Monkey Bytes | April 26

It’s different pitching in New York, as many players understand from past struggles under the bright lights, and the concern level for one of baseball’s best closers has heightened after last night’s meltdown. Two games were postponed by the weather, which may also be a factor in today’s slate.. Relievers recorded four wins and eight saves yesterday while suffering five losses and two blown saves. Today’s takeaways will focus on a potential shift in leverage roles in the Bronx, “The Renegade” posting his first save since March 28, and a velocity note on a reliever in St. Louis.

Three Takeaways

(1) Was the “Airbender” lost in transit? Adding Devin Williams was supposed to stabilize the Yankees’ leverage ladder, letting Luke Weaver operate as the “fireman” in the seventh or eighth inning. However, it’s been a tough transition. Williams took over at the top of the ninth with a one-run lead, giving up George Springer’s lead-off single, hitting Andrés Giménez with a pitch, followed by Alejandro Kirk’s go-ahead two-RBI double, prompting his removal. After the inherited runner for Mark Leiter Jr. scored on a bloop single, Williams was tagged with his second loss, his first blown save, and three earned runs without recording an out. He currently touts a bloated 2.375 WHIP with an 11.25 ERA, a 5.17 SIERA, and a 6.04 xERA. During the postgame press conference, Aaron Boone referenced his reliever being behind in counts, cited from this post by Bryan Hoch on MLB.com:

Taking this a step further, here are his splits with the hitter ahead and the hitter behind in the count, courtesy of Statcast:

Link: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/u3IhR/1/

Of his 191 pitches this season, Williams has thrown 68 with the hitter ahead (35.6 percent) and only 41 with the hitter behind in the count (21.5 percent). Boone also shared he was not sure how he will handle upcoming outings for the struggling closer, but our hierarchy has adjusted in accord with recent results:

Updated Hierarchy: *Luke Weaver | *Devin Williams | Mark Leiter Jr.

*= closer-by-committee

(2) Bednar seals a shutout in LA: Shutting the door on his second save, David Bednar worked around Tommy Edman’s one-out walk with consecutive strikeouts, preserving a shutout against the Dodgers. “The Renegade” threw 15 pitches (8 strikes – 53.3 Strike%) and induced three whiffs (20 SwStr%).

He has been scoreless in his four outings since returning from Triple-A, striking out seven of 15 batters faced (46.7 K%), allowing a hit and two walks (0.75 WHIP). Dennis Santana did the dirty work, facing the 9-1-2-3 hitters at the bottom of the eighth. After giving up Andy Pages’ lead-off single, he retired the top of the lineup on two flyouts, sandwiched around a groundout, for his fourth hold being used as the highest-leveraged reliever.

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

*= match-up-based approach

(3) Helsley recorded the save, but…: Securing his fourth save, Ryan Helsley allowed Isaac Collins’ lead-off single, induced a double play groundout, followed by Caleb Durbin’s game-ending lineout, preserving his team’s first one-run victory. He threw nine pitches (66.7 Strike%) without a whiff.

He has a 1.566 WHIP with 10 strikeouts against eight walks (5.1 K-BB%) in nine innings. It’s a limited sample, and his workload has been sporadic, but he’s allowing more contact (72 percent), more in-zone contact (87.2 percent), and producing fewer whiffs (13.9 percent) compared with last year. A downturn in velocity may be playing a part, but it’s too early to tell. Still, from Brooks Baseball, his velocity by game since last year:

Hierarchy Remains: Ryan Helsley | Phil Maton | JoJo Romero

Vulture Save Options for April 26

  • Luke Weaver (NYY): If he’s available, change it, and he’s in line for the save chance if provided today. (The game today is PPD, but add him if possible still)
  • Porter Hodge (CHC): If he’s available, Ryan Pressly remains day-to-day after fluid was drained from his knee. 
  • Jacob Webb (TEX): The entire Rangers’ leverage triumvirate has appeared in consecutive contests. 

Doubleheader Odds

  • Baltimore Orioles: Prime target in a sweep: Yennier Cano; YOLO: Seranthony Domínguez
  • Boston Red Sox: Prime target in a sweep: Justin Slaten; YOLO: Garrett Whitlock
  • Cleveland Guardians: Prime target in a sweep: Cade Smith; YOLO: Paul Sewald
  • Detroit Tigers: Prime target in a sweep: Will Vest; YOLO: Brenan Hanifee

Vulture Save Stash for April 27

  • Tyler Ferguson (ATH): If Miller pitches again today, it’s back-to-back outings. 

Doubleheader Odds

  • New York Yankees: Prime target in a sweep: Luke Weaver; YOLO: Fernando Cruz

More will accrue based on usage patterns from two doubleheaders. 

Here are the remaining leverage events of interest from Friday.

Closer CliffsNotes

Cincinnati Reds

Tasked with a one-run lead at Coors, Emilio Pagán entered against the 5-6-7 lineup pocket and recorded his sixth save, retiring the side while striking out two. He threw 15 pitches (60 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (20 SwStr%).

He has registered 11 strikeouts against one walk (23.8 K-BB%) over 12.1 innings.

  • Tony Santillan allowed two hits, including Jordan Beck’s solo home run, while getting credit for his seventh hold.
  • Taylor Rogers worked a clean seventh, securing his third hold.
  • Graham Ashcraft was awarded his first win as a reliever, navigating around two walks and striking out one in a scoreless sixth.

Hierarchy Remains: Emilio Pagán | Tony Santillan | Graham Ashcraft

Kansas City Royals

Completing a combined shutout, Lucas Erceg nailed down his first save, firing a clean top of the ninth and recording one strikeout against the top of Houston’s lineup. He threw 13 pitches (8 strikes – 61.5 Strike%) and induced one whiff.

He has a minuscule 0.39 WHIP with seven strikeouts versus one walk (18.8 SwStr%) across 10.1 innings.

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

Miami Marlins

In order of appearance, Jesús Tinoco stranded a runner at the bottom of the sixth and logged 1.1 scoreless frames while giving up a hit. He threw 12 pitches (75 Strike%) without a whiff while securing his third hold, retiring Seattle’s 5-6-7-8 hitters.

  • Calvin Faucher navigated around a hit and a walk for a scoreless eighth, taking over versus the 9-1-2 lineup pocket.
  • Ronny Henriquez finished the four-run win with a scoreless ninth, giving up a walk and striking out one.

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

*= match-up-based approach

New York Mets

Called upon with a runner on first and one out at the top of the ninth, A.J. Minter induced a fielder’s choice groundout against CJ Abrams, but a deflected hit up the middle by James Wood scored him from first, plating the walk-off run. Minter let his only inherited runner score in one-third of the ninth.

  • Ryne Stanek suffered his first loss and a blown save, giving up two hits, including Dylan Crews’ lead-off triple, and two earned runs in one-third of the ninth.
  • Reed Garrett notched his eighth hold, yielding a hit and striking out one in a scoreless eighth.
  • Edwin Díaz was not used based on recent usage.

Hierarchy Remains: Edwin Díaz | A.J. Minter | José Buttó

Tampa Bay Rays

Preserving a combined shutout and converting his first save of the season, Garrett Cleavinger tossed a scoreless bottom of the ninth in San Diego. He retired Manny Machado and Gavin Sheets via strikeout, but Sheet reached on a passed ball, but his pinch runner was doubled off on a game-ending double play fly ball on a catch by Kameron Misner. Cleavinger threw 10 pitches (70 Strike%) and generated four whiffs (40 SwStr%).

  • Manuel Rodríguez notched his third hold, allowing Fernado Tatis Jr.’s two-out double and recording a strikeout in a scoreless eighth.

Hierarchy Remains: Pete Fairbanks | Edwin Uceta | Mason Montgomery

Texas Rangers

A short memory, especially by a closer, remains paramount for success by any reliever. After suffering a blown save on Thursday, Luke Jackson bounced back by retiring both batters at the bottom of the ninth, including a game-ending strikeout of Wilmer Flores, for his eighth save. He threw 11 pitches (72.7 Strike%) without a whiff. He’s posted a 1.13 WHIP with eight strikeouts versus three walks (11.4 K-BB%) over 10.2 innings.

  • Robert Garcia fired a clean combined inning, striking out all three batters for his eighth hold.
  • Chris Martin worked 1.1 scoreless frames, yielding a hit and striking out two for his eighth hold.

Hierarchy Remains: Luke Jackson | Chris Martin | Robert Garcia

The Athletics

Despite allowing Brooks Baldwin’s two-run home run, Mason Miller converted his eighth save, finishing a one-run win over the White Sox. His outing began with Lenyn Sosa’s single, followed by the dinger before he settled in, retiring the next three batters, punctuated by a game-ending strikeout of Luis Robert Jr. Miller threw 18 pitches (13 strikes – 72.2 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (16.7 SwStr%).

He’s recorded 18 strikeouts against one walk (51.5 K-BB%) with a 0.78 WHIP through nine innings.

  • Justin Sterner collected his first win, tossing 1.1 scoreless frames, issuing a walk, and striking out one.
  • Mitch Spence gave up a hit and recorded a strikeout in two-thirds scoreless at the top of the seventh.

Hierarchy Remains: Mason Miller | Tyler Ferguson | Justin Sterner

Toronto Blue Jays

Handed a two-run lead at the bottom of the ninth, Jeff Hoffman navigated around Ben Rice’s two-out single with a scoreless outing, recording one strikeout for his sixth save. He threw 13 pitches (10 strikes – 76.9 Strike%) and produced two whiffs (15.4 SwStr%).

He’s posted a 0.677 WHIP with 19 strikeouts against one walk (37.5 K-BB%) through 13.1 innings.

  • Mason Fluharty allowed a hit, an earned run, and one walk in two-thirds of the eighth but was awarded his first win courtesy of a ninth-inning rally.
  • Yimi García stranded a runner despite issuing a walk during two-thirds of the seventh.
  • Brendon Little gave up three hits and an earned run while striking out one in 1.1 innings, resulting in his second blown save.

Hierarchy Remains: Jeff Hoffman | Yimi García | Chad Green

Washington Nationals

With his team down by a run, Jorge López retired the Mets in order at the top of the ninth, then collected his second win via a walk-off rally at the bottom of the inning. He threw 11 pitches (72.7 Strike%) without a whiff.

Kyle Finnegan took over a bases-loaded situation with two outs at the top of the eighth, allowing Mark Vientos’ bases-clearing triple, then retired Jesse Winker on an inning-ending groundout. He gets tagged with his first blown save.

  • Jose A. Ferrer allowed two hits, three earned runs, and a walk over one-third of the eighth but gets credited with his seventh hold.

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

Quick Hits

  • Chicago Cubs: It’s unknown if Ryan Pressly would have been available for a save chance; he’s considered day-to-day per Elise Manaker on X.
  • Colorado Rockies: During a loss, Seth Halvorsen retired the side at the top of the ninth and recorded one strikeout on 11 pitches (81.8 Strike%) with one whiff. He’s been scoreless in two of his last three.
  • Milwaukee Brewers: Craig Yoho logged 1.2 scoreless frames, scattering two hits and striking out one.
  • Philadelphia Phillies: Appearing in a shutout loss, Orion Kerkering fired a clean bottom of the eighth against the Cubs’ 2-3-4 lineup pocket, recording one strikeout on 10 pitches (60 Strike%) without a whiff.
  • San Francisco Giants: Ryan Walker fired a clean top of the ninth and recorded two strikeouts against the Rangers’ 4-5-6 hitters during his team’s loss in a shutout. He threw 14 pitches (64.3 Strike%) and induced one whiff.

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Monkey Bytes | April 25

Though small, Thursday’s nine-game slate yielded five reliever wins and seven saves against four losses and two blown saves. There was also no shortage of hot topics with Arizona’s staff deciding its “closer” was unavailable, a potential closer controversy brewing in San Francisco, and curious usage patterns by the Brewers during a late-inning collapse.

Three Takeaways

(1) J-Mart down by decision: With a one-run lead at the top of the ninth, Torey Lovullo did not get his closer ready for the save chance. He explains the thought process in this video posted on X by Jack Sommers. Ryne Nelson took over at the top of the seventh and remained in the game at the top of the ninth with a one-run lead. After recording a strikeout, he allowed three consecutive singles, including Yandy Díaz’s game-tying RBI one, before retiring Brandon Lowe on a pop-out. However, Nelson suffered his first blown save, giving up three hits and an earned run while striking out five. Shelby Miller retired Jonathan Aranda via strikeout, his only batter faced in the ninth, causing fantasy players to wonder why he was not used for the save chance if Martinez was down. J.P. Feyereisen took over in the tenth. He gave up two hits, three runs (two earned), and struck out one, resulting in his first loss—another masterclass with Torey Lovullo. 

Although it may not be imminent, Kevin Ginkel made his first rehab outing last night, covered in this post by Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic:

It appears fantasy players must treat Justin Martinez like Félix Bautista when they pitch and plan on them being off the next game.

Hierarchy Remains: Justin Martinez | Shelby Miller | Jalen Beeks

(2) Doval makes his case: Completing the comeback, Camilo Doval recorded his fifth save, navigating around a four-pitch walk to Caleb Durbin leading off the top of the ninth and a two-out single by Christian Yelich with a game-ending flyout, preserving a one-run win. He threw 16 pitches (7 strikes – 43.8 Strike%) and induced one whiff. His command was not pristine in this outing, but he escaped unscathed:

He’s posted a 0.92 WHIP with eight strikeouts versus five walks (6.3 K-BB%) in 12 innings.

As for roles, after the game, Bob Melvin remained non-committal about a change, covered in this game recap by Maria Guardado of MLB.com:

Before this note, Melvin sounded a bit like Alex Cora:

For now, though, momentum lies in Doval’s favor:

Updated Hierarchy: *Ryan Walker | *Camilo Doval | Tyler Rogers

*= closer-by-committee

(3) Milwaukee’s leverage machinations: With one out and runners on second and third, Trevor Megill took over a tied game in San Francisco. He induced a lineout to left field, dropped by Christian Yelich, which was credited as a sacrifice fly, scoring the go-ahead run. Megill bore down and retired Jung Hoo Lee via strikeout. He threw 12 pitches (66.7 Strike%) and induced one whiff. Tyler Alexander was tagged with his second loss and a blown save, allowing a hit, two earned runs, and a walk during one-third of the eighth. Nick Mears notched his third hold, retiring the side and striking out one in the seventh. Jared Koenig allowed a hit during a scoreless sixth for his fourth hold. Abner Uribe issued two walks and allowed Matt Chapman’s two-run home run in the fifth.

There have been no clear roles in the seventh or eighth innings leading to Megill, and by Fangraphs’ win probability added metric, he has been the worst reliever on the team:

Hopefully, roles become clearer, and this may be dictated by performance in the coming weeks.

Hierarchy Remains: Trevor Megill | Abner Uribe | Jared Koenig

For the save streamers:

Vulture Save Options for April 25

  • Yennier Cano (BAL): Bautista will be unavailable after pitching yesterday. 
  • Manuel Rodríguez (TB): Fairbanks and Uceta have pitched in consecutive contests. 
  • Trent Thornton (SEA): Muñoz has worked in back-to-back games. 
  • Steven Wilson (CHW): A deep league longshot, but he’s been their most stable reliever. 

Vulture Save Stashes for April 26

  • Shelby Miller (ARI): If Martinez pitches tonight, he will be off on Saturday per the “staff.” 
  • Steven Cruz (KC): If Estévez and Erceg pitch Friday night, it will be back-to-back appearances. 

Here are the remaining leverage events of interest for Thursday.

Closer CliffsNotes

Baltimore Orioles

Shutting the door on his second save, Félix Bautista gave up Kiebert Ruiz’s one-out single, then retired Nathaniel Lowe and Amed Rosario on consecutive groundouts, preserving the one-run win. He threw 19 pitches (12 strikes – 63.2 Strike%) and produced three whiffs while recording one strikeout.

This season, he owns a 1.57 WHIP with eight strikeouts against six walks (6.2 K-BB%) across seven innings. He’s not issued a walk in his last two appearances.

  • Gregory Soto retired the side in the eighth for his fifth hold.
  • Yennier Cano stranded a runner and retired his only batter, inducing groundout on his first pitch, securing his fifth hold.

Hierarchy Remains: Félix Bautista | Yennier Cano | Seranthony Domínguez

Chicago White Sox

During his team’s 25th game, and courtesy of the rain, Brandon Eisert recorded his first career save, preserving a combined shutout with a scoreless bottom of the seventh against the Twins. He threw 14 pitches (8 strikes – 57.1 Strike%) without a whiff, giving up a hit and striking out one.

  • Jordan Leasure notched his second hold, allowing a hit and a walk while striking out two in a scoreless sixth, throwing 22 pitches (50 Strike%) with one whiff.

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

*= match-up-based approach

Kansas City Royals

(Game 1) – Finishing a three-run win over the Rockies, Carlos Estévez retired the side on 12 pitches (66.7 Strike%) with one whiff.

He has a 1.17 WHIP with nine strikeouts and four walks (9.6 K-BB%) in 12 innings.

  • Lucas Erceg secured his eighth hold, retiring the side and recording a strikeout in the eighth.
  • Steven Cruz logged two scoreless frames, striking out one for his first hold.
  • Angel Zerpa collected his first win. He took over at the top of the fifth and threw two scoreless innings, giving up a hit and a walk while striking out one.

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

Los Angeles Angels

After his team took the lead at the bottom of the eighth, Kenley Jansen preserved the one-run margin with his sixth save. He allowed Adam Frazier’s one-out single and recorded a strikeout in a scoreless ninth, throwing 18 pitches (14 strikes – 77.8 Strike%) with two whiffs (11.1 SwStr%).

He has a 0.88 WHIP with eight strikeouts versus two walks (20 K-BB%) through his first eight innings.

  • Ryan Zeferjahn collected his second win, giving up a hit and striking out two at the top of the eighth.
  • Ryan Johnson worked around a hit and a walk while striking out one in a scoreless seventh.

Seattle Mariners

Recording his American League-leading ninth save, Andrés Muñoz worked around a two-out walk with a game-ending strikeout of Kristian Campbell, closing the one-run win in Boston. He threw 18 pitches (61.1 Strike%) and induced three whiffs (16.7 SwStr%) while striking out two.

He’s posted a 0.846 WHIP with 17 strikeouts versus six walks (22.9 K-BB%) across 13 innings.

  • Trent Thornton retired his only batter at the top of the eighth for his fifth hold.
  • Gabe Speier gave up Carlos Narváez’s solo home run and recorded a strikeout in two-thirds of the eighth for his fifth hold.
  • Collin Snider worked a clean seventh and recorded one strikeout for his third hold.

Hierarchy Remains: Andrés Muñoz | Trent Thornton | Gabe Speier

Tampa Bay Rays

Handed a three-run lead at the bottom of the tenth, Pete Fairbanks recorded his fourth save, issuing a walk and striking out one in a scoreless appearance. He threw 15 pitches (60 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (13.3 SwStr%).

He’s posted a 1.50 WHIP with nine strikeouts versus six walks (7.5 K-BB%) across 9.1 innings.

  • Edwin Uceta collected his second win, working a scoreless bottom of the ninth despite allowing a Gabriel Moreno single. He’s on a modest five-game scoreless streak.
  • Hunter Bigge logged two scoreless frames and issued one walk.
  • Manuel Rodríguez fired a clean bottom of the sixth, striking out one.

Hierarchy Remains: Pete Fairbanks | Edwin Uceta | Mason Montgomery

Texas Rangers

Called upon with a one-run lead at the bottom of the eighth, Luke Jackson stranded a runner, recording a strikeout against Brent Rooker. During the bottom of the ninth, he issued Max Schuemann a one-out walk, followed by Luis Urías’ single, with a fielding error by Leody Taveras scoring the game-tying run, putting the go-ahead run on second. After retiring Lawrence Butler via flyout, Jackson gave up Jacob Wilson’s walk-off single, resulting in his second loss and a blown save. He threw 21 pitches (11 strikes – 52.4 Strike%) and only induced two whiffs, finishing with two hits, two runs (one earned), a walk, and a strikeout in his combined inning of relief.

  • Robert Garcia allowed a hit during two-thirds scoreless in the eighth for his seventh hold.
  • Chris Martin secured his seventh hold, yielding a hit and striking out one in a scoreless seventh.
  • Hoby Milner stranded a runner despite issuing a walk and recorded both outs on strikeouts in the sixth for his second hold. 

Hierarchy Remains: Luke Jackson | Chris Martin | Robert Garcia

Quick Hits

  • Boston Red Sox: Liam Hendriks navigated around a hit and three walks while striking out one in a scoreless top of the seventh. He threw 32 pitches (50 Strike%) and induced three whiffs. After three games, he has a 2.33 WHIP with two strikeouts against three walks in three innings.
  • Pittsburgh Pirates: Entering a tied game at the bottom of the eighth, Chase Shugart suffered his first loss, allowing Zach Neto’s go-ahead solo home run.
  • The Athletics: Back from Triple-A, Grant Holman collected his first win in his first appearance of the season on a walk-off rally at the bottom of the ninth and logged two scoreless frames against Texas. He threw 17 pitches (9 strikes – 52.9 Strike%) and induced one whiff.
  • Washington Nationals: During an eventual one-run loss, Cole Henry worked two scoreless frames, hitting a batter and issuing a walk (intentional – Gunnar Henderson) while recording four strikeouts. He threw 29 pitches (17 strikes – 58.6 Strike%) and produced four whiffs (13.8 SwStr%). Through his first four games, he’s posted a 0.64 WHIP with eight strikeouts versus one walk (38.8 K-BB%) across 4.2 innings.

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Monkey Bytes | April 24

Despite one game being postponed, it was a volatile news cycle for high-leverage relievers. In the games, relievers recorded five wins and ten saves while suffering six losses and five blown saves. Today’s takeaways feature a closer competition potentially brewing in San Francisco, Edwin Díaz leaving his outing because of cramping in his hip, and the return of a Diamondbacks reliever.

Three Takeaways

(1) Walker removed during a non-save appearance: Called upon to protect a 4-0 lead at the top of the ninth, Ryan Walker only retired one batter via strikeout and allowed three hits, scoring two earned runs before being lifted. He threw 22 pitches (12 strikes – 54.5 Strike%) and hit a batter in this outing. First, his illustrator:

And his results, which show what happens when he has to throw strikes:

He’s given up six earned runs in his last two outings, spiking his WHIP to 1.38 in his first 8.2 innings. Walker has been Bob Melvin’s preferred closer since last August, but he’s struggled in recent contests, recording two outs while allowing six hits and a walk.

As for this game, with runners on second and third with one out at the top of the ninth, Camilo Doval recorded a strikeout against Jackson Chourio and a game-ending groundout against Christian Yelich for his fourth save. He threw five pitches, all strikes, and produced two whiffs (40 SwStr%).

Since April 12, he has posted six scoreless appearances with two saves, a hold, and six strikeouts against one walk (29.4 K-BB%) with a 0.18 WHIP over 5.2 innings. Until Melvin indicates any changes in his reliever’s roles, the hierarchy will be unchanged, but if Doval’s a free agent in your league and space allows, stashing him makes sense, just in case:

Hierarchy Remains: Ryan Walker | Camilo Doval | Tyler Rogers

(2) Hip cramps for Díaz: Edwin Díaz fired a clean top of the ninth, striking out one. With the bullpen running on fumes, he returned for the tenth, recording a strikeout, followed by Bryce Harper stealing third and a Nick Castellanos RBI single, before leaving the game with cramping in his hip. He threw 18 pitches (11 strikes – 61.1 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (16.7 SwStr%).

It sounds like nothing major, but fantasy managers must monitor it closely. Here are his postgame quotes about the injury. Forced into action at the top of the tenth with a runner on first and one out, Max Kranick navigated around a walk and a J.T. Realmuto single with an inning-ending flyout, then collected his second win on a walk-off rally at the bottom of the frame.

Hierarchy Remains: Edwin Díaz | A.J. Minter | José Buttó

(3) Martinez returns: Justin Martinez fired a clean ninth and recorded one strikeout on 12 pitches (7 strikes – 58.3 Strike%) with two whiffs (16.7 SwStr%).

His velocity remained stable; now, fantasy managers await how his workload adjusts moving forward. Martinez kept the game tied during the ninth, but Drey Jameson suffered his first loss. He gave up a lead-off double, scoring the “place” runner, issued a walk, then a one-out Yandy Díaz RBI double, finishing with three hits against, two runs (one earned), and one walk. Juan Morillo worked a clean tenth, striking out one.

Hierarchy Remains: Justin Martinez | Shelby Miller | Jalen Beeks

Vulture Save Options for April 24

  • Lucas Erceg (KC): With a doubleheader on tap, he could record an ancillary save or provide Carlos Estévez another day off. 
  • Justin Lawrence (PIT): Santana and Bednar have appeared in back-to-back games. 

Vulture Save Stashes for April 25

  • Griffin Jax (MIN): If Jhoan Durán pitches today, he may need Friday off since he threw 32 pitches on Tuesday. 
  • Yennier Cano (BAL): If Félix Bautista pitches in today’s game, he will be unavailable on Friday. 

Here are the remaining leverage events of interest from Wednesday’s split slate.

Closer CliffsNotes

Atlanta Braves

After taking over at the top of the eighth, Daysbel Hernández stranded two runners on an inning-ending Jordan Walker strikeout, then returned for the ninth and worked around two-out single for 1.1 scoreless frames for his third win. He threw 18 pitches (66.7 Strike%) and induced three whiffs (16.7 SwStr%) while recording two strikeouts. He has a 0.71 WHIP with seven strikeouts against three walks (10 K-BB%) over 11.1 innings.

  • Rafael Montero allowed a hit and a walk while striking out one in two-thirds of the eighth before being removed.
  • Pierce Johnson retired the side in the seventh.

Hierarchy Remains: Raisel Iglesias | Daysbel Hernández | Dylan Lee

Chicago Cubs

Preserving a one-run margin, Porter Hodge faced the Dodgers’ 9-1-2 hitters and fired a clean top of the ninth, striking out one for his first save. He threw 14 pitches (64.3 Strike%) and produced two whiffs (14.3 SwStr%) facing Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts.

Ryan Pressly has not pitched since Sunday and this report surfaced after the game:

  • Julian Merryweather notched his sixth hold, retiring the side and striking out two in the eighth.
  • Daniel Palencia worked a scoreless seventh, yielding a hit and striking out one for his first hold.

Pressly should be back on Friday, but Hodge may earn more ancillary save chances and a larger leverage share as the season progresses.

Hierarchy Remains: Ryan Pressly | Porter Hodge | Julian Merryweather

Cincinnati Reds

Shutting the door on his fifth save, Emilio Pagán fired a clean bottom of the ninth against the Marlins’ 4-5-6 lineup pocket on nine pitches (88.9 Strike%) and induced one whiff (11.1 SwStr%).

He has a 0.44 WHIP with nine strikeouts versus one walk (20.5 K-BB%) across 11.1 innings.

  • Tony Santillan worked around a lead-off single by retiring the next three batters for his sixth ohld.
  • Ian Gibaut tossed a scoreless seventh, giving up a hit and striking out one, securing his second hold.

Hierarchy Remains: Emilio Pagán | Tony Santillan | Graham Ashcraft

Detroit Tigers

Completing a combined shutout, Will Vest retired the side and recorded two strikeouts at the top of the ninth against three Padres’ pinch hitters. He threw 12 pitches (75 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (25 SwStr%).

Tommy Kahnle took over at the top of the eighth with two runners on and one out. He notched his first hold, retiring both batters on ten pitches (50 Strike%) without a whiff. He owns a 0.56 WHIP with 12 strikeouts versus three walks (17.7 K-BB%) through 9.1 innings.

It’s not a significant concern, but Kahnle has been the highest-leveraged reliever during the eighth inning in his last two appearances, which keeps Vest on the periphery of mixed-league relevance.

Hierarchy Remains: Tommy Kahnle | Will Vest | Tyler Holton

Houston Astros

Recording his seventh save, Josh Hader navigated around a one-out walk of George Springer, followed by Ernie Clement’s pinch-hit double, with a strikeout and a game-ending flyout. Hader threw 23 pitches (16 strikes – 69.6 Strike%) and generated six whiffs (26.1 SwStr%).

He’s posted a 0.69 WHIP (nice) while recording 17 strikeouts against three walks (29.1 K-BB%) through 13 innings.

  • Bryan Abreu tossed a scoreless eighth, giving up a hit and striking out one for his eighth hold.
  • Bryan King stranded a runner and recorded four outs, securing his seventh hold.

Hierarchy Remains: Josh Hader | Bryan Abreu | Bryan King

Minnesota Twins

In order of appearance, Justin Topa collected his first win, giving up a hit during a scoreless top of the sixth.

  • Griffin Jax fired a clean seventh and recorded two strikeouts on 14 pitches (64.3 Strike%) with two whiffs (14.3 SwStr%), securing his seventh hold. After a rough start this season, he’s been scoreless in two consecutive contests.
  • Brock Stewart notched his first hold, walking one and striking out two in a scoreless eighth.
  • Danny Coulombe retired the side against the White Sox 8-9-1 lineup pocket on 12 pitches (7 strikes – 58.3 Strike%) with one whiff for his first save.

Hierarchy Remains: Jhoan Durán | Louis Varland | Griffin Jax

Philadelphia Phillies

Handed a one-run at the bottom of the tenth, Jordan Romano induced a groundout by Juan Soto, then gave up a game-tying Pete Alonso double, intentionally walked Brandon Nimmo, and allowed a walk-off flare single by Sterling Marte, resulting his his first loss and a second blown save. Romano threw 11 pitches (72.7 Strike%) and produced four whiffs (36.4 SwStr%) but has 2.25 WHIP through his first 9.1 innings.

  • José Alvarado logged two scoreless frames, giving up two hits and striking out two on 28 pitches (75 Strike%) with three whiffs (10.7 SwStr%). This marked his fifth outing, recording six outs in a contest, and his first since June 16, 2021.
  • Matt Strahm tossed a scoreless seventh, yielding a hit and striking out two.

Hierarchy Remains: *José Alvarado | *Orion Kerkering | Matt Strahm

*= floating closer concept

Pittsburgh Pirates

Closing a combined shutout, Dennis Santana worked around Jorge Soler’s one-out double by retiring the next two Angels for his third save. He threw 17 pitches (10 strikes – 58.8 Strike%) and produced one whiff. He has a 0.88 WHIP with seven strikeouts versus three walks (7.1 K-BB%) in 11.1 innings.

  • Caleb Ferguson retired the side for his fourth hold in the eighth.
  • David Bednar fired a clean seventh and recorded two strikeouts on 13 pitches (10 strikes – 76.9 Strike%) with four whiffs (30.8 SwStr%). Since his return, he’s posted three scoreless appearances with a 0.67 WHIP and five strikeouts (45.5 K-BB%).

Updated Hierarchy: Dennis Santana | David Bednar | Caleb Ferguson

Seattle Mariners

Securing his eighth save, Andrés Muñoz fired a clean bottom of the ninth against the Red Sox 8-9-1 hitters and recorded one strikeout on 15 pitches (60 Strike%) with three whiffs (20 SwStr%). He owns a 0.83 WHIP with 15 strikeouts against five walks (22.7 K-BB%) in 12 scoreless innings.

Hierarchy Remains: Andrés Muñoz | Trent Thornton | Gabe Speier

Tampa Bay Rays

Recording his first career save, Eric Orze allowed an infield single with a throwing error scoring the “place” runner, a walk, induced a lineout, followed by another walk, before a game-ending groundball double play in Arizona. He only threw nine of 19 pitches for strikes (47.4 Strike%).

  • Pete Fairbanks collected his second win, stranding a runner and retiring his only two batters in the tenth.
  • Garrett Cleavinger retired all four batters faced across the ninth and tenth innings.
  • Edwin Uceta escaped with a scoreless eighth despite giving up a hit and two walks.
  • Mason Montgomery suffered his first blown save on a one-out walk, followed by Corbin Carroll’s go-ahead two-run home run in the bottom of the seventh.

Hierarchy Remains: Pete Fairbanks | Edwin Uceta | Mason Montgomery

The Athletics

Capping a three-run win, Mason Miller navigated around Joc Pederson’s two-out double with three strikeouts in a scoreless ninth. Miller threw 13 pitches (10 strikes – 76.9 Strike%) and generated five whiffs (38.5 Strike%).

He’s posted a 0.625 WHIP with 17 strikeouts and one walk (57.1 K-BB%) across eight scoreless frames.

  • Tyler Ferguson notched his fifth hold, retiring the side and striking out two in the eighth.
  • Mitch Spence gave up a hit and struck out one for his first hold in a scoreless seventh.
  • Justin Sterner retired the side in the sixth, securing his fourth hold.

Adjusted Hierarchy: Mason Miller | Tyler Ferguson | Justin Sterner

Washington Nationals

Presented with his ninth save opportunity in his tenth appearance, Kyle Finnegan navigated around two singles and recorded a strikeout for his ninth save. He entered this contest with 300 strikeouts in 300 innings over 300 games. In this outing, he threw 14 pitches (11 strikes – 78.6 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (14.3 SwStr%) while posting a 1.41 WHIP with 13 strikeouts against six walks (15.3 K-BB%) in 10.2 innings.

  • Jorge López stranded two of three runners at the top of the seventh and logged 1.2 innings, allowing a hit, an earned run, and striking out one. He collected his first win and a blown save.
  • Jose A. Ferrer gave up a hit, an earned run, hit a batter, and a walk during one-third of the seventh, getting credit for his sixth hold.
  • Jackson Rutledge notched his first hold, walking and striking out one.

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

Quick Hits

  • Baltimore Orioles: Entering a tied game at the bottom of the eighth, Gregory Soto suffered his first loss, giving up a hit, an earned run on a go-ahead sacrifice fly, and a walk on 22 pitches (14 strikes – 63.6 Strike%) with three whiffs.
  • Los Angeles Dodgers: Jack Dreyer suffered his first loss and a blown save, allowing two hits, four earned runs, and three walks in the fifth.
  • New York Yankees: Finishing a four-run win, Luke Weaver worked around a one-out single during a scoreless ninth, throwing 11 pitches (54.5 Strike%) and induced one whiff. He’s posted a 0.62 WHIP with 13 strikeouts versus five walks (17.1 K-BB%) over 13 innings. Fernando Cruz fired a clean eighth and recorded two strikeouts. He’s been scoreless in his last five appearances and registered multiple strikeouts in four.
  • St. Louis Cardinals: Called upon with runners on second and third with one out, Ryan Fernandez allowed Eli White’s go-ahead three-run home run before recording consecutive strikeouts. JoJo Romero gets tagged with his first loss, giving up two hits and two earned runs during one-third of the eighth.
  • Toronto Blue Jays: Appearing in a loss, Jeff Hoffman recorded a scoreless bottom of the eighth, allowing a hit and striking out two. He owns a 0.65 WHIP with 18 strikeouts versus one walk (30.6 K-BB%) across 12.1 innings.

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Monkey Bytes | April 23

Full-slate Tuesdays provide a bevy of high-leverage events; last night, they featured a run of fives. Relievers recorded five wins, five losses, five saves, and five blown saves. Justin Martinez was not quite ready for game action; Minnesota held on in the ninth courtesy of Byron Buxton. Will a closer controversy happen in Cleveland? Covered in today’s takeaways.

Three Takeaways

(1) Down in the desert: With a three-run lead entering the bottom of the eighth, Arizona’s broadcast showed Shelby Miller warming up for the save, not Justin Martinez, who last appeared in a game on April 17. When the lead grew to four, Miller stopped throwing, and rookie Juan Morillo finished the game in a non-save capacity. However, the shoulder fatigue or dead-arm affecting Martinez remains a concern for fantasy managers, but Torey Lovullo hopes his high-leverage reliever will be ready on Wednesday per this video on X, shared by Jack Sommers. For now, no changes but those in deep leagues can add/stash Miller just in case.

Hierarchy Remains: Justin Martinez | Shelby Miller | Jalen Beeks

(2) Should Buxton get the save instead? It’s been a strange start of the season for the Twins’ bullpen but Jhoan Durán held on for his second save despite traffic on the bases, benefiting from this game-ending catch by his center fielder. Durán loaded the bases with no outs at the top of the ninth, allowing a lead-off single, then issuing consecutive walks. He bore down with a strikeout and gave up an earned run on a fielder’s choice groundout, then with runners on second and third, the catch, securing his second save. However, he threw 32 pitches (62.5 Strike%) with six whiffs (18.8 SwStr%).

He has a 1.06 WHIP with 10 strikeouts against six walks (9.3 K-BB%) across 10.1 innings. Hopefully, this appearance will be an outlier for him as he’s adapting his pitch mix by throwing more split-fingered fastballs this season and fewer four-seams.

Also from this contest, Louis Varland notched his fourth hold, retiring the side on seven pitches in the eighth. Griffin Jax gave up a one-out single and registered two strikeouts for a scoreless seventh, securing his sixth hold.

Updated Hierarchy: Jhoan Durán | Louis Varland | Griffin Jax

(3) Is there a closer controversy in Cleveland? Fantasy players have short memories, especially regarding a closer who converted 47 of 50 save opportunities last season. After appearing in three straight contests, Emmanuel Clase received a second night off, which opened the door for Cade Smith, who closed out a one-run win over the Yankees on four pitches for his second save in as many nights.

Clase’s batting average on balls in play struggles have been covered previously. He remains the team’s closer, as this column by Terry Pluto for Cleveland.com discusses. No matter how one feels this situation will play out, as eloquently shared by Pluto, “Clase is the closer…until he’s not.”

Hierarchy Remains: Emmanuel Clase | Cade Smith | Hunter Gaddis

For the save streamers, a light forecast:

Vulture Save Options for April 23

  • Lucas Erceg (KC): Estévez threw 27 pitches last night and has appeared in three of the previous four days, logging four innings. 
  • Louis Varland (MIN): Durán held on for the save while throwing 32 pitches last night and has appeared in two of the three previous contests. 

Vulture Save Stashes for April 24

  • Chris Martin (TEX): If Jackson and Garcia pitch today, it will be consecutive outings for both relievers. 

Here are the remaining leverage events of interest from Tuesday.

Closer CliffsNotes

Chicago Cubs

At the top of the tenth, Porter Hodge stranded the “place” runner and retired the side, one via strikeout, then collected his second win on a walk-off rally at the bottom of the frame. He threw 11 pitches (72.7 Strike%) and generated three whiffs (27.3 SwStr%).

He has posted a 1.46 WHIP with 14 strikeouts versus five walks (18 K-BB%) through 11.2 innings.

  • Gavin Hollowell debuted with two scoreless frames and two strikeotus.
  • Ethan Roberts gave up a hit and struck out one in a scoreless seventh, though he let both inherited runners score.
  • Brad Keller suffered his second blown save, giving up two hits, five runs (four earned), and two walks in one-third combined innings.

Hierarchy Remains: Ryan Pressly | Porter Hodge | Julian Merryweather

Cincinnati Reds

Taking over at the bottom of the sixth with a runner on second, Graham Ashcraft recorded an inning-ending strikeout of Kyle Stowers. In the seventh, he allowed a lead-off double, induced a pop-out, and allowed a game-tying RBI single by Otto Lopez, followed by a strikeout, then made a throwing error on an infield hit, scoring the go-ahead run. Ashcraft gets tagged with his second loss and a blown save during his inning.

  • Tony Santillan stranded two runners in the seventh, allowing a hit and a walk over two-thirds scoreless.

Hierarchy Remains: Emilio Pagán | Tony Santillan | Graham Ashcraft

Colorado Rockies

After stranding the “place” runner at the bottom of the tenth, Tyler Kinley returned for the 11th, issuing consecutive intentional walks ahead of Freddy Fermin’s walk-off RBI single, resulting in his first loss. During his first blown save, Seth Halvorsen allowed two hits and an earned run on a sacrifice fly at the bottom of the ninth. He threw 11 pitches (72.7 Strike%) and produced two whiffs (18.2 SwStr%). He has a 1.85 WHIP with eight strikeouts against six walks through 8.2 innings.

Hierarchy Remains: Seth Halvorsen | Tyler Kinley | Jake Bird

Houston Astros

Appearing in a non-save capacity, Josh Hader fired a clean top of the ninth and recorded two strikeouts, closing a four-run win. He threw 14 pitches (71.4 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (21.4 SwStr%).

This extended his scoreless streak to nine games, during which he’s posted 13 strikeouts against one walk (32.4 K-BB%) over 11 innings.

  • Bryan Abreu retired the side in the eighth, striking out two.
  • Bryan King stranded a runner and retired his only batter in the seventh for his sixth hold.

Hierarchy Remains: Josh Hader | Bryan Abreu | Bryan King

Kansas City Royals

Collecting his third win on a walk-off at the bottom of the 11th, Daniel Lynch IV stranded the “place” runner, walking and striking out one at the top of the frames.

  • John Schreiber worked a scoreless tenth despite issuing two walks.
  • Following consecutive lineouts, Carlos Estévez issued three straight walks, then gave up a bases-emptying double with a 1-2 count in the ninth, plating three runs and handing him his second blown save. He owns a 1.27 WHIP with 10 strikeouts against nine walks through 11 innings.
  • Lucas Erceg tossed a clean eighth for his seventh hold. 

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

Los Angeles Dodgers

With the score tied at the bottom of the tenth, Noah Davis only threw one pitch, allowing Ian Happ’s walk-off RBI single, resulting in his first loss. Tanner Scott allowed Miguel Amaya’s game-tying solo home run in the ninth, suffering his second blown save. He threw 12 pitches (91.7 Strike%) without a whiff.

He has a 1.00 WHIP with 11 strikeouts (22.9 K-BB%) in 13 innings.

  • Kirby Yates issued a walk and produced an inning-ending strikeout at the bottom of the eighth for his sixth hold.
  • Alex Vesia gave up two hits, including Kyle Tucker’s two-run home run, and recorded two strikeouts for his eighth hold in the eighth.
  • Luis Garcia tossed a scoreless seventh, giving up a hit and striking out three, securing his second hold.

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

*= match-up-based with a preferred save share

Miami Marlins

Back in the saddle at the top of the ninth, Calvin Faucher secured his second save, retiring the side and striking out one against the Reds’ 8-9-1 hitters. He threw 10 pitches (70 Strike%) without a whiff.

He’s been scoreless over his last four appearances, with a win and two saves.

  • Anthony Bender notched his second hold, allowing a hit during a scoreless eighth.
  • Lake Bachar collected his first win, giving up a hit and striking out two in a scoreless seventh ahead of his team’s two-run rally at the bottom of the frame.

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

*= closer-by-committee

New York Mets

Closing a four-run win over the Phillies, José Buttó retired the side against the 8-9-1 lineup pocket on 13 pitches (8 strikes – 61.5 Strike%) with one whiff.

  • Ryne Stanek navigated around two walks for a scoreless eighth.
  • A.J. Minter secured his sixth hold, firing a clean seventh and striking out one.
  • Huascar Brazobán gave up a hit and a walk while striking out one in a scoreless sixth for his third hold.

Updated Hierarchy: Edwin Díaz | A.J. Minter | José Buttó

Pittsburgh Pirates

In order of appearance, Chase Shugart collected his first win, tossing two clean frames and recording three strikeouts, taking over at the bottom of the fifth.

  • David Bednar fired a clean seventh and recorded one strikeout on eight pitches (87.5 Strike%) with two whiffs (25 SwStr%) for his first hold.
  • Justin Lawrence was credited with his third hold despite issuing two walks and striking out one in two-thirds of the eighth.
  • Dennis Santana stranded both runners with an inning-ending strikeout, recording his third hold. He was in line for a four-out save, but when the lead grew to six, Ryan Borucki worked a clean ninth, striking out one in a non-save situation.

Updated Hierarchy: Dennis Santana | Justin Lawrence | David Bednar

San Diego Padres

Nailing down his MLB-leading tenth save, Robert Suarez retired the side, completing the combined strikeout, and recorded one strikeout in Detroit. He faced the 3-4-5 lineup pocket, throwing 12 pitches (75 Strike%) and inducing one whiff.

He’s posted 13 strikeouts against two walks (28.9 K-BB%) with a minuscule 0.455 WHIP across 11 scoreless innings.

  • Jason Adam recorded his MLB-leading ninth hold, allowing a hit during a scoreless eighth.

Hierarchy Remains: Robert Suarez | Jason Adam | Jeremiah Estrada

St. Louis Cardinals

Making his first appearance since April 16, Ryan Helsley displayed some rust, issuing two walks and striking out one during a scoreless bottom of the ninth, finishing a six-run win over Atlanta. He threw 22 pitches (13 strikes – 59.1 Strike%) and induced three whiffs (13.6 SwStr%).

He’s produced a 1.63 WHIP with ten strikeouts versus eight walks (5.6 K-BB%) through eight innings.

  • Kyle Leahy fired a clean bottom of the eighth and recorded one strikeout for his fourth hold.
  • Steven Matz collected his second win, logging 2.2 scoreless frames, giving up a hit and a walk while striking out two.

Hierarchy Remains: Ryan Helsley | Phil Maton | JoJo Romero

Quick Hits

  • Atlanta Braves: Entering at the top of the eighth, Enyel De Los Santos suffered his first loss, allowing two hits, three earned runs, and two walks while striking out one against the Cardinals.
  • Boston Red Sox: Finishing a five-run win, Liam Hendriks tossed a clean top of the ninth, throwing seven pitches (71.4 Strike%) without a whiff. Garrett Whitlock logged two scoreless frames, yielding a hit and striking out two for his third hold.
  • New York Yankees: In an eventual one-run loss, Luke Weaver retired the side at the bottom of the eighth, throwing 12 pitches (83.3 Strike%) with one whiff. He’s posted a 0.58 WHIP with 13 strikeouts versus five walks in 12 innings.
  • Philadelphia Phillies: It was another rough outing for Orion Kerkering. He took over with a runner on third and one out at the bottom of the seventh. He allowed Pete Alonso’s RBI double, walked Mark Vientos, threw a wild pitch, and intentionally walked Jesse Winker, followed by Luis Torrens’ two-RBI single. Kerkering has allowed five hits, five earned runs, and three walks over his last two appearances, spanning 1.1 innings. Jordan Romano worked a scoreless bottom of the sixth, walking and striking out one.

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Monkey Bytes | April 22

Though small, Monday’s eight-game slate proved mighty for save streamers. Relievers recorded six saves with five by the “second” in-line designation on our updated hierarchies. There were also three wins and two losses in yesterday’s contests by relief pitchers. Today’s takeaways focus on evolving leverage ladders in Boston, Miami, and Detroit.

Three Takeaways

(1) Slaten shines in the ninth: Securing his third save, Justin Slaten fired a clean top of the ninth and recorded one strikeout on 12 pitches (83.3 Strike%) while generating four whiffs (33.3 SwStr%).

He faced the 5-6-7 lineup pocket in this outing and has posted a 0.56 WHIP with eight strikeouts against one walk (21.9 K-BB%) over nine innings. He’s retired the last 21 batters he’s faced and riding a seven-game scoreless streak. Aroldis Chapman faced the top of the White Sox lineup in the eighth, giving up Andrew Benintendi’s solo home run and recording a strikeout for his first hold. He’s won two of three decisions while converting all four save chances with 14 strikeouts against four walks (25.6 K-BB%) across 9.1 innings. Alex Cora said in the preseason there would be times Chapman would be used against certain hitters or individual match-ups in the eighth inning, with Monday being another example. In his post-game conference, he intimated the team has multiple “closers” capable of handling the ninth inning. We are not changing the hierarchy, but Slaten could emerge as a viable option in mixed leagues if these trends continue.

Hierarchy Remains: Aroldis Chapman | Justin Slaten | Garrett Whitlock

(2) Tinoco gets the call: Preserving a three-run lead, Jesús Tinoco retired the side for his second save in as many days. He threw 11 pitches (81.8 Strike%) without a whiff against the Reds’ 7-8-9 lineup pocket.

He has a 1.228 WHIP with two strikeouts versus three walks (-4.2 K-BB%) across 5.2 innings. However, he has been scoreless over his last four appearances. According to this note on “X,” the team will continue to mix and match during the high-leverage innings.

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

*= closer-by-committee

(3) Vest proves capable: Facing the Padres’ 8-9-1 hitters, Will Vest retired the side and recorded a game-ending strikeout of Fernando Tatis Jr. for his second save. He threw 10 pitches (90 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (20 SwStr%).

He’s posted a 0.62 WHIP with 10 strikeouts against three walks (20 K-BB%) across 9.2 innings. For context, Tommy Kahnle had appeared in three of the previous four contests, giving him the night off. However, he was used in the eighth inning against Bobby Witt Jr., his last appearance, and if this sort of usage pattern persists, Vest enters the conversation as a save option in 12 and 15-team mixed formats. We will monitor this closely. For now:

Hierarchy Remains: Tommy Kahnle | Will Vest | Tyler Holton

Speaking of streaming for saves:

Vulture Save Options for April 22

  • Daysbel Hernández (ATL): Iglesias has pitched in three of the previous four days, and threw 25 pitches in a non-save outing last night. 
  • Ryne Stanek (NYM): Díaz has worked in four of the last six games, throwing 64 pitches since April 16, he could be unavailable tonight. 

Vulture Save Stash for April 23

  • Tony Santillan (CIN): If Pagán pitches tonight, it will be back-to-back appearances. 

Here are the remaining leverage events of interest from Monday.

Closer CliffsNotes

Atlanta Braves

Instead of a save chance, Raisel Iglesias took over the ninth with a four-run lead. It proved beneficial since he struggled with his command. He allowed three hits, including Willson Contreras’ two-run home run with two outs, three earned runs, and a walk while striking out one.

He threw 25 pitches (60 Strike%) and only induced two whiffs (8 SwStr%). It’s a blip, and he has a 1.00 WHIP with nine strikeouts versus two walks (19.4 K-BB%) through nine innings.

  • Daysbel Hernández allowed a walk during a scoreless eighth and collected his second win courtesy of a five-run rally at the bottom of the frame.

Hierarchy Remains: Raisel Iglesias | Daysbel Hernández | Dylan Lee

Cincinnati Reds

Appearing for the first time since April 17, Emilio Pagán retired the side at the bottom of the eighth on 10 pitches (80 Strike%) without a whiff.

He has a 0.48 WHIP with nine strikeouts versus one walk (22.2 K-BB%) through 10.1 innings.

  • Alexis Díaz stranded two runners at the bottom of the sixth but allowed a pinch-hit Kyle Stowers three-run home run in the seventh. He finished with three hits against, three earned runs, and a walk over 1.1 innings. Outings like this will prevent him from future high-leverage situations. He may need a fresh start with another organization.

Hierarchy Remains: Emilio Pagán | Tony Santillan | Graham Ashcraft

Cleveland Guardians

Finishing a two-run win over the Yankees, Cade Smith navigated around Oswaldo Cabrera’s one-out single with consecutive strikeouts against Austin Wells and Aaron Judge while recording his first save. He threw 11 pitches (81.8 Strike%) and induced one whiff.

He’s been scoreless in six of his last seven, posting 12 strikeouts against three walks over 7.1 innings. He has a 1.08 WHIP with 16 strikeouts versus four walks (24 K-BB%) over 12 innings. Emmanuel Clase had appeared in the three previous games, necessitating a night off.

  • Joey Cantillo notched his first hold, issuing a walk and striking out one in one-third of the eighth.
  • Paul Sewald gave up two hits, including Jazz Chisolm’s two-run home run at the top of the eighth, and recorded one strikeout in 1.1 innings.

Hierarchy Remains: Emmanuel Clase | Cade Smith | Hunter Gaddis

New York Mets

Answering the call with two runners on and no outs at the top of the ninth, Edwin Díaz induced a flyout, then allowed Bryson Stott’s three-run home run before recording consecutive strikeouts of Trea Turner and Bryce Harper for his sixth save. He threw 11 pitches (90.1 Strike%) and generated four whiffs (36.4 SwStr%).

Through 9.2 innings, he has a 1.34 WHIP with 15 strikeouts against six walks (21.4 K-BB%).

  • Max Kranick was credited with his first hold, giving up four hits and three earned runs over two innings.
  • Reed Garrett recorded his seventh hold, stranding a runner while yielding a hit and striking out one in two-thirds of the sixth.

Hierarchy Remains: Edwin Díaz | A.J. Minter | Ryne Stanek

San Francisco Giants

Closing a three-run win over the Brewers, Camilo Doval retired the 7-8-9 hitters in order, one via strikeout, for his third save. He threw an efficient seven pitches (85.7 Strike%) and induced one whiff (14.3 SwStr%).

He’s been streaky early this year but extended his scoreless streak to five games, during which he has a 0.20 WHIP with five strikeouts versus one walk (20 K-BB%) over five innings.

  • Hayden Birdsong collected his first win, allowing a hit and two walks while striking out four across three scoreless frames, throwing 49 pitches (30 strikes – 61.2 Strike%) with seven whiffs (14.3 SwStr%).

Hierarchy Remains: Ryan Walker | Camilo Doval | Ryan Walker

St. Louis Cardinals

In order of appearance, Kyle Leahy secured his third hold, tossing a clean seventh and striking out one against Atlanta’s 7-8-9 lineup pocket.

Phil Maton entered against the top of the batting order, allowing a one-out infield single by Austin Riley, walked Marcell Ozuna, who was replaced by a pinch-runner, a game-tying Matt Olson RBI single, and issued another walk before his removal.

JoJo Romero took over the bases-loaded situation and induced a sacrifice fly, then gave up Sean Murphy’s three-run home run.

  • Maton gets tagged with his first loss and a blown save, allowing two hits, four earned runs, and two walks while striking out one in one-third of the eighth. Romero gave up a hit and an earned run while striking out one in two-thirds of the eighth. 

Hierarchy Remains: Ryan Helsley | Phil Maton | JoJo Romero

Quick Hits

  • Houston Astros: Taking the baton from Hunter Brown at the top of the eighth, Forrest Whitley completed the combined shutout with two clean frames and recorded two strikeouts. He threw 32 pitches (62.5 Strike%) and induced four whiffs (12.5 SwStr%) during his season debut.
  • Milwaukee Brewers: Grant Anderson allowed a go-ahead Wilmer Flores solo home run and recorded two strikeouts in the sixth, resulting in his first loss.

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:

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Baseball-Reference.com

BaseballSavant.com

BrooksBaseball.net