Closer Monkey

Updated Top-50 for Saves and Top-75 for SOLDS for the start of the Second Half

The table includes rankings for relievers at the start of the second half. It includes their save, K-BB percentage, swinging strike rate, and WHIP through games played on July 14. This table also shows each reliever’s ranking in Standings Gain Points (SGP) for the season and the last 30 days, helping identify recent trends.

These rankings may change rapidly as closers work their way back on rehab assignments, and the trade deadline is just over three weeks away. For now, here’s how they stand. Because saves remain at the forefront of fantasy managers’ minds, the top 31 features our reliever currently residing atop the bullpen hierarchy, with the Phillies’ “floating closers” both ranked as the only outlier.

Closer Monkey’s Updated Top 50 Relievers for Saves

Rank	Reliever	Saves	K-BB%	SwStr%	WHIP	Season	Last 30
1	Emmanuel Clase	29	20.7%	13.1%	0.68	1	4
2	Ryan Helsley	32	17.9%	16.4%	1.17	2	7
3	Craig Kimbrel	23	26.2%	11.8%	0.96	3	5
4	Robert Suarez	22	18.8%	12.1%	0.90	4	109
5	Raisel Iglesias	22	17.6%	13.9%	0.79	7	12
6	Jhoan Durán	15	15.7%	12.6%	0.98	14	1
7	Kirby Yates	16	22.6%	14.6%	0.90	9	16
8	Kyle Finnegan	25	18.0%	11.8%	1.02	5	46
9	Josh Hader	18	33.1%	18.7%	1.00	8	9
10	Mason Miller	15	37.3%	20.2%	0.86	10	43
11	Andrés Muñoz	15	18.4%	16.1%	1.04	13	78
12	David Bednar	17	19.0%	13.1%	1.08	27	N/A
13	Tanner Scott	14	12.3%	14.8%	1.07	6	3
14	Carlos Estévez	17	23.7%	13.3%	0.77	16	10
15	Edwin Díaz	10	24.5%	15.8%	1.16	49	N/A
16	Kenley Jansen	19	18.8%	11.5%	1.08	11	2
17	Pete Fairbanks	17	12.2%	8.7%	1.25	31	15
18	Evan Phillips	14	20.2%	12.6%	1.08	32	17
19	Clay Holmes	21	18.2%	10.8%	1.31	21	126
20	Jeff Hoffman	9	26.3%	16.2%	0.89	12	20
Rank	Reliever	Saves	K-BB%	SwStr%	WHIP	Season Rank	Last 30
21	James McArthur	17	14.4%	12.8%	1.30	28	22
22	Paul Sewald	13	19.5%	11.0%	0.80	52	52
23	Trevor Megill	18	24.4%	16.5%	1.01	23	14
24	José Alvarado	13	15.0%	11.5%	1.18	44	167
25	Héctor Neris	13	8.3%	9.6%	1.56	33
26	Camilo Doval	17	14.6%	15.7%	1.62	42	83
27	Alexis Díaz	19	8.3%	9.6%	1.47	45	54
28	Michael Kopech	9	18.2%	14.4%	1.39	73	71
29	Chad Green	6	14.7%	11.4%	1.08	66	38
30	Jason Foley	15	9.0%	9.5%	1.38	50	150
31	Jalen Beeks	9	9.0%	9.2%	1.39	63	104
32	Jason Adam	4	18.8%	17.6%	0.79	18	8
33	Griffin Jax	7	27.4%	17.6%	0.94	20	41
34	Ryan Walker	0	26.5%	12.8%	0.89	19	21
35	Alex Vesia	5	22.1%	13.7%	0.87	26	59
36	Daniel Hudson	4	23.8%	15.6%	0.80	15	13
37	Ben Joyce	0	14.7	12.6	1.16	N/A	30
38	Kevin Ginkel	5	20.7%	11.3%	1.12	29	28
39	Justin Martinez	0	17.2%	13.4%	1.12	46	31
40	Dedniel Núñez	1	29.8%	15.6%	0.82	61	19
Rank	Reliever	Saves	K-BB%	SwStr%	WHIP	Season Rank	Last 30
41	José Buttó	1	20	15.3%	0.65	N/A	N/A
42	Tyler Holton	2	14.7%	10.9%	0.83	35	45
43	David Robertson	1	30.1%	11.7%	0.93	41	40
44	A.J. Puk	1	21.0%	13.8%	0.80	70	6
45	Hunter Gaddis	0	22.2%	12.9%	0.73	24	29
46	Yimi García	5	28.0%	13.4%	0.79	39	N/A
47	Hunter Harvey	0	20.0%	13.4%	1.22	113	198
48	Bryan Hudson	0	22.7%	10.4%	0.74	17	100
49	Matt Strahm	0	30.7%	13.8%	0.80	34	89
50	Gregory Santos	0	14.3%	7.7%	0.5	N/A	N/A

*Statistics through the first half (July 14)

Closer Monkey’s Updated Top 75 Relievers for SOLDS

Rank	Reliever	Saves	Holds	SOLDS	K-BB%	SwStr%	WHIP
1	Emmanuel Clase	29	0	29	20.7%	13.1%	0.68
2	Ryan Helsley	32	0	32	17.9%	16.4%	1.17
3	Craig Kimbrel	23	4	27	26.2%	11.8%	0.96
4	Jason Adam	4	18	22	18.8%	17.6%	0.79
5	Jeff Hoffman	9	12	21	26.3%	16.2%	0.89
6	Robert Suarez	22	1	23	18.8%	12.1%	0.90
7	Hunter Gaddis	0	19	19	22.2%	12.9%	0.73
8	Ryan Walker	0	16	16	26.5%	12.8%	0.89
9	Jhoan Durán	15	4	19	15.7%	12.6%	0.98
10	Kyle Finnegan	25	0	25	18.0%	11.8%	1.02
11	Tanner Scott	14	1	15	12.3%	14.8%	1.07
12	Andrés Muñoz	15	6	21	18.4%	16.1%	1.04
13	Griffin Jax	7	15	22	27.4%	17.6%	0.94
14	JoJo Romero	0	26	26	15.4%	10.4%	1.03
15	David Robertson	1	20	21	30.1%	11.7%	0.93
Rank	Reliever	Saves	Holds	SOLDS	K-BB%	SwStr%	WHIP
16	Kirby Yates	16	2	18	22.6%	14.6%	0.90
17	Raisel Iglesias	22	0	22	17.6%	13.9%	0.79
18	Daniel Hudson	4	13	17	23.8%	15.6%	0.80
19	Josh Hader	18	0	18	33.1%	18.7%	1.00
20	Yennier Cano	3	24	27	11.9%	13.2%	1.32
21	David Bednar	17	0	17	19.0%	13.1%	1.08
22	Mason Miller	15	0	15	37.3%	20.2%	0.86
23	Hunter Harvey	0	26	26	20.0%	13.4%	1.22
24	Trevor Megill	18	3	21	24.4%	16.5%	1.01
25	Kenley Jansen	19	0	19	18.8%	11.5%	1.08
26	Joe Jiménez	2	18	20	15.4%	14.0%	1.02
27	Edwin Díaz	10	2	12	24.5%	15.8%	1.16
28	Fernando Cruz	0	21	21	25.7%	17.9%	1.25
29	Alex Vesia	5	6	11	22.1%	13.7%	0.87
30	Andrew Kittredge	1	25	26	16.8%	13.2%	1.20
Rank	Reliever	Saves	Holds	SOLDS	K-BB%	SwStr%	WHIP
31	Ryne Stanek	7	14	21	17.1%	14.5%	1.24
32	Paul Sewald	13	0	13	19.5%	11.0%	0.80
33	Carlos Estévez	17	0	17	23.7%	13.3%	0.77
34	Pete Fairbanks	17	1	18	12.2%	8.7%	1.25
35	Matt Strahm	0	9	9	30.7%	13.8%	0.80
36	Jeremiah Estrada	1	9	10	32.6%	18.0%	1.00
37	Bryan Hudson	0	11	11	22.7%	10.4%	0.74
38	Dedniel Núñez	1	7	8	29.8%	15.6%	0.82
39	Ryan Thompson	0	15	15	13.6%	9.2%	1.01
40	James McArthur	17	1	18	14.4%	12.8%	1.30
41	Kevin Ginkel	5	7	12	20.7%	11.3%	1.12
42	Clay Holmes	21	0	21	18.2%	10.8%	1.31
43	Camilo Doval	17	0	17	14.6%	15.7%	1.62
44	Tyler Rogers	1	18	19	16.8%	8.7%	1.08
45	Scott Barlow	2	17	19	18.6%	14.8%	1.41
Rank	Reliever	Saves	Holds	SOLDS	K-BB%	SwStr%	WHIP
46	José Alvarado	13	6	19	15.0%	11.5%	1.18
47	Evan Phillips	14	1	15	20.2%	12.6%	1.08
48	Jorge Alcala	0	11	11	13.0%	13.0%	0.95
49	Bryan Abreu	1	21	22	20.3%	13.1%	1.38
50	John Schreiber	1	19	20	9.9%	7.9%	1.46
51	Chad Green	6	6	12	14.7%	11.4%	1.08
52	Alexis Díaz	19	0	19	8.3%	9.6%	1.47
53	Colin Holderman	0	15	15	17.0%	12.5%	1.23
54	A.J. Puk	1	5	6	21.0%	13.8%	0.80
55	Yimi García	5	10	15	28.0%	13.4%	0.79
56	Jacob Webb	2	12	14	12.0%	12.4%	1.11
57	Héctor Neris	13	3	16	8.3%	9.6%	1.56
58	Luke Weaver	0	13	13	21.3%	13.8%	0.80
59	Tayler Scott	0	4	4	11.4%	11.2%	1.01
60	Colin Poche	2	12	14	14.1%	8.6%	1.04
Rank	Reliever	Saves	Holds	SOLDS	K-BB%	SwStr%	WHIP
61	Justin Martinez	0	3	3	17.2%	13.4%	1.12
62	Ryan Pressly	2	15	17	19.9%	12.2%	1.31
63	Lucas Erceg	2	11	13	18.3%	13.5%	1.19
64	Gregory Santos	0	0	0	14.3%	7.7%	0.5
65	Jason Foley	15	4	19	9.0%	9.5%	1.38
66	Jalen Beeks	9	5	14	9.0%	9.2%	1.39
67	Luis García	3	10	13	13.7%	11.1%	1.24
68	John Brebbia	2	13	15	24.4%	11.4%	1.16
69	Aroldis Chapman	4	14	18	15.2%	12.0%	1.62
70	José Leclerc	1	5	6	17.3%	16.6%	1.20
71	A.J. Minter	1	8	9	19.2%	15.0%	0.97
72	Robert Garcia	0	11	11	25.5%	12.2%	1.32
73	Michael Kopech	9	1	10	18.2%	14.4%	1.39
74	Phil Maton	2	10	12	10.1%	12.8%	1.29
75	Mark Leiter Jr.	0	11	11	23.0%	15.9%	1.25

*Statistics through the first half (July 14)

Statistical Credits:

First Half in Review for Relievers: Results of Interest and Trends

Although injuries forced most of the hierarchal changes in the first half of the season, the trade deadline should provide more role changes before August. For now, looking back at the top performers helps fantasy managers prepare for the stretch run. There will also be risers and fallers in some key categories comparing first-half results against the second-half from 2023.

Save Totals

2024: 737 saves
2023: 704 save

Blown Saves

2024: 418 blown saves
2023: 401 blown saves

Save Opportunities

2024: 1,115
2023: 1,105

Save Percentage of Wins

2024: 50.9 percent
2023: 51.9 percent

Save Trends

Link: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/JMwVD/3/

One notices a rise in relievers in this year’s first half, recording more than 14 saves and Ryan Helsley surpassing 30 saves before the All-Star break.

2024 First Half Leaderboards

Link: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/kKz2V/1/

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

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

*This represents relievers with at least 20 innings, not qualified

Link: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/MSw8X/2/

*This represents relievers with at least 20 innings, not qualified

2024 First Half Risers and Decliners versus 2023 Second Half Splits

Strikeouts minus Walks Percentage (K-BB%)

If Texas decides to sell ahead of the trade deadline, teams will line up for David Robertson and Kirby Yates, two of the top six risers in this list comparing qualified relievers in the last two halves of the season.
Washington already traded Hunter Harvey, and if the offer is right, it could also move Kyle Finnegan. This bodes well for Robert Garcia‘s potential second-half save chances.
Many will be tracking Camilo Doval closely in the second half. He’s blown four save chances and his bloated 1.62 WHIP could get him on the “hot seat” with a slow start following the break. This is a Ryan Walker note.

Link: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/3pDiw/2/

Will Tampa Bay move Pete Fairbanks?

Swinging Strike Percentage

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

Although Mason Miller headlines the A’s relievers, a savvy team may add a solid set-up reliever if they acquire Lucas Erceg before the deadline.

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

Alexis Díaz has been on our radar following a rough first half, and seeing his drop in whiffs causes more concern. Speaking of which, will the real Jhoan Durán emerge after the break?

Contact Rate Allowed

Link: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/GF8eW/1/

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

Last Statistical Year (through the end of the first half on July 14)

Link: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/nWDqk/3/

Link: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/u9Cqc/1/

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

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Statistical Credits:

Monkey Bytes: July 15

Sunday’s full game slate provided high-leverage events of interest and the end of the first half. Ten relievers recorded a win, one via a “bulk” outing behind an opener. Eight saves were recorded, with only one being a reliever’s first of the season (Roansy Contreras). There were walk-offs by the Giants and the Tigers, plus a wild finish between the Yankees and the Orioles.

Three Takeaways

Doval’s rising WHIP: It begins with a tweak of his arsenal; Camilo Doval has shelved his sinker and leaned into his slider. However, he suffered his fourth blown save on Sunday, allowing two hits after a lead-off walk resulting in two earned runs. At the end of the first half, he owns a bloated 1.62 WHIP through 39 games spanning 37 innings. Small sample sizes can skew results. Taking his results from the last 365 days (statistical year), he’s recorded 26 saves with a 1.48 WHIP over his last 62.2 innings. He does not reside on the “hot seat” entering the second half, but fantasy managers must account for the ratio risk he presents with hitters sitting on his cutter:

Link: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/L7nO4/6/

Dodgers treading water: It’s been a rough start to July for Los Angeles. With a makeshift rotation, the bullpen has cracked under heavy usage patterns. In 12 games this month, Dodger starters have only logged 49.2 innings (roughly 19 batters faced per start) with zero wins, five losses, and a 1.65 WHIP. Although the relievers have recorded four wins, they have worked more innings (54.2) through the team’s first 12 games in July and enter the break with a combined 1.61 WHIP this month. When considering why the team remained with Yohan Ramírez on Sunday, here are the recent workloads by the bullpen:

Will Tampa Bay trade Fairbanks? It’s strange to speculate about the Rays potentially being sellers at the trade deadline, but they remain one of the most pragmatic franchises, working under the age-old adage by Kenny Rogers, “Know when to hold them and when to fold them.” Pete Fairbanks has converted 33 of 38 save chances in the last statistical year with a 1.15 WHIP, 22 K-BB percentage, and an 11.6 percent swinging strike rate. These are very good results, but he’s been trending in the wrong direction this season in terms of contact allowed and strikeouts produced, which may make him more suited for a set-up role on a different team than the closer in Tampa Bay:

Next, our condensed game recaps cover Sunday’s high-leverage events. During the All-Star break, we will post a First-Half in Review and trade deadline updates, with eyes on second half saves.

Closer CliffsNotes

American League

Baltimore Orioles – Despite allowing a go-ahead three-run home run, resulting in his fifth blown save, Craig Kimbrel benefited from his team’s walk-off rally and collected his sixth win. After not appearing since July 7, the closer displayed signs of rust, issuing consecutive walks at the onset of the ninth with a one-run lead before serving up Ben Rice’s three-run shot. Kimbrel induced a Juan Soto groundout, struck out Aaron Judge, and retired Alex Verdugo on a flyout. He finished with a hit, three earned runs, and a walk while striking out one, throwing 28 pitches (13 strikes – 46.4 Strike%) with three whiffs.

Yennier Cano secured his 24th hold, tossing 1.1 scoreless frames, giving up a hit and a walk.
Cionel Pérez worked a scoreless combined inning, yielding a hit and striking out two for his 13th hold.

Hierarchy remains: Craig Kimbrel | Yennier Cano | Cionel Pérez

Boston Red Sox – Hanging on for his 19th save, Kenley Jansen logged two innings, allowing two hits, an earned run, and a walk while striking out three in a one-run win over the Royals. After tossing a clean eighth, he gave up a one-out Hunter Renfroe single in the ninth, followed by a walk and Freddy Fermin’s RBI single with a runner thrown out at third, then induced a game-ending groundout. Jansen threw 27 pitches (22 strikes – 81.5 Strike%) and induced two whiffs during his second two-inning save this season.

Brennan Bernardino stranded a runner and recorded two outs in the eighth, one via strikeout for his seventh hold.

Updated Hierarchy: Kenley Jansen | Zack Kelly | Brennan Bernardino

Detroit Tigers – Benefiting from a walk-off rally, Alex Faedo collected his fourth win. He took over in the ninth and stranded two runners despite issuing a walk with an inning-ending strikeout of Chris Taylor.

Jason Foley worked a combined scoreless inning, giving up two walks and striking out one with his team down by one.
Andrew Chafin tossed a scoreless combined inning, yielding a hit and striking out two.
Kenta Maeda logged 3.2 scoreless innings as the “bulk follower,” allowing a hit and striking out five.
Tyler Holton logged two scoreless frames. He gave up a hit and struck out two.

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

*= closer-by-committee

Los Angeles Angels – Protecting a one-run lead, Roansy Contreras recorded his first save this season and the second of his career with a clean ninth, striking out one. He threw 16 pitches (62.5 Strike%) without a whiff.

Hans Crouse collected his third win, navigating around a hit and a walk while striking out two in a scoreless eighth inning ahead of his team’s rally in the bottom of the inning.
Matt Moore allowed a hit, an earned run, and a walk while striking out three in the seventh.

Hierarchy remains: Carlos Estévez | Luis García | Ben Joyce

Minnesota Twins – Entering a tied game in the bottom of the ninth, Jhoan Durán suffered his fourth loss on Mike Yastrzemski’s lead-off triple and a throwing error awarding him home, resulting in an unearned run on his ledger.

Griffin Jax fired a clean eighth and recorded a strikeout.
Josh Staumont retired his only batter via strikeout in the seventh, stranding a runner.
Caleb Thielbar gave up a hit and struck out one in two-thirds scoreless in the seventh.
Jorge Alcala stranded two runners while retiring his only batter in the sixth.

Hierarchy remains: Jhoan Durán | Griffin Jax | Jorge Alcala

New York Yankees – Deserving a better outcome, Clay Holmes suffered his fourth loss and sixth blown save during a walk-off loss in Baltimore. He should not issue two walks, but with two outs and the bases loaded, Anthony Volpe committed an error, letting a run score without recording an out. Then, Cedric Mullins hit an opposite-field fly ball, which Alex Verdugo misjudged, slipped and fell, letting the game-winning runs score. All three runs were unearned for Holmes, but his two hits and two walks will not help fantasy managers from a WHIP perspective. He enters the All-Star break, allowing at least a run in six of his last 10 appearances and multiple runs in five.

Jake Cousins stranded a runner and retired both batters, one via strikeout in the eighth. He’s been scoreless in his last four games, recording nine strikeouts during 4.2 innings.
Luke Weaver allowed a hit and struck out one in a scoreless combined inning.

Updated Hierarchy: Clay Holmes | Luke Weaver | Jake Cousins

Tampa Bay Rays – Completing a combined shutout, Pete Fairbanks navigated around consecutive hits leading off the ninth with a José Ramírez pop-out, a Josh Naylor lineout, and a game-ending David Fry flyout. He threw 19 pitches (14 strikes – 73.7 Strike%) without a whiff. He ended the first half by converting his last seven save chances but allowed a run in two of his last four outings.

Jason Adam fired a clean eighth and recorded two strikeouts on 12 pitches (75 Strike%) with four whiffs (33.3 SwStr%) for his 18th hold.
Colin Poche notched his 12th hold, retiring the side in the seventh.

Hierarchy remains: Pete Fairbanks | Jason Adam | Colin Poche

Texas Rangers – Although he gave up an earned run in the ninth, Kirby Yates recorded his 16th save during a two-run win in Houston. He issued a lead-off walk, a leverage no-no, followed by a Jeremy Peña single. With two on and no outs, he induced consecutive fielder’s choice groundouts, scoring the run before a game-ending groundout. Yates threw 12 pitches (66.7 Strike%) and induced one whiff. This snapped his eight-game scoreless streak, but he’s converted 16 of 18 save chances in the first half with 46 strikeouts against six walks.

Jacob Latz stranded two runners and retired both hitters in the eighth, one via strikeout for his eighth hold.
José Leclerc logged 1.1 scoreless frames, allowing a hit and striking out one.
Josh Sborz collected his second win, tossing two clean innings and striking out one.

Hierarchy remains: Kirby Yates | David Robertson | José Leclerc

Toronto Blue Jays – Securing his sixth save, Chad Green logged 1.1 scoreless frames and stranded a runner in the bottom of the eighth while retiring Ketel Marte via strikeout. In the ninth, Green navigated around a two-out single by Christian Walker with a game-ending Corbin Carroll flyout. He threw 15 pitches (60 Strike%) without a whiff. He’s converted all four save chances in July but has allowed at least a run in three of his seven appearances.

Brendon Little recorded his fourth hold, tossing a scoreless combined inning, yielding a hit, and striking out one.
Ryan Burr was awarded his first hold, issuing a walk and striking out one in two-thirds scoreless.
Trevor Richards collected his second win, retiring the side in the sixth, ahead of his team’s rally in the seventh.
Following the game, the Blue Jays announced they are demoting Brandon Eisert so they can activate Yimi García on Friday.

Updated Hierarchy: Chad Green | Yimi García | Trevor Richards

National League

Arizona Diamondbacks – During a tied game in the top of the seventh, Kevin Ginkel suffered his second loss. He allowed three hits, including Vlad Guerrero Jr.’s go-ahead solo home run, and recorded two strikeouts.

Justin Martinez retired the side in the eighth and struck out one.
Paul Sewald fired a clean ninth, striking out one on 15 pitches (66.7 Strike%) with two whiffs (13.3 SwStr%). He ended the first half on a three-game scoreless streak.

Updated Hierarchy: Paul Sewald | Kevin Ginkel | Justin Martinez

Atlanta Braves – Shutting the door on his 22nd save, Raisel Iglesias fired a clean ninth and recorded a strikeout, finishing a three-run win over the Padres. He threw 18 pitches (55.6 Strike%) and induced two whiffs. He carries an eight-game scoreless streak into the second half, and he has converted his last 14 save chances.

Joe Jiménez notched his 18th hold, logging 1.1 scoreless frames and stranded two runners in the seventh.
A.J. Minter struggled, allowing three hits, including Luis Campusano’s two-run home run and a walk over two-thirds of the seventh.

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

Cincinnati Reds – Entering a tied game in the top of the eighth, Fernando Cruz suffered his seventh loss, allowing two hits and an earned run during his two-thirds inning. He gave up Jake Burger’s two-out double and a go-ahead RBI single by Xavier Edwards before being replaced.

Justin Wilson stranded a runner while inducing an inning-ending flyout by Jesús Sánchez.
Alexis Diaz tossed a scoreless ninth, navigating around two hits and striking out one.

Hierarchy remains: Alexis Díaz | Fernando Cruz | Sam Moll

Colorado Rockies – Summoned with one out and two runners on, Victor Vodnik took over in the bottom of the eighth and issued a walk to Francisco Lindor, induced a fielder’s choice groundout, scoring a run and an inning-ending lineout by Francisco Alvarez. In the ninth, he allowed consecutive one-out singles before recording back-to-back strikeouts, converting his second save. He worked 1.2 scoreless innings, allowing two hits and a walk while striking out two on 38 pitches (22 strikes – 57.9 Strike%) with five whiffs (13.2 SwStr%).

Jalen Beeks gave up two hits, two earned runs, and a walk while striking out one in one-third of the eighth.

Hierarchy remains: Jalen Beeks | Victor Vodnik | Tyler Kinley

Los Angeles Dodgers – Working in a third straight game, Yohan Ramírez suffered his fifth loss and second blown save. He tossed a scoreless eighth but did not record an out in the ninth. It started with Zach McKinstry’s lead-off triple, followed by Justyn-Henry Malloy’s game-tying RBI single, then consecutive bunts with an error, scored the game-winning run on an errant throw to third base. Ramírez finished with three hits, two runs (one earned), and a strikeout in his inning of work.

Anthony Banda notched his third hold, retiring both batters in the eighth, one via strikeout.
Michael Peterson stranded a runner while issuing a walk and striking out one in two-thirds innings.

Hierarchy remains: Evan Phillips | Daniel Hudson | Alex Vesia

Miami Marlins – Taking over in the bottom of the eighth with a runner on, Tanner Scott induced an inning-ending pop-out. In the ninth, he navigated around a lead-off walk and a two-out intentional walk of Santiago Espinal with a game-ending strikeout for his 14th save. He threw 20 pitches (60 Strike%) and produced four whiffs (20 SwStr%) while preserving a one-run win. He ends the first half with scoreless outings in 25 of his last 26, converting 10 of 11 save chances with 33 strikeouts against 12 walks.

A.J. Puk collected his third win, tossing a scoreless combined inning. He allowed a walk and recorded a strikeout in his outing while stranding two runners in the seventh. He’s recorded a 10-game scoreless streak with 15 strikeouts against two walks in his last 11 innings.

Hierarchy remains: Tanner Scott | A.J. Puk | Andrew Nardi

San Francisco Giants – With the go-ahead run at second base, Ryan Walker was brought in against the Twins and retired both batters, keeping the game tied. He collected his sixth win courtesy of a walk-off rally in the bottom of the inning.

Camilo Doval created the situation. He incurred his fourth blown save, allowing a lead-off walk, a leverage mortal sin, followed by a double, putting runners on second and third. After inducing a strikeout, he allowed Manuel Margot’s two-RBI double, removing him from the contest. Doval threw 18 pitches (11 strikes – 61.1 Strike%) and produced two whiffs. This snapped his modest five-game scoreless streak, and he ended the first half with 17 saves in 21 opportunities.
Tyler Rogers retired the side in the eighth, securing his 18th hold.

Hierarchy remains: Camilo Doval | Tyler Rogers | Ryan Walker

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Monkey Bytes: July 14

Saturday featured a 16-game slate with a doubleheader and two extra-inning contests. It also yielded nine wins by relievers (56.3 percent) and seven saves, including the first of Dedniel Núñez‘s career. It also featured the second trade of the season involving a reliever:

Kansas City Royals – After a shutout loss in Boston, the team announced a trade to shore up its bullpen, adding Hunter Harvey for third base prospect Cayden Wallace and its Competitive Balance A pick in this year’s draft. While many may presume this will provide Harvey with save chances, he and James McArthur have very similar statistics since the second half of last year through this season:

James McArthur last 56.2 IP: 5-3 record, 21 saves in 25 chances, three holds, 50:8 K:BB (18.7 K-BB percentage), 3.02 ERA, 2.96 SIERA, 1.08 WHIP, 12.4 swinging strike percentage, 75.4 percent contact rate allowed
Hunter Harvey’s last 66.1 IP: 3-4 record, 2 saves in four chances, 34 holds, 73:13 K:BB (22.3 K-BB percentage), 3.53 ERA, 2.86 SIERA, 1.09 WHIP, 12.6 swinging strike percentage, 76 percent contact rate allowed

Until the team or the manager provides contrary information, fantasy managers should plan on McArthur remaining the Royals’ closer. Still, if there’s an update regarding a change, this will change our hierarchy accordingly. “The General” was recalled on September 1 last year, and in the games since, he’s recorded the fifth most saves in the American League (21), trailing Emmanuel Clase (36), Clay Holmes (29), Pete Fairbanks (23), and Craig Kimbrel (23).

For now:

Updated Hierarchy: James McArthur | Hunter Harvey | John Schreiber

During an eventual loss in Detroit, the Dodgers bullpen allowed five runs in the bottom of the ninth, including a game-tying home run allowed by Evan Phillips, resulting in his second blown save, which will be one of our topics in today’s takeaways.

Three Takeaways

Phillips struggles vs. LHH continue in Motown: Called into the ninth inning with a runner on and no outs, Evan Phillips could not close out the three-run lead. He let an inherited runner score on Matt Vierling’s RBI double, then allowed a game-tying home run by left-handed hitting Colt Keith. With his first half likely in the books, Phillips has a 1.68 WHIP while facing left-handed batters this season. They own a .298 batting average against him with a .961 on-base plus slugging percentage (OPS) and a .409 weighted on-base average (wOBA). He’s struggling with his cutter and if this persists, it may result in the team adding a veteran reliever capable of closing before the trade deadline:

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

Is Durán’s velo back? Not only did Jhoan Durán lock down his 15th save in San Francisco, but he retired the side and recorded a strikeout with his best velocity of the season:

An updated timeline for Devin Williams: Although his first rehab outing did not go as planned, Wisconsin’s game was suspended during the second inning; Sophia Minnaert did provide how the team may plan on getting him ready for his season debut in the majors:

Closer CliffsNotes

American League

Cleveland Guardians – Capping his team’s late rally, Emmanuel Clase secured his American League-leading 29th save with a scoreless ninth, working around a one-out single. He threw 10 pitches (80 Strike%) without a whiff. Since May 20, he’s converted 16 consecutive saves while posting a 15:3 K:BB over 21 innings.

Hunter Gaddis navigated around two hits for a scoreless eighth and his 19th hold.
Nick Sandlin collected his sixth win, allowing a hit and striking out one in a scoreless seventh ahead of his team’s two-run rally for the lead in the top of the eighth.

Hierarchy remains: Emmanuel Clase | Hunter Gaddis | Scott Barlow

Detroit Tigers – After navigating around a walk and a hit batter with an inning-ending double-play groundout, Will Vest collected his second win courtesy of a walk-off rally in the bottom of the tenth. He threw 12 pitches (66.7 Strike%) without a whiff during his scoreless appearance.

Shelby Miller retired the side in the ninth.
Andrew Chafin allowed a hit, an earned run, and walked one in the eighth.

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

*= closer-by-committee

Los Angeles Angels – Locking down his 17th save, Carlos Estévez retired the side against Seattle and recorded a strikeout on seven pitches (85.7 Strike%) with two whiffs (28.6 SwStr%). He’s been scoreless over his last 15 outings since May 28, converting all ten save chances with 14 strikeouts against one walk.

Luis García notched his tenth hold, striking out one in a clean eighth.
Ben Joyce secured his third hold, working around a lead-off double with three strikeouts. He threw 18 pitches (13 strikes – 72.2 Strike%) and produced four whiffs (22.2 SwStr%). Since introducing his “splinker” on June 14, he’s posted 11 scoreless appearances with 15 strikeouts versus five walks across 14.1 innings.

Hierarchy remains: Carlos Estévez | Luis García | Ben Joyce

Minnesota Twins – Shutting the door on his 15th save, Jhoan Durán fired a clean bottom of the ninth and recorded a strikeout in San Francisco. He threw 16 pitches (11 strikes – 68.8 Strike%) and induced one whiff. He’s converted his last four saves during an eight-game scoreless streak with eight strikeouts versus two walks.

Griffin Jax notched his 15th hold, allowing a two-out triple and striking out one in a scoreless eighth.
Jorge Alcala secured his 11th hold while retiring the side in the seventh.
Cole Sands collected his fourth win, logging 1.2 clean frames and striking out one.

Hierarchy remains: Jhoan Durán | Griffin Jax | Jorge Alcala

Texas Rangers – Handed a one-run lead in the bottom of the tenth, Kirby Yates recorded his 15th save, issuing a walk (intentional – Yordan Alvarez) and striking out one. He threw five pitches, all strikes, and induced one whiff. He’s converted a save in four straight appearances and been scoreless in his last eight with 13 strikeouts against two walks.

David Robertson collected his third win, logging two scoreless frames. He allowed a hit and recorded three strikeouts on 30 pitches (66.7 Strike%) with three whiffs. He’s riding a nine-game scoreless streak spanning 8.1 innings.

Hierarchy remains: Kirby Yates | David Robertson | José Leclerc

National League

Chicago Cubs – Turning in a much-needed bounce-back outing in Game 1, Hunter Bigge retired the side and recorded two strikeouts in the bottom of the seventh. He threw 13 pitches (10 strikes – 76.9 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (23.1 SwStr%).

In Game 2, Porter Hodge suffered his first loss and first blown save, allowing two earned runs on two hits and a walk while striking out two over his 1.2 innings.
Mark Leiter Jr. retired all four batters and recorded three strikeouts for his 11th hold.
Tyson Miller fired a clean fifth, striking out one and securing his fifth hold.

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

Cincinnati Reds – Earning a one-out win, Sam Moll was summoned with two runners on and two outs in the top of the fifth. He recorded a strikeout against Jazz Chisolm Jr. on five pitches.

Fernando Cruz was credited with his 21st hold despite allowing two hits and an earned run while striking out one in the sixth.

Hierarchy remains: Alexis Díaz | Fernando Cruz | Sam Moll

Los Angeles Dodgers – With the score tied in the bottom of the tenth, Yohan Ramírez suffered his fourth loss, recording an out and giving up Gio Urshela’s walk-off, two-run home run.

Evan Phillips suffered his second blown save, letting an inherited runner score on a two-out Carson Kelly RBI single, followed by a game-tying two-run home run by Colt Keith. Phillips has allowed a home run in three of his last five appearances, all against left-handed hitters (Joc Pederson, Christian Yelich, and Keith).
Ricky Vanasco began his outing with a five-run lead at the top of the ninth. He allowed three hits, resulting in three earned runs before his removal.
Alex Vesia worked a scoreless eighth, yielding a hit and striking out two.

Hierarchy remains: Evan Phillips | Daniel Hudson | Alex Vesia

Milwaukee Brewers – Summoned with two runners on and two outs in the eighth, Trevor Megill quelled the threat with an inning-ending strikeout. However, in the ninth, he allowed a lead-off single by Luis García Jr., recorded an out on a sacrifice bunt, and gave up CJ Abrams’ go-ahead, two-run home run, resulting in his second loss and a second blown save. This snapped Megill’s 10-game scoreless streak and his save streak at 12.

Elvis Peguero notched his ninth hold, allowing two walks and striking out one over 1.1 innings.
Jakob Junis logged 3.1 innings, giving up two hits and an earned run while striking out one.

Updated Hierarchy: Trevor Megill | Elvis Peguero | Bryan Hudson

New York Mets – Taking over in the eighth with two runners on, Dedniel Núñez retired all five batters faced. He induced a double play and a pop-out in the eighth, stranding both runners. After his team added three runs in the bottom of the inning, he returned for the ninth and struck out the side for his first career save. He finishes with two clean frames and three strikeouts on 20 pitches (80 Strike%) with three whiffs (15 SwStr%).

José Buttó collected his fourth win, third as a reliever, tossing 2.2 scoreless innings. He allowed a hit and a walk while striking out five. He threw 41 pitches (26 strikes – 63.4 Strike%) and generated ten whiffs (24.4 SwStr%). He’s recorded three wins and a save through four games as a reliever.

Hierarchy remains: Edwin Díaz | Dedniel Núñez | Phil Maton

Philadelphia Phillies – Entering with a seven-run cushion, José Alvarado struggled against Oakland. He gave up a one-out single, followed by a two-out RBI double by Miguel Andujar, issued consecutive walks loading the bases, then bore down, producing a game-ending strikeout against Brent Rooker. Alvarado threw 27 pitches (11 strikes – 40.7 Strike%) and induced three whiffs. He’s allowed at least a run in three of his last four games while recording four walks against two strikeouts.

Jeff Hoffman secured his 12th hold, issuing a walk and striking out three in a scoreless eighth.
Gregory Soto stranded two runners while striking out his only batter in the eighth for his sixth hold.
Orion Kerkering gave up two hits and recorded two strikeouts in the seventh, getting credit for his eight hold.

Hierarchy remains: *José Alvarado | *Jeff Hoffman | Orion Kerkering

*= floating closer

Pittsburgh Pirates – In ascending order of appearance, Kyle Nicolas stranded a runner in the sixth and tossed 1.1 clean frames while striking out one. He collected his first win because his teammates scored two runs in the top of the seventh.

Aroldis Chapman was credited with his 14th hold despite allowing a triple and a fielder’s choice RBI groundout while striking out one in the eighth.
Dennis Santana finished the four-run win with a clean bottom of the ninth and recorded two strikeouts.

Hierarchy remains: David Bednar | Aroldis Chapman | Colin Holderman

St. Louis Cardinals – Closing out a sweep, Ryan Helsley held on for his MLB-leading 32nd save in Game 2. He worked around a one-out single by Seiya Suzuki, who reached third on a wild pitch and a groundout, with a game-ending strikeout of Christopher Morel. Helsley threw 15 pitches (80 Strike%) and induced two whiffs. This marked his first outing since his blown save on July 5.

JoJo Romero collected his fourth win despite giving up a hit and a walk over two-thirds of the eighth.
Andrew Kittredge logged 1.1 clean frames, striking out two.

Hierarchy remains: Ryan Helsley | Andrew Kittredge | JoJo Romero

Washington Nationals – Preserving a one-run win, Kyle Finnegan secured his 25th save with a scoreless ninth. He issued a walk while throwing 21 pitches (12 strikes – 57.1 Strike%) with two whiffs in his outing. He’s appeared in three straight contests and recorded two saves.

Derek Law collected his fifth win, tossing a clean bottom of the eighth.
Dylan Floro logged two scoreless frames, walking one and striking out two.
Jacob Barnes worked 2.2 scoreless innings, yielding a hit and striking out four.

Updated Hierarchy: Kyle Finnegan | Robert Garcia | Derek Law

Vulture Save Options for Sunday, July 14

Dodgers: It may be a match-up-based approach with Daniel Hudson or Alex Vesia receiving the save chance. Plan on Vesia going against the late-inning lineup pocket with Riley Greene.
Angels: Will be running a bullpen game, but Estévez, García, and Joyce have all pitched in back-to-back games, leaving Hans Crouse as a potential wild card in this contest.

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