Closer Monkey

Monkey Bytes | May 10

There was some Friday night chaos across a bevy of high-leverage events, in particular, a wild contest in Arizona with multiple lead changes preceding a ninth-inning meltdown by Diamondback relievers:

Relievers recorded four wins and secured nine saves while suffering three losses last night. Our takeaways feature a Cubs reliever “getting in work,” Bednar used in the eighth, and Arizona’s collapse.

Three Takeaways

(1) Pressly needs more work: In a column ($) for The Athletic, Sahadev Sharma shared Tommy Hottovoy’s thoughts about the recent implosion by Ryan Pressly. He inferred that the veteran reliever needed more consistent work, hence his appearance at the bottom of the sixth last night, with his team trailing by five runs. He faced the top of the Mets’ lineup, allowing Francisco Lindor’s single and walking Juan Soto while striking out one in a scoreless appearance. He threw 19 pitches (11 strikes – 57.9 Strike%) and induced three whiffs (15.8 SwStr%).

And his results:

Fantasy players prefer clarity and are known to rage-drop a struggling closer after a historically bad appearance. However, there are no assurances Porter Hodge will receive the next save chance, even if he should. In the long term, this is the solution unless the team adds a reliever before the trade deadline. For now, it feels like Pressly remains in the high-leverage mix and until he appears ahead of Hodge:

Hierarchy Remains: Ryan Pressly | Porter Hodge | Daniel Palencia

(2) Bednar’s as the opening act for Santana: Musical pun aside, in the first save situation under the guidance of new manager Don Kelly, David Bednar was used at the bottom of the eighth with a 3-0 lead, entering against Atlanta’s 9-1-2 lineup pocket. He notched his third hold, navigating around two hits and striking out three, throwing 23 pitches (16 strikes – 69.6 Strike%) with two whiffs (8.7 SwStr%).

Although Dennis Santana could not complete the combined shoutout, he finished a one-run win for his fourth save. He allowed Eli White’s lead-off triple and induced a groundout before Michael Harris II produced a sacrifice fly. With two outs, Alex Verdugo singled, took second on defensive indifference, and scored on Drake Baldwin’s RBI single before a game-ending flyout by Ozzie Albies. Santana gave up three hits and two earned runs on 22 pitches (13 strikes – 59.1 Strike%) with two whiffs (9.1 SwStr%).

This hierarchy was trending toward Bednar resuming his closer role, but this usage pattern keeps it as:

Hierarchy Remains: *David Bednar | *Dennis Santana | Caleb Ferguson

*= closer-by-committee

(3) A nightmare in the ninth for Arizona: Called upon with two runners on and one out, Ryan Thompson allowed Shohei Ohtani’s three-run home run, putting an earned run on his ledger during two-thirds of the ninth. Kevin Ginkel suffered his first loss and blown save, giving up four hits, five earned runs, and a hit batter while striking out one in one-third of the ninth, nuking his fantasy manager’s ratios.

He’s allowed at least a run during four of his five appearances this month. Shelby Miller worked a scoreless eighth, yielding a hit and striking out one for his sixth hold.

His assignment in this contest was taking on the top of the Dodgers’ lineup during the highest-leveraged situation to prevent them from turning the lineup over. It worked initially but ended up being a tactical half-measure. Jalen Beeks notched his sixth hold, recording two outs, one via strikeout in the seventh. Cristian Mena logged 3.2 scoreless frames, issuing one walk and striking out five in his MLB debut.

For those seeking a positive update, this tweet shares Justin Martinez, who has been throwing, and A.J. Puk, who is asymptomatic and trending toward throwing soon, though no timeframe for a return has been set.

Updated Hierarchy: *Shelby Miller | *Jalen Beeks | Kevin Ginkel

*= match-up-based approach

For the save streamers:

Vulture Save Options for May 10

Chad Green (TOR): Hoffman has pitched in three of the previous four games, and García threw 28 pitches last night.
Bryan Baker (BAL): He was warming before Cano took over, but he’s pitched in consecutive games, and Bautista has not worked in back-to-back games yet.

Vulture Save Stash for May 11

Jason Adam (SD): If Suarez pitches today, it’s consecutive appearances at Coors.
Tayler Scott (HOU): If Hader gets deployed today, he will have appeared in back-to-back contests.
Taylor Clarke (KC): If Estévez and Erceg are used today, each reliever will have worked in two straight games.

Here are the remaining leverage events of interest from Friday.

Closer CliffsNotes

Baltimore Orioles

Shutting the door on his seventh save, Félix Bautista retired the side and recorded two strikeouts against the Angels’ 3-4-5 lineup pocket, finishing a three-run win. He threw 12 pitches (75 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (16.7 SwStr%).

This extended his scoreless streak to nine games since April seven, during which he’s converted seven saves with 11 strikeouts against three walks (25 K-BB%) and a 0.556 WHIP in nine innings.

Keegan Akin stranded two runners and retired his only batter in the eighth for his sixth hold.
Yennier Cano allowed a hit and a walk while striking out one in one-third of the eighth, getting credit for his eighth hold.

Hierarchy Remains: Félix Bautista | Yennier Cano | Gregory Soto

Boston Red Sox

Summoned at the top of the 12th, Sean Newcomb suffered his fourth loss, recording an out on a sacrifice bunt, followed by Freddy Fermin’s walk-off RBI single.

Brennan Bernardino stranded two runners and retired his only batter in the 11th.
Garrett Whitlock was tagged with his third blown save, giving up a hit, an unearned run, and a walk while striking out two in two-thirds of the 11th.
Aroldis Chapman fired a clean tenth, striking out two on 16 pitches (62.5 Strike%) and producing two whiffs (12.5 SwStr%).

Justin Slaten retired all four batters faced and stranded two at the bottom of the eighth.
Justin Wilson gave up a hit and a walk while striking out two in two-thirds of the eighth.
Greg Weissert issued two walks but escaped with a scoreless seventh.

Updated Hierarchy: Aroldis Chapman | Liam Hendriks | Justin Slaten

Chicago White Sox

In order of appearance, Jordan Leasure worked a scoreless sixth, giving up a hit and striking out two, securing his fifth hold on 12 pitches (83.3 Strike%) with four whiffs (33.3 SwStr%).

Caleb Freeman allowed two hits, including a solo home run, and recorded one out, resulting in his first blown save in the seventh.
Cam Booser allowed a hit and struck out one in two-thirds of the seventh, collecting his first win when his teammates rallied for three runs at the bottom of the frame.
Steven Wilson worked around two walks for a scoreless eighth and notched his fourth hold.
Brandon Eisert tossed a scoreless ninth, walking and striking out one, preserving a four-run margin.

