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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Statistical Credits:

Fangraphs.com

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BaseballSavant.com

BrooksBaseball.net

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:

Statistic2025Last 3652024Career
SwStr%5.710.512.613.4
Contact%87.478.874.772.7
K-BB%-4.88.716.418.3
WHIP1.921.391.341.18
SIERA5.503.384.173.22

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

This year, the daily emails will change. Those interested in daily free updates with links should subscribe to our page at Substack. Subscribers to the former site will not transfer over; readers must register using the new link.

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:

Fangraphs.com

Baseball-Reference.com

BaseballSavant.com

BrooksBaseball.net

Monkey Bytes | May 6

Monday’s small slate was reduced by one with a rainout in Washington. Relievers recorded four wins and five saves while suffering three losses. Instead of takeaways today, each team’s leverage events will be highlighted.

But first, for the save streamers:

Vulture Save Options for May 6

  • Ryne Stanek (NYM): Díaz, Garrett, and Brazobán pitched on consecutive days. 
  • Justin Sterner (ATH): Miller has logged 55 pitches in two outings over the past three days, and Ferguson has appeared in three straight. 
  • Matt Brash (SEA): Muñoz has thrown 46 pitches while working two of the previous three games. 
  • Steven Matz (STL): Helsley, Maton, and Leahy have appeared in back-to-back contests. 

Doubleheader Options

  • Cleveland Guardians: Preferred vulture – Cade Smith; YOLO – Matt Festa
  • Washington Nationals: Preferred vulture – Jorge López; YOLO – Lucas Sims

Vulture Save Stashes for May 7

  • Lucas Erceg (KC): If Estévez pitches today, it’s consecutive appearances. 
  • Jason Adam (SD): If Suarez works today, it’s back-to-back games. 

Closer CliffsNotes

Kansas City Royals

Securing his tenth save and preserving a combined shutout, Carlos Estévez worked around a two-out single with a game-ending flyout. He only needed eight pitches (87.5 Strike%) and did not induce a whiff.

This extended his scoreless streak to five games, and he’s posted a 1.13 WHIP with 13 strikeouts against nine walks (6 K-BB%) across 15.2 innings.

  • Daniel Lynch IV notched his second hold, giving up a hit during a scoreless eighth.
  • Steven Cruz allowed a hit and recorded a strikeout in a scoreless seventh, notching his third hold.
  • John Schreiber worked a clean sixth, striking out two for his third hold. 

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

Los Angeles Dodgers

Entering against the 3-4-5 lineup lane in Miami, Kirby Yates recorded his first save, retiring the side on 16 pitches (62.5 Strike%) with four whiffs (25 SwStr%) while striking out two.

He has a 1.04 WHIP with 28 strikeouts against five walks (34.8 K-BB%) through 16.1 innings.

  • Tanner Scott issued his first walk of the season, stranded a runner, and recorded a strikeout in two-thirds scoreless in the eighth for his fourth hold. He owns a 0.90 WHIP with 16 strikeouts versus one walk (25 K-BB%) over 16.2 innings.
  • Evan Phillips worked a scoreless seventh, scattering two hits.
  • Alex Vesia stranded two runners and recorded a strikeout in two-thirds of the sixth.

There has not been a set usage pattern for Phillips and Yates so they will be deployed by lineup lanes-based match-ups in each series. This makes it more challenging to mine ancillary saves from each reliever.

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

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

Milwaukee Brewers

Although he warmed up for a save chance, Trevor Megill stopped throwing once his teammates plated two runs at the bottom of the eighth. Joel Payamps finished the four-run win, allowing a hit and recording two strikeouts in the ninth. He threw 19 pitches (12 strikes – 63.2 Strike%) and induced three whiffs (15.8 SwStr%).

  • Grant Anderson gave up a hit during a scoreless eighth, securing his first hold.
  • Jared Koenig notched his fifth hold, giving up a hit and striking out one in a scoreless seventh.
  • Nick Mears stranded all three inherited runners, retiring both batters, one via strikeout in the sixth.

Hierarchy Remains: Trevor Megill | Abner Uribe | Jared Koenig

New York Mets

Working around a fielding error allowing the lead-off hitter to reach, Edwin Díaz benefited from a caught stealing at second, followed by a flyout and a game-ending Corbin Carroll strikeout, closing out a one-run win and his eighth save. He threw 13 pitches (8 strikes – 61.5 Strike%) and induced one whiff.

Across 14 innings, he has a 1.21 WHIP with 22 strikeouts versus seven walks (25.4 K-BB%).

  • Reed Garrett notched his tenth hold, navigating around two hits and striking out two in a scoreless eighth, though he let all three inherited runners score in the process.
  • Dedniel Núñez had an inauspicious debut, issuing three walks that resulted in three earned runs without recording an out on 18 pitches (33.3 Strike%).
  • Huascar Brazobán secured his fifth hold, logging two scoreless frames and striking out one.

Hierarchy Remains: Edwin Díaz | Reed Garrett | Huascar Brazobán 

New York Yankees

At the top of the seventh, Fernando Cruz stranded two runners for his sixth hold, getting his only out at home but not retiring a batter. Devin Williams was awarded his second hold but issued Tyler Wade a one-out walk, followed by Brandon Lockridge’s single and a strikeout against Fernando Tatis Jr., before a two-out walk caused his removal. He threw 21 pitches (52.3 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (14.3 SwStr%), finishing with a hit, three earned runs, and two walks while striking out two in two-thirds of an inning. Once again, he struggled with his command:

In Bryan Hoch’s game recap for MLB.com, Williams attributed his struggles to the conditions of the mound:

Whether it’s count leverage or mechanical, it’s been a rough transition for Williams in New York:

Things went from bad to worse when Luke Weaver took over with the bases loaded and two outs, letting all three score on Manny Machado’s two-RBI double and Xander Bogaert’s two-RBI single, resulting in his first loss and first blown save.

Weaver also issued a walk, putting two hits and an earned run on his ledger in one-third of the eighth. Tim Hill tossed a clean top of the ninth.

Hierarchy Remains: Luke Weaver | Devin Williams | Fernando Cruz

San Diego Padres

Shutting the door on his MLB-leading 14th save, Robert Suarez retired the side and recorded two strikeouts against the Yankees’ 6-7-8 lineup pocket. He threw 13 pitches (69.2 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (115.4 SwStr%).

He’s posted a 0.56 WHIP with 18 strikeouts versus four walks (25 K-BB%) across 16 innings.

  • Jeremiah Estrada recorded his eighth hold, allowing a hit and striking out one in a scoreless eighth.
  • Ryan Bergert collected his first win, retiring the side and striking out one in the seventh.

Hierarchy Remains: Robert Suarez | Jason Adam | Jeremiah Estrada

Seattle Mariners

Taking over a tied game at the bottom of the 11th, Casey Legumina recorded an out on a sacrifice bunt, issued consecutive intentional walks, and suffered his first loss on Jacob Wilson’s walk-off single up the middle.

Andrés Muñoz was tagged with his first blown save, allowing his first run on the season, albeit unearned. Wilson led off with an RBI single, tying the game, followed by a walk and three consecutive strikeouts. Muñoz threw 28 pitches (17 strikes – 60.7 Strike%) and induced two whiffs.

He’s posted a 0.82 WHIP with 23 strikeouts versus eight walks (23.4 K-BB%) through 17 innings.

  • Trent Thornton worked two scoreless frames, allowing two hits and a walk.
  • Collin Snider gave up a hit and an earned run in the seventh.
  • Carlos Vargas logged two scoreless innings, giving up a hit and a walk while striking out one.

Hierarchy Remains: Andrés Muñoz | Matt Brash | Gabe Speier

St. Louis Cardinals

Another white-knuckle ride during a save chance for Ryan Helsley. He took over with a three-run lead at the top of the ninth, allowing Adam Frazier’s lead-off single, then induced a groundout, followed by a strikeout, before Oneil Cruz singled, putting runners at the corners. Helsley bore down and benefited from a long foul ball, producing a game-ending strikeout of Bryan Reynolds for his sixth save. He threw 19 pitches (14 strikes – 73.7 Strike%) while getting two whiffs (10.5 SwStr%).

He has a 1.54 WHIP with 13 strikeouts versus eight walks (8.6 K-BB%) in 13 innings. His velocity ticked up, but he’s still allowing too much contact.

  • Phil Maton notched his eighth hold, yielding a hit and striking out one in a scoreless eighth.
  • Kyle Leahy tossed a scoreless seventh, walking and striking out one.
  • Gordon Graceffo collected his second win, retiring the side in the sixth. 

Hierarchy Remains: Ryan Helsley | Phil Maton | Kyle Leahy

The Athletics

After retiring the side and stranding the “place” runner, Hogan Harris collected his first win on a walk-off rally at the bottom of the frame. He threw 16 pitches (62.5 Strike%) and induced one whiff against Seattle.

  • Tyler Ferguson let the “place” runner score on consecutive flyouts and struck out one in the tenth.
  • Mason Miller worked a scoreless ninth despite issuing two walks and recording one strikeout on 27 pitches (14 strikes – 51.9 Strike%) with five whiffs (18.5 SwStr%). He has a 1.02 WHIP with 26 strikeouts against six walks (36.4 K-BB%) over 13.2 innings.
  • Mitch Spence stranded two runners in the eighth, retiring his only batter.
  • Grant Holman allowed three hits, an earned run, and a walk while striking out one in 1.2 innings. 

Hierarchy Remains: Mason Miller | Tyler Ferguson | Justin Sterner

Closer Monkey Emails for 2025

This year, the daily emails will change. Those interested in daily free updates with links should subscribe to our page at Substack. Subscribers to the former site will not transfer over; readers must register using the new link.

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:

Fangraphs.com

Baseball-Reference.com

BaseballSavant.com

BrooksBaseball.net

Closer Monkey Updated Rankings | 5.5.2025

Understanding that ranking relievers can become outdated within hours, Closer Monkey’s updated rankings combine in-season results with rest-of-season potential, resulting in a number often worth debating. Each week, we are providing saves, SOLDS, and holds rankings.

Relievers on the Rise

  • Pete Fairbanks (TB): Over his last six appearances, he’s converted five saves and recorded a win with two of 19 batters faced reaching base (one hit and one walk) and five strikeouts across 5.2 scoreless frames.
  • Evan Phillips (LAD): In a limited sample this season, he has a 0.86 WHIP with six strikeouts against two walks (23.5 K-BB percentage) and a 14.3 swinging strike percentage. Has he taken over the right-handed complement leverage role vacated by Blake Treinen? Stay tuned.

Closer Concern

  • Carlos Estévez (KC): This may be a blip, but as May begins, his steep decline in swinging strike percentage combined with a rise in contact may result in some migration toward the mean. Through his first 14 games, he has a 1.13 WHIP with a 2.40 ERA. However, his 3.37 xERA and 4.80 SIERA portend some rough outings ahead. Here is his rolling game chart from Fangraphs:

Updated Top 40 for Saves

RankRelievers
1Mason Miller
2Andrés Muñoz
3Jeff Hoffman
4Josh Hader
5Robert Suarez
6Tanner Scott
7Emmanuel Clase
8Raisel Iglesias
9Edwin Díaz
10Ryan Helsley
11Ryan Walker
12Pete Fairbanks
13Luke Weaver
14Jhoan Durán
15Emilio Pagán
16Félix Bautista
17Aroldis Chapman
18José Alvarado
19Kenley Jansen
20Carlos Estévez
21Ryan Pressly
22Trevor Megill
23Kyle Finnegan
24David Bednar
25Luke Jackson
26Shelby Miller
27Evan Phillips
28Camilo Doval
29Cade Smith
30Devin Williams
31Will Vest
32Tommy Kahnle
33Calvin Faucher
34Dennis Santana
35Zach Agnos
36Lucas Erceg
37Porter Hodge
38Jason Adam
39Jordan Romano
40Jesús Tinoco

Just Missed

  • Seth Halvorsen (COL)
  • Bryan Abreu (HOU)
  • Tyler Ferguson (ATH)
  • Edwin Uceta (TB)

Save Stashes

  • Robert Garcia (TEX)
  • Liam Hendriks (BOS)
  • Abner Uribe (MIL)
  • Kevin Ginkel (ARI)

Updated Top 75 for SOLDS

RankReliever
1Mason Miller
2Andrés Muñoz
3Jeff Hoffman
4Jason Adam
5Josh Hader
6Tanner Scott
7Luke Weaver
8Robert Suarez
9Cade Smith
10Lucas Erceg
11Bryan Abreu
12Robert Garcia
13Raisel Iglesias
14Jhoan Durán
15Jeremiah Estrada
16Emilio Pagán
17Edwin Díaz
18Ryan Helsley
19Emmanuel Clase
20Ryan Walker
21Pete Fairbanks
22Tyler Rogers
23José Alvarado
24Aroldis Chapman
25Ryan Pressly
26Edwin Uceta
27Camilo Doval
28Fernando Cruz
29Griffin Jax
30Evan Phillips
31Kenley Jansen
32Porter Hodge
33Yimi García
34Hunter Gaddis
35Carlos Estévez
36Tommy Kahnle
37Trevor Megill
38Kyle Finnegan
39Kyle Leahy
40Tyler Ferguson
41Félix Bautista
42Louis Varland
43Kirby Yates
44Will Vest
45Yennier Cano
46Phil Maton
47Reed Garrett
48Shelby Miller
49Chris Martin
50Tony Santillan
51Bryan King
52Daysbel Hernández
53Tyler Holton
54Tim Herrin
55Devin Williams
56Alex Vesia
57Mark Leiter Jr.
58Luke Jackson
59Jordan Romano
60David Bednar
61Dennis Santana
62Jalen Beeks
63Gabe Speier
64Abner Uribe
65Dylan Lee
66Jorge López
67Brock Stewart
68Justin Sterner
69Tim Hill
70JoJo Romero
71Julian Merryweather
72Brendon Little
73Mason Montgomery
74Orion Kerkering
75Kevin Ginkel

Relievers on the Rise

  • Robert Garcia (TEX): He leads all Rangers’ relievers in Win Probability Added, swinging strike percentage, and contact rate allowed. Many will stash Chris Martin, but he profiles best as a set-up reliever, especially seeing him not induce a whiff while throwing 30 pitches during Saturday’s loss against Seattle. Garcia secured his first career save on April 17 and has a 0.88 WHIP with seven strikeouts against one walk (28.6 K-BB%) over his last 5.2 innings.
  • Abner Uribe (MIL): He’s been scoreless in eight of nine appearances since April 12 with 11 strikeotus versus four walks in eight innings but with a 1.50 WHIP.

Updated Top 50 for Holds

RankReliever
1Jason Adam
2Cade Smith
3Lucas Erceg
4Kirby Yates
5Robert Garcia
6Bryan Abreu
7Tyler Rogers
8Hunter Gaddis
9Edwin Uceta
10Kyle Leahy
11Jeremiah Estrada
12Daysbel Hernández
13Tyler Ferguson
14Camilo Doval
15Fernando Cruz
16Porter Hodge
17Devin Williams
18Yimi García
19Tim Herrin
20Griffin Jax
21Alex Vesia
22Mark Leiter Jr.
23Yennier Cano
24Reed Garrett
25Abner Uribe
26Bryan King
27Chris Martin
28Tony Santillan
29Evan Phillips
30Louis Varland
31Jose A. Ferrer
32Tommy Kahnle
33Brendon Little
34Gabe Speier
35Phil Maton
36Julian Merryweather
37Tim Hill
38Garrett Cleavinger
39Jalen Beeks
40Orion Kerkering
41Graham Ashcraft
42Tyler Holton
43Dennis Santana
44Jared Koenig
45Mason Montgomery
46Matt Strahm
47Dylan Lee
48Chad Green
49Justin Slaten
50Liam Hendriks

Closer Monkey Emails for 2025

This year, the daily emails will change. Those interested in daily free updates with links should subscribe to our page at Substack. Subscribers to the former site will not transfer over; readers must register using the new link.

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

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

Statistical Credits:

Fangraphs.com

Baseball-Reference.com

BaseballSavant.com

BrooksBaseball.net

Monkey Bytes | May 5

Sunday’s 16-game slate resulted in seven wins by relievers, though one was accompanied by a blown save, eight saves, and seven losses. Despite a runner reaching third with one out at the top of the ninth, Atlanta held on for a one-run win, Minnesota’s closer has tweaked his pitch mix, and St. Louis swept the Mets.

Three Takeaways

(1) Raisel and quality of contact: In a pressure-packed top of the ninth, Raisel Iglesias navigated around a lead-off infield single by Andy Pages, who was replaced by pinch runner Hyesong Kim, who stole second and moved to third with one out. However, Iglesias retired the next two hitters via strikeout, locking down his sixth save while striking out three. He threw 22 pitches (19 strikes – 86.4 Strike%) and generated six whiffs (27.3 Swstr%).

He has a 1.00 WHIP with 15 strikeouts versus two walks (25.5 K-BB%) in 13 innings. Despite this strong showing, he has been struggling with contact this season and enters game action today with the fifth-highest barrels per plate appearance percentage (13.5 percent) among his peers. Of his 34 batted ball events, 15 have been hard hits (exit velocity of 95 miles-per-hour plus) and seven have been barrels (20.6 percent). This has created the spike in his expected weighted on-base average (xwOBA) which measures quality of contact plus strikeouts plus walks:

  • Iglesias 2025: 8.8 pop-up percentage plus 2.9 percent weak contact = 11.7 percent poor contact-induced
  • Iglesias 2025: 20.6 barrel percentage plus 8.8 percent solid contact = 29.4 percent good contact allowed

Producing more groundballs and reducing his hard hits should provide better outcomes, but right now, it’s a concern:

(2) Durán’s leaning into his splitter: Recording his fourth save and second in as many days, Jhoan Durán worked around a two-out infield single with a game-ending strikeout, preserving the one-run win. He threw nine pitches (88.9 Strike%) and generated four whiffs (44.4 SwStr%) versus the 7-8-9-1 batters in Boston.

He has a 1.11 WHIP with 17 strikeouts against eight walks (14.1 K-BB%) across 15.1 innings. When looking at his pitch usage patterns this season, one notes he’s throwing more split-fingered fastballs (38.9 percent) than any other pitch for the first time in his career. It may not jump off the page when seeing his season results, but this chart from Statcast shows his pitch use by game this year:

Through his first 16 games, his splitter has a .215 xBA, a 35.8 whiff percentage, and a 21.1 put-away percentage. It’s also helped produce a career-high 71.8 percent ground ball rate. This represents an intriguing small sample. He may record fewer strikeouts, but his ratios may benefit if he continues limiting hard contact.

Hierarchy Remains: Jhoan Durán | Griffin Jax | Louis Varland

(3) Helsley rebounds: Handed a one-run lead during Game 1, Ryan Helsley navigated around Mark Vientos’ lead-off single with a strikeout, a lineout, and a game-ending pop-out, securing his fifth save. He threw 14 pitches (11 strikes – 78.6 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (14.3 SwStr%).

This snapped his two-game streak of allowing at least a run. Through 12 games, he has a 1.50 WHIP with 11 strikeouts versus eight walks (5.7 K-BB%) in 12 innings. We have been monitoring his average pitch velocity this year, and here is his updated chart by game, with this outing’s uptick included:

Hopefully, this trend will continue as the weather warms. In Game 2, Michael McGreevy took over at the top of the fourth, stranding all three inherited runners, and logged 5.2 scoreless frames, yielding a hit and a walk while striking out five for his first win. He threw 80 pitches (62.5 Strike%) and produced eight whiffs (10 SwStr%).

Hierarchy Remains: Ryan Helsley | Phil Maton | Kyle Leahy

For the save streamers:

Vulture Save Options for May 5

  • Cade Smith (CLE): Clase has pitched on consecutive days. 
  • Daysbel Hernández (ATL): Iglesias has appeared in back-to-back games. 

Vulture Save Stashes for May 6

  • Abner Uribe (MIL): If Megill pitches on Monday, it will be two straight appearances. 
  • Jordan Romano (PHI): Alvarado threw 30 pitches on Sunday and should get two days off after. 
  • Jorge López (WSH): He threw two innings on Sunday and will be off Monday. If Finnegan pitches today, it will be back-to-back outings. 
  • Kyle Leahy (STL): He will be off Monday, and if Helsley pitches, it’s consecutive contests. 

Here are the remaining leverage events of interest.

Closer CliffsNotes

Arizona Diamondbacks

Staked to a three-run lead at the bottom of the tenth, Jalen Beeks allowed two hits and an unearned run on Max Kepler’s sacrifice fly while recording his first save. Shelby Miller recorded consecutive strikeouts at the top of the ninth, then gave up Kyle Schwarber’s home run, followed by three straight singles, including Alec Bohm’s game-tying RBI one, resulting in his second blown save. Here is his pitch results chart:

However, he gets credit for his third win courtesy of his teammates’ rally.

  • Ryan Thompson secured his fifth hold, giving up a hit in a scoreless eighth.
  • Kevin Ginkel faced the heart of the Phillies’ lineup in the seventh, allowing a hit, an earned run, and a walk during his third hold.

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

*= closer-by-committee

Boston Red Sox

In order of appearance, Garrett Whitlock allowed two hits, two earned runs, and a walk while striking out two during his two innings. He suffered his second blown save, ceding a two-run lead after taking over at the top of the sixth. Justin Slaten gave up three hits, including Harrison Bader’s go-ahead RBI double and two earned runs, getting tagged with his third loss. He’s allowed six runs (five earned) in his last three appearances. Liam Hendriks retired the side and recorded a strikeout at the top of the ninth, facing the Twins’ top of the lineup. Based on recent performances, he has moved into the right-handed complement save spot over Slaten. 

Updated Hierarchy: Aroldis Chapman | Liam Hendriks | Justin Slaten 

Cleveland Guardians

Hanging on for his seventh save, Emmanuel Clase let the lead-off hitter reach second base on his fielding error, followed by Bo Bichette’s single, and a Vladimir Guerrero Jr. sacrifice fly cut the lead to one. Clase bore down, inducing a groundout and a game-ending George Springer strikeout, preserving the win. He finished with a hit and an unearned run, striking out one on 25 pitches (64 Strike%) with five whiffs (20 SwStr%).

He’s converted his last three save chances.

  • Hunter Gaddis notched his tenth hold, working around a hit and a walk in a scoreless eighth.
  • Cade Smith fired a clean seventh, striking out one and recording his eighth hold.
  • Tim Herrin tossed a clean sixth for his sixth hold.

Hierarchy Remains: Emmanuel Clase | Cade Smith | Hunter Gaddis

Miami Marlins

With the score tied at the top of the ninth, Anthony Bender allowed two hits, including Tyler Soderstrom’s go-ahead RBI single, resulting in an earned run and a second loss. Bender recorded two strikeouts while throwing 16 pitches (11 strikes – 68.8 Strike%) with two whiffs (12.5 SwStr%).

  • Calvin Faucher worked a scoreless eighth despite giving up a hit and a walk, facing the top of the lineup.
  • Jesús Tinoco tossed a clean seventh, striking out one on 15 pitches (60 Strike%) with one whiff.

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

*= closer-by-committee

Philadelphia Phillies

After allowing an earned run on a single and Randal Grichuk’s RBI double in the ninth, José Alvarado returned for the tenth when his team tied the game at the bottom of the inning. However, he suffered his first loss, giving up Josh Naylor’s RBI single, scoring the “place” runner, tossing a wild pitch, issuing a walk, and was removed after a sacrifice fly with one runner on. He finished with three hits, four runs (three earned), and a walk over 1.1 innings on 30 pitches (16 strikes – 53.3 Strike%) with two whiffs.

  • Carlos Hernández let his only inherited runner score on a bases-loaded walk.
  • Before the ninth, Joe Ross tossed a clean eighth, striking out one.
  • Matt Strahm fired a clean seventh.
  • Jordan Romano allowed a hit and recorded a strikeout in a scoreless seventh.
  • Orion Kerkering stranded a runner and issued two walks during 1.1 scoreless innings.

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

*= floating closer concept

Tampa Bay Rays

Pete Fairbanks nailed down his eighth save by firing a clean bottom of the ninth and striking out the side. He threw 15 pitches (11 strikes – 73.3 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (13.3 SwStr%) facing the Yankees’ 1-2-3 hitters.

  • Edwin Uceta navigated around two hits and a walk for a scoreless eighth, though he let both inherited runners score during his sixth hold.
  • Mason Montgomery also notched his fourth hold, stranded a runner, and retired both batters at the bottom of the sixth.

Hierarchy Remains: Pete Fairbanks | Edwin Uceta | Garrett Cleavinger

The Athletics

Sealing his first save of the season, Tyler Ferguson fired a clean bottom of the ninth and recorded one strikeout, protecting a one-run margin in Miami. He faced the 3-4-5 hitters and threw 11 pitches (63.6 Strike%) with two whiffs (18.2 SwStr%).

This extended his scoreless streak to ten games, and he’s posted a 0.60 WHIP over his last ten innings.

  • Mitch Spence collected his first win, tossing 1.2 scoreless frames, yielding a hit and striking out one.

Hierarchy Remains: Mason Miller | Tyler Ferguson | Justin Sterner

Washington Nationals

Shutting the door on his 11th save, Kyle Finnegan fired a clean bottom of the ninth and recorded two strikeouts. He threw 13 pitches (61.5 Strike%) and produced four whiffs (30.8 SwStr%) facing the Reds’ 6-7-8 lineup pocket.

He has a 1.39 WHIP with 15 strikeouts against seven walks (13.5 K-BB%) through 13.2 innings.

  • Jose A. Ferrer notched his ninth hold, giving up a hit during a scoreless eighth.
  • Jorge López collected his fourth win, tossing two clean frames and striking out two.

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

Quick Hits

  • Chicago White Sox: Entering at the top of the fifth, Mike Vasil recorded 2.1 scoreless innings and issued a walk. He collected his first win from a rain-shortened contest, throwing 31 pitches (16 strikes – 51.6 Strike%) without a whiff.
  • Cincinnati Reds: Taking over a tied contest at the top of the sixth, Graham Ashcraft suffered his third loss, allowing three hits and three earned runs during two-thirds of an inning. Taylor Rogers let both inherited runners score and retired one in the sixth.
  • Houston Astros: Although he stranded two runners at the bottom of the fifth, Steven Okert suffered his first loss and first blown save, allowing two hits, two earned runs, and a walk while striking out one during a combined inning of relief against the White Sox.
  • Kansas City Royals: Lucas Erceg notched his 11th hold, stranding a runner and retiring all three batters faced, the Orioles’ 6-7-8 hitters, on eight pitches (75 Strike%). Angel Zerpa collected his second win, logging 1.2 innings, allowing three hits and an earned run.
  • Milwaukee Brewers: Closing a combined shutout, Trevor Megill navigated around Ian Happ’s lead-off single, followed by Kyle Tucker’s walk, retiring the next three batters, two via strikeout in a non-save capacity. Megill threw 22 pitches (13 strikes – 59.1 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (9.1 SwStr%). He has a 1.50 WHIP with 13 strikeouts versus six walks (16.7 K-BB%) in 9.1 innings. Abner Uribe fired a clean eighth and recorded a strikeout on 13 pitches.
  • New York Mets: Appearing during a one-run loss in Game 2, Edwin Díaz navigated around two hits and recorded a strikeout in a scoreless bottom of the eighth. He entered versus the 7-8-9 lineup pocket and threw 14 pitches (11 strikes – 78.6 Strike%) with two whiffs (14.3 SwStr%). He has a 1.31 WHIP with 21 strikeouts versus seven walks (25 K-BB%) through 13 innings, but last secured a save on April 26.
  • Pittsburgh Pirates: During a shutout loss, Dennis Santana returned from the bereavement list and tossed a clean top of the eighth, striking out one. He threw eight pitches (75 Strike%) and induced one whiff. Tanner Rainey fired a clean seventh, striking out two in his team debut.
  • San Diego Padres: Completing a combined shutout, Jason Adam navigated around two hits and recorded two strikeouts against the Pirates. He threw 21 pitches (71.4 Strike%) and produced four whiffs (19 SwStr%). He’s posted a 0.95 WHIP with 25 strikeouts against eight walks (22.4 K-BB%) across 19 innings.
  • Texas Rangers: Capping a seven-run win over Seattle, Luke Jackson retired the side and recorded two strikeouts against the 4-5-6 lineup pocket. He threw 13 pitches (8 strikes – 61.5 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (15.4 SwStr%). This was a much-needed clean appearance since he had allowed at least a run in three of his previous four games. He has a 1.42 WHIP with 11 strikeouts versus five walks (11.4 K-BB%) in 12 innings.

Closer Monkey Emails for 2025

This year, the daily emails will change. Those interested in daily free updates with links should subscribe to our page at Substack. Subscribers to the former site will not transfer over; readers must register using the new link.

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:

Fangraphs.com

Baseball-Reference.com

BaseballSavant.com

BrooksBaseball.net