Streaming for Holds and SOLDS: Week 7

Given the volatility of high-leverage roles and performances, many prefer streaming relievers in leagues with separate categories for holds or those that combine saves plus holds (SOLDS). With this in mind, a snapshot, by league with their leverage trends in chart form.

American League Leverage Trends

Link: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/3U0Dm/7/

AL Teams with 7 Games in Week 7

  • Chicago White Sox: 3 @ TBR; 4 vs. CLE
  • Cleveland Guardians: 3 vs. DET; 4 @ CWS
  • Kansas City Royals: 3 vs. MIL; 4 @ LAA
  • Los Angeles Angels: 3 @ PIT; 4 vs. KCR
  • Minnesota Twins: 4 vs. SEA; 3 @ TOR
  • Seattle Mariners: 4 @ MIN; 3 vs. OAK

National League Leverage Trends

Link: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Bk2vG/6/

NL Teams with 7 games scheduled in Week 7

  • Milwaukee Brewers: 3 @ KCR; 4 vs. STL
  • San Francisco Giants: 1 @ PHI; 3 @ COL; 3 vs. CIN

SOLDS Leaders last 14 days (through games played on May 3)

Link: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Z1EKq/4/

Link: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/mAABk/10/

Players of Interest For Week 7

  • Nick Sandlin (CLE): Bubbling his way up the Guardians’ leverage ladder, he’s recorded three holds and one save since April 20. He also owns a 21.7 K-BB percentage with a 19.2 percent swinging strike rate over his last six games.
  • Cole Sands (MIN): Not a sexy name, but when streaming for SOLDS or holds, sturdy relievers with trust from their manager receive our attention. With Brock Stewart landing on the injured list, Sands will receive a larger leverage share and his team plays every day in this scoring period.
  • Elvis Peguero (MIL): While fantasy managers try predicting who will get the save chances between Joel Payamps and Trevor Megill, those in leagues with holds or SOLDS can stream the seventh-inning option following the demotion of Abner Uribe. Peguero’s can be a bit streaky, so there’s an inherent risk, but he’s secured three holds and a win over his last seven appearances.

Reliever on the Rise

  • Jacob Webb (BAL): Over the last two statistical weeks, he’s racked up 10 strikeouts versus one walk with a save and two holds. He boasts a 25% swinging strike rate, 0.87 SIERA, and only allows a 54% contact rate. Impressive.
  • Matt Strahm (PHI): Because the top two relievers in this hierarchy receive the focus from a fantasy perspective, the talented southpaw falls through the cracks. However, he’s collected a win and recorded a hold over his last 4.1 innings with a robust 46.7 K-BB percentage and 18.3 swinging strike percentage.
  • Lucas Erceg (OAK): Although he appeared on this list last week, he’s still low-owned in most formats despite securing his second save. Over the past two weeks, he has tallied 11 strikeouts and only two walks, resulting in a 0.63 WHIP and 1.24 SIERA.

Also worth streaming if available in Week 7:

  • Griffin Jax (MIN)
  • Gabe Speier (SEA)
  • Joe Jiménez (ATL)
  • Scott Barlow (CLE)
  • Caleb Ferguson (NYY)

Thanks for being a part of the Closer Monkey community. If playing in leagues with holds or SOLDS, be sure to check out our team page game recaps, which include full capsules for relievers, not just saves. Until next time, stay safe and be well.

Monkey Bytes, May 4: Kimbrel returns and records another historic save, Durán dominates, Megill records his second, Game Recaps, and more

Another fantastic full-slate Friday provided a bevy of intriguing high-leverage events, especially with Craig Kimbrel recording his eighth save of the season, and 425th of his career while striking out the side in Cincinnati. He moved into a tie with Kenley Jansen for the fifth most saves all-time. Despite missing time with an oblique injury, Jhoan Durán nailed down his second save. Trevor Megill exacted some revenge, securing his second save against one of his former teams, closing out a come-from-behind win over the Cubs. Here are the condensed recaps from last night, followed by the full game recaps in today’s Monkey Bytes.

Closer CliffsNotes

American League

(RP | BAL): Not only did Craig Kimbrel display no signs of rust from his time off with an upper back issue, but he moved into a tie for fifth all-time on the career saves list firing a clean ninth and striking out the side versus the Reds for his eighth save this season (425th career save). 

(RP | DET): A rough outing for Jason Foley. He could not preserve a one-run lead, suffering his first loss, and first blown save, giving up four hits and two earned runs without retiring a batter during a walk-off rally in the Bronx. 

(RP | HOU): Securing his third save, Josh Hader issued a walk and recorded two strikeouts in a scoreless ninth, wrapping up a two-run win over Seattle.

(RP | KCR): Surviving a traffic-infused top of the seventh, John Schreiber collected his third win courtesy of a six-run rally in the bottom of the inning. He gave up two hits and two walks with one strikeout during a scoreless outing against Texas.

(RP | MIN): Handed a three-run lead, Jhoan Durán fired a clean top of the ninth, and recorded two strikeouts for his second save, extending his team’s win streak to 11. 

(RP | NYY): Benefiting from a walk-off rally, Dennis Santana collected his second win after tossing a scoreless top of the ninth while walking one. 

(RP | OAK): Hanging on for his second save, Lucas Erceg logged 1.1 innings, giving up two hits and an earned run while striking out three against Miami. 

(RP | TBR): Hanging on for his second save, Jason Adam allowed a solo home run and a double but finished a two-run win with a game-ending strikeout. 

(RP | TEX): Suffering his first loss, Cole Winn allowed four hits and four earned runs during one-third of the seventh versus the Royals. 

(RP | TOR): Another sideways outing for Erik Swanson. He suffered his second loss, and first blown save, allowing two hits, including a three-run, pinch-hit home run by Luis García Jr., and a walk without recording an out in the bottom of the seventh. He’s allowed at least a run in five of seven games this year, multiple runs in three, and owns a 2.80 WHIP through five innings.

National League

(RP | ATL): Taking over a tied game in the bottom of the 11th, Jesse Chavez suffered his first loss, allowing a walk-off single by Andy Pages, scoring the “place” runner. 

(RP | CIN): During his outing in the seventh, Emilio Pagán suffered his second loss, giving up four hits and three earned runs over two-thirds of the seventh. 

(RP | COL): After serving up a two-run home run by Oneil Cruz scoring an inherited runner, Jalen Beeks retired the next two batters via strikeout for his first save of the season.

(RP | LAD): After retiring the side against the top of Atlanta’s lineup, Michael Grove recorded his first win courtesy of a walk-off rally in the bottom of the 11th.

(RP | MIL): Closing out a comeback win, Trevor Megill fired a clean bottom of the ninth while striking out one for his second save. 

(RP | PHI): Recording his sixth save, José Alvarado navigated around a lead-off single by retiring the next three hitters, including a game-ending strikeout against the Giants. 

(RP | STL): Becoming the first reliever with 11 saves, Ryan Helsley fired a clean top of the ninth, preserving a combined shutout against the White Sox. 

(RP | WSH): After tossing a clean top of the seventh, Jacob Barnes collected his second win courtesy of his team’s four-run rally in the bottom of the inning. 

Game Recaps from May 2 – American League

Baltimore Orioles – Bouncing back from consecutive blown saves, Craig Kimbrel moved into a tie for fifth on the all-time list (425 saves with Kenley Jansen) by firing a clean ninth, striking out the side while closing out a 3-0 win over the Reds. He threw 16 pitches (75 Strike%) and generated four whiffs (25 SwStr%) during his eighth save. Danny Coulombe tossed a clean bottom of the eighth, securing his seventh hold. Yennier Cano stranded a runner and retired both batters faced in the seventh, notching his eighth hold.

Hierarchy remains: Craig Kimbrel | Yennier Cano | Danny Coulombe

Detroit Tigers – All good streaks end, and on Friday night, Jason Foley suffered his first loss and his first blown save. In the ninth inning, he came in to pitch with a one-run lead. Unfortunately, he gave up a lead-off single to Aaron Judge, followed by a bunt single from Alex Verdugo. Giancarlo Stanton managed to hit an RBI single, and the game ended with a walk-off RBI hit by Anthony Rizzo. He allowed four hits and two earned runs without retiring a single batter. Over his last nine games, he owns a 1.93 WHIP with six strikeouts against five walks through 8.1 innings. Shelby Miller recorded his third hold, walking one during a scoreless eighth. Andrew Chafin stranded a runner while walking one over two-thirds scoreless in the seventh, securing his fifth hold. Alex Faedo turned in 1.1 scoreless frames, issuing a walk and striking out four for his second hold.

Hierarchy remains (for now): Jason Foley | Alex Lange | Andrew Chafin

Houston Astros – Closing out his third save, Josh Hader tossed a scoreless top of the ninth, walking one and striking out two. He threw 22 pitches (13 strikes – 59.1 Strike%) and produced two whiffs. This marked his first save since April 19 and he’s allowed one earned run over his last five outings with 12 strikeouts against three walks over six innings. Ryan Pressly worked around two hits for a scoreless eighth, recording a strikeout and his fourth hold. Seth Martinez collected his second win, retiring the side in the seventh, ahead of his team’s four-run rally in the bottom of the frame.

Hierarchy remains: Josh Hader | Ryan Pressly | Bryan Abreu

Minnesota Twins – Nailing down his team’s 11th consecutive win, and his second save of the season, Jhoan Durán fired a clean top of the ninth, recording two strikeouts. He threw 11 pitches (81.8 Strike%) and generated three whiffs (27.3 SwStr%). He’s only made two appearances this season but has secured a save in each. Caleb Thielbar let both inherited runners score, allowing a double by Rafael Devers, and retired a batter in the eighth. Cole Sands gave up a hit, two earned runs, and a hit-batter while striking out one over two-thirds of the eighth. Griffin Jax notched his fifth hold, retiring the side in the seventh, all via strikeout, throwing 11 pitches (81.8 Strike%) with five whiffs (45.5 SwStr%).

Hierarchy remains: Jhoan Durán | Griffin Jax | Caleb Thielbar

Oakland A’s – While recording his second save, Lucas Erceg stranded a runner in the eighth despite hitting a batter. He returned for the ninth, allowing consecutive two-out hits, including an RBI double by Vidal Bruján before inducing a game-ending ground out. In this outing, he gave up two hits and an earned run while striking out three. He threw 28 pitches (20 strikes – 71.4 Strike%) and produced four whiffs (14.3 SwStr%). Michael Kelly was credited with his second hold, giving up a hit and a walk over two-thirds scoreless in the eighth. Austin Adams notched his eighth hold, retiring both batters in the seventh, one via strikeout.

Hierarchy remains: Mason Miller | Lucas Erceg | Dany Jiménez

Tampa Bay Rays – Despite allowing a one-out home run (Brett Baty) and a two-out double, Jason Adam secured his second save of the season with a game-ending strikeout of Starling Marte. He threw 16 pitches (11 strikes – 68.8 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (18.8 SwStr%) while giving up two hits in his outing. Kevin Kelly retired the side in the eighth for his second hold. Phil Maton notched his eighth hold, firing a clean seventh and striking out one. Shawn Armstrong collected his first win, logging 1.1 scoreless frames, though he let his only inherited runner score, scattering two hits and striking out two.

Hierarchy remains: *Jason Adam | *Garrett Cleavinger | Phil Maton

*= closer-by-committee

Game Recaps from May 2 – National League

Atlanta Braves – With the bullpen running on fumes, Jesse Chavez took over the bottom of the 11th and suffered his first loss, giving up a walk-off, RBI single by Andy Pages, scoring the “place” runner. Raisel Iglesias was tagged with his second blown save, giving up an RBI single by Shohei Ohtani, scoring an unearned run in the tenth. He threw 12 pitches (66.7 Strike%) and induced one whiff. Joe Jiménez tossed a scoreless ninth, yielding a hit and striking out one. A.J. Minter worked a scoreless eighth, issuing two walks and striking out one. Aaron Bummer turned in a scoreless seventh, allowing a hit and striking out one.

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

Cincinnati Reds – Entering in the top of the sixth, Fernando Cruz stranded two runners while striking out his only batter faced, Heston Kerjstad. Emilio Pagán took over, allowing four hits and three earned runs, including a two-run home run by Ryan O’Hearn, resulting in his second loss.

Hierarchy remains: Alexis Díaz | Fernando Cruz / Lucas Sims

Colorado Rockies – Although he let his only inherited runner score on a home run by Oneil Cruz, Jalen Beeks was credited with his first save while logging two-thirds of an inning in the bottom of the ninth. This represents his first save since May 31 last year. He threw 10 pitches (90 Strike%) and induced four whiffs (40 SwStr%). Jake Bird was credited with his third hold, issuing two walks resulting in an earned run and recording a strikeout over his two-thirds combined innings.

Hierarchy remains: Justin Lawrence | Jake Bird / Jalen Beeks

Los Angeles Dodgers – Courtesy of a walk-off rally, Michael Grove collected his first win of the season after retiring the side in the top of the 11th, stranding the “place” runner against Atlanta’s top of the lineup. Alex Vesia allowed an unearned run in the tenth and recorded a strikeout. Evan Phillips fired a clean ninth, striking out one on 11 pitches (81.8 Strike%) with three whiffs (27.3 SwStr%). He’s given up two unearned runs over his last nine appearances while posting 11 strikeouts against three walks over nine innings. Daniel Hudson suffered his second consecutive blown save, serving up a game-tying solo home run by Ronald Acuña Jr. in the top of the eighth. He’s allowed at least a run in four of his last six. Joe Kelly retired the side in the seventh, securing his eighth hold.

Hierarchy remains (for now): Evan Phillips | Daniel Hudson | Joe Kelly

Milwaukee Brewers – Finishing a come-from-behind win, Trevor Megill shut the door on his second save, firing a clean bottom of the ninth against the Cubs’ 4-5-6 lineup pocket, and striking out one. He threw 11 pitches (72.7 Strike%) and produced two whiffs (18.2 SwStr%). This represents his third straight game-finished, and second save in these outings, all scoreless with two strikeouts against zero walks. Joel Payamps notched his fourth hold, working a scoreless eighth, navigating around a one-out single by Nico Hoerner. He matched up with the 9-1-2-3 hitters and owns a nine-game scoreless streak but recorded his last save on April 24. Elvis Peguero collected his fourth win, tossing a scoreless seventh, yielding a hit, ahead of his team’s rally in the top of the eighth. 

Adjusted Hierarchy: *Trevor Megill | *Joel Payamps | Elvis Peguero

*= closer-by-committee

Philadelphia Phillies – Matched up with the 8-9-1 lineup pocket of the Giants, José Alvarado recorded his sixth save, working around a lead-off single by Thairo Estrada by retiring the next three batters, including a game-ending strikeout of Wilmer Flores. He threw 12 pitches (83.3 Strike%) and produced one whiff. He’s been scoreless in 13 of his last 14 games, converting all six save chances with 13 strikeouts against five walks over 13 innings. Jeff Hoffman fired a clean eighth, striking out the side on 15 pitches (60 Strike%) and generating three whiffs (20 SwStr%). Orion Kerkering was credited with his second hold but gave up three hits and an earned run in the seventh. Seranthony Domínguez turned in a clean sixth and struck out one for his fourth hold. Matt Strahm earned his second win, tossing a clean fifth and striking out two.

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

*= closer-by-committee

St. Louis Cardinals – Preserving a combined shutout, and recording his MLB-leading 11th save, Ryan Helsley retired the side in the ninth on a tidy eight pitches (87.5 Strike%) without a whiff. He faced the White Sox 2-3-4 lineup pocket. He owns a 0.88 WHIP with 19 strikeouts against two walks through 17 innings. JoJo Romero secured his 11th hold, tossing a clean eighth.

Hierarchy remains: Ryan Helsley | Andrew Kittredge | JoJo Romero

Washington Nationals – Taking over in the top of the seventh, Jacob Barnes collected his second win after retiring the side, and striking out one ahead of his team’s four-run rally in the bottom of the frame. Hunter Harvey notched his MLB-leading 11th hold, allowing a hit and striking out one in a scoreless eighth. Dylan Floro tossed a clean top of the ninth, striking out one, finishing a six-run win.

Hierarchy remains: Kyle Finnegan | Hunter Harvey | Dylan Floro

Vulture Save Option for Saturday, May 4

PHI: With Alvarado pitching in three of the last four days, today lines up as Hoffman’s day, but if he also receives rest, Gregory Soto could be a sneaky play on this very limited slate for vulture or ancillary saves.

Vulture Save Options for Sunday, May 5

ATL: Since the high-leverage triumvirate (Iglesias, Minter, Jiménez) have all pitched in two of the last three days, and if they all pitch on Saturday, plan on Pierce Johnson getting the save chance on Sunday. After this was posted, Atlanta placed Pierce Johnson on the 15-day injured list, which means Aaron Bummer could be in line for the ancillary save, especially if Ohtani and Freeman hit in the ninth.

Closer Monkey’s filthy outing for Friday goes to Jhoan Durán, confounding hitters on Friday night with his arsenal while securing his second save, courtesy of the Pitching Ninja.

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Month in Review for Relievers: Results of Interest and Trends through the End of April

Remembering the sample size this season remains small, with only a month-plus of results in the rearview mirror, it helps to review how relievers performed, which will be the process for today’s post. Using underlying metrics and hard statistical data, we try to remain ahead of the curve in the ever-changing world of high-leverage events.

Team Saves

  • 2024: 248 saves recorded between March and April
  • 2023: 210 saves recorded between March and April

Blown Saves

  • 2024: 132 blown saves between March and April
  • 2023: 118 blown saves between March and April

Save Opportunities

  • 2024: 380 save chances between March and April
  • 2023: 328 save chances between March and April

As one can observe, there’s been more saves recorded, and save opportunities provided, over the first month-plus of this season compared with last year’s results. This coincides with offense on the decline, illustrated by runs scored:

  • 2024: 3,408 runs scored between March and April
  • 2023: 3, 744 runs scored between March and April

Before delving into individual performances, there’s a small difference between the numbers of pitchers recording at least one save with 72 through the end of April this year and 69 with one through this same timeframe last season. Despite the rise in save chances, the distribution has remained mostly stable.

Individual Results and Trends

At the end of April, there were four relievers with at least eight saves without suffering a blown one:

  • Robert Suarez (SDP) – 10 saves
  • Jason Foley (DET) – 9 saves
  • Mason Miller (OAK) – 8 saves
  • Evan Phillips (LAD) – 8 saves

Not only has Miller been terrific as his team’s closer, he’s also the only qualified reliever at the end of April with a K-BB percentage greater than 20, a swinging strike rate above 15 percent, a strike percentage over 65 percent, and a contact rate allowed below 65 percent. He finished with a 47.1 K-BB percentage, a 22.4 swinging strike percentage, a 68.7 strike percentage, and a 58.4 percent contact rate allowed, just dominant.

These relievers qualified for three of the four categories described above:

Link: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/tRu81/7/

Shifting gears, here were the SOLDS (saves plus holds) at the conclusion of April:

Link: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/wXS38/8/

These relievers have the most SOLDS without suffering a blown save, knock on wood:

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

For those who play in leagues with holds as a separate category, here are the leaders from March and April in them:

Link: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/VI04i/1/

Two key indicators for sustained success by relievers are K-BB percentage and swinging strike rate. Leaders from each category are as follows:

Link: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Lpx9L/1/

Strikeouts and WHIP (walks plus hits per inning pitched) should also be monitored closely by fantasy managers. Here are the leaders in these categories during the first month-plus this season:

Link: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Lpx9L/1/

It’s been a great first-month providing information for the Closer Monkey community. More volatility lies on the horizon, so stay safe and be well until these situations arise.

Statistical Credits:

Fangraphs.com

Baseball-Reference.com

Monkey Bytes, May 3: Doval records his sixth save, Game Recaps, and What to Watch For

Given the small six-game slate from Thursday yielding one save, today’s Monkey Bytes will follow a different format, combining both leagues into one recap.

Closer CliffsNotes from May 2

(RP | BAL): Entering in the top of the fifth, Keegan Akin stranded two runners, and collected his first win while tossing 1.1 innings, giving up a solo home run (Gleyber Torres) and a walk in his outing.

(RP | CHC): Allowing a walk-off, two-RBI double by Francisco Lindor, Daniel Palencia suffered his first loss of the season. 

(RP | COL): Despite recording three strikeouts over two combined innings, Justin Lawrence suffered his first loss when the “place” runner scored on a walk-off single in the bottom the tenth, scoring as an inherited runner.

(RP| MIA): Collecting his first win via a walk-off rally, Burch Smith retired the side in the top of the tenth while striking out two against the Rockies. 

(RP | NYM): A walk-off rally in the bottom of the 11th provided Danny Young with his first win of the season, and his MLB career. 

(RP | SFG): Securing his sixth save, Camilo Doval fired a clean bottom of the ninth in Boston, recording one strikeout.

Game Recaps from May 2

Baltimore Orioles – During an eventual 7-2 victory over the Yankees, Keegan Akin stranded two runners, and collected his first win while tossing 1.1 innings, giving up a solo home run (Gleyber Torres) and a walk in his outing. Danny Coulombe recorded two outs, yielding a hit and striking out one over two-thirds scoreless. Jacob Webb fired 1.1 clean frames, striking out three on 13 pitches (84.6 Strike%) and producing four whiffs (30.8 SwStr%). Cionel Pérez tossed a clean ninth, closing a five-run win, and recorded two strikeouts.

Hierarchy remains (for now): Craig Kimbrel | Yennier Cano | Danny Coulombe

Chicago Cubs – Suffering his first loss, Daniel Palencia tossed a clean bottom of the tenth, but in the 11th he hit Harrison Bader with a pitch, then gave up a walk-off, two-RBI double by Francisco Lindor. Héctor Neris fired a clean bottom of the ninth, striking out one on 11 pitches (72.7 Strike%) and inducing two whiffs (18.2 SwStr%). This marked his first clean outing of the season. Yency Almonte retired the side in the eighth. Richard Lovelady was tagged with his first blown save, letting his only inherited runner score while giving up two hits and striking out two over 1.1 scoreless innings. Keegan Thompson allowed two hits, and three runs (one earned) while recording two strikeouts during his combined inning of relief.

Hierarchy remains: Héctor Neris | Mark Leiter Jr. | Adbert Alzolay

Colorado Rockies – Taking over with a runner on, and one out, Jalen Beeks let the game-winning run score on a walk-off, RBI single by Jesús Luzárdo in the bottom of the tenth, letting his only inherited runner score. Beeks also issued a walk and retired one during his appearance. Justin Lawrence suffered his second loss, allowing an unearned run and striking out three over two combined innings. He threw 22 pitches (15 strikes – 68.2 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (13.6 SwStr%). Ty Blach logged four scoreless frames as the “bulk follower”, scattering three hits and striking out two.

After the game, the team placed Lawrence on paternity leave, he could be activated later this weekend.

Updated hierarchy: Justin Lawrence | Jake Bird / Jalen Beeks

Miami Marlins – Benefiting from a walk-off in the bottom of the tenth, Burch Smith collected his first win of the season, firing a clean top of the frame while striking out two. He’s been scoreless in six of his last seven outings. Anthony Maldonado navigated around two hits and a walk while striking out one in a scoreless ninth. He threw 19 pitches (11 strikes – 57.9 Strike%) and generated five whiffs (26.3 SwStr%) keeping the game tied. Anthony Bender worked a scoreless eighth, walking one and striking out one. Andrew Nardi fired a clean seventh, striking out two on nine pitches (88.8 Strike%) with three whiffs (33.3 SwStr%).

Hierarchy remains: Tanner Scott | Andrew Nardi | Anthony Maldonado

New York Mets – Even though he allowed an unearned run in the top of the 11th, Danny Young collected his first win of the season, and his MLB career, when his teammates provided a walk-off rally in the bottom of the frame. He gave up two hits and a walk while striking out one. Edwin Díaz fired two clean innings, recording two strikeouts. He threw 24 pitches (54.2 Strike%) and produced three whiffs. This marked the ninth time in his career he’s pitched at least two innings, and the first since August 4, 2022. Reed Garrett turned in a scoreless eighth, giving up a hit and a walk. Jake Diekman tossed a scoreless seventh, walking one and striking out two. Dedniel Núñez allowed two hits and an earned run while striking out one in the sixth.

Hierarchy remains: Edwin Díaz | Adam Ottavino | Reed Garrett

San Francisco Giants – Shutting the door on his sixth save, Camilo Doval fired a clean bottom of the ninth, striking out one against the 6-7-8 Red Sox hitters. He threw 14 pitches (11 strikes – 78.6 Strike%) and induced four whiffs (28.6 SwStr%). He owns a 1.29 WHIP with 15 strikeouts versus six walks over 11.2 innings. Tyler Rogers notched his sixth hold, tossing a clean eighth and striking out one. Erik Miller worked a clean seventh, striking out one for his fourth hold. Ryan Walker collected his fourth win, giving up a hit and striking out one in a scoreless sixth.

Hierarchy remains: Camilo Doval | Tyler Rogers | Ryan Walker

What to Watch For (Weekend Edition)

American League

BAL: When does Craig Kimbrel return and how does he fare in his next save chance?

BOS: Will Kenley Jansen record his first save since April 20?

CWS: Does Pedro Grifol start formulating a stable high-leverage structure?

DET: Will A.J. Hinch keep playing match-ups in the late innings or does Jason Foley remain the primary save share?

LAA: How does Carlos Estévez respond to two blown saves over his last four opportunities?

TBR: Can Jason Adam emerge as the preferred save option with Pete Fairbanks sidelined?

National League

ARI: Any updates on the status or timeline for Paul Sewald?

CHC: Did Héctor Neris become his team’s ride-or-die in the ninth inning? Can he remain averse from regression toward the mean?

MIA: A new month hopefully means Tanner Scott can build his trade stock with a strong performance, if not, who emerges as an option for saves?

MIL: Will Joel Payamps and Trevor Megill keep sharing save chances or can one emerge as the preferred option? Will there be any updates on the rehab status for Devin Williams?

PHI: The “floating closer” concept lives on, who rules the weekend for save chances?

PIT: Will the real David Bednar please stand up, please stand up?

Vulture Save Options for Friday, May 3

CHC: Neris has pitched in three of the last four days, putting Mark Leiter Jr. or, gulp, Adbert Alzolay in line for a save chance this afternoon.

NYM: “Sugar” Díaz logged a two-inning outing, and even though Adam Ottavino’s on a heater, the team has used him as the HLR in these sorts of games while Jorge López receives the ancillary save chances.

Closer Monkey’s filthy outing of the day goes to Edwin Díaz, including these two strikeouts in the ninth inning, courtesy of the Pitching Ninja.

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

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Monkey Bytes, May 2: Holmes and Finnegan secure their 10th saves, A career-first save for a Miami reliever, Game Recaps, and more

Wednesday’s slate yielded eight saves, but three were of the ancillary variety. Two relievers closed out their 10th save of the season. Clay Holmes worked a multiple-inning save in Baltimore while Kyle Finnegan fired a clean ninth in Texas. These high-leverage events, and the rest of interest, covered next in our daily installment of Monkey Bytes, with the Closer CliffsNotes leading off for those working under time constraints.

Closer CliffsNotes from May 1

American League

(RP | CWS): Suffering his first loss, and second blown save, Dominic Leone gave up two hits and two earned runs over two-thirds innings.

(RP | CLE): Shutting the door on his ninth save, Emmanuel Clase fired a clean bottom of the tenth, stranding the “place” runner, and striking out one, preserving a one-run win in Houston. 

(RP | DET): Not only did Alex Lange strand an inherited runner in the top of the eighth, he returned for the ninth, securing his second save while tossing 1.1 scoreless frames, walking one, and striking out two. 

(RP | HOU): Taking over in the top of the tenth, Shawn Dubin suffered his first loss, allowing a hit, an unearned run, and two walks while striking out one.

(RP | NYY): Locking down his 10th save, Clay Holmes turned in 1.2 scoreless frames, giving up a hit and striking out three, preserving a combined shutout in Baltimore. 

(RP | OAK): Appearing on consecutive days for the second time this season, Mason Miller preserved a combined shutout, in a non-save capacity, firing a clean top of the ninth and recording one strikeout. 

National League

(RP | ATL): Working into, then out of trouble, Raisel Iglesias closed out his eighth save, navigating around a hit and a walk for a scoreless ninth in Seattle. 

(RP | CHC): Save number five for Héctor Neris, navigating around a hit batter and a double with a game-ending double play on a flyout and a runner thrown out at home against the Mets. 

(RP | CIN): Losing his eight-game scoreless streak, Fernando Cruz suffered his second loss, giving up a grand slam in the bottom of the seventh against the Padres. 

(RP | MIA): Rookie Anthony Maldonado recorded his first major league save, firing a clean top of the ninth and striking out one against the Rockies. 

(RP | PHI): With pin the tail on the ninth inning landing on Gregory Soto, he responded by securing his second save, working around two hits, and striking out one, preserving a one-run win over the Angels. 

(RP | SDP): Bouncing back during a high-leverage spot, Enyel De Los Santos collected his first win, stranding two runners while striking out his only batter faced (Luke Maile) in the seventh, ahead of his team’s four-run rally in the bottom of the frame. 

(RP | WSH): Preserving a 1-0 win in Texas, Kyle Finnegan recorded his 10th save, firing a clean bottom of the ninth while striking out the side. 

Game Recaps from May 1 – American League

Cleveland Guardians – Retiring the side in the bottom of the tenth, and stranding the “place” runner, Emmanuel Clase recorded his ninth save, preserving a one-run win in Houston. He threw five pitches (80 Strike%) and induced one whiff (20 SwStr%) while striking out one in his outing. He owns a 0.80 WHIP with 16 strikeouts against one walk over 16.1 innings and converted nine of 11 save chances. Cade Smith collected his first win, retiring both batters faced in the ninth, stranding a runner. Tim Herrin worked two-thirds scoreless combined inning, yielding a hit. Scott Barlow tossed two-thirds scoreless in the eighth, allowing a hit.

Updated hierarchy: Emmanuel Clase | Scott Barlow / Nick Sandlin

Chicago White Sox – Another rough day for the leverage ladder. Steven Wilson was credited with his fourth hold despite allowing two unearned runs and issuing three walks over two-thirds of the sixth. Dominic Leone suffered his first loss, and second blown save, giving up two earned runs and two walks while striking out two over two-thirds combined innings. Tim Hill let both inherited runners score, yielding two hits during two-thirds scoreless. Tanner Banks gave up two earned runs on three hits and recorded a strikeout over 1.1 innings. John Brebbia also permitted both inherited runners to score on three hits putting two earned runs on his ledger and striking out one in two-thirds of the ninth.

Hierarchy remains (for now): *Michael Kopech | *Steven Wilson | John Brebbia

*= closer-by-committee

Detroit Tigers – After taking over in the eighth with two runners on and two outs, Alex Lange quelled the threat, striking out Willson Contreras. Lange returned for the ninth and worked around a two-out walk to Paul Goldschmidt with a game-ending strikeout of Alec Burleson. During his 1.1 scoreless frames, he threw 24 pitches (58.3 Strike%) and induced two whiffs. He’s been scoreless over his last seven outings, spanning 7.2 innings with nine strikeouts against two walks and a 0.52 WHIP. Joey Wentz was awarded his first hold, allowing a hit and a walk while striking out one in a combined scoreless inning of relief. Will Vest gave up two hits during two-thirds scoreless in the seventh. (Jason Foley had appeared in three of the previous four days).

Hierarchy remains (for now): Jason Foley | Alex Lange | Andrew Chafin

Houston Astros – Entering a tied game in the top of the eighth, Rafael Montero worked around a hit with a scoreless outing. Ryan Pressly tossed a scoreless ninth, allowing a hit and striking out three. He threw 22 pitches (14 strikes – 63.6 Strike%) and produced four whiffs (18.2 SwStr%). Shawn Dubin suffered his first loss, giving up a hit, an unearned run, and two walks while striking out one in the top of the tenth.

Hierarchy remains: Josh Hader | Ryan Pressly | Bryan Abreu

New York Yankees – Forced into an extended outing, Clay Holmes responded, recording his first five-out save of the season, and third of his career, closing out a combined shutout in Baltimore. He allowed a hit and recorded three strikeouts, throwing 23 pitches (20 strikes – 87 Strike%) and producing four whiffs (17.4 SwStr%) while securing his 10th save. He also owns an 11-game scoreless streak with 15 strikeouts versus one walk over his last 10.2 innings. Ian Hamilton gets credit for his fifth hold, issuing a walk and hitting a batter over one-third of the eighth before his removal. Caleb Ferguson stranded a runner in the seventh, striking out both batters faced for his fifth hold.

Hierarchy remains: Clay Holmes | Ian Hamilton | Victor González

Oakland A’s – While warming for a potential save chance, his teammates tacked on a run in the bottom of the eighth. But, Mason Miller turned in a clean top of the ninth, preserving a combined shutout in a non-save outing. He threw 10 pitches (80 Strike%) and induced one whiff while striking out one. He’s been scoreless in his last 11 appearances with 28 strikeouts against three walks over 13.1 innings. Michael Kelly retired his only batter in the eighth, recording his first hold and stranding two runners. Dany Jiménez walked two over two-thirds scoreless in the eighth for his second hold.

Hierarchy remains: Mason Miller | Lucas Erceg | Dany Jiménez

Game Recaps from May 1 – National League

Atlanta Braves – Despite allowing a lead-off walk and a hit in the bottom of the ninth, Raisel Iglesias bore down, retiring the next three batters on two flyouts and a game-ending comebacker, securing his eighth save. He threw 17 pitches (10 strikes – 58.8 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (17.6 SwStr%). He’s posted a 1.05 WHIP with nine strikeouts through his first 12.1 innings. Joe Jiménez turned in a clean eighth for his eighth hold. A.J. Minter worked around a walk and recorded a strikeout in a scoreless one-third of the seventh, notching his fourth hold and stranding a runner.

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

Chicago Cubs – Securing his fifth save, Héctor Neris worked about a hit batter and a double for a scoreless ninth, preserving a 1-0 win, courtesy of a game-ending double play flyout with the runner thrown out at home. Neris threw 10 pitches (70 Strike%) without getting a whiff. He’s converted five straight saves over his last five appearances despite a 1.40 WHIP with four strikeouts against four walks across five innings. Yency Almonte stranded two runners, striking out both batters faced in the eighth for his sixth hold. Mark Leiter Jr. was credited with his sixth hold, allowing a hit and a walk while striking out one in one-third of the eighth. 

Hierarchy remains: Héctor Neris | Mark Leiter Jr. | Adbert Alzolay 

Cincinnati Reds – Rough outing alert for Fernando Cruz. He suffered his second loss, allowing three hits, including a go-ahead grand slam by Jake Cronenworth, and a walk with a strikeout during his one-third of the seventh. Brent Suter took over, recording 1.2 scoreless frames and striking out one.

Hierarchy remains: Alexis Díaz | Fernando Cruz / Lucas Sims

Miami Marlins – Handed a three-run lead in the top of the ninth, Anthony Maldonado retired the side and recorded a strikeout for his first career major league save. He threw 13 pitches (9 strikes – 69.2 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (15.4 SwStr%). Tanner Scott stranded a runner in the eighth, appearing for a third straight game despite issuing a walk. Bryan Hoeing secured his second hold, tossing 1.2 scoreless frames and yielding a hit.

Updated hierarchy: Tanner Scott | Andrew Nardi | Anthony Maldonado

Philadelphia Phillies – Running the “floating closer” concept, Rob Thomson pulled the strings while finishing a one-run win over the Angels. Gregory Soto navigated around two hits and recorded a strikeout during a scoreless ninth, notching his second save. He threw 16 pitches (62.5 Strike%) and induced three whiffs (18.8 SwStr%). José Alvarado held on for his second hold, working around three hits, and benefited from a caught stealing, erasing a baserunner while throwing 24 pitches (66.7 Strike%) with three whiffs (12.5 SwStr%). Orion Kerkering tossed a scoreless seventh, walking one and striking out two for his first hold. Matt Strahm fired a clean sixth while striking out two, securing his third hold. 

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

*= closer-by-committee

San Diego Padres – Making a non-save appearance, Robert Suarez retired the side in the ninth, closing out a four-run win over the Reds, throwing 11 pitches (72.7 Strike%) without a whiff. He’s riding a 10-game scoreless streak, converting all seven save chances with six strikeouts against two walks over 9.2 innings. Wandy Peralta turned in a clean eighth. Enyel De Los Santos collected his first win, stranding two runners and retiring his only batter faced (Luke Maile) via strikeout. Yuki Matsui issued two walks and recorded two strikeouts during two-thirds scoreless in the seventh.

Hierarchy remains: Robert Suarez | Yuki Matsui | Enyel De Los Santos

Washington Nationals – Nailing down his 10th save, Kyle Finnegan fired a clean bottom of the ninth, striking out the side while preserving a 1-0 win in Texas. He threw 13 pitches (9 strikes – 69.2 Strike%) and generated three whiffs (23.1 SwStr%). He owns an eight-game scoreless streak, converting all six save chances with nine strikeouts against one walk through eight innings. Hunter Harvey stranded a runner and logged 1.1 scoreless frames, allowing a hit and a walk while striking out two for his 10th hold. Dylan Floro worked two-thirds scoreless in the seventh, issuing a walk for his fourth hold.

Updated hierarchy: Kyle Finnegan | Hunter Harvey | Dylan Floro

Vulture Save Options for May 2

CLE: With the bullpen overworked after four straight extra-inning contests, a save chance today could fall upon Nick Sandlin, for those seeking a save on this six-game slate.

MIA: Tanner Scott’s now appeared in three straight, so it will either be Andrew Nardi or Anthony Maldonado for the save if provided this afternoon.

NYY: If the Yankees prefer giving Holmes the day off after logging a five-out save, they’ve preferred Victor González for the vulture save chances. If Holmes pitches, this will repeat for tomorrow’s slate.

Vulture Save Options for May 3

CHC: If Neris pitches on Thursday, it will be appearances on consecutive days, and three of the last four, placing Keegan Thompson on the radar for a multi-inning save chance on Friday.

WSH: If they use Finnegan and Harvey on Thursday, they should receive Friday off. If Floro does not pitch, he’s the vulture save choice, if he does, pivot to Matt Barnes and pray.

Closer Monkey’s filthy outing of the day goes to Kyle Finnegan, striking out the side in Texas, courtesy of the Pitching Ninja.

Thanks for being a part of the Closer Monkey community. Since tomorrow’s post will be light, April leaderboards will be covered in this post. Stay safe and be well.

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