Hierarchy Remains: *Jordan Leasure | *Cam Booser | *Steven Wilson

*= closer-by-committee

Detroit Tigers

Locking down his fourth save, Will Vest fired a clean top of the ninth and recorded one strikeout, preserving a one-run win while facing the Rangers’ 2-3-4 lineup pocket. He threw 10 pitches (90 Strike%) and produced two whiffs (20 SwStr%).

He has a 1.00 WHIP with 19 strikeouts versus seven walks (18.2 K-BB%) across 17 innings.

Tommy Kahnle allowed a hit during a scoreless eighth, securing his third hold. He’s posted a 0.75 WHIP with 13 strikeouts in 13.2 innings.

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

Houston Astros

Converting his ninth save and preserving a combined shutout, Josh Hader navigated around a one-out Tyler Stephenson double with consecutive strikeouts. He threw 20 pitches (65 Strike%) and generated seven whiffs (35 SwStr%) while recording three strikeouts.

He’s posted a 0.882 WHIP with 25 strikeouts versus four walks (31.3 K-BB%) across 17 innings.

Bryan Abreu allowed a hit and a walk while striking out two in a scoreless eighth, securing his tenth hold.
Bryan King fired a clean eighth and recorded a strikeout for his tenth hold.
Kaleb Ort stranded a runner and retired his only batter in the sixth, notching his first hold.

Hierarchy Remains: Josh Hader | Bryan Abreu | Bryan King

Kansas City Royals

Benefiting from a walk-off at the bottom of the 12th, Steven Cruz earned his first career win. He stranded a runner while retiring both batters faced at the top of the inning, including a strikeout of Abraham Toro.

Daniel Lynch IV gave up a hit and an unearned run during 1.1 innings between the 11th and 12th.
Carlos Estévez fired a clean top of the tenth and recorded a strikeout on 16 pitches (75 Strike%) with two whiffs (12.5 SwStr%) facing the 7-8-9 hitters.

Lucas Erceg worked 1.1 scoreless frames, yielding a hit against the heart of the batting order.
John Schreiber gave up a hit and recorded a strikeout in two-thirds of the eighth.

Hierarchy Remains: Carlos Estévez | Lucas Erceg | Daniel Lynch IV

Los Angeles Dodgers

Sealing a come-from-behind rally, Tanner Scott retired the side and recorded two strikeouts at the bottom of the ninth for his ninth save. He threw 19 pitches (12 strikes – 63.2 Strike%) and induced two whiffs.

He’s been scoreless in his last six outings, and this marks his first save since April 20. He has a 0.802 WHIP with 19 strikeouts against one walk (27.3 K-BB%) over 18.2 innings.

Alex Vesia allowed two solo home runs in the eighth but gets credited with his first win.
Luis García logged 1.1 scoreless frames, yielding a hit and a walk while striking out one.

Updated Hierarchy: *Tanner Scott | *Kirby Yates | Alex Vesia

*= match-up-based approach with a primary save share

Minnesota Twins

Securing his second save, Danny Coulombe retired the side against the Giants’ 1-2-3 lineup pocket, recording two strikeouts on nine pitches (88.9 Strike%) with two whiffs (22.2 SwStr%). This extended the team’s six-game win streak, and Coulombe remains scoreless through 17 appearances, spanning 15.1 innings.

Louis Varland notched his sixth hold, stranding a runner and retiring both batters in the eighth. He’s been scoreless in his last four games and five of six this month.

Hierarchy Remains: Jhoan Durán | Griffin Jax | Louis Varland

San Diego Padres

Forced into action with two runners on and one out at Coors, Robert Suarez induced a game-ending double play groundout against Sean Bouchard, securing his MLB-leading 15th save. He threw three pitches, all strikes, and produced one whiff (33.3 SwStr%). He owns a 0.565 WHIP with 18 strikeouts against four walks (22.9 K-BB%) across 17.2 innings. He’s converted 17 straight save opportunities since September 22, 2024.

Hierarchy Remains: Robert Suarez | Jason Adam | Jeremiah Estrada

Tampa Bay Rays

With the leverage ladder running on fumes, Eric Orze filled in capably, converting his second save while working around a two-out single and recording a strikeout in a scoreless ninth. He threw 15 pitches (66.7 Strike%) without a whiff. He has a 1.35 WHIP with eight strikeouts against six walks across 13.1 innings.

Cole Sulser suffered his first blown save, allowing a hit, an earned run, and two walks with one strikeout at the top of the eighth, but was awarded his first win courtesy of a rally at the bottom of the inning.
Mason Montgomery fired a clean seventh and recorded two strikeouts for his sixth hold.

Hierarchy Remains: Pete Fairbanks | Edwin Uceta | Garrett Cleavinger

Toronto Blue Jays

Bouncing back with a scoreless bottom of the ninth, Jeff Hoffman posted his eighth save while preserving a three-run win in Seattle. He let J.P. Crawford reach on a wild pitch after a strikeout but recorded a strikeout of Jorge Polanco and a game-ending fielder’s choice groundout against Julio Rodríguez. Hoffman threw 18 pitches (14 strikes – 77.8 Strike%) and produced four whiffs (22.2 SwStr%) while striking out three.

Yimi García worked into then out of trouble, loading the bases on a hit and two walks before retiring the next three batters for his fifth hold.
Brendon Little logged 1.2 scoreless frames, stranded one of two inherited runners in the sixth, allowing a hit and striking out three for his eighth hold.

Hierarchy Remains: Jeff Hoffman | Yimi García | Chad Green

Quick Hits

Colorado Rockies: Working a scoreless top of the ninth during an eventual loss, Jake Bird issued a walk and recorded a strikeout. Zach Agnos allowed two hits and an earned run while striking out one in the eighth. Seth Halvorsen fired a clean seventh and recorded two strikeouts on 14 pitches (9 strikes – 64.3 Strike%) with four whiffs (28.6 SwStr%).
Los Angeles Angels: Getting in work, Kenley Jansen gave up an RBI triple by Gunnar Henderson, scoring his only inherited runner and recording two outs in a non-save capacity.
Milwaukee Brewers: Jared Koenig suffered his first loss, giving up two hits, an earned run, and two walks, including one with the bases loaded while striking out two in two-thirds of the eighth. Joel Payamps stranded three runners, striking out his only batter in the eighth.
Philadelphia Phillies: Tossing a scoreless bottom of the eighth during a shutout loss, Orion Kerkering allowed a hit and recorded a strikeout on 19 pitches (14 strikes – 73,7 Strike%) with two whiffs.

