tossed 1.1 clean frames, striking out three.
Gabe Speier allowed two hits and an earned run, resulting in his third blown save.
Carlos Vargas notched his tenth hold with a scoreless combined inning, yielding a hit.

Hierarchy: Andrés Muñoz | Matt Brash | Carlos Vargas

Texas Rangers – Tasked with the top of the 12th against Seattle, Shawn Armstrong suffered his third loss. He retired the first two batters via flyout, then gave up a go-ahead single by Miles Mastrobuoni, scoring the “place” runner.

Luke Jackson tossed two innings, stranding one of two “place” runners, yielding a hit, hitting a batter, and a walk while striking out one.
Robert Garcia fired a clean top of the ninth and recorded a strikeout on 15 pitches (11 strikes – 73.3 Strike% with three whiffs (20 SwStr%).
Chris Martin worked a scoreless eighth, giving up a hit.
Hoby Milner allowed a hit and recorded a strikeout in a scoreless seventh.

Hierarchy Remains: Robert Garcia | Luke Jackson | Chris Martin

Washington Nationals – Entering a tied game at the bottom of the sixth, Brad Lord logged 1.2 scoreless innings, giving up a hit and a walk while striking out one. He was awarded his second win after his teammates took the lead for good at the top of the seventh. In 13 outings this month, he has this win and five holds with a 0.809 WHIP across 17.1 innings.

Jose A. Ferrer notched his 15th hold, stranding two runners in the seventh and retiring all four batters faced.
Zach Brzykcy closed the six-run victory with a clean ninth, striking out one.

Hierarchy Remains: Kyle Finnegan | Jose A. Ferrer | Brad Lord

Quick Hits

Arizona Diamondbacks: During an eventual loss, Juan Morillo gave up two hits and an earned run at the top of the sixth, ending his nine-game scoreless streak. Kevin Ginkel fired a clean seventh, striking out the side.
Atlanta Braves: Pitching during a blowout loss, Dylan Lee tossed a scoreless top of the eighth, allowing a walk and striking out two. This extended his scoreless streak to 13 games, during which he has 0.408 WHIP with 19 strikeouts against two walks (34 K-BB%).
Baltimore Orioles: Wrapping up a lopsided victory, Kade Strowd logged two scoreless innings, yielding a hit and striking out one. Keegan Akin allowed three hits and an earned run while striking out one in the seventh. Seranthony Domínguez notched his 11th hold, retiring the side in the sixth.
Chicago White Sox: Taking over at the top of the fifth, Tyler Alexander worked three innings, allowing three hits, two earned runs, and two walks while striking out two, resulting in his eighth loss.
Cincinnati Reds: Called upon with runners at second and third with no out at the top of the ninth, Taylor Rogers induced a pop-out by Luis Arraez, struck out Tyler Wade, and issued consecutive walks, losing the combined shutout before a game-ending strikeout.
Los Angeles Angels: In a back-and-forth contest, Brock Burke let his only inherited runner score, allowing two hits and striking out one at the top of the sixth, resulting in his third blown save. Sam Bachman suffered his first loss, giving up a hit, an earned run, and a walk while striking out one at the top of the seventh.
Philadelphia Phillies: Logging five innings of a lopsided combined shutout, Alan Rangel recorded his first career save in his second appearance as a major leaguer. He scattered six hits and issued one walk while striking out four on 71 pitches (49 strikes – 69 Strike%) with seven whiffs (9.9 SwStr%). Taijuan Walker was awarded his third win, tossing two scoreless frames, giving up a hit and two walks while striking out one.
Pittsburgh Pirates: Securing his second hold, Isaac Mattson stranded two runners at the top of the sixth, and allowed a hit while striking out three during 1.1 scoreless frames.
Tampa Bay Rays: Tagged with his first loss and a first blown save, Eric Orze gave up four hits and three earned runs while striking out one across the fourth and fifth innings against Baltimore.

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Statistical Credits:

Monkey Bytes | June 27

Thursday’s nine-game slate featured four shutouts and four games decided by five or more runs. Relievers recorded three wins and three saves while getting tagged with two losses. Here are the saves in condensed form:

Reliever	Save #	Pitches	Strike%	SwStr%	K:BB	BF
Tanner Scott	17	17	52.9	17.6	1:0	3
Pete Fairbanks	15	4	50%	0	0:0	1
Daniel Palencia	8	24	66.7	12.5	3:0	5

For the save streamers:

Vulture Save Options for June 27

Jason Adam (SD): With Robert Suarez serving the second game of his suspension, it leaves Adam in line for the save chance.
Edwin Uceta (TB): Although it was only four pitches on Thursday, Pete Fairbanks has appeared in back-to-back games.
Reed Garrett (NYM): Díaz has worked in consecutive contests and three of the last four days.

Vulture Save Stash for June 28

Porter Hodge (CHC): If Palencia pitches today, it’s back-to-back outings.
Tommy Kanhnle (DET): If Vest appears on Friday, it will be consecutive games.

Here are the leverage events of interest from Thursday.

Closer CliffsNotes

Chicago Cubs –Despite allowing a lead-off double by Alec Burleson and hitting Willson Contreras with a pitch, Daniel Palencia bore down, retiring the next three batters via strikeout, and securing his eighth save. He threw 24 pitches (66.7 Strike%) and induced three whiffs (12.5 SwStr%).

It’s his first save since June 17 and has been scoreless in five of his last six appearances, though he has allowed at least a hit in four straight.

Drew Pomeranz notched his fifth hold, working a scoreless eighth, yielding a hit and striking out two.
Brad Keller was credited for his 12th hold, recording two outs and issuing two walks at the bottom of the seventh.
Caleb Thielbar fired 1.1 clean frames for his eighth hold.

Updated Hierarchy Daniel Palencia | Brad Keller | Drew Pomeranz

Colorado Rockies – In order of appearance, Angel Chivilli allowed two hits, an earned run, and a walk while striking out one during one-third of the sixth, resulting in his third loss.

Juan Mejia stranded both inherited runners and recorded two outs in the sixth, one via strikeout.
Tyler Kinley served up Shohei Ohtani’s solo home run and struck out one during the seventh.
Victor Vodnik gave up a hit and recorded two strikeouts in a scoreless eighth.
Seth Halvorsen retired the side, striking out one at the top of the ninth. He threw eight pitches (62.5 Strike%) without a whiff. Through ten outings in June, he has a 1-1 record while converting four of five saves with 0.825 WHIP and nine strikeouts versus two walks (20 K-BB%) across 9.2 innings.

Hierarchy Remains: Seth Halvorsen | Victor Vodnik | Jake Bird

Detroit Tigers – Completing a combined shutout, Will Vest retired the side and recorded a strikeout during an 8-0 win against the A’s. He threw 10 pitches (70 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (20 SwStr%).

He has been scoreless in his two outings since leaving an outing with a zing in his pinky finger, and he has not secured a save since June 12.

Chase Lee worked a clean eighth.
Tyler Holton notched his eighth hold, allowing a hit during the seventh.
Brenan Hanfiee also gave up a hit and recorded his ninth hold.

Hierarchy Remains: *Will Vest | *Tommy Kahnle | Tyler Holton

*= closer-by-committee with a preferred save share (Vest)

Houston Astros – Taking over a tied contest with a runner on and two outs at the top of the eighth, Bryan Abreu retired all four batters faced via strikeout. He collected his third win courtesy of his teammates plating a run at the bottom of the eighth. He threw 22 pitches (16 strikes – 72.7 Strike%) and generated eight whiffs (36.4 SwStr%) in a dominant outing.

Bryan King allowed a hit, an earned run, and a walk while striking out one during two-thirds of the eighth, getting tagged with his second blown save.

Hierarchy Remains: Josh Hader | Bryan Abreu | Bryan King

Los Angeles Dodgers – Handed a two-run lead at the bottom of the ninth, Tanner Scott worked around a walk with a game-ending double play lineout and recorded a strikeout en route to his 17th save. He threw 17 pitches (9 strikes – 52.9 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (17.6 SwStr%).

In 12 games this month, he has a 1-1 record while converting all seven save opportunities, posting a 0.732 WHIP with 13 strikeouts against two walks (25 K-BB%) through 12.1 innings.

Michael Kopech fired a clean eighth and recorded a strikeout for his fifth hold.
Kirby Yates notched his 13th hold, walking and striking out one during a scoreless seventh.

Hierarchy Remains: Tanner Scott | Kirby Yates | Michael Kopech

*= closer-by-committee with a preferred save share (Scott)

Miami Marlins – Forced into action at the bottom of the fourth with a runner on and two outs, Josh Simpson issued a walk and recorded a strikeout, stranding the runner. He was awarded his first win.

Lake Bachar logged 1.2 scoreless frames, yielding a hit and striking out one for his fifth hold.
Cade Gibson worked 1.1 clean frames and recorded three strikeouts, securing his second hold.
Valente Bellozo finished the seven-run victory, logging two scoreless innings, giving up three hits and striking out one.

Hierarchy Remains: Calvin Faucher | Ronny Henriquez | Anthony Bender

New York Mets – An injury brought Austin Warren into the game with two outs and a runner on. He stranded the runners and logged 2.1 scoreless innings, giving up a hit and striking out two. He was awarded his first win as a result.

Dedniel Núñez fired two clean frames and recorded four strikeouts, securing his second hold.
Ryne Stanek retired the side and recorded a strikeout during the eighth.
Edwin Díaz gave up Matt Olson’s two-out single, then produced a game-ending strikeout of Marcell Ozuna, finishing the combined shutout in a non-save capacity. He threw 18 pitches (11 strikes – 61.1 Strike%) and induced three whiffs (16.7 SwStr%). This extended his scoreless streak to seven games, during which he has recorded three saves with seven strikeouts versus one walk.

Hierarchy Remains: Edwin Díaz | Reed Garrett | Huascar Brazobán

Philadelphia Phillies – Entering a tied game at the bottom of the eighth against Houston’s top of the lineup, Orion Kerkering hit Isaac Paredes with a pitch, followed by Jose Altuve’s single, and Cam Smith’s two-out single, which scored the game-winning run, resulting in his third loss. Kerkering finished with two hits and an earned run on his ledger while throwing 21 pitches (17 strikes – 81 Strike%) with two whiffs. This snapped his nine-game scoreless streak and represents his first earned run allowed since May 6.

Over his last 17.2 innings since May 9, he has a 2-2 record with two saves, seven holds, and one blown save. He has a 1.19 WHIP in this timeframe with 16 strikeouts against eight walks (10.4 K-BB%). However, his 0.51 ERA is accompanied by a 4.12 SIERA. How his results evolve moving forward will determine his team’s approach at the trade deadline. One would prefer a swinging strike rate over his 9.6 percent in this sample while reducing his walk percentage:

Kerkering’s strikeout percentage and swinging strike rates need to improve if he’s going to be the preferred save share for the remainder of the season, which may or may not happen when his slider only produces whiffs 10.2 percent of the time.

Max Lazar tossed a clean seventh against the bottom of the batting order.

Hierarchy Remains: *Orion Kerkering | *Matt Strahm | Jordan Romano

*= “floating closer” concept

Tampa Bay Rays – Pressed into action, Pete Fairbanks secured his 15th save. He only needed four pitches to strand both inherited runners after inducing a game-ending double play groundout by Maikel Garcia. Fairbanks has been scoreless in his last four appearances while converting all three save chances. He has a 1.10 WHIP with 26 strikeouts through 31 innings.

Paul Gervase allowed two hits and retired one batter at the bottom of the ninth.

Hierarchy Remains: Pete Fairbanks |Edwin Uceta | Mason Montgomery

Quick Hits

Kansas City Royals: Appearing in a shutout loss, Carlos Estévez retired the side and recorded two strikeouts at the top of the eighth while facing the Rays’ 4-5-6 lineup pocket. He threw 14 pitches (71.4 Strike%) and induced one whiff. Through ten June outings, he has suffered two losses and converted six of seven save chances with a 1.075 WHIP across 9.1 innings.
San Francisco Giants: During a loss, Ryan Walker retired the side at the top of the ninth, throwing six pitches (83.3 Strike%) without a whiff.
St. Louis Cardinals: In a shutout loss, Kyle Leahy logged two scoreless frames while allowing a hit.
Toronto Blue Jays: Sealing a shutout in Cleveland, Chad Green allowed a walk and recorded a strikeout, throwing 21 pitches (11 strikes – 52.4 Strike%) with one whiff.

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Statistical Credits:

Monkey Bytes | June 26

Wednesday’s full slate provided eight saves, though one required two innings and one four pitches. Relievers only recorded two wins, one with a blown save attached, and three losses. Here are the saves in condensed form:

Reliever	Save #	Pitches	Strike%	SwStr%	K:BB	BF
Josh Hader	21	16	50	0	1:0	3
Trevor Megill	18	10	80	20	1:0	3
Edwin Díaz	16	4	50	0	0:0	1
Mason Miller	15	16	56.3	25	2:0	3
Pete Fairbanks	14	16	62.5	18.8	0:0	4
Jhoan Durán	11	9	55.6	11.1	1:0	3
Adrian Morejon	2	7	85.7	14.3	1:0	3
Ryan Zeferjahn	2	31	64.7	16.1	2:1	7

For the save streamers:

Vulture Save Options for June 26

Bryan Abreu (HOU): Hader has worked in back-to-back games.
Anthony Bender (MIA): Faucher and Henriqurez have pitched in consecutive contests.
Brock Stewart (MIN): With Durán, Jax, and Varland likely unavailable after pitching the two previous days, the Twins take a match-up-based approach, but leaning toward Stewart for today’s chance, if provided.

Vulture Save Stashes for June 27

Cade Smith (CLE): If Clase pitches today, it’s back-to-back games.
Tyler Ferguson (ATH): If Miller gets used in today’s game, it will be consecutive appearances.

Under the Hood: Camilo Doval

San Francisco Giants – After his team tied the game at the bottom of the ninth, Camilo Doval took over at the top of the tenth, but turned in another sideways outing. It started with a lead-off walk, a leverage mortal sin, and a one-out single by Otto Lopez scored the “place” runner. With two on and one out, Heriberto Hernandez plated two more runs with a double and a sacrifice fly, followed by a walk, prompting Doval’s removal. He was tagged with his second loss, giving up two hits, four runs (three earned), and two walks on 21 pitches (13 strikes – 61.9 Strike%) with two whiffs. He has allowed multiple runs in consecutive games, and his WHIP in June reached 2.18 after this contest.

First, his illustrator from Wednesday’s loss:

And his results:

This was not an isolated incident this month; of his 11 appearances, he has allowed multiple hits in six and multiple runs in three, including his last two. The good news is that he has converted six of seven save opportunities. However, he has posted a 2.18 WHIP with 11 strikeouts against eight walks (5.6 K-BB%) with a 4.64 SIERA through 11 innings. As his rolling game chart displays, his declining strikeout rate accompanies increased contact, especially hard contact:

Of his 35 batted ball events in June, 18 are labeled hard hits by Statcast (exit velocity of 95 miles per hour or better), a 54.1 percent rate. More traffic combined with better contact may be a recipe for disaster if these trends persist. Following last night’s loss, his manager did not seem concerned, as covered by Shayna Rubin of the San Francisco Chronicle in this post:

He’s not on the proverbial “hot seat” yet, but savvy fantasy managers should be stashing Randy Rodríguez in case these recent trends persist. For now:

Hierarchy Remains: Camilo Doval | Randy Rodríguez | Tyler Rogers

Here are the remaining leverage events of interest from Wednesday.

Closer CliffsNotes

Chicago White Sox – In order of appearance, Tyler Alexander worked a scoreless sixth, despite allowing a hit and a walk for his second hold.

Grant Taylor took over against the Diamondbacks’ 9-1-2 lineup pocket and retired the side at the top of the seventh. He returned for the eighth, letting Pavin Smith reach on his fielding error, and a one-out single scored him ahead of an inning-ending double play. Taylor secured his third hold, logging two innings while allowing a hit and an unearned run while striking out one. He threw 23 pitches (15 strikes – 65.2 Strike%) and induced two whiffs.

On one hand, he faced the toughest hitters in the batting order. This may be further immersion as a high-leverage reliever, but Will Venable keeps us guessing. Of the team’s eight saves, seven relievers have recorded at least one.

Steven Wilson worked a scoreless ninth in a non-save capacity, allowing a hit and striking out one.

Updated Hierarchy: *Grant Taylor | *Brandon Eisert | *Steven Wilson

*= closer-by-committee

Cleveland Guardians – Tasked with the top of the tenth, Nic Enright navigated around a walk and stranded the “place” runner while recording a strikeout. He collected his first career win on a walk-off rally at the bottom of the inning.

Emmanuel Clase worked a scoreless ninth, giving up Bo Bichette’s single with one out while recording a strikeout. He threw 12 pitches (83.3 Strike%) and produced two whiffs (16.7 SwStr%). This extended his scoreless streak to six games, and he has been unscored upon in 12 of his last 13 since May 28.

Jakob Junis worked into and then out of trouble, allowing a hit batter, a hit, and a walk while striking out two in a scoreless eighth.
Tim Herrin retired the side and recorded a strikeout in a scoreless seventh.

Hierarchy Remains: Emmanuel Clase | Cade Smith | Hunter Gaddis

Houston Astros – Matching a franchise record by recording his 21st save chance in as many chances opening the season, Josh Hader retired the side and produced a strikeout, finishing a combined shutout. He threw 16 pitches (50 Strike%) without a whiff.

During a voluminous June, he has a 4-1 record and converted seven saves while posting a 0.569 WHIP with 21 strikeouts against one walk (42.2 K-BB%) across 12.1 innings.

Bryan King escaped trouble, allowing three hits and striking out one during a scoreless eighth, securing his 16th hold.
Bennett Sousa retired the side and recorded one strikeout for his second hold.
Steven Okert worked a clean sixth, striking out the side.

Hierarchy Remains: Josh Hader | Bryan Abreu | Bryan King

Los Angeles Angels – Taking the baton from Yusei Kikuchi and logging two scoreless frames, Ryan Zeferjahn issued a walk and recorded two strikeouts, preserving a three-run lead for his second save. It must be sweeter for him having it come against his original organization that traded him ahead of last year’s deadline. He threw 31 pitches (21 strikes – 64.7 Strike%) and produced five whiffs (16.1 SwStr%).

Updated Hierarchy: Kenley Jansen | Reid Detmers | Ryan Zeferjahn

Miami Marlins – Putting the final touch on an extra-inning victory, Tyler Phillips induced two groundouts, gave up Heliot Ramos’ RBI single, scoring the “place” runner, and a game-ending pop-out, during an eventual three-run win at the bottom of the tenth.

Calvin Faucher suffered his fourth blown save in the ninth. His outing began with consecutive hit batters and a walk, loading the bases. After allowing a sacrifice fly, cutting the lead to one, Patrick Bailey tied the game with a single, though a second out was recorded on the throw home, retiring the trail runner, followed by an inning-ending strikeout. Faucher collected his third win courtesy of his team’s four-run top of the tenth. Traffic during high-leverage events usually does not end well. His illustrator:

Josh Simpson tossed 1.2 clean frames.
Ronny Henriquez stranded two runners at the bottom of the sixth, retiring all three batters faced between the sixth and seventh innings.

Hierarchy Remains: Calvin Faucher | Ronny Henriquez | Anthony Bender

Milwaukee Brewers – Shutting the door on his 18th save, Trevor Megill retired the side and recorded a strikeout while preserving a two-run win over the Pirates. He threw 10 pitches (80 Strike%) and produced two whiffs (20 swinging strike percentage).

He has converted six straight save chances and has converted eight of nine during June while posting a 1.18 WHIP with 13 strikeouts against three walks (26,3 K-BB%) through 9.1 innings.

Abner Uribe recorded his MLB-leading 21st hold despite issuing a one-out walk and allowing Spencer Horwitz’s two-out RBI double while striking out one during the eighth.

Hierarchy Remains: Trevor Megill | Abner Uribe | Jared Koenig

Minnesota Twins – Nailing down his 11th save, Jhoan Durán retired the side and recorded a strikeout, completing a combined shutout against Seattle’s 3-4-5 lineup pocket. He threw nine pitches (55.6 Strike%) and induced one whiff (11.1 SwStr%).

It’s his first save since June 8, and he had allowed at least a run in three of his previous five appearances.

Griffin Jax secured his 17th hold, firing a clean top of the eighth while striking out one.
Louis Varland worked a scoreless seventh, walking and striking out one.

Hierarchy Remains: Jhoan Durán | Griffin Jax | Louis Varland

New York Mets – Summoned at the top of the ninth with two runners on and two outs, Edwin Díaz induced a game-ending groundout by Marcell Ozuna, preserving the four-run lead and securing his 16th save, only needing four pitches. He’s been scoreless in 19 of 20 games since April 26, earning two wins and converting 10 of 11 save chances with 28 strikeouts versus six walks (29.7 K-BB%). Creating the save chance,

Jonathan Pintaro allowed two hits, two earned runs, and two walks while striking out one during two-thirds of the ninth.
Ryne Stanek fired a clean eighth, striking out two.
José Buttó tossed a scoreless seventh, giving up a hit and striking out two.

Hierarchy Remains: Edwin Díaz | Reed Garrett | Huascar Brazobán

San Diego Padres – With Robert Suarez serving the first game of his suspension, the Padres played match-ups in the late innings. Adrian Morejon notched his second save, retiring the side and recording a strikeout against Washington’s 9-1-2 lineup pocket, completing the combined shutout. He threw seven pitches (85.7 Strike%) and produced one whiff (14.3 SwStr%).

It’s his first save since March 29 and extended his scoreless streak to seven games.

Jeremiah Estrada worked a clean eighth, striking out one, and secured his 16th hold.

Hierarchy Remains: Robert Suarez | Jason Adam | Jeremiah Estrada

Tampa Bay Rays – Working around Vinnie Pasquantino reaching on an error, Pete Fairbanks completed a combined shutout while recording his 14th save. He threw 16 pitches (62.5 Strike%) and induced three whiffs (18.8 SwStr%).

This marks his first save since June 13.

Edwin Uceta notched his 13th hold, retiring all five batters faced, four via strikeout, in a dominant outing.
Garrett Cleavinger stranded a runner in the sixth and retired one batter in the seventh, recording his 11th hold.
Kevin Kelly allowed a hit and struck out one during two-thirds scoreless in the sixth for his third hold.

Hierarchy Remains: Pete Fairbanks |Edwin Uceta | Mason Montgomery

The Athletics – Locking down his 15th save, Mason Miller fired a clean bottom of the ninth, preserving the combined shutout, and recorded two strikeouts in Detroit. He threw 16 pitches (56.3 Strike%) and produced four whiffs (25 SwStr%).

Perhaps turning the corner, he has been scoreless in four of his last five, collecting a win and converting two of three save opportunities while posting a 0.566 WHIP with eight strikeouts versus one walk (35 Strike%) across 5.1 innings.

Michael Kelly worked a scoreless eighth, giving up a hit and striking out one for his third hold.

Updated Hierarchy: Mason Miller | Michael Kelly | T.J. McFarland

Toronto Blue Jays – After his teammates did not score at the top of the tenth, Mason Fluharty took over, issuing Steven Kwan an intentional walk, followed by David Fry reaching on a bunt single, loading the bases, and allowing a walk-off RBI single by José Ramírez, resulting in his second loss.

Jeff Hoffman kept the game tied, tossing a scoreless bottom of the ninth, yielding Gabriel Arias’ two-out single and striking out one, throwing 18 pitches (77.7 Strike%) with two whiffs (11.1 SwStr%).

Brendon Little logged two scoreless frames, allowing a walk.
Nick Sandlin suffered his second blown save, giving up Lane Thomas’ game-tying solo home run at the bottom of the sixth.

Hierarchy Remains: Jeff Hoffman | Yariel Rodríguez | Chad Green

Quick Hits

Boston Red Sox: Entering a tied game at the bottom of the fifth, Luis Guerrero gave up two hits, two earned runs, and two walks while striking out one during two-thirds of an inning, resulting in his first loss.
Chicago Cubs: Back from Triple-A, Porter Hodge closed out a lopsided shutout, working a scoreless bottom of the ninth despite giving up a hit. He threw 13 pitches (11 strikes – 84.6 Strike%) and induced one whiff.

Los Angeles Dodgers: Completing a seven-run win in Coors, Will Klein logged two scoreless frames, allowing two hits and striking out three. Michael Kopech worked a clean seventh and recorded a strikeout. Alex Vesia stranded two runners while striking out his only batter in the sixth, notching his 15th hold.
Philadelphia Phillies: Entering at the bottom of the eighth with his team down one, Matt Strahm allowed a solo home run and recorded a strikeout. He has given up at least a run in four of his last six appearances. Jordan Romano tossed a scoreless seventh, walking and striking out one.
Washington Nationals: Called upon during an eventual shutout loss with two outs and one on at the bottom of the eighth, Kyle Finnegan recorded an inning-ending strikeout against Jose Iglesias on four pitches, all strikes. Brad Lord logged 1.2 scoreless frames, yielding a hit and a walk while striking out one.

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Monkey Bytes | June 25

Tuesday’s slate yielded an avalanche in terms of high-leverage appearances, resulting in ten reliever wins and nine saves while they were tagged with six losses. With the weather heating up, pressure and fatigue continue accumulating across teams’ leverage ladders. Here are last night’s saves in condensed form:

Reliever	Save #	Pitches	Strike%	SwStr%	K:BB	BF
Robert Suarez	22	15	60	13.3	1:0	3
Tanner Scott	16	11	81.8	9.1	0:0	5
Ryan Helsley	15	17	64.7	29.4	1:0	5
Josh Hader	14	14	71.4	35.7	2:0	4
Raisel Iglesias	9	16	62.5	18.8	1:0	3
Shelby Miller	9	12	66.7	0	0:0	3
Calvin Faucher	8	18	44.4	0	0:1	3
Robert Garcia	6	9	77.8	11.1	1:0	3
Matt Brash	1	13	69.2	7.7	1:0	3

With his suspension cut in half, Robert Suarez will begin serving it today:

For the save streamers, a surprisingly light forecast, though Thursdays may shift based on usage patterns in today’s contests:

Vulture Save Option for June 25

Jeremiah Estrada (SD): Suarez begins serving his suspension, and Adam threw 27 pitches, leaving Estrada in line for the save chance today.

Vulture Save Stashes for June 26

Bennett Sousa (HOU): If Hader and Abreu pitch today, it’s back-to-back outings for both.
Matt Strahm (PHI): If Kerkering pitches in today’s game, it will be consecutive appearances.

Three Takeaways

(1) Muñoz in the eighth? With the score tied at the bottom of the eighth, Andrés Muñoz matched up against the Twins’ 4-5-6 lineup pocket and retired them in order while recording two strikeouts. He collected his third win, courtesy of a rally at the top of the ninth. He threw 15 pitches (80 Strike%) and produced four whiffs (26.7 SwStr%).

He had only entered a game during the eighth once this season, recording a four-out save on May 17. On the surface, this appears to be an outlier based on usage patterns this season, but it will be closely monitored.

Matt Brash notched his first save since August 17, 2023, firing a clean bottom of the ninth and striking out one, throwing 13 pitches (9 strikes – 69.2 Strike%) with one whiff, preserving a one-run win.

He remained scoreless through 16 appearances this season, and as he returns to his past form, his leverage role continues to expand, forming a potential dynamic duo at the back end of games for Seattle.

Updated Hierarchy: Andrés Muñoz | Matt Brash | Carlos Vargas

(2) Is Raisel rising from the ashes? After not recording a save in 31 games, a Braves reliever has notched one in consecutive games. This time, Raisel Iglesias took over with runners on the corners and one out at the bottom of the ninth against the Mets. He retired Brett Baty via strikeout but gave up Ronny Mauricio’s RBI double before inducing a game-ending groundout by Francisco Lindor for his ninth save, first since May 16.

He has been scoreless over his last six games. Enyel De Los Santos created the chaos, giving up two hits and an earned run during one-third of the ninth. Dylan Dodd fired a clean eighth, striking out one. Rafael Montero worked a clean seventh and recorded a strikeout for his fifth hold. Pierce Johnson allowed a walk and struck out three in a scoreless sixth, securing his sixth hold. The biggest takeaway from this game is that if Dodd can handle left-handed hitting pockets in the ninth, it allows Dylan Lee more freedom as the preferred option in the ninth. Monitor this closely.

Hierarchy Remains: *Dylan Lee | Raisel Iglesias | Pierce Johnson

*= A preferred save share, though Lee will be used against the toughest lineup pocket at the most leveraged moment.

(3) Helsley hangs on: Provided a one-run lead, Ryan Helsley allowed Kyle Tucker’s one-out single and Pete Crow-Armstrong’s two-out single, putting runners on the corners before inducing a game-ending Dansby Swanson groundout for his 15th save. He threw 17 pitches (11 strikes – 64.7 Strike%) and generated five whiffs (29.4 SwStr%) while striking out one. First, his illustrator:

And, his results:

He owns a modest three-game scoreless streak but has allowed multiple hits in five of his eight appearances this month. Despite this, his underlying trends have improved, reflected in his rolling-game chart:

Hierarchy Remains: Ryan Helsley | Phil Maton | JoJo Romero

Here are the remaining leverage events of interest from Tuesday.

Closer CliffsNotes

Arizona Diamondbacks – Securing his ninth save, Shelby Miller retired the side on 12 pitches (66.7 Strike%) without a whiff, closing a three-run win over the White Sox.

Through ten games in June, he has a loss while converting four of five save opportunities, posting a 0.86 WHIP with 11 strikeouts against one walk (29.5 K-BB%) across 9.1 innings.

Juan Morillo escaped with a scoreless eighth, working around a hit and a walk for his fourth hold.
Jalen Beeks notched his 11th hold, retiring both batters in the seventh.
Ryan Thompson collected his second win, stranding a runner in the sixth and recording two outs across the sixth and seventh innings.

Hierarchy Remains: Shelby Miller | Jalen Beeks | Juan Morillo

Boston Red Sox – Things went awry at the bottom of the eighth. Greg Weissert entered with a 1-0 lead, allowing a game-tying home run by Christian Moore and a single, though a caught stealing ended his outing. He was tagged with his fourth blown save.

Aroldis Chapman worked a scoreless bottom of the ninth, navigating around Mike Trout’s lead-off single and a two-out walk, recording all three outs via strikeout. He threw 20 pitches (70 Strike%) and generated six whiffs (30 SwStr%).
At the bottom of the tenth, Justin Wilson could not protect a one-run lead, giving up Moore’s walk-off two-run home run, resulting in his first loss and a fourth blown save.

Hierarchy Remains: Aroldis Chapman | Greg Weissert | Garrett Whitlock

Houston Astros – Shutting the door on his 20th save, Josh Hader worked around a hit batter and recorded two strikeouts, preserving a combined shutout against the Phillies. He threw 14 pitches (71.4 Strike%) and generated five whiffs (35.7 SwStr%).

Across 11 outings this month, he has a 4-1 record while converting all six save chances, posting a .619 WHIP with 20 strikeouts versus one walk (45.2 K-BB%) in 11.1 innings.

Bryan Abreu collected his second win, tossing a clean eighth and striking out one ahead of his team’s go-ahead rally at the bottom of the inning.

Hierarchy Remains: Josh Hader | Bryan Abreu | Bryan King

Los Angeles Angels – Entering at the top of the tenth, Reid Detmers gave up Marcelo Mayer’s RBI single leading off the inning, induced a double play groundout, followed by Wilyer Abreu’s single, and an inning-ending strikeout of Roman Anthony. Detmers collected his third win when his teammates rallied for a walk-off rally at the bottom of the frame.

Kenley Jansen tossed a scoreless ninth, working around Romy Gonzalez reaching on an error and Jarren Duran’s one-out walk with a pop-out and an inning-ending flyout, preserving the tie.
Sam Bachman retired the side and recorded a strikeout in the eighth.
Hunter Strickland tossed a scoreless seventh, yielding a hit and striking out one.

Updated Hierarchy: Kenley Jansen | Reid Detmers | Sam Bachman

Los Angeles Dodgers – Pressed into action at the bottom of the eighth, Tanner Scott took over with two runners on and two outs, giving up Jordan Beck’s two-RBI double, then inducing Michael Toglia’s flyout. Returning for the ninth, Scott worked around Ryan McMahon’s one-out single with a game-ending double play groundout, preserving the two-run lead while recording his 16th save. He finished with two hits against, throwing 11 pitches (81.8 Strike%) with one whiff (9.1 SwStr%).

In 11 appearances this month, he’s 1-1 and converted all six saves with a 0.708 WHIP through 11.1 innings.

Anthony Banda allowed two hits, three earned runs, and a walk while striking out one during two-thirds of the eighth.
Alex Vesia stranded two runners despite throwing a wild pitch, striking out his only batter at the bottom of the seventh.
Kirby Yates gave up three hits, two on soft contact, and an earned run while striking out two during two-thirds of the seventh.
Justin Wrobleski logged five innings as the “bulk follower,” allowing five hits, two earned runs, and two walks with seven strikeouts.

Hierarchy Remains: *Tanner Scott | *Kirby Yates | *Michael Kopech

*= closer-by-committee with a preferred save share (Scott)

Miami Marlins – Closing a two-run win over the Giants, Calvin Faucher navigated around Jung Hoo Lee’s lead-off walk with a strikeout and a game-ending double play grounder against Casey Schmitt for his eighth save. He threw 18 pitches (8 strikes – 44.4 Strike%) without a whiff.

He extended his scoreless streak to 12 games, during which he has converted all six save opportunities with a 0.748 WHIP while recording seven strikeouts versus two walks.

Ronny Henriquez notched his 11th hold, striking out both batters at the bottom of the eighth.
Cade Gibson collected his second win, logging 1.1 scoreless frames and recording two strikeouts.
Anthony Bender stranded a runner at the bottom of the fifth and worked 1.1 scoreless innings, yielding a hit and a walk with two strikeouts.

Updated Hierarchy: Calvin Faucher | Ronny Henriquez | Anthony Bender

Minnesota Twins – Tasked with a tied game at the top of the ninth, Jhoan Durán recorded a quick out, hit Jorge Polanco with a pitch, followed by a single, and another hit batter, loading the bases. With one out, Julio Rodríguez scored the go-ahead run on a sacrifice fly, and after Durán intentionally walked Cal Raleigh, he induced an inning-ending strikeout, but the damage had been done, handing him his third loss. He last posted a save on June 8 and has allowed a run in three of his last five appearances.

Brock Stewart tossed a clean eighth, striking out one.
Griffin Jax fired a clean seventh, recording two strikeouts versus Seattle’s 1-2-3 hitters.

Hierarchy Remains: Jhoan Durán | Griffin Jax | Louis Varland

New York Yankees – Taking over at the bottom of the tenth, Mark Leiter Jr. retired the Reds’ 9-1-2 hitters in order. Returning for the tenth, things did not go as smoothly. He gave up Elly De La Cruz’s single, followed by Spencer Steer’s RBI single, threw a wild pitch, walked Tyler Stephenson, and suffered his fourth loss on Gavin Lux’s walk-off single.

Devin Williams fired a clean ninth on nine pitches (66.7 Strike%) and induced one whiff (11.1 SwStr%), extending scoreless streak to seven games.
Luke Weaver worked around Steer’s two-out single and recorded two strikeouts at the bottom of the eighth, matching up against the Reds’ 2-3-4 lineup pocket.
Fernando Cruz stranded his only inherited runner and retired both batters during the seventh.
Jonathan Loáisiga suffered his second blown save, allowing three hits, three earned runs, and a walk while recording one out in the seventh. He left his outing with the team’s trainer.

In the first game, during which Williams and Weaver appeared together since Weaver’s return from the injured list, it went according to our speculative plans. Stay tuned.

Updated Hierarchy: *Devin Williams | *Luke Weaver | Fernando Cruz

*= closer-by-committee

San Diego Padres – Locking down his National League-leading 22nd save, Robert Suarez retired the side while striking out one during a one-run win over Washington. He threw 15 pitches (60 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (13.3 SwStr%).

It was announced that he will serve his reduced two-game suspension on Wednesday and Friday.

Jeremiah Estrada retired all four batters, one via strikeout, while securing his 15th hold.
Jason Adam was awarded his sixth win, tossing 1.2 scoreless frames, giving up a hit and striking out one.
Adrian Morejon worked two scoreless innings, yielding a hit and striking out one.

Hierarchy Remains: Robert Suarez | Jason Adam | Jeremiah Estrada

Texas Rangers – Handed a one-run lead at the bottom of the tenth, Robert Garcia retired the side on a sacrifice bunt, a strikeout, and a game-ending pop-out by Jackson Holliday, securing his sixth save. He threw nine pitches (77.8 Strike%) and induced one whiff (11.1 SwStr%).

Over his last five appearances, he has converted three of four save chances.

Luke Jackson stranded a runner at the bottom of the eighth while logging 1.1 clean frames and striking out one. He collected his second win after his team plated a run at the top of the tenth.
Hoby Milner worked 1.2 scoreless innings, walking one and striking out two.
Chris Martin suffered his first blown save, letting both inherited runners score while serving up three hits, all home runs, resulting in three earned runs without retiring a batter in the seventh.

Updated Hierarchy: Robert Garcia | Luke Jackson | Chris Martin

Quick Hits

Baltimore Orioles: During the top of the tenth, Seranthony Domínguez recorded a strikeout, but after throwing a wild pitch, he let the game-winning run score on a fielder’s choice groundout. He finished with a walk and three strikeouts, getting tagged with his second loss. Félix Bautista worked around Corey Seager’s lead-off single and a stolen base by retiring the next three batters, two via strikeout. He threw 21 pitches (12 strikes – 57.1 Strike%) and produced six whiffs (28.6 SwStr%). Gregory Soto issued Sam Haggerty a lead-off walk, who then stole two bases and scored on a game-tying sacrifice fly, resulting in his first blown save and ending his nine-game scoreless streak.
Chicago White Sox: As the “bulk follower,” Mike Vasil suffered his third loss, allowing three hits and two runs (one earned) while striking out one across 5.1 innings.
Cincinnati Reds: Despite letting the “place” runner score on a wild pitch, Connor Phillips retired all three batters and collected his first win, following his team’s walk-off rally at the bottom of the 11th. Tony Santillan worked into and then out of trouble, issuing two walks during a scoreless tenth.
Cleveland Guardians: A rough outing alert, though some of the result was due to soft contact, Hunter Gaddis allowed three hits, four earned runs, and a walk during two-thirds of the eighth inning, boosting his WHIP to 1.45 on the season.
Milwaukee Brewers: Finishing a six-run win, Abner Uribe fired a clean top of the ninth while striking out the side on 15 pitches (11 strikes – 73.3 Strike%) and producing three whiffs (20 SwStr%).
New York Mets: In order of appearance, Huascar Brazobán took over at the top of the sixth and struggled with his command. He issued three walks, resulting in three earned runs, while recording one out, getting credit for his tenth hold. José Castillo let both inherited runners score, hitting a batter and giving up two hits, resulting in two earned runs, his second loss, and a second blown save.
Philadelphia Phillies: Replacing Ranger Suárez at the bottom of the eighth, Orion Kerkering gave up a hit and recorded a strikeout during one-third of an inning.
Toronto Blue Jays: Closing a win in Cleveland, Yariel Rodríguez had his five-game scoreless streak snapped, giving up Kyle Manzardo’s solo home run, and recorded a strikeout at the bottom of the ninth, in a non-save appearance. Since May 7, he has been scoreless in 17 of 19 games, posting a 0.526 WHIP with 25 strikeouts against four walks across 24.2 innings.

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Statistical Credits: