Closer Monkey

Monkey Bytes | May 16

Thursday’s six-game slate only provided one win by a reliever and two saves.

Reliever	Save #	Pitches	Strike%	SwStr%	K:BB
Shawn Armstrong	2	13	53.8	15.4	0:0
Raisel Iglesias	7	10	70	0	0:0

For the save streamers, a light forecast:

Vulture Save Option for May 16

Griffin Jax (MIN): Duran and Varland have appeared in consecutive contests.

Vulture Save Stash for May 17

Shawn Armstrong (TEX): Even if Jackson or Martin pitch tonight, it’s unlikely either will be used in back-to-back games coming off of injury issues.

Here are the leverage notes of interest from Thursday.

Closer CliffsNotes

Atlanta Braves

Securing his seventh save, Raisel Iglesias worked around an infield single with a groundout and a game-ending double play grounder, preserving a three-run win over Washington. He faced the 6-7-8 lineup pocket and threw 10 pitches (70 Strike%) without a whiff.

He has a 1.44 WHIP with 19 strikeouts versus four walks (20 K-BB%) through 17.1 innings. This snapped a streak of three games of allowing at least a run.

While recording his eighth hold, Dylan Lee gave up three hits, including CJ Abrams’ solo home run.
Pierce Johnson walked one during a scoreless seventh, notching his fifth hold.

Hierarchy Remains: Raisel Iglesias | Daysbel Hernández | Dylan Lee

Cincinnati Reds

Finishing a six-run win, Luis Mey fired a clean top of the ninth and recorded two strikeouts. He threw 12 pitches (7 strikes – 58.3 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (25 SwStr%).

He has a 0.68 WHIP with 11 strikeouts versus three walks (29.6 K-BB%) in 7.1 innings.

Hierarchy Remains: Emilio Pagán | Tony Santillan | Graham Ashcraft

Los Angeles Dodgers

Taking over at the top of the sixth during a lopsided contest, Justin Wrobleski was awarded his first win, logging four scoreless frames. He allowed one hit, recorded four strikeouts on 45 pitches (32 strikes – 71.1 Strike%), and produced six whiffs (13.3 SwStr%). Anthony Banda worked a scoreless fifth, walking and striking out one.

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

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

Minnesota Twins

Completing a combined shutout, Jhoan Durán navigated around consecutive two-out singles with a game-ending strikeout in a non-save capacity. He threw 27 pitches (66.7 Strike%) and induced two whiffs.

He’s posted a 1.03 WHIP with 25 strikeouts against nine walks (18.6 K-BB%) across 21.1 innings.

Louis Varland tossed a scoreless eighth, giving up a hit and striking out two.

Hierarchy Remains: Jhoan Durán | Griffin Jax | Louis Varland

Texas Rangers

Preserving a 1-0 margin and taking the baton from Jacob deGrom, Shawn Armstrong worked around a two-out walk with a game-ending pop-out for his second save. He threw 13 pitches (7 strikes – 53.8 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (15.4 SwStr%).

He’s converted a save in consecutive appearances, filling in for Luke Jackson.

Hierarchy Remains: Luke Jackson | Chris Martin | Robert Garcia

Until Jackson or Martin return to game action, it appears Armstrong has ascended into the right-handed leverage complement to Garcia.

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Monkey Bytes | May 15

Wednesday’s slate included 17 contests with two doubleheaders completed. Relievers recorded ten wins and ten saves while suffering six losses. Minnesota recorded a save in both games while securing a sweep against Baltimore, whereas St. Louis and Philadephia split their doubleheader. Here are the saves from yesterday’s games:

Reliever	Save #	Pitches	Strike%	SwStr%	K:BB
Jhoan Durán	8	11	72.7	9.1	1:0
Kyle Finnegan	13	12	75	16.7	1:0
Yimi García	3	7	85.7	14.3	1:0
Josh Hader	10	21	57.1	19	1:1
Shelby Miller	3	36	61.1	13.9	1:2
Jordan Romano	4	13	76.9	38.5	3:0
Cole Sands	1	8	62.5	0	0:0
Jesús Tinoco	4	11	72.7	9.1	1:0
Mike Vasil	1	11	45.5	0	0:1
Luke Weaver	4	15	80	33.3	3:0

Three Takeaways

(1) Changing of the hierarchy in Philly: During Game 1, Jordan Romano shut the door on his fourth save while striking out the side against St. Louis. He threw 13 pitches (10 strikes – 76.9 Strike%) and generated five whiffs (38.5 SwStr%).

He’s converted saves in consecutive appearances and three in his last six, all scoreless, while recording a 0.50 WHIP with eight strikeouts (38.1 K-BB%) across six innings. Orion Kerkering stranded two runners and retired both batters, one via strikeout in the eighth inning, for his fifth hold. José Alvarado was credited with his fifth hold, allowing a hit and a walk during one-third scoreless in the eighth. He last recorded a save on May 2 and has posted a 1.26 WHIP in his last eight games, spanning 8.2 innings.

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

*= floating closer concept

(2) Santana in the ninth, Bednar as the HLR in the eighth: Fantasy managers must adapt to a new manager and his usage patterns. Completing a combined shutout, Dennis Santana worked around Starling Marte’s lead-off single by retiring the next three Mets, throwing 11 pitches (90.9 Strike%) with one whiff.

He’s posted a 0.87 WHIP with 11 strikeouts versus three walks (11.8 K-BB%) through 18.1 innings. David Bednar fired a clean eighth and recorded two strikeouts on 12 pitches (75 Strike%) with one whiff, facing the 2-3-4 lineup pocket.

Since Don Kelly took over on May 9, Santana has appeared in the ninth inning four times versus Bednar’s once during his four appearances:

One can make the case Bednar has faced tougher lineup pockets, and a larger sample may be needed, but for now:

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

*= closer-by-committee (roles being determined)

(3) Chapman’s untimely command glitch: Entering Wednesday’s contest, Aroldis Chapman had posted a 69.1 strike percentage, up 6.1 percent points against his rate last season and featured a 77 percent first-strike rate against a 58.1 first-strike percentage in 2024. Entering a tied game at the bottom of the ninth in Detroit, he issued lead-off hitter Andy Ibañez a walk, a leverage no-no, and usually a harbinger of bad outcomes. Ibañez stole second and moved to third on Connor Wong’s throw, putting a runner ninety feet away with no outs. Chapman responded by recording a strikeout against Trey Sweeney and inducing a pop-out by Javier Báez. But, with two outs, and a 2-0 count, he gave up Justyn-Henry Malloy’s walk-off RBI single, suffering his second loss:

Count leverage has become a theme this season, and Chapman’s untimely command struggles ultimately did him in. He threw 14 pitches (6 strikes – 42.9 Strike%) and produced only one whiff. Here is his pitch illustrator from this appearance:

Before the ninth, Justin Slaten tossed a clean eighth, striking out one. Liam Hendriks worked a clean seventh, recording a strikeout. Justin Wilson retired the side in the sixth. Chalk this loss up to command and monitor Chapman’s strike percentage in upcoming contests.

Hierarchy Remains: Aroldis Chapman | Justin Slaten | Greg Weissert

For the save streamers, a light forecast based on the schedule:

Vulture Save Option for May 15

Shawn Armstrong (TEX): With Luke Jackson and Chris Martin likely out until Friday and Houston’s lineup primarily littered with right-handed batters, Armstrong should be in line for the vulture save, but there are no guarantees.

Vulture Save Stashes for May 16

Cole Sands (MIN): If Durán, Jax, and Varland pitch today, it will be consecutive outings for all three relievers.
Andrew Kittredge (BAL): He has not been activated as of this posting but has recorded three rehab appearances at Triple-A. With Yennier Cano struggling in recent contests, it would line up the veteran for a save if Félix Bautista pitches today.

Here are the remaining leverage events of interest from Wednesday.

Closer CliffsNotes

Arizona Diamondbacks

Escaping with a one-run victory, Shelby Miller struggled at the bottom of the ninth but recorded his third save. He allowed Matt Chapman’s one-out single, followed by Willy Adames’ ground-rule double, and issued a walk, loading the bases. After striking out Mike Yastrzemski, Miller walked in a run before inducing a game-ending flyout. He threw 36 pitches (22 strikes – 61.1 Strike%) and produced five whiffs (13.9 SwStr%) while allowing two hits, an earned run, and two walks.

He’s converted three of four save chances in May but has given up at least a run in two of his six outings.

Ryne Nelson logged three innings, allowing three hits, two earned runs, and two walks while striking out five for his first hold.
Ryan Thompson was awarded his first win, tossing a scoreless fifth, yielding a hit and striking out two.

Hierarchy Remains: Shelby Miller | Jalen Beeks | Ryan Thompson

Chicago White Sox

Closing a two-run win over the Reds, Mike Vasil recorded his first career save, working around a one-out walk for a scoreless bottom of the ninth. He threw 11 pitches (45.5 Strike%) without a whiff. He had allowed at least a run in his two previous outings.

Steven Wilson stranded a runner while retiring Spencer Steer for his fifth hold in one-third of the eighth.
Brandon Eisert allowed two hits and an earned run during his two-thirds of the eighth, getting credit for his first hold.
Jordan Leasure stranded a runner, striking out his only batter in the seventh, securing his seventh hold.

This marks three saves for the team by three different relievers.

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

*= closer-by-committee

Detroit Tigers

Despite allowing consecutive singles upon entry at the top of the ninth, Will Vest retired the next three batters with help from his defense. He collected his third win following a walk-off rally at the bottom of the inning. He threw 14 pitches (57.1 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (14.3 SwStr%).

He’s posted a 1.05 WHIP with 23 strikeouts versus seven walks (20.2 K-BB%) through 20 innings.

Tommy Kahnle stranded all three inherited runners at the top of the seventh and logged 1.2 clean frames, striking out two.
Tyler Holton did not retire a batter, allowing two hits and a walk, letting both inherited runners score in the seventh.

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

*= match-up-based approach

Houston Astros

Handed a one-run lead at the top of the ninth, Josh Hader secured his tenth save, working around a two-out walk of Bobby Witt Jr. with a game-ending lineout by Vinnie Pasquantino. Hader threw 21 pitches (12 strikes – 57.1 Strike%) and produced four whiffs (19 SwStr%).

He’s posted a 0.89 WHIP with 26 strikeouts against five walks (29.6 K-BB%) through 18 innings.

Bryan King collected his first win, tossing a scoreless eighth, walking and striking out one.
Kaleb Ort fired a clean seventh, striking out two.
Shawn Dubin logged 1.2 scoreless frames, allowing a hit and striking out three.

Hierarchy Remains: Josh Hader | Bryan Abreu | Bryan King

Miami Marlins

Bouncing back from yesterday’s walk-off loss, Jesús Tinoco fired a clean bottom of the ninth and recorded a strikeout, converting his fourth save while preserving a two-run win over the Cubs. He threw 11 pitches (72.7 Strike%) and induced one whiff (9.1 SwStr%) while facing the 4-5-6 hitters.

He has a 1.24 WHIP with nine strikeouts versus six walks (5.3 K-BB%) in 13.2 innings.

Anthony Bender gave up a hit during a scoreless eighth, securing his fifth hold.
Lake Bachar worked a clean seventh, striking out one for his fourth hold.
Calvin Faucher tossed a scoreless sixth, navigating around two hits and a walk while striking out two, notching his first hold.

Hierarchy Remains: Jesús Tinoco | Calvin Faucher | Anthony Bender

Milwaukee Brewers

In a non-save situation, Trevor Megill finished a four-run win in Cleveland with a scoreless ninth. He issued a two-out walk while throwing 17 pitches (7 strikes – 41.2 Strike%) and induced one whiff against the 6-7-8-9 hitters.

His lack of command may have been an issue if they had been able to turn the lineup over. Megill’s on a modest six-game scoreless streak with a 1.20 WHIP and six strikeouts versus three walks (14.3 K-BB%) through five innings.

Abner Uribe stranded a runner while retiring his only batter in the eighth, recording his 11th hold.
Jared Koenig let his only inherited runner score and gets tagged with two earned runs on his ledger, giving up José Ramirez’s home run during his two-thirds of the eighth.
Grant Anderson worked 1.1 innings, yielding a hit and an earned run while striking out two.
Nick Mears tossed a clean sixth, securing his sixth hold.

Hierarchy Remains: Trevor Megill | Joel Payamps | Abner Uribe

Minnesota Twins

(Game 1) – Securing his eighth save, Jhoan Durán worked a scoreless bottom of the ninth, allowing a one-out infield single and recording a strikeout during a three-run win. He threw 11 pitches (72.7 Strike%) and produced one whiff.

This extended his scoreless streak to ten games, during which he’s collected a win and five saves with a 14:3 K:BB (28.9 K-BB%), a 0.90 WHIP, and a 14.5 swinging strike percentage through ten innings.

Griffin Jax notched his 12th hold, allowing a walk and striking out two in a scoreless bottom of the eighth.
Louis Varland tossed a scoreless seventh, giving up a hit and striking out one.
Brock Stewart was awarded his first win. He issued a lead-off walk and recorded three strikeouts in a scoreless sixth.

(Game 2) – Cole Sands notched his first save, retiring the side at the bottom of the ninth, completing a sweep in Baltimore. He threw eight pitches (62.5 Strike%) without a whiff.

Justin Topa stranded a runner and recorded two outs in the eighth for his second hold.
Kody Funderburk collected his first win, allowing a hit over 1.1 scoreless frames.

Hierarchy Remains: Jhoan Durán | Griffin Jax | Louis Varland

New York Yankees

Locking down his fourth save, Luke Weaver retired the side via strikeout, preserving a one-run win in Seattle. He threw 15 pitches (80 Strike%) and produced five whiffs (33.3 SwStr%) facing the 7-8-9 lineup pocket.

He has a 0.60 WHIP with 22 strikeouts versus six walks (22.3 K-BB%) through 20 innings.

Fernando Cruz worked a scoreless eighth, yielding a hit and recording his seventh hold.
Ian Hamilton collected his first win, logging 1.1 clean frames and striking out two.

Hierarchy Remains: Luke Weaver | Devin Williams | Fernando Cruz

Toronto Blue Jays

Filling in capably at the top of the ninth, Yimi García retired the side and recorded a strikeout for his third save against Tampa Bay’s 7-8-9 lineup pocket. He threw seven pitches (85.7 Strike%) and induced one whiff (14.3 SwStr%).

He has a 1.12 WHIP with 24 strikeouts against nine walks (20.8 K-BB%) across 17 innings.

Yariel Rodríguez notched his fifth hold, firing a clean eighth and striking out one while facing the 4-5-6 hitters.
Brendon Little collected his second win, stranded a runner in the sixth, and logged 1.1 clean frames, recording one strikeout.

Hierarchy Remains: Jeff Hoffman | Yimi García | Chad Green

Washington Nationals

Capping a come-from-behind victory, Kyle Finnegan worked a scoreless bottom of the ninth, allowing Drake Baldwin’s lead-off pinch-hit single by retiring the next three batters, one via strikeout for his 13th save. He threw 12 pitches (75 Strike%) and produced two whiffs (16.7 SwStr%). He has a 1.40 WHIP with 16 strikeouts versus seven walks (13.2 K-BB%) in 15.2 innings.

Jose A. Ferrer earned his first win, stranding a runner in the seventh and tossing 1.1 clean frames while striking out one.
Cole Henry walked and struck out one in two-thirds of the seventh.

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

Quick Hits

Atlanta Braves: Taking over at the top of the seventh, Aaron Bummer was credited with his first hold despite giving up three hits and two unearned runs over two-thirds of an inning. Enyel De Los Santos suffered his first loss and a blown save, though he stranded a runner in the seventh. When he returned for the eighth, he allowed a walk, a game-tying RBI single by Amed Rosario, and a James Wood double, ceding the lead and prompting his removal. He gave up two hits, two earned runs, and a walk during one-third of an inning.
Baltimore Orioles: During Game 2, Yennier Cano suffered his third loss and second blown save at the top of the eighth. He gave up a hit and a stolen base, balked the runner to third, issued a walk, and served up Kody Clemens’ go-ahead three-run home run before retiring the next three batters. He’s allowed multiple runs in three of his past five appearances.
Chicago Cubs: In an eventual loss, Porter Hodge allowed a hit and a walk while striking out two in a scoreless top of the ninth. He threw 23 pitches (12 strikes – 52.2 Strike%) and produced four whiffs (17.4 SwStr%). Brad Keller tossed a scoreless eighth, giving up a hit and striking out one. Drew Pomeranz worked a clean seventh, striking out one.
Cleveland Guardians: Entering a tied contest at the top of the sixth, Tim Herrin suffered his first loss, allowing a hit, two earned runs, and a walk while striking out one in one-third of an inning. Jakob Junis replaced him, letting both inherited runners score, giving up three hits and an earned run while striking out one in two-thirds of the sixth.
Kansas City Royals: Summoned with a runner on and one out at the bottom of the eighth, Carlos Estévez could not stem the tide, letting his inherited runner score on Jeremy Peña’s go-ahead RBI single and issued a two-out walk to Isaac Paredes before an inning-ending strikeout against Christian Walker. Estévez allowed a hit and a walk with two strikeouts in two-thirds of an inning, throwing 13 pitches (7 strikes – 53.8 Strike%) with one whiff.
San Diego Padres: Finishing a four-run win, Robert Suarez fired a clean top of the ninth and recorded two strikeouts. He was warming for the save chance but still pitched in a non-save capacity, throwing 18 pitches (11 strikes – 61.1 Strike%) and inducing one whiff. He owns a 0.79 WHIP with 21 strikeouts versus eight walks (18.6 K-BB%) over 19 innings.
San Francisco Giants: Appearing in an eventual loss, Ryan Walker navigated around two walks for a scoreless top of the ninth. He threw 18 pitches (33.3 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (11.1 SwStr%). He’s issued multiple walks in two of his past four contests. He owns a 1.53 WHIP with 15 strikeouts against seven walks (16.6 K-BB%) across 15 innings.
Seattle Mariners: During the top of the seventh, Gabe Speier allowed Paul Goldschmidt’s game-tying home run and recorded two strikeouts while suffering his second blown save. Carlos Vargas was tagged with his third loss, allowing Aaron Judge’s go-ahead solo home run while recording two strikeouts at the top of the eighth.
St. Louis Cardinals: In Game 1, After stranding two runners at the bottom of the sixth, Steven Matz returned for the seventh, allowing four hits and two earned runs, resulting in his first loss. During Game 2, Chris Roycroft stranded a runner in the fifth while logging 1.1 scoreless innings, walking and striking out one. He was awarded his first win. JoJo Romero notched his sixth hold, giving up a hit and striking out one in a scoreless seventh.
Texas Rangers: Called upon with two runners on and one out at the top of the ninth, Robert Garcia stranded both by retiring both batters, one via strikeouts on six pitches (83.3 Strike%) with one whiff (16.7 SwStr%), closing a five-run win over Colorado.

Closer Monkey Emails for 2025

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Statistical Credits:

BrooksBaseball.net

Monkey Bytes | May 14

Although two games were postponed by inclement weather, Tuesday’s slate was wild. There were five walk-offs and four extra-inning contests. Relievers factored heavily in the decisions, recording eight wins, with two accompanying a blown save designation, five saves, and eight losses. While Emmanuel Clase seems to be finding his form, Jeff Hoffman’s struggles continued last night. Here are the saves from Tuesday:

Reliever	Save #	Pitches	Strike%	SwStr%	K:BB
Shawn Armstrong	1	17	64.7	0	3:0
Emmanuel Clase	9	14	71.4	28.6	2:0
Edwin Díaz	9	18	50	5.6	1:1
Pierce Johnson	1	16	68.8	0	1:0
Mason Montgomery	1	4	75	25	0:0

Three Takeaways

(1) What’s wrong with Hoffman? After a tremendous start to the season, results have gone sideways for Jeff Hoffman. Last night, he took over with a one-run lead at the top of the ninth and recorded a strikeout before issuing a walk, then giving up consecutive singles, tying the game, resulting in his second blown save. He remained in the contest, allowing another single before Junior Caminero launched a grand slam, ending the closer’s night. He finished with four hits, five earned runs, and a walk while striking out one in his second loss.

It’s been a tale of two splits for him:

First 14 games: 3 wins, seven saves in as many chances, a 23:2 K:BB, with a .161 batting average against, a .427 on-base plus slugging percentage, one home run, and a .242 batting average on balls in play across 16.1 innings.
Last Five games: 2 losses, two saves in four chances, an 8:2 K:BB, with a .500 batting average against, a 1.546 OPS, and a .778 BAbip through three innings.

Following his recent meltdowns, he has recorded 19.1 innings this season with a 6.05 ERA but a 1.62 SIERA and a 2.04 xERA. His current.357 BAbip sits 79 points above last year. His underlying metrics remain stable compared to the previous two seasons. Improved results with the split-finger fastball would help his cause, but it does not seem like time to panic yet.

Hierarchy Remains: Jeff Hoffman | Yimi García | Chad Green

(2) Pagán and regression: During extra-innings, Emilio Pagán suffered his second loss, allowing three hits, four runs (three earned), and a walk while striking out one during 1.2 innings. He worked a scoreless ninth, yielding a hit, then struggled in the tenth, culminating in Miguel Vargas’ three-run home run. He threw 32 pitches (21 strikes – 65.6 Strike%) and induced four whiffs (12.5 SwStr%) but he struggled with his four-seam fastball:

And his results chart:

He’s allowed at least a run in three of his past four appearances and four of his last seven. After this appearance, his ERA sits at 4.05 with a 3.30 SIERA and a 3.50 xERA. Hopefully, this will end his migration toward the mean, but fantasy managers must closely monitor his upcoming appearances.

Hierarchy remains: Emilio Pagán | Tony Santillan | Graham Ashcraft

(3) Monty’s first save: While fantasy analysts wish to cast Mason Montgomery into an eventual closer role, he’s undergone a learning curve this season. However, he notched his first career save last night. He was summoned with two runners on and two outs at the bottom of the ninth, and induced a game-ending flyout by Daulton Varsho. This extended his modest scoreless streak to six games. Pete Fairbanks entered the ninth with a four-run lead and struggled, allowing three hits, two earned runs, and a walk while striking out one during two-thirds of the inning. He threw 18 pitches (11 strikes – 61.1 Strike%) and induced one whiff.

Edwin Uceta suffered his second blown save and was awarded his third win after giving up two hits, three earned runs on Varsho’s home run, and two walks while striking out one in the eighth. There is no imminent change at the top of the hierarchy, but seeing Montgomery step up is encouraging.

Updated Hierarchy: Pete Fairbanks | Edwin Uceta | Mason Montgomery

For the save streamers:

Vulture Save Options for May 14

Ryne Stanek (NYM): Díaz has pitched in three of the previous four days.
Tony Santillan (CIN): Pagán logged two innings last night.
Yimi García (TOR): Hoffman had a rough outing last night and may need a night off.
Héctor Neris (LAA): Jansen has pitched in back-to-back games.
Tyler Holton (DET): Vest worked two innings yesterday.

Doubleheader Options

Baltimore Orioles: Preferred vulture: Bryan Baker; YOLO – Seranthony Dominguez
Minnesota Twins: Preferred vulture: Danny Coulombe; YOLO – Louis Varland
Philadephia Phillies: Preferred vulture: Jordan Romano; YOLO – Taijuan Walker
St. Louis Cardinals: Preferred vulture: Gordon Graceffo; YOLO – Steven Matz

Vulture Save Stashes for May 15

Robert Garcia (TEX): If Luke Jackson pitches today, the team may give him Thursday off.
Luis Mey (CIN): If Santillan pitches today, it will be consecutive outings, and Pagán threw 32 pitches yesterday.

Here are the remaining leverage events of interest from Monday.

Closer CliffsNotes

Atlanta Braves

Handed a three-run lead at the top of the ninth, Pierce Johnson worked around Josh Bell’s two-out single with a game-ending strikeout against Dylan Crews. He threw 16 pitches (11 strikes – 68.8 Strike%) without a whiff.

He has a 0.89 WHIP with 18 strikeouts versus four walks (23.3 K-BB%) through 15.2 innings.

Dylan Lee fired a clean eighth and recorded one strikeout on 13 pitches (8 strikes – 61.5 Strike%) with three whiffs (23.1 SwStr%) for his seventh hold. He faced the 1-2-3 hitters for Washington.

Hierarchy Remains: Raisel Iglesias | Daysbel Hernández | Dylan Lee

Boston Red Sox

After working in the bottom of the tenth, Greg Weissert returned for the 11th with a two-run lead, allowing Jace Jung’s lead-off single, followed by Javier Báez’s walk-off, three-run home run. Weissert suffered his first loss and his second blown save.

Aroldis Chapman fired a clean bottom of the ninth, striking out one on 12 pitches (75 Strike%) and producing three whiffs (25 SwStr%).
Justin Slaten fired a clean eighth, striking out the side.
Brennan Bernardino navigated around a hit and a walk while striking out one in a scoreless seventh.
Garrett Whitlock suffered his fourth blown save, issuing a walk, hitting a batter, and serving up a three-run home run by Báez.

Updated Hierarchy: Aroldis Chapman | Justin Slaten | Greg Weissert

Chicago White Sox

Although it was a non-save outing, Cam Booser preserved his team’s four-run win in Cincinnati with a clean bottom of the tenth, recording two strikeouts on 13 pitches (8 strikes – 61.5 Strike%) with one whiff.

He’s riding a three-game scoreless streak, recording a win and a save with two games finished.

Steven Wilson suffered his second blown save, giving up a game-tying Elly De La Cruz solo home run, then collected his first win courtesy of his team’s four-run rally at the top of the tenth.
Jordan Leasure worked around a hit and a walk for a scoreless eighth, striking out one and posting his sixth hold.
Jonathan Cannon logged six scoreless frames as the “bulk follower,” scattering four hits and striking out six.

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

*= closer-by-committee

Cleveland Guardians

Locking down his ninth save, Emmanuel Clase fired a clean top of the ninth and recorded two strikeouts, finishing a combined shutout. He threw 14 pitches (71.4 Strike%) and generated four whiffs (28.6 SwStr%). He’s converted his last five save chances, striking out eight against one walk (29.1 K-BB%) over six innings.

Hunter Gaddis notched his 11th hold, retiring the side at the top of the eighth.
Matt Festa worked a clean seventh, striking out two for his first hold.

Hierarchy Remains: Emmanuel Clase | Cade Smith | Hunter Gaddis

Detroit Tigers

Benefiting from a walk-off rally at the bottom of the 11th, Beau Brieske collected his first win despite giving up a hit and two runs (one earned) while recording two strikeouts at the top of the inning. Will Vest logged two innings, yielding two hits and an unearned run while striking out three on 36 pitches (66.7 Strike%) with four whiffs (11.1 SwStr%).

Tommy Kahnle let his only inherited runner score, and one earned on his ledger, allowing two hits, including David Hamilton’s home run, handing him his second blown save during one-third of the eighth.
Brenan Hanifee gets credit for his third hold, giving up a hit and an earned run while striking out one.
Brant Hurter worked 1.1 scoreless innings, scattering two hits and striking out three.

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

*= match-up-based approach

Los Angeles Angels

Taking over a tied game at the bottom of the ninth, Kenley Jansen issued a lead-off walk and gave up Fernando Tatis Jr.’s walk-off two-run home run, resulting in his second loss. He threw 11 pitches (45.5 Strike%) and produced two whiffs (18.2 SwStr%). He has a 1.45 WHIP with 11 strikeouts versus three walks (16.7 K-BB%) in 11 innings.

Héctor Neris stranded two runners, walking and striking out one in one-third of the eighth.
Ryan Zeferjann allowed a hit, two earned runs, and three walks while recording one strikeout in two-thirds of the eighth, suffering his first blown save.

Hierarchy Remains: Kenley Jansen | Brock Burke | Ryan Zeferjahn

Miami Marlins

Called upon with a two-run lead at the bottom of the ninth, Jesús Tinoco had the lead-off hitter reach on a fielding error and issued a walk before retiring a batter on a fielder’s choice grounder. However, Nico Hoerner produced an RBI single, and Justin Turner hit a two-RBI double, scoring the game-winning runs. Tinoco only recorded one out, giving up two hits, three runs (two earned), and a walk.

Anthony Bender worked a clean eighth and struck out one for his fourth hold.
Ronny Henriquez logged two scoreless frames, walking one and striking out two.
Calvin Faucher stranded one of two runners at the bottom of the fifth during a scoreless outing.

Hierarchy Remains: Jesús Tinoco | Calvin Faucher | Anthony Bender

New York Mets

Another white-knuckle ride with Edwin Díaz at the top of the ninth, but he held on for his ninth save, preserving a one-run lead against the Pirates. He issued Adam Frazier a one-out walk, allowed a stolen base, and Isiah Kiner-Falefa reached on a throwing error, putting runners at the corners. He promptly stole second, but Díaz bore down, producing a strikeout against Byran Reynolds before inducing a game-ending Joey Bart groundout. He threw 18 pitches (50 Strike%) and generated only one whiff.

He remains scoreless over his last six appearances and has posted a 1.12 WHIP with 24 strikeouts against eight walks (22.9 K-BB%) through 17 innings.

Ryne Stanek gave up a hit and recorded two strikeouts in a scoreless eighth, securing his third hold. Max Kranick collected his third win, retiring the side in the seventh and striking out one.

Hierarchy Remains: Edwin Díaz | Ryne Stanek | Reed Garrett

New York Yankees

Thrust into a tied game at the bottom of the 11th, Tim Hill suffered his first loss, allowing consecutive singles that scored the “place” runner in Seattle. Devin Williams fired a clean tenth, retiring the 6-7-8 lineup pocket on 12 pitches (83.3 Strike%) and inducing one whiff. He’s on a modest three-game scoreless streak.

Luke Weaver took over with his team down one in the eighth and logged two clean frames while striking out three. He threw 21 pitches (71.4 Strike%) and produced two whiffs (9.5 SwStr%).
Mark Leiter Jr. retired the side and struck out two in the seventh.
Fernando Cruz tossed a clean bottom of the sixth, striking out the side. He leads all qualified relievers with 34 strikeouts and ranks third in strikeout percentage (41.5 percent).

Hierarchy Remains: Luke Weaver | Devin Williams | Fernando Cruz

Seattle Mariners

Following a scoreless top of the 11th, Casey Legumina earned his third win when his teammates plated the winning run in walk-off fashion at the bottom of the inning. He allowed a walk while stranding the “place” runner against the Yankees’ 4-5-6-7 batters. Carlos Vargas tossed a scoreless tenth, walking one and striking out two.

Andrés Muñoz suffered his second blown save. He opened the ninth, hitting Paul Goldschmidt with a pitch, and after a stolen base, induced a groundout by Austin Wells, putting the runner at third. Anthony Volpe then reached on a throwing error, scoring the game-tying run. Muñoz retired the next two batters and finished with an unearned run while recording a strikeout, throwing 24 pitches (66.7 Strike%) with four whiffs (16.7 SwStr%).

Matt Brash notched his first hold, allowing a hit and striking out two in a scoreless eighth.
Gabe Speier stranded a runner, issuing a walk and striking out two during two-thirds of the seventh for his seventh hold.

Hierarchy Remains: Andrés Muñoz | Carlos Vargas | Matt Brash

Texas Rangers

Forced into action with runners on the corners and no outs, Shawn Armstrong replaced Chris Martin (he left with the trainer after throwing one pitch), and retired three consecutive hitters via strikeout for his first save. He threw 17 pitches (64.7 Strike%) without a whiff. This marked his first save since April 7 last year and the ninth of his career. Martin gave up Hunter Goodman’s single and then departed with the trainer.

Hoby Milner tossed two scoreless frames, scattering two hits while posting his third hold.

Hierarchy Remains: Luke Jackson | Chris Martin | Robert Garcia

However, Jacob Webb or Armstrong may soon enter the leverage ladder based on Martin’s injury update. Stay tuned.

Quick Hits

Chicago Cubs: Logging two scoreless frames across the eighth and ninth innings, Chris Flexen allowed a hit and a walk while striking out one. He collected his first win due to his team’s walk-off rally at the bottom of the ninth. Ryan Pressly inherited a bases-loaded situation by striking out Kyle Stowers on six pitches (83.3 Strike%) with one whiff (16.7 SwStr%)—another step forward for the veteran.
Colorado Rockies: Appearing during a loss, Zach Agnos allowed two hits, including Josh Jung’s solo home run, and a walk while striking out one. He’s allowed at least a run in consecutive outings.
Houston Astros: Timing remains key for vulture wins, and Bryan Abreu earned his first after retiring the side at the top of the ninth on 11 pitches (45.5 Strike%) with two whiffs (18.2 SwStr%). He’s turned in 12 consecutive scoreless outings, spanning 11.1 innings while posting 16 strikeouts versus four walks (27.9 K-BB%) through 11.1 innings.
Kansas City Royals: Taking over a tied contest at the bottom of the ninth, John Schreiber allowed Isaac Paredes’ walk-off solo home run, resulting in his second loss. Lucas Erceg logged 1.2 scoreless frames and recorded one strikeout on 12 pitches (83.3 Strike%) with three whiffs (25 SwStr%).
San Diego Padres: During a tied contest, Jason Adam retired the side at the top of the ninth, then collected his fourth win due to a walk-off home run at the bottom of the frame. He threw six pitches (66.7 Strike%) and induced one whiff (16.7 SwStr%) while facing the Angels’ 5-6-7 lineup pocket.
San Francisco Giants: The good news is that Camilo Doval extended his scoreless streak to 15 games while posting his sixth hold. However, he navigated around two hits and a walk on 14 pitches (8 strikes – 57.1 Strike%) with one whiff during a scoreless top of the eighth against Arizona. He has a 0.76 WHIP with 14 strikeouts against seven walks (9.5 K-BB%) over 19.2 innings.

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Monkey Bytes | May 13

Monday’s slate featured 11 games, which resulted in multiple storylines. Luke Jackson left his save chance after being hit by a comebacker and will be considered day-to-day until further results are shared, though his X-ray came back negative. Relievers for both teams were let down by their defense in the Pirates and Mets game, decided by a walk-off at the bottom of the ninth. And regression came calling for the Padres closer. Relievers posted five wins, though two were accompanied by a blown save, and converted five saves while suffering four losses.

Reliever	Save #	Pitches	Strike%	SwStr%	K:BB
Ryan Helsley	8	13	69.2	30.8	2:0
Carlos Estévez	12	16	75	12.5	1:0
Shelby Miller	2	9	77.8	11.1	1:0
Drew Pomeranz	1	16	62.5	6.3	2:0
Jacob Webb	1	11	54.5	0	0:0

Three Takeaways

(1) Suarez struggles with his command: Appearances like this happen occasionally for a closer. Robert Suarez took over at the top of the ninth with a two-run lead and recorded a strikeout before allowing a one-out Luis Rengifo single. Then the wheels came off the bus when the closer issued four consecutive walks and departed with a tied contest for his first blown save. He entered this outing, allowing four walks against his first 61 batters (6.6 BB%), which rose to 11.9 percent after this contest. Alek Jacob replaced him and gave up Taylor Ward’s grand slam, handing Suarez his first loss and a final line of one hit, five earned runs, four walks, and a strikeout in one-third of the ninth. He threw 33 pitches (16 strikes – 48.5 Strike%) and only induced one whiff. Here is his pitch illustrator from last night:

This is the result when a reliever reliant on his four-seam fastball cannot locate. He has a 0.83 WHIP with 19 strikeouts versus eight walks (16.4 K-BB%) across 18 innings.

Hierarchy Remains: Robert Suarez | Jason Adam | Jeremiah Estrada

(2) Iglesias deserved better, but: After recording an out, Raisel Iglesias allowed Keibert Ruiz’s single, followed by Luis García Jr.’s single, but induced a fielder’s choice groundout, placing the runners at second and third with two outs. Even though Iglesias produced a potential game-ending groundout, Nick Allen’s throwing error on an infield hit scored both runners (one unearned), resulting in his third blown save. He collected his third win because of a walk-off rally at the bottom of the inning. He threw 28 pitches (17 strikes – 60.7 Strike%) and induced three whiffs (10.7 SwStr%). Here are his pitch results from last night:

The good news is that he emerged victorious, but he allowed multiple hits in an outing for the fifth time in his last eight appearances. He owns a 1.35 WHIP through 16.1 innings.

Hierarchy Remains: Raisel Iglesias | Daysbel Hernández | Dylan Lee

(3) Are the Cubs in full fluid mode? Recording his first save since August 11, 2020, Drew Pomeranz tossed a scoreless top of the ninth, allowing Connor Norby’s single before producing a game-ending strikeout. Pomeranz threw 16 pitches (62.5 Strike%) and induced one whiff while registering two strikeouts.

This felt like a match-up-based approach, with him facing Kyle Stowers leading off the inning. He remains unscored upon through eight games this season, posting a 0.52 WHIP with eight strikeouts against two walks (21.5 K-BB%) across 7.2 innings. Daniel Palencia secured his third hold, tossing a scoreless eighth, walking one and striking out two. He owns an eight-game scoreless streak with 10 strikeouts versus four walks over eight innings. Porter Hodge had appeared in the previous two games and was unavailable, but Ryan Pressly was not involved after pitching in a low leverage situation last Friday. Here are the recent usage patterns for the Cubs:

How Craig Counsell structures his upcoming save situations will be telling. For now:

Hierarchy Remains: *Porter Hodge | *Ryan Pressly | Daniel Palencia

*= closer-by-committee (roles in flux)

For the save streamers:

Vulture Save Options for May 13

Jason Adam (SD): Suarez threw 33 pitches last night.
Pierce Johnson (ATL): Iglesias has appeared in back-to-back games, throwing 41 pitches between them.
Jacob Webb (TEX): With Jackson unavailable with swelling in his elbow from a comeback hit and Martin and Garcia having pitched in consecutive games, it’s Webb for the save chance if provided tonight.

Vulture Save Stashes for May 14

John Schreiber (KC): If Estévez and Erceg pitch tonight, it’s back-to-back games.
Phil Maton (STL): If Helsley appears tonight, it will be consecutive contests and three in the last four days.

Here are the remaining leverage events of interest from Monday.

Closer CliffsNotes

Arizona Diamondbacks

Protecting a one-run lead, Shelby Miller nailed down his second save, retiring the side against the Giants’ 5-6-7 lineup pocket and recording one strikeout. He threw nine pitches (77.8 Strike%) and induced one whiff (11.1 SwStr%). Through five outings this month, he has been scoreless in four, converting two of three save opportunities. He has a 0.85 WHIP with 20 strikeouts versus five walks (21.7 K-BB%) in 17.2 innings.

Jalen Beeks notched his seventh hold, walking one and striking out one at the bottom of the eighth versus the top of the lineup.

Hierarchy Remains: Shelby Miller | Jalen Beeks | Ryan Thompson

Kansas City Royals

Securing his 12th save, Carlos Estévez worked around Jose Altuve’s lead-off single with two flyouts sandwiched around a strikeout for a scoreless ninth, preserving a two-run win. He threw 16 pitches (75 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (12.5 SwStr%).

He’s posted a 1.16 WHIP with 17 strikeouts against nine walks (9.9 K-BB%) across 19 innings. Plus, his velocity has been ticked up in this outing:

Lucas Erceg let his only inherited runner score on a fielder’s choice groundout while retiring both batters in the eighth, notching his MLB-leading 13th hold.

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

New York Mets

With a one-run lead at the top of the ninth, Huascar Brazobán allowed Alexander Canario’s lead-off single, followed by a Francisco Lindor error and a sacrifice bunt placed runners at second and third. The game-tying run (unearned) scored on an infield single, but Brazobán bore down and produced an inning-ending double play groundout by Bryan Reynolds. He was saddled with his second blown save but collected his second win on a walk-off rally at the bottom of the frame.

Dedniel Núnez notched his first hold, retiring the side in the eighth.
José Buttó let his only inherited runner score, allowing a walk and striking out one in a scoreless seventh.

Hierarchy Remains: Edwin Díaz | Ryne Stanek | Reed Garrett

Pittsburgh Pirates

Entering a tied game at the bottom of the ninth, David Bednar recorded a strikeout. Francisco Lindor reached on an error, moved to third on Juan Soto’s single, and scored the game-winning run (unearned) on Pete Alonso’s walk-off sacrifice fly. Bednar got behind in the count (3-1) and challenged him with a four-seam fastball right down the middle, which was an interesting approach.

This resulted in his fourth loss, as he allowed a hit and an unearned run and recorded a strikeout on 11 pitches (72.7% Strike Rate) with one whiff.

Since April 19, Bednar has made 11 appearances and posted a 0.935 WHIP with 16 strikeouts versus one walk (34.9 K-BB%) while allowing three runs (two earned). If the first grounder is fielded, this may have ended differently. It’s a game of inches.

Colin Holderman worked 1.1 scoreless, giving up a hit and a walk.
Caleb Ferguson was tagged with his second blown save, allowing a hit, a hit batter, and two earned runs while striking out one.

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

St. Louis Cardinals

For the first time this season, Ryan Helsley retired the side during a save opportunity, slamming the door on his eighth save and striking out two while preserving a one-run win against Philadelphia. He faced the 8-9-1 lineup pocket and threw 13 pitches (69.2 Strike%) with four whiffs (30.8 SwStr%).

He’s produced a 1.53 WHIP with 16 strikeouts against ten walks (9 K-BB%) across 15 innings. He’s been scoreless in four straight, recording a save in each.

JoJo Romero stranded two runners and retired Bryson Stott on an inning-ending flyout for his fifth hold.
Kyle Leahy collected his first win, logging 2.1 scoreless frames, yielding two hits and striking out two. This extended his scoreless streak to nine games, spanning 11.2 innings.

Hierarchy Remains: Ryan Helsley | Phil Maton | Kyle Leahy

Texas Rangers

Forced into action after a comebacker knocked Luke Jackson from the contest, Jacob Webb stranded his inherited runner with a scoreless ninth for his first save. He allowed a one-out single by Michael Toglia and walked Sean Bouchard, loading the bases before inducing a game-ending Kyle Farmer double-play groundout. Webb threw 11 pitches (54.5 Strike%) without a whiff. This represents his first save since May 8, 2024.

Chris Martin notched his ninth hold, retiring the side and striking out one at the top of the eighth. He owns a 0.91 WHIP with 23 strikeouts in 18.2 innings.
Robert Garcia stranded a runner, walking and striking out one in two-thirds scoreless in the seventh. He and Martin will share save chances based on match-ups if Jackson misses time.

After the game, Bruce Bochy reported Jackson’s elbow swelled up but was non-committal about an IL-stint.

Updated Hierarchy: *Luke Jackson | *Chris Martin | *Robert Garcia

*= closer-by-committee

Quick Hits

Cleveland Guardians: Jakob Junis collected his first win, entering at the top of the fourth and navigating around two hits and a walk.
Los Angeles Angels: Capping a come-from-behind rally during the top of the ninth, Kenley Jansen fired a clean bottom of the frame while recording two strikeouts against the Padres’ 8-9-1 lineup pocket. He threw 17 pitches (12 strikes – 70.6 Strike%) without a whiff. He has a 1.27 WHIP with 11 strikeouts against two walks (19.6 K-BB%) through 11 innings. Brock Burke collected his fourth win despite allowing a hit and an earned run at the bottom of the eighth.
New York Yankees: Called upon with two outs and a three-run lead at the bottom of the eighth, Devin Williams took over with two outs. He allowed Randy Arozarena’s single, then retired Rowdy Tellez via flyout for his third hold. The save chance was removed once his teammates scored three runs at the top of the ninth. He threw four pitches, all strikes, and induced one whiff (25 SwStr%). He has been scoreless in five of his last six games since April 28, with eight strikeouts against four walks (19.1 K-BB%) across five innings.
Philadelphia Phillies: Taking over a tied game at the top of the seventh, Matt Strahm made one mistake, allowing Masyn Winn’s go-ahead solo home run, resulting in his second loss. Strahm also recorded a strikeout while throwing 12 pitches (75 Strike%) and induced one whiff. Orion Kerkering fired a clean eighth and struck out one.
Washington Nationals: Called upon with a runner on second and one out, Andrew Chafin allowed Alex Verdugo’s walk-off RBI single, scoring his inherited runner. Jackson Rutledge gets tagged with his first loss, allowing a hit and an earned run while striking out one over 1.1 innings.

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