Closer Monkey Emails for 2025

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Statistical Credits:

Monkey Bytes | May 9

Thursday’s nine-game slate produced fours across the board. Relievers recorded four wins, saves, and holds. They also suffered four losses and four blown saves. In a leverage ladder that lost Joe Jiménez before the season began, a closer struggling with contact was not what Brian Snitker hoped for. Plus, a Reds reliever cannot convert his first save opportunity in the ninth inning and Arizona had a seventh reliever record a save through the team’s first 38 contests.

Three Takeaways

(1) Raisel vs. Quality of Contact: In 15 appearances this season, Raisel Iglesias has allowed six home runs, two more than last season. He has not discriminated: four have been hit by right-handed batters with two by left-handed hitters, three have occurred at home, and three have happened on the road. The good news is that he has a 1.07 WHIP with 18 strikeouts against two walks (26.7 K-BB%) through 15 innings with a 2.46 SIERA. His contact percentage and swinging strike rates are stable compared with last year’s and career levels. It’s not how much contact but the type.

However, his Statcast data shows he has a .367 expected weighted on-base average (xwOBA), a robust .526 expected weighted batting average on contact, and a 5.28 xERA. He’s already matched his barrels allowed total from last year, seven, in 35 batted ball events versus 175. Here are his updated batted ball trends:

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

His 20 percent barrel rate and 42.9 hard-hit percentage are career-worsts in this year’s limited sample. With this in mind, here are his pitch usage percentages this season:

He’s throwing fewer change-ups while increasing his sinker use, which may not be the problem. As we view his splits by pitch, the slider has been an issue:

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

There is no easy fix in this instance, especially with him working with reduced velocity:

In last night’s game, he allowed three hits, including Rece Hinds’ go-ahead two-run home run at the top of the ninth, on, you guessed it, a hanging slider:

Fantasy managers need him to throw more change-ups ahead in the count, which requires command of his arsenal. Hope lies in his SIERA, but if the quality of contact issues persist, the only thing insulating his closer role is the lack of competition on his leverage ladder.

Hierarchy Remains: Raisel Iglesias | Daysbel Hernández | Dylan Lee

(2) Graham cracked: Handed a two-run lead at the bottom of the ninth, Graham Ashcraft issued Ozzie Albies a lead-off walk, a mortal sin during leverage events. Sean Murphy followed with a single, though Rece Hinds did not judge the ball well in right field. With runners on the corners, Ashcraft recorded an out on an RBI sacrifice bunt by Eli White, but Michael Harris II roped a game-tying single, handing him his second blown save. This could have been nerves, and no one knows how this plays out if Hinds makes the catch on Murphy’s hit. Those in keeper leagues will note Luis Mey worked a scoreless tenth, walking and striking out one on 22 pitches (13 strikes – 59.1 Strike%) with two whiffs. He’s turned in three consecutive scoreless outings with four strikeouts against one walk. Taylor Rogers suffered his first loss, allowing Drake Baldwin’s two-out, walk-off RBI single. Rogers finished with a hit, an unearned run, and a walk (intentional – Eli White) while striking out one among his two outs at the bottom of the 11th.

Hierarchy Remains: Emilio Pagán | Tony Santillan | Graham Ashcraft

(3) Ginkel’s on the board: Taking over with a three-run lead at the top of the ninth against the Dodgers’ 8-9-1 lineup lane, Kevin Ginkel secured his first save despite allowing Shohei Ohtani’s solo home run. He threw 18 pitches (55.6 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (11.1 SwStr%).

This represents his first save since April 28 last year. He’s given up at least a run in three of five appearances this season but remains in the mix for saves with multiple injuries in the team’s leverage ladder.

Hierarchy Remains: *Shelby Miller | *Kevin Ginkel | Ryan Thompson

*= closer-by-committee

For the save streamers, a light forecast:

Vulture Save Options for May 9

Louis Varland (MIN): Durán and Jax have pitched in consecutive contests.
Mason Montgomery (TB): Fairbanks, Uceta, and Cleavinger have worked in back-to-back games.

Vulture Save Stash for May 10

Pierce Johnson (ATL): If Iglesias pitches tonight, it will be three appearances in four days.

Here are the remaining leverage events of interest from Thursday.

Closer CliffsNotes

Baltimore Orioles

Taking over at the bottom of the eighth, Yennier Cano walked Harrison Bader leading off the inning, followed by a stolen base. He recorded a strikeout, then walked Byron Buxton, resulting in his removal from the contest. Gregory Soto inherited both runners and let them score on Brooks Lee’s two-RBI double and a run on his ledger, giving up Ty France’s single. Cano finished with two earned runs and two walks while striking out one for his second loss. Soto gave up two hits, an earned run, and a walk while striking out two.

Hierarchy Remains: Félix Bautista | Yennier Cano | Gregory Soto

Boston Red Sox

Completing a combined shutout, Liam Hendriks logged two scoreless innings, allowing one base runner on a hit-by-pitch. He threw 18 pitches (66.7 Strike%) without a whiff.

He owns a 0.25 WHIP across four scoreless innings through three outings in May.

Garrett Whitlock gave up a hit and a walk while striking out two in a scoreless seventh.
Justin Slaten collected his first win, retiring all four batters and stranding two at the top of the fifth.

Hierarchy Remains: Aroldis Chapman | Liam Hendriks | Greg Weissert

Minnesota Twins

Slamming the door on his sixth save, Jhoan Durán fired a clean top of the ninth against the Orioles’ 9-1-2 hitters and recorded a strikeout. He threw six pitches, all strikes, and produced two whiffs (33.3 SwStr%).

This extended his scoreless streak to seven games, during which he’s racked up 11 strikeouts against two walks (33.3 K-BB%) with a 0.857 WHIP through seven innings.

Griffin Jax worked a clean eighth and recorded two strikeouts, keeping the game tied, then collected his first win after his teammates plated three runs at the bottom of the inning.
Justin Topa tossed a clean seventh, striking out one.
Cole Sands navigated around two hits for a scoreless sixth.

Hierarchy Remains: Jhoan Durán | Griffin Jax | Louis Varland

Philadelphia Phillies

Entering with a two-run lead at the bottom of the tenth, Matt Strahm allowed Danny Jansen’s RBI single and Chandler Simpson’s single before a game-ending strikeout secured his second save. Strahm threw 18 pitches (13 strikes – 72.2 Strike%) and induced three whiffs (16.7 SwStr%).

José Alvarado collected his fourth win, giving up a hit and striking out one in a scoreless ninth, throwing 11 pitches (63.6 Strike%) without a whiff. He’s posted a 1.22 WHIP with 23 strikeouts versus three walks (26.4 K-BB%).
Jordan Romano navigated around two hits and recorded a strikeout in a scoreless eighth. He’s been scoreless in his last four appearances.

Hierarchy Remains: *José Alvarado | *Jordan Romano | Orion Kerkering

*= floating closer concept

Tampa Bay Rays

During the top of the tenth, Manuel Rodríguez suffered his first loss, allowing two hits, two runs (one earned), and recording one strikeout. Brandon Marsh’s lead-off RBI double, a sacrifice bunt, and Trea Turner’s single were the contest’s differences.

Pete Fairbanks had his outing take a turn after an errant pick-off attempt let Johan Rojas reach third. A fielder’s choice groundout scored the game-tying run, handing Fairbanks his first blown save. He finished with a hit, an unearned run, and a walk while striking out one.

Mason Montgomery notched his fifth hold, retiring his only batter and stranding a runner in the eighth.
Edwin Uceta gave up four hits and three earned runs in the eighth, including Bryson Stott’s three-run home run.
Garrett Cleavinger retired the side for his third hold in the seventh.

Hierarchy Remains: Pete Fairbanks | Edwin Uceta | Garrett Cleavinger

Toronto Blue Jays

Protecting a three-run lead, Chad Green nailed down his first save with a clean bottom of the ninth and recorded two strikeouts against the Angels’ top of the batting order. He threw nine pitches (77.8 Strike%) and induced one whiff (11.1 SwStr%), filling in with Jeff Hoffman and Yimi García unavailable.

Yariel Rodríguez worked two scoreless frames, yielding a hit and striking out five on 29 pitches (69 Strike%), and produced seven whiffs (24.1 SwStr%). Appearing on consecutive days, he posted 3.1 scoreless innings, scattering two hits and recording seven strikeouts among 12 batters (58.3 K%).

Hierarchy Remains: Jeff Hoffman | Yimi García | Chad Green

Quick Hits

Detroit Tigers: Wrapping up a sweep during a ten-run win in Game 2, Beau Brieske tossed a scoreless bottom of the ninth, walking one and striking out two on 17 pitches (8 strikes – 47.1 Strike%) with two whiffs (11.8 SwStr%).
Kansas City Royals: Finishing a combined shutout, Steven Cruz retired the side and recorded one strikeout against the White Sox 2-3-4 hitters on 12 pitches (75 Strike%) with three whiffs (25 SwStr%). He has a 0.70 WHIP across ten scoreless innings. Chris Stratton fired a clean top of the eighth, striking out two.
Los Angeles Angels: In order of appearance, Ryan Johnson took over the top of the sixth with a one-run lead. He allowed two hits and a walk before being removed, resulting in three earned runs and his first loss. Brock Burke let all three inherited runners score on two hits and two walks, putting an earned run on his ledger and suffering his first blown save.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Appearing during a loss, Jack Dreyer logged three scoreless frames, allowing three hits and a walk while striking out one.

Closer Monkey Emails for 2025

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

Statistical Credits:

Monkey Bytes | May 8

Wednesday provided volume among its peaks and valleys for high-leverage results. Relievers recorded eight wins and nine saves while suffering six losses. In today’s takeaways, an encouraging outing in the Bronx, an intriguing option for the Phillies made his debut in relief, and a rough night in Los Angeles.

Three Takeaways

(1) A step forward for D-Will: In his best appearance at home, Devin Williams stranded the “place” runner while navigating around a walk and a hit-batter for a scoreless ninth by recording three strikeouts. He collected his first win, throwing 21 pitches (11 strikes – 52.4 Strike%) and producing five whiffs (23.8 SwStr%).

His command was not pristine, but this represents a step forward in his return to closing games. Luke Weaver let both inherited runners score at the top of the eighth on Jackson Merrill’s RBI single and a sacrifice fly. He finished with 1.2 scoreless innings, yielding one hit on 18 pitches (13 strikes – 72.2 Strike%) with three whiffs (16.7 SwStr%). He has a 0.71 WHIP with 16 strikeouts against six walks (15.9 K-BB%) in 17 innings.

Hierarchy Remains: Luke Weaver | Devin Williams | Fernando Cruz

(2) Hoffman cannot escape LA: Jeff Hoffman allowed three earned runs while facing the Angels for a second straight game, resulting in his first loss and a first blown save. He took over with a two-run at the bottom of the ninth and issued Kyren Paris a lead-off walk, followed by consecutive singles, loading the bases. Hoffman recorded a strikeout against Taylor Ward and then gave up Jorge Soler’s walk-off, two RBI double. He threw 14 pitches (9 strikes – 64.3 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (14.3 SwStr%) in one-third of the ninth. Following the game, the closer felt he was missing spots with his pitches, and he did leave pitches up in the zone:

He has a 1.06 WHIP with 24 strikeouts versus three walks (30.9 K-BB%) across 17 innings, and his 1.90 SIERA and 1.98 xERA confirm these games as blips, not panic. Also, during this game, Yariel Rodríguez worked 1.1 scoreless innings, yielding a hit and striking out two, securing his third hold. He may be earning a larger leverage share, and if he’s used like this over the weekend ahead of Chad Green, the hierarchy will be adjusted.

Hierarchy Remains: Jeff Hoffman | Yimi García | Chad Green

(3) Is Taijuan taking the Hoffman path? Many forget Taijuan Walker‘s former teammate was a starting pitcher before becoming a reliever and recorded more than three outs in 14 games between 2023 and 2024 for the Phillies. Last night, Walker carried over his gains this season by recording his first career save. He worked three scoreless frames, yielding a hit and striking out seven of ten batters. He threw 45 pitches (66.7 Strike%) and induced four whiffs (8.9 SwStr%).

Including this appearance, he has a 1.24 WHIP with 29 strikeouts through 31.1 innings. This appearance, combined with early-season struggles by Orion Kerkering and Jordan Romano, may pave the way for some leverage work or multi-inning saves going forward, as Corey Seidman of NBC Philadelphia notes in this article:

Those in leagues with pitcher designations should stash Walker as a SPARP option and monitor his usage patterns closely in upcoming contests.

Hierarchy Remains: *José Alvarado | *Jordan Romano | Orion Kerkering

*= floating closer concept

For the save streamers:

Vulture Save Options for May 8

Lucas Erceg (KC): Estévez threw 21 pitches last night and has pitched in two of the previous three days.
Yiimi García (TOR): Hoffman has appeared in consecutive contests.
Graham Ashcraft (CIN): Pagán and Santillan have worked in back-to-back games.

Doubleheader Options

Detroit Tigers: Preferred option – Tyler Holton; YOLO – Beau Brieske

Vulture Save Stashes for May 9

Yennier Cano (BAL): Until Félix Bautista appears on consecutive days; if he pitches, we assume he’s off the next day.

Here are the remaining leverage events of interest from Wednesday.

Closer CliffsNotes

Boston Red Sox

Although he allowed a solo home run, Aroldis Chapman recorded his fifth save, issuing a walk and striking out one, closing a two-run win over Texas. He threw 18 pitches (11 strikes – 61.1 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (11.1 SwStr%), along with registering the fastest pitch this season (103.8 miles per hour).

This marked his first save since April 15. He has a 1.05 WHIP and 18 strikeouts versus five walks (26 K-BB%) over 12.1 innings.

Greg Weissert retired the side for his fourth hold in the eighth.
Brennan Bernardino earned his second win, working a clean seventh ahead of his team’s two-run rally at the bottom of the frame.

Updated Hierarchy: Aroldis Chapman | Liam Hendriks | Greg Weissert

Cincinnati Reds

Bouncing back on his 34th birthday, Emilio Pagán preserved a one-run win over Atlanta with a scoreless ninth, allowing a two-out single and recording two strikeouts for his ninth save. He threw 22 pitches (15 strikes – 68.2 Strike%) and produced five whiffs (22.7 SwStr%).

He’s posted a 0.63 WHIP with 20 strikeouts against four walks (25.4 K-BB%) across 17.1 innings.

Tony Santillan notched his ninth hold, striking out one in a clean top of the eighth.
Luis Mey recorded a clean seventh and struck out one for his first hold.
Brent Suter logged two innings, giving up a solo home run (Drake Baldwin) and recording three strikeouts while collecting his first win.

Hierarchy Remains: Emilio Pagán | Tony Santillan | Graham Ashcraft

Cleveland Guardians

Securing his eighth save, Emmanuel Clase closed a two-run win in Washington, working around a one-out CJ Abrams single and a stolen base with a strikeout, followed by a game-ending flyout against James Wood. He threw 12 pitches (83.3 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (25 SwStr%).

He’s converted his last four save chances, allowing two runs (one earned) with five strikeouts (29.4 K-BB%) and a 1.00 WHIP.

Kolby Allard notched his first hold, retiring the side in the eighth.
Cade Smith let both inherited runners score, giving up two hits and a walk while recording one out. He received credit for his ninth hold.
Joey Cantillo collected his first win, tossing a scoreless fifth, walking and striking out one.

Hierarchy Remains: Emmanuel Clase | Cade Smith | Hunter Gaddis

Detroit Tigers

Capping a two-run rally and collecting his second win, Will Vest tossed two scoreless frames at Coors, allowing a hit and two walks (one intentional – Michael Toglia) while striking out two. He threw 30 pitches (70 Strike%) without a whiff. He has a 1.06 WHIP with 18 strikeouts versus seven walks (17.5 K-BB%) through 16 innings.

Tommy Kahnle worked around a hit and two walks while striking out one in a scoreless eighth, throwing 23 pitches (9 strikes – 39.1 Strike%) without a whiff.
Brenan Hanifee tossed a scoreless seventh, yielding a hit and striking out one.
Brant Hurter logged 2.1 scoreless frames, scattering two hits and striking out two.

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

*= match-up-based approach

Houston Astros

Showing signs of rust after last appearing on April 29, Josh Hader tossed a scoreless bottom of the ninth, finishing an eight-run win at Milwaukee. His outing began by walking Isaac Collins, striking out Christian Yelich, then giving up Rhys Hoskins’ double. After recording a strikeout of Daz Cameron, he hit Caleb Durbin with a pitch before inducing a game-ending flyout. Hader threw 19 pitches (12 strikes – 63.2 Strike%) and produced four whiffs (21.1 SwStr%).

He has a 0.88 WHIP with 22 strikeouts against four walks (28.6 K-BB%) through 16 innings.

Bryan Abreu retired the side in the eighth on six pitches.

Hierarchy Remains: Josh Hader | Bryan Abreu | Bryan King

Kansas City Royals

Dealing with traffic at the top of the ninth, Carlos Estévez allowed Miguel Vargas’ lead-off double, Luis Robert Jr.’s RBI single, and another single before recording a strikeout. With one out, Estévez induced a groundout and a game-ending strikeout for his 11th save. He allowed three hits and an earned run while striking out two on 21 pitches (71.4 Strike%) with five whiffs (23.8 SwStr%).

He’s converted six straight save chances, but this outing snapped his modest five-game scoreless streak.

Lucas Erceg fired a clean eighth, striking out the side and throwing 17 pitches (12 strikes – 70.6 Strike%) while producing four whiffs (23.5 SwStr%).

Hierarchy Remains: Carlos Estévez | Lucas Erceg | Daniel Lynch IV

Minnesota Twins

Locking down his fifth save, Jhoan Durán fired a clean top of the ninth, striking out the side on 14 pitches (11 strikes – 78.6 Strike%) and inducing two whiffs (14.3 SwStr%).

He’s recorded a save in three consecutive appearances and been scoreless in his last five. He’s posted a 1.04 WHIP with 20 strikeouts versus eight walks (18 K-BB%) over 16.1 innings.

Griffin Jax navigated around two hits for a scoreless eighth, securing his tenth hold. Brock Stewart tossed a scoreless seventh, giving up a hit and striking out one.
Louis Varland stranded a runner despite yielding a hit during one-third of the sixth.
Danny Coulombe collected his first win, stranding two runners in the fifth, allowing a hit, and striking out two in a scoreless combined inning.

Hierarchy Remains: Jhoan Durán | Griffin Jax | Louis Varland

San Francisco Giants

Working around a lead-off single by Carson Kelly, Ryan Walker induced Justin Turner’s double-play grounder and a game-ending Nico Hoerner groundout, preserving the two-run margin while recording his seventh save. He threw 14 pitches (8 strikes – 57.1 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (21.4 SwStr%).

He has a 1.35 WHIP with 15 strikeouts against four walks (18.3 K-BB%) through 13.1 innings.

Tyler Rogers retired the side in the eighth, notching his ninth hold.
Camilo Doval extended his scoreless streak to 13 games, walking one and striking out two in a scoreless seventh, securing his fifth hold. In this stretch, he’s posted a 0.325 WHIP with 11 strikeouts versus three walks (20 K-BB%) through 12.1 innings.

Hierarchy Remains: Ryan Walker | Camilo Doval | Tyler Rogers

Seattle Mariners

Handed a one-run lead at the bottom of the ninth, Andrés Muñoz permitted Luis Urías’ lead-off single, then bore down, recording two strikeouts, sandwiched around a flyout for his American League-leading 13th save. He threw 18 pitches (11 strikes – 61.1 Strike%) and generated five whiffs (27.8 SwStr%) while facing the A’s 7-8-9-1 hitters.

He owns a 0.83 WHIP with 25 strikeouts versus eight walks (25 K-BB%) through 18 scoreless frames.

Gabe Speier retired both batters at the bottom of the eighth for his sixth hold.
Eduard Bazardo collected his first win, logging 1.1 scoreless innings, yielding a hit and striking out one.

Hierarchy Remains: Andrés Muñoz | Carlos Vargas | Matt Brash

The Athletics

Curious leverage moves resulted in a one-run deficit. Grant Holman worked around two hits for a scoreless top of the ninth. Justin Sterner retired his only batter in the eighth via strikeout, stranding a runner.

Noah Murdock took over in the seventh, stranding a runner, but struggled during his up-down. During the eighth, he issued a one-out walk, and after a strikeout, the pinch-runner stole second and then scored the game-tying run on Leody Taveras’ single. He stole second, then scored the go-ahead run on Dylan Moore’s double, resulting in Murdock’s removal, his first loss, and a first blown save.

T.J. McFarland recorded two outs in the seventh and allowed a hit, securing his fifth hold.

Hierarchy Remains: Mason Miller | Tyler Ferguson | Justin Sterner

Quick Hits

Colorado Rockies: Forced into a two-inning outing, Zach Agnos gave up two runs at the top of the tenth on Spencer Torkelson’s RBI double and a fielding error by Jordan Beck. He finished with a hit and two unearned runs, striking out two on 27 pitches (66.7 Strike%) and generating six whiffs (22.2 SwStr%). He owns a 0.75 WHIP with three strikeouts across 9.1 innings. Seth Halvorsen worked 1.2 scoreless frames, giving up a hit and a walk while striking out three. He threw 24 pitches (62.5 Strike%) and produced five whiffs (20.8 SwStr%). With its two best relievers entering a doubleheader on this usage pattern during a loss, it may answer questions about the team’s record.
Los Angeles Angels: After tossing a scoreless top of the ninth while allowing a walk, Brock Burke collected his third win on a walk-off rally at the bottom of the inning. He threw 11 pitches (36.4 Strike%) versus Toronto’s 9-1-2-3 hitters.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Taking the baton from Landon Knack, newly promoted Matt Sauer logged four innings, giving up a hit, an unearned run, and a walk while striking out four, recording his first major league save. He threw 42 pitches (31 strikes – 73.8 Strike%) and produced seven whiffs (16.7 SwStr%). He’s the seventh pitcher with at least one save for Los Angeles this season; there are five franchises with fewer than seven saves this year. Before the game, the team placed Evan Phillips on the 15-day injured list with right elbow discomfort.
Miami Marlins: As the first reliever in the contest, Cade Gibson suffered his first loss, allowing two hits, an earned run, and a walk during his combined inning. Lake Bachar imploded, giving up four hits, six earned runs, and three walks while striking out one in one-third of the seventh.
San Diego Padres: Tasked with a tied game at the bottom of the tenth, Jeremiah Estrada suffered his second loss. He allowed a sacrifice bunt, followed by a walk-off sacrifice fly by J.C. Escarra. Robert Suarez worked a scoreless ninth, giving up Cody Bellinger’s one-out single. Jason Adam gave up a game-tying Trent Grisham two-run home run and a walk while striking out one during 1.1 innings.
St. Louis Cardinals: Completing a combined shutout, Chris Roycroft retired the side and recorded a strikeout at the top of the ninth against the Pirates. Kyle Leahy notched his ninth hold, working around two hits and striking out one in a scoreless eighth. This extended his scoreless streak to eight games, spanning 9.1 innings.
Tampa Bay Rays: Appearing during a shutout loss, Pete Fairbanks tossed a scoreless top of the ninth against the Phillies’ 3-4-5-6 hitters. One batter reached on an error and reached third on a wild pitch. He threw 15 pitches (60 Strike%) without a whiff. Garrett Cleavinger fired a clean eighth, striking out two. Edwin Uceta allowed a hit and recorded three strikeouts in a scoreless seventh.
Texas Rangers: Entering at the bottom of the sixth, Hoby Milner allowed three hits and an earned run, getting tagged with his first blown save. Jacob Webb suffered his second loss, stranding a runner and recording two outs in the sixth, but was removed after giving up two hits in the seventh. Both runners scored on Alex Bregman’s two-RBI single with two outs against Robert Garcia; he allowed a hit during a scoreless seventh.
Washington Nationals: Taking over at the top of the sixth, Jorge López let his only inherited runner score, allowing two hits, three earned runs, and a walk while not retiring a batter. Andrew Chafin could not stem the tide, letting both inherited runners score, giving up a hit, an earned run, and two walks while recording three outs in the sixth. Cole Henry logged three scoreless frames in the eventual loss, scattering two hits and striking out two.

Closer Monkey Emails for 2025

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Monkey Bytes | May 7

Tuesday was a slippery slate, especially for those with Ryan Pressly on their roster. Relievers recorded eighth wins, though blown saves accompanied two, and only converted four saves while suffering eight losses. Today’s takeaways feature the Cubs’ closer’s declining whiff rates, the Giants closer getting tagged with a blown save, and Milwaukee’s adjusted hierarchy.

Three Takeaways

(1) Pressly back on the “hot seat:” Entering at the top of the 11th, things escalated quickly for Ryan Pressly.

He finished with five hits, a hit batter, nine runs (eight earned), and a walk without recording an out. His WHIP ballooned to 1.92, and he’s only recorded five strikeouts against eight walks (-4.8 K-BB%) through 13 innings. Craig Counsell cited his closer had allowed one unearned run over his previous ten appearances with a 0.90 WHIP and four strikeouts against three walks.

From Jordan Bastian’s game recap for MLB.com:

When viewing the results chart from Statcast, Pressly’s right, he was hitting his spots:

Instead of focusing on this outing, I think the lack of whiffs must be addressed. Expanding the sample size to include his last statistical year (365 days), 2024, and his career rates, here are some intriguing numbers:

Statistic	2025	Last 365	2024	Career
SwStr%	5.7	10.5	12.6	13.4
Contact%	87.4	78.8	74.7	72.7
K-BB%	-4.8	8.7	16.4	18.3
WHIP	1.92	1.39	1.34	1.18
SIERA	5.50	3.38	4.17	3.22

For the visual crowd, his rolling game chart from Fangraphs:

Fantasy managers with Pressly have no quick fix or easy answer. If possible, stash Porter Hodge if Pressly’s swinging strike percentage does not improve and his fifth-worst hard-hit percentage (56.3 percent) remains. Counsell can be stubborn, as his faith in Héctor Neris last season proved, but from a fantasy lens, the current Cubs’ closer sits on the hot seat. This feels like it will eventually be Hodge taking over.

Hierarchy Remains (for now): Ryan Pressly | Porter Hodge | Daniel Palencia

(2) Walker’s hold? Capping a wild contest, Kyle Harrison retired the side and recorded two strikeouts at the bottom of the 11th, his first MLB relief appearance. Erik Miller collected his second win and a blown save, letting one of two inherited runners score, giving up a hit and a walk while striking out two over 1.1 innings. Ryan Walker was credited with his second hold despite allowing a hit, two earned runs, and two walks with two strikeouts during two-thirds of the ninth. He departed with two runners on after throwing 25 pitches (60 Strike%) with three whiffs.

This snapped his three-game scoreless streak. Tyler Rogers retired the side for his eighth hold in the eighth inning. Camilo Doval fired a clean seventh, striking out one for his fourth hold.

It’s been a tumultuous start to 2025 for Walker, and he remains atop the leverage ladder, but his next few outings may determine how strong of a grip on the closer role he has. Unlike Pressly, Walker’s underlying metrics suggest there has been some bad luck, evidenced by his .371 batting average on balls in play versus a career .306 rate. He’s also produced a 19.3 K-BB percentage and has a 2.89 SIERA and 3.41 xERA. Better days lie ahead, but better results must ensue or fantasy managers will grow impatient.

Hierarchy Remains (for now): Ryan Walker | Camilo Doval | Tyler Rogers

(3) Adjusted Brewers’ hierarchy: Preserving a one-run margin, Trevor Megill secured his fourth save, retiring the side against Houston’s 6-7-8 hitters on six pitches, all strikes, with three whiffs (50 SwStr%).

He’s posted a 1.35 WHIP with 14 strikeouts versus six walks (17.8 K-BB%) across 10.1 innings. Nick Mears stranded two runners while retiring his only batter in the eighth for his fifth hold. He’s been scoreless in six straight appearances and has stranded his last nine inherited runners. Abner Uribe gave up a hit and two walks while striking out one during a combined inning of relief for his ninth hold, extending his scoreless streak to six.

It may be flying a bit below the radar, but Mears leads the bullpen in Win Probability Added:

If this continues, he may move up the pecking order and be in line for ancillary save chances.

Updated Hierarchy: Trevor Megill | Abner Uribe | Nick Mears

For the save streamers:

Vulture Save Options for May 7

Porter Hodge (CHC): Pressly threw 26 pitches last night.
Kirby Yates (LAD): Scott has appeared in consecutive contests, though Evan Phillips could be in play if his lineup lane bats in the ninth.
Camilo Doval (SF): Walker struggled yesterday, throwing 25 pitches.

Vulture Save Stashes for May 8

Pierce Johnson (ATL): If Iglesias pitches today, it will be four appearances in five days.

Doubleheader Options

Detroit Tigers: Preferred vulture – Tyler Holton; YOLO – Beau Brieske
Colorado Rockies: Preferred vulture – Seth Agnos; YOLO – Seth Halvorsen

Here are the remaining leverage events of interest.

Closer CliffsNotes

Atlanta Braves

After retiring the side and recording two strikeouts at the top of the tenth, Raisel Iglesias collected his second win courtesy of a walk-off rally at the bottom of the inning. He threw seven pitches, all strikes, and generated three whiffs (42.9 SwStr%) facing the Reds’ 3-4-5 lineup pocket.

He’s on a modest four-game scoreless streak and has posted a 0.93 WHIP with 17 strikeouts versus two walks (27.8 K-BB%) through 14 innings.

Rafael Montero tossed a scoreless ninth, walking and striking out one.
Daysbel Hernández gave up two hits and an earned run while striking out three in the eighth.
Pierce Johnson stranded two runners, retiring his only batter via strikeout in the seventh.

Hierarchy Remains: Raisel Iglesias | Daysbel Hernández | Dylan Lee

Chicago White Sox

Handed a one-run lead, Cam Booser suffered his third loss and a second blown save. His outing began by issuing a lead-off walk, a leverage no-no, followed by Drew Waters reaching on an error and Freddy Fermin loading the bases on a bunt single. After inducing a pop-out, Booser gave up Jonathan India’s game-tying RBI single and Bobby Witt Jr.’s game-winning RBI single. He finished with three hits against, two runs (one earned), and a walk over one-third of the ninth.

Jordan Leasure stranded a runner and retired his only batter in the eighth, securing his fourth hold.
Steven Wilson gets credit for his third hold, giving up a hit, an earned run, and a walk while striking out one during his 1.1 innings.

Hierarchy Remains: *Jordan Leasure | *Cam Booser | *Steven Wilson

*= closer-by-committee

Cincinnati Reds

With the score tied at the bottom of the tenth, Lyon Richardson took over and intentionally walked Austin Riley before giving up Marcell Ozuna’s walk-off RBI single, resulting in his first loss.

Emilio Pagán suffered his second blown save, issuing Sean Murphy a lead-off walk, recording a strikeout, and then allowing Michael Harris II’s game-tying RBI double.

This snapped his steak of four consecutive saves secured, and he has a 0.61 WHIP with 18 strikeouts versus four walks (23.7 K-BB%) over 16.1 innings.

Tony Santilan stranded two runners in the seventh and logged two scoreless innings, yielding a hit and a walk while striking out two.
Graham Ashcraft gave up a hit and a walk while striking out one in a combined inning of relief.

Hierarchy Remains: Emilio Pagán | Tony Santillan | Graham Ashcraft

Los Angeles Dodgers

Suffering his second loss, J.P. Feyereisen issued an intentional walk (Kyle Stowers) and allowed two hits, including Jesús Sánchez’s walk-off RBI single without recording an out at the bottom of the tenth.

Tanner Scott fired a clean ninth and recorded a strikeout on 10 pitches (70 Strike%) with one whiff.

He’s been scoreless in his last five appearances and has a 0.85 WHIP with 17 strikeouts versus one walk (25.4 K-BB%) across 17.2 innings.

Anthony Banda navigated around two hits and a walk while striking out one in a scoreless eighth.
Alex Vesia tossed a scoreless seventh, walking one and striking out three.

Updated Hierarchy: *Tanner Scott | *Kirby Yates | *Evan Phillips

*= match-up-based approach with a primary save share

Miami Marlins

Taking over a tied game at the top of the ninth, Jesús Tinoco allowed a walk (intentional – Freddie Freeman) and recorded two strikeouts over two scoreless frames. He collected his second win on a walk-off at the bottom of the tenth. He threw 23 pitches (15 strikes – 65.3 Strike%) and induced three whiffs.

He has a 1.24 WHIP with eight strikeouts and four walks (8.7 K-BB%) through 11.1 innings.

Anthony Bender worked a scoreless eighth, walking and striking out one.
Calvin Faucher let his only inherited runner score on Shohei Ohtani’s game-tying RBI double, resulting in his second blown save. Faucher finished with a hit and a strikeout over two-thirds scoreless in the seventh.

Hierarchy Remains: *Calvin Faucher | *Jesús Tinoco | Anthony Bender

*= closer-by-committee

Seattle Mariners

Securing his first career save, Carlos Vargas recorded two strikeouts at the top of the ninth, allowed consecutive singles, then induced a gam-ending flyout by Seth Brown. He threw 19 pitches (13 strikes – 68.4 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (15.8 SwStr%) after throwing 34 pitches on Monday.

Collin Snider let one of two inherited runners score, giving up a hit and a walk while striking out two at the top of the eighth, collecting his first win.
Gabe Speier gave up two hits and an earned run while striking out one in one-third of an inning between the seventh and eighth.
Matt Brash took over in the seventh, allowing a hit, a hit batter, and a walk over two-thirds scoreless.

Updated Hierarchy: Andrés Muñoz | Carlos Vargas | Matt Brash

Washington Nationals

(Game 1) – Kyle Finnegan bent but did not break, recording his 12th save of the season and the 100th of his career. He allowed two hits and a sacrifice fly, scoring an earned run while closing out a one-run win. He threw 19 pitches (15 strikes – 78.9 Strike%) and induced one whiff.

He’s posted a 1.43 WHIP with 15 strikeouts versus seven walks (12.5 K-BB%) in 14.2 innings.

Jorge López had his five-game scoreless streak snapped, resulting in his second blown save, allowing three hits, both inherited runners to score, and an earned run during his 1.2 innings. He also collected his fifth win of the season across his last seven appearances.
Jose A. Ferrer struggled, giving up four hits, five earned runs, and a walk during one-third of the seventh.
Andrew Chafin notched his second hold, stranding a runner. He gave up a hit and recorded a strikeout in two-thirds of the sixth.

Hierarchy Remains: Kyle Finnegan | Jose A. Ferrer | Jorge López

Quick Hits

Arizona Diamondbacks: Closing a four-run win over the Mets, Shelby Miller navigated around a hit and a walk while striking out one, throwing 26 pitches (12 strikes – 46,2 Strike%) with one whiff. Kevin Ginkel tossed a scoreless eighth, yielding a hit and striking out one on 13 pitches (8 strikes – 61.5 Strike%) with two whiffs (15.4 SwStr%).
Cleveland Guardians: A rare meltdown for Cade Smith in Game 1. He took over following his team’s six-run rally at the top of the seventh and gave up three hits, four earned runs, and a walk while striking out two in two-thirds of an inning. He was tagged with his first loss and a blown save. Hunter Gaddis let both inherited runners score, allowing a hit and a walk while striking out one in one-third of the seventh.
Kansas City Royals: Benefiting from a walk-off rally, Taylor Clarke collected his first win. He took over at the top of the eighth and stranded two runners while logging 1.1 scoreless frames. He threw nine pitches (7 strikes – 77.8 Strike%) and induced one whiff.
Los Angeles Angels: Newly promoted Héctor Neris stranded two runners at the top of the eighth, striking out Daulton Varsho and Ernie Clement, then earned his first win courtesy of a six-run rally at the bottom of the frame. He threw 11 pitches (63.6 Strike%) and induced one whiff. Kenley Jansen was “under the weather” but should be available on Wednesday.
New York Yankees: Forced into action at the top of the seventh, Fernando Cruz took over with two runners on and one out. After retiring Jose Iglesias, he allowed Fernando Tatis Jr.’s RBI double, scoring one inherited runner, and issued a walk before an inning-ending strikeout of Manny Machado. Cruz collected his first win due to his teammates’ ten-run outburst at the bottom of the frame.
Pittsburgh Pirates: During a one-run loss, David Bednar fired a clean bottom of the eighth and recorded one strikeout. He threw 15 pitches (60 Strike%) and induced one whiff. He’s been scoreless in six outings since April 19 with nine strikeouts against one walk (26.7 K-BB%) across eight innings. Dennis Santana worked a scoreless seventh, yielding a hit and striking out one.
San Diego Padres: Taking over at the bottom of the seventh, Adrian Morejon suffered his first loss and second blown save against the Yankees. He gave up three hits, four earned runs, and a walk while recording one out.
St. Louis Cardinals: Filling in capably, Gordon Graceffo notched his first career save, retiring the side against the Pirates’ 5-6-7 lineup pocket on six pitches (83.3 Strike%) with two whiffs (33.3 SwStr%). Steven Matz secured his second hold, allowing a hit and striking out one in a scoreless eighth, throwing 18 pitches (11 strikes – 61.1 Strike%) with three whiffs (16.7 SwStr%).
Tampa Bay Rays: Entering at the top of the fifth with two runners on and one out, Mason Montgomery had Trea Turner reach on a fielder’s choice, loading the bases, then induced an inning-ending lineout double play against Bryce Harper.
Texas Rangers: Closing a five-run win, Chris Martin tossed a scoreless bottom of the ninth, giving up a hit and striking out two on 12 pitches (75 Strike%) with two whiffs (16.7 SwStr%). Robert Garcia retired both batters via strikeout, throwing eight pitches (75 Strike%) and inducing one whiff.
The Athletics: Appearing in a fourth straight game, Tyler Ferguson suffered his first loss and second blown save at the top of the ninth in Seattle. After issuing Jorge Polanco a one-out walk, he allowed a single. He hit Randy Arozarena with a pitch, loading the bases, followed by Cal Raleigh’s pinch-hit go-ahead two-RBI single, then a sacrifice fly before his removal. Ferguson finished with two hits, three earned runs, and a walk while striking out one in two-thirds of an inning.
Toronto Blue Jays: A rare rough outing for Jeff Hoffman during the bottom of the eighth against the Angels. He let both inherited runners score, allowing Logan O’Hoppe’s RBI single, Yoán Moncada’s three-run home run, and Jo Adell’s two-out solo shot. Hoffman finished with three hits against and three earned runs over one-third of an inning. Despite this, he has a 0.84 WHIP with 23 strikeouts versus two walks (33.3 K-BB%) over 16.2 innings. Yimi García was tagged with his second loss and third blown save, giving up a hit, three earned runs, and a walk during one-third of the eighth.

Closer Monkey Emails for 2025

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

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

Statistical Credits: