Monkey Bytes: September 14

Full slate Fridays usually provide a bevy of close contests, and last night did not disappoint. It featured four one-run games, three shutouts, and a crazy eighth inning at Coors Field. Five relievers recorded wins, and eight secured saves. Our condensed game recaps cover the high-leverage events of interest.

Closer CliffsNotes

Raisel Iglesias (ATL) fired a clean top of the ninth and recorded a strikeout against the Dodgers’ 3-4-5 lineup pocket in a non-save outing, finishing a four-run win. He threw 11 pitches (72.7 Strike%) without a whiff. He’s allowed one unearned run during 22 second-half appearances, spanning 26.1 innings, with 32 strikeouts versus four walks and a minuscule 0.46 WHIP.

  • Hierarchy remains: Raisel Iglesias | Joe Jiménez | Pierce Johnson

Cam Booser (BOS) entered with the bases loaded and no outs at the bottom of the seventh. He issued Juan Soto an RBI walk, then served up Aaron Judge’s go-ahead grand slam, resulting in his third loss and a second blown save. He finished with a hit, two earned runs, and a walk while striking out one in one-third of the seventh.

  • Hierarchy remains: Kenley Jansen | Chris Martin | Justin Slaten

Nate Pearson (CHC) was summoned with the bases loaded and one out at the bottom of the eighth during a tied contest. However, he gave up Hunter Goodman’s go-ahead grand slam, scoring all three inherited runners. Pearson finished with two hits against and an earned run while striking out one in two-thirds of the eighth. Drew Smyly suffered his seventh loss, allowing two hits, three earned runs, and a walk with one strikeout in one-third of the eighth.

  • Hierarchy remains: Porter Hodge | Nate Pearson | Tyson Miller

Alexis Díaz (CIN) fired a clean bottom of the ninth and recorded a strikeout, sealing a four-run win over Minnesota. He threw 11 pitches (63.6 Strike%) and induced one whiff. He’s turned in six consecutive clean appearances in September with five strikeouts while collecting a win and converting three saves.

  • Hierarchy remains: Alexis Díaz | Emilio Pagán | Fermando Cruz

Seth Halvorsen (COL) finished a four-run win over the Cubs with a clean top of the ninth while striking out one. He threw 13 pitches (10 strikes – 76.9 Strike%) and induced two whiffs. He’s worked three consecutive clean appearances and been scoreless in six of seven games since his promotion. Victor Vodnik suffered his fourth blown save and was awarded his fourth win. He took over with a three-run lead at the top of the eighth, allowing consecutive singles ahead of Cody Bellinger’s game-tying three-run home run. Vodnik also issued a walk during his outing, ahead of his team’s four-run rally at the bottom of the inning.

  • Hierarchy remains: Tyler Kinley | Victor Vodnik | Angel Chivilli

Tyler Holton (DET) navigated around a two-out Gunnar Henderson triple with a game-ending strikeout while facing Anthony Santander, preserving a 1-0 win and securing his eighth save. He threw 19 pitches (13 strikes – 68.4 Strike%) and induced two whiffs. He’s been scoreless in 20 of his 23 appearances since the All-Star break, with 28 strikeouts against three walks, two wins, six saves, and five holds. Brant Hurter collected his fifth win, logging 5.2 scoreless “bulk innings,” allowing a walk and striking out eight. 

  • Hierarchy remains: *Jason Foley | *Tyler Holton | Will Vest
  • *= closer-by-committee

Josh Hader (HOU) retired the side and recorded two strikeouts, nailing down his 30th save. He’s secured at least 30 saves in the last four seasons and five of the last six. He threw 14 pitches (11 strikes – 78.6 Strike%) and produced four whiffs (28.6 SwStr%). This marked his first save in September, and he converted 12 of 13 in the second half with 28 strikeouts against ten walks.

  • Hierarchy remains: Josh Hader | Ryan Pressly | Bryan Abreu

Devin Williams (MIL) tossed a clean bottom of the ninth and recorded one strikeout against Arizona’s 6-7-8 hitters, preserving a one-run win and securing his 12th save. He threw 14 pitches (71.4 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (21.4 SwStr%). He’s appeared three times in the previous four days, recording a save in each. He also extended his scoreless streak to nine games, posting 16 strikeouts versus four walks and converting all seven save opportunities.

  • Hierarchy remains: Devin Williams | Trevor Megill | Joel Payamps

Luke Weaver (NYY) slammed the door on his second save. He capped a comeback rally with two scoreless frames while recording five strikeouts. He threw 35 pitches (24 strikes – 68.6 Strike%) and generated nine whiffs (25.7 SwStr%). He’s been scoreless over his last four outings, collecting a win and two saves with 12 strikeouts against two walks across 5.2 innings. Mark Leiter Jr. was awarded his fourth win despite giving up three hits and two earned runs while striking out two during his 1.1 innings. 

  • Hierarchy remains: *Luke Weaver | *Tommy Kahnle | Jake Cousins
  • *= closer-by-committee

Mason Miller (OAK) allowed a one-out single and recorded two strikeouts while completing a combined shutout for his 25th save. He threw 21 pitches (13 strikes – 61.9 Strike%) and induced two whiffs. He’s recorded three straight scoreless appearances and converted all nine save chances since the All-Star break. His next save will tie the franchise record for saves by a rookie (Andrew Bailey – 26 in 2009). 

  • Hierarchy remains: Mason Miller | Tyler Ferguson | Michel Otañez

Andrés Muñoz (SEA) fired a clean top of the ninth, securing his 21st save and a one-run win over Texas. He threw eight pitches (62.5 Strike%) and produced two whiffs (25 SwStr%) while striking out one facing the top of the lineup. He’s posted consecutive clean saves after allowing a home run in his two previous outings. JT Chargois collected his third win, retiring the side via strikeout in the eighth ahead of his team’s three-run rally at the bottom of the inning.

  • Hierarchy remains: Andrés Muñoz | Collin Snider | Austin Voth

Ryan Fernandez (STL) worked a clean bottom of the 10th but suffered his fifth loss at the bottom of the 11th. He issued Vlad Guerrero Jr. an intentional walk, allowed a bunt single, recorded a fielder’s choice groundout, and gave up a walk-off hit by Alejandro Kirk. Fernandez finished with two hits, an earned run, and a walk while striking out one during his 1.1 innings. 

  • Hierarchy remains: Ryan Helsley | Andrew Kittredge | JoJo Romero

Edwin Uceta (TB) nailed down his third save, retiring all five batters faced, two via strikeout during a two-run win in Cleveland. He threw 18 pitches (66.7 Strike%) and produced four whiffs (22.2 SwStr%). He’s recorded multiple-inning saves in two of his last three outings and been scoreless in four of five appearances this month, with 11 strikeouts against one walk during his 5.2 innings.

  • Updated Hierarchy: *Edwin Uceta | *Manuel Rodríguez | *Garrett Cleavinger
  • *=  closer-by-committee

David Robertson (TEX) took over with a two-run lead at the bottom of the eighth. He allowed a one-out single, issued a walk, induced a flyout, and gave up Julio Rodríguez’s go-ahead three-run home run, resulting in his fourth loss and an eighth blown save. This snapped a four-game scoreless streak and marked the first home run allowed by Robertson since July 21.

  • Hierarchy remains: Kirby Yates | David Robertson | José Leclerc

Erik Swanson (TOR) retired the side at the top of the 11th and collected his second win courtesy of a walk-off rally in the bottom of the inning. He threw 12 pitches (7 strikes – 58.3 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (16.7 SwStr%). This extended his modest scoreless streak to four games, and he’s been scoreless in seven of his last eight. 

  • Hierarchy remains: Chad Green | Génesis Cabrera | Erik Swanson

Kyle Finnegan (WSH) allowed a hit during a scoreless top of the ninth while securing his 37th save. He threw 17 pitches (14 strikes – 82.4 Strike%) without a whiff. He’s been scoreless in his last three outings and converted 12 of 13 save chances in the second half.

  • Hierarchy remains: Kyle Finnegan | Derek Law | Jose Ferrer

Vulture Save Options for Saturday, September 14

  • Ryan Pressly (HOU): Hader and Abreu have appeared in consecutive games. 
  • Joel Payamps (MIL): Williams and Megill have pitched in back-to-back contests. 
  • Tommy Kahnle (NYY): Weaver logged two innings while throwing 35 pitches last night. 
  • Hogan Harris (OAK): Miller and Ferguson have pitched in three of the previous four days.

Vulture Save Stash for Sunday, September 15

  • Derek Law (WSH): If Finnegan pitches again today, it will be back-to-back outings and three in four days. 
  • Grant Holmes (ATL): If Iglesias, Jiménez, and Johnson pitch later today, it will be consecutive outings for Atlanta’s high-leverage triumvirate.

Three Takeaways

Reshuffling the Rays hierarchy: Understanding Tampa Bay would use a match-up-based approach in save situations with Pete Fairbanks on the injured list, there’s been a shift in the leverage ladder usage patterns this month. Edwin Uceta has emerged as the preferred option, or at least over the last week. He’s converted two 1.2-inning saves, sandwiched around a meltdown in Philadelphia resulting in a two-game suspension. Manuel Rodríguez seemed like the early choice as the right-handed save option, but he has not recorded one since August 27 and appeared in a loss during six of his last seven outings. He did face the 2-3-4 lineup pocket in Cleveland and secured his eighth hold, but Richard Lovelady notched the save. There have been eight saves secured since August 19:

  • Edwin Uceta (3)
  • Garrett Cleavinger (2)
  • Manuel Rodríguez (2)
  • Richard Lovelady (1)

Dream Weaver spins another multiple-inning save: The good news is that Luke Weaver nailed down his second save of the season, closing out a one-run win over Boston last night. As the “de facto” closer, fantasy players prefer shorter outings, but a save’s a save. He has thrown 60 pitches in the previous three days across two appearances, putting his workload management to the test. Aaron Boone will mix and match based on feel and game flow. With 14 games remaining, if Weaver continues logging multiple-inning outings, it caps his upside for saves. Especially since his team’s competing for the division, fantasy managers should plan on varied usage patterns by Yankees relievers moving forward. 

Doval’s downward spiral continues: The team demoted Camilo Doval to get his attention and focus on throwing strikes. It seemed like it worked initially, but September has featured the same struggles that prompted his removal from the closer role. He allowed a run during a loss last night and has given up at least a run in three straight games. He’s also allowed a run in five of seven September appearances. Since August 24, he’s produced a 57.5 strike percentage, a 1.78 WHIP, and a 16.3 K-BB percentage with a matching 16.3 percent walk rate. His swinging strike percentage sits at 12.7 percent, and he’s only allowing a 65.7 percent contact rate, yet he owns a 7.00 ERA with a 3.79 SIERA. Perhaps he needs a change of scenery, but he did not receive the message sent by the team about throwing strikes. His dynasty outlook has taken a nosedive as a result.

Those seeking full game recaps should surf the team pages; they’ve all been updated with Friday’s results.

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

Statistical Credits:

Fangraphs.com

Baseball-Reference.com

Statcast

Monkey Bytes: September 13

Thursday’s eight-game slate provided plenty of late innings intrigue. Relievers recorded six wins and six saves. There were ancillary saves by Richard Lovelady (TB) and JoJo Romero (STL). Kirby Yates notched his 30th save, and Jesús Tinoco (MIA) secured his first of the season. Our condensed game recaps cover all of yesterday’s high-leverage events of interest.

Closer CliffsNotes

Josh Winckowski (BOS) suffered his second loss, giving up Juan Soto’s walk-off RBI double leading off the bottom of the tenth. Kenley Jansen fired a clean bottom of the ninth, striking out one on nine pitches (77.8 Strike%) with one whiff. He’s been scoreless in three of four outings this month.

  • Updated Hierarchy: Kenley Jansen | Chris Martin | Justin Slaten

Carson Spiers (CIN) took over a tied game at the bottom of the sixth. He gave up seven hits, five runs (four earned), and three walks while striking out four during his 2.2 innings, resulting in his sixth loss. 

  • Hierarchy remains: Alexis Díaz | Emilio Pagán | Fernando Cruz

Tyler Kinley (COL) worked around a one-out walk and a two-out infield single with a game-ending strikeout for his 12th save. He threw 25 pitches (68 Strike%) and induced two whiffs. He’s been scoreless in seven of his last eight games since August 20 and converted all six save chances. 

  • Updated Hierarchy: Tyler Kinley | Victor Vodnik | Angel Chivilli

Jason Foley (DET) suffered his sixth loss after taking over the top of the ninth with the score tied. He allowed a lead-off Brendan Rodgers single, who moved to second on a passed ball and scored on Jacob Stallings’ go-ahead RBI double. After inducing a groundout, Foley gave up another earned run on a sacrifice fly. He finished the ninth with two hits and two earned runs on his ledger. 

  • Hierarchy remains: *Jason Foley | *Tyler Holton | Will Vest
  • *= closer-by-committee

Josh Hader (HOU) allowed Tyler Nevin’s solo home run and recorded two strikeouts during a non-save outing during a win over Oakland. Hader threw 17 pitches (12 strikes – 70.6 Strike%) and produced four whiffs (23.5 SwStr%). He’s allowed a home run in three of his last four appearances and has not secured a save since August 29. Ryan Pressly gave up a game-tying solo home run by Brent Rooker but collected his second win courtesy of a rally in the bottom of the inning. Bryan Abreu notched his MLB-leading 35th hold, stranding a runner and retiring both batters in the top of the seventh. 

  • Hierarchy remains: Josh Hader | Ryan Pressly | Bryan Abreu

Jesús Tinoco (MIA) fired two clean frames while striking out two, closing a three-run win over the Nationals and recording his first save. He threw 22 pitches (15 strikes – 68.2 Strike%) and induced three whiffs. He took over against the 3-4-5 pocket in the eighth and returned for the ninth. He’s been scoreless in six of his last seven with this save and 12 strikeouts versus one walk across eight innings. Anthony Bender retired his only batter in the seventh via strikeout and was awarded his fifth win.

  • Updated Hierarchy: Jesús Tinoco | Declan Cronin | Anthony Bender

Devin Williams (MIL) navigated around consecutive one-out hits, putting runners on second and third, recording a strikeout and a game-ending groundout, securing his 11th save. He threw 18 pitches (88.9 Strike%) and produced five whiffs (27.8 Strike%) while striking out two. He’s converted his last six save opportunities and been scoreless over his last eight appearances, with 15 strikeouts against four walks and a 0.88 WHIP.

  • Hierarchy remains: Devin Williams | Trevor Megill | Joel Payamps

Clay Holmes (NYY) retired both batters he faced in the top of the tenth, stranding a runner. He collected his third win courtesy of a walk-off rally in the bottom of the inning. 

  • Hierarchy remains: *Luke Weaver | *Tommy Kahnle | Jake Cousins
  • *= closer-by-committee

T.J. McFarland (OAK) entered a tied game at the bottom of the eighth and allowed two hits, resulting in two earned runs and his third loss in one-third of an inning. Grant Holman let both inherited runners score on consecutive two-out hits and finished with three hits allowed, two earned runs, and a walk on his ledger over two-thirds of the eighth. 

  • Hierarchy remains: Mason Miller | Tyler Ferguson | Michel Otañez

Collin Snider (SEA) took over in the eighth, getting tagged with his third loss and a first blown save. He gave up Marcus Semien’s solo home run, had a batter reach on an error, followed by a double and an RBI fielder’s choice groundout, tying the game. His final line was two hits against and three runs (one earned). 

  • Hierarchy remains: Andrés Muñoz | Collin Snider | Austin Voth

Camilo Doval (SF) suffered his second loss, issuing Willy Adames a lead-off walk, sandwiching a strikeout between three wild pitches, scoring the game’s go-ahead run, and recording two groundouts en route to his second loss. He threw 24 pitches (11 strikes – 45.8 Strike%) and only induced one whiff. 

  • Hierarchy remains: Ryan Walker | Tyler Rogers | Camilo Doval

JoJo Romero (STL) stranded an inherited runner at the top of the eighth, preserving a three-run lead and allowing a single before inducing an inning-ending groundout. He returned for the ninth, navigating around a lead-off single and a wild pitch for a scoreless inning, securing his first save of the season. He logged 1.1 innings and scattered two hits in the eventual five-run win. 

  • Hierarchy remains: Ryan Helsley | Andrew Kittredge | JoJo Romero

Richard Lovelady (TB) retired the side against the Guardians’ 6-7-8 lineup pocket on six pitches, recording his second save. Manuel Rodríguez matched up with the 2-3-4 hitters, giving up a two-out single and striking out two for his eighth hold in a highest-leverage reliever (HLR) usage pattern. 

  • Hierarchy remains: *Manuel Rodríguez | *Edwin Uceta | *Garrett Cleavinger
  • *=  closer-by-committee

Kirby Yates (TEX) notched his 30th save with a scoreless ninth while preserving a come-from-behind one-run win in Seattle. He allowed a two-out Victor Robles single and recorded two strikeouts on 20 pitches (70 Strike%) with two whiffs. He’s converted all nine save chances since August 19 and has been scoreless over his last six.

  • Hierarchy remains: Kirby Yates | David Robertson | José Leclerc

Derek Law (WSH) suffered his fourth loss and a fourth blown save, giving up three hits, three runs (two earned), and a walk during the eighth. He stranded a runner while inducing an inning-ending double play in the seventh on one pitch, then only recorded one out in the eighth. 

  • Hierarchy remains: Kyle Finnegan | Derek Law | Jose A. Ferrer

Vulture Save Option for Friday, September 13

  • Tyler Holton (DET): Foley has pitched the two previous games. 
  • Declan Cronin (MIA): Tinoco recorded a two-inning save last night. 
  • Josh Winckowski (BOS): Jansen, Martin, and Slaten have all appeared in back-to-back games. 

Vulture Save Stash for Saturday, September 14

  • Joel Payamps (MIL): If Williams and Megill get used again tonight, they will be off on Saturday. 
  • Bryan Abreu (HOU): If Hader pitches tonight, it will be consecutive appearances. 

Three Takeaways

“De Facto” Weaver: In this tweet by Jack Curry, if Aaron Boone does not identify a closer for the postseason, he’s comfortable running match-up-based approaches in the late innings. Currently, Luke Weaver will operate in the highest leveraged moments, which are not necessarily reserved for save situations if we read between the lines. Since August 16, he’s been scoreless in 11 of 12 appearances with a win, a save, and four holds while posting a 20.4 K-BB percentage, though his 12.2 percent walk rate could improve. 

Kinley’s takeover in Colorado: Managers prefer injuries not causing a player to lose his role, but Victor Vodnik has logged both appearances in the seventh inning since being activated. Tyler Kinley has converted all six safe chances since August 26 and seven of eight opportunities in the second half. Over his last 17 games, he’s recorded a 21:5 K:BB (25.4 K-BB%), a 0.78 WHIP, and an 18.5 percent swinging strike rate through 16.2 innings. It’s tough trusting relievers in Coors, and he’s capable of a meltdown, but he’s emerged as the closer. 

Tinoco time in Miami: After we speculated Jesús Tinoco would become the primary save share with Calvin Faucher on the injured list, he nailed down a clean two-inning save last night. Since his acquisition, Tinoco’s posted a robust 26 strikeouts versus four walks (30.6 K-BB%) through 20.1 innings for the Marlins with a minuscule 0.54 WHIP. He does not have the same swing-and-miss as other relievers, but he’s producing weak contact, and his 2.11 SIERA in this sample backs up his results.

Those seeking full game recaps should surf the team pages; they’ve all been updated with Thursday’s results.

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

Statistical Credits:

Fangraphs.com

Baseball-Reference.com

Statcast

Monkey Bytes: September 12

Whether it was fate or providence, on the 23rd remembrance of 9/11, nine relievers recorded a win, and 11 secured a save. Saves occurred in all shapes and sizes, ranging between a three-inning one by Jordan Montgomery (ARI) and Edwin Díaz (NYM), recording one with one pitch. Our condensed recaps cover all of Wednesday’s high-leverage events of interest.

Closer CliffsNotes

Jordan Montgomery (ARI) recorded his first major league save, finishing a lopsided win over Texas. He logged three scoreless innings, giving up two hits and a walk on 37 pitches (25 strikes – 67.6 Strike%) and getting two whiffs. Dylan Floro was awarded his sixth win. He gave up a walk during a scoreless sixth.

  • Hierarchy remains: Justin Martinez | A.J. Puk | Ryan Thompson

Keegan Akin (BAL) had a batter reach on a fielding error and allowed Tyler O’Neill’s walk-off three-run home run, resulting in his first loss and a third blown save during the bottom of the tenth. Seranthony Domínguez tossed a scoreless ninth, giving up a hit and striking out two. He owns a modest three-game scoreless streak in September. 

  • Hierarchy remains: Seranthony Domínguez | Yennier Cano | Cionel Pérez

Greg Weissert (BOS) collected his fourth win on a walk-off rally in the bottom of the inning. He gave up Emmanuel Rivera’s RBI single during the top of the tenth without further damage. Kenley Jansen allowed a one-out single at the top of the ninth, then induced an inning-ending double-play groundout, keeping the game tied. He threw 11 pitches (72.7 Strike%) and induced one whiff. 

  • Hierarchy remains: Kenley Jansen | Justin Slaten | Josh Winckowski

Emmanuel Clase (CLE) worked around a one-out Luis Robert Jr. single with consecutive strikeouts, securing his 44th save and matching his career-high. He threw 16 pitches (13 strikes – 81.3 Strike%) and produced four whiffs (25 SwStr%). He’s converted 31 straight save opportunities and been scoreless in 13 of his last 14 outings.

  • Hierarchy remains: Emmanuel Clase | Hunter Gaddis | Cade Smith

Jason Foley (DET) worked around a two-out walk and recorded a game-ending groundout, sealing a three-run win over the Rockies for his 22nd save. He threw 17 pitches (11 strikes – 64.7 Strike%) and induced two whiffs while recording two strikeouts. Since August 14, he’s given up one unearned run and converted all seven save opportunities with ten strikeouts against four walks over 11.1 innings.

  • Updated Hierarchy: *Jason Foley | *Tyler Holton | Will Vest
  • *= closer-by-committee

Kris Bubic (KC) suffered his first blown save during the bottom of the tenth, letting the “place” runner score on a sacrifice bunt followed by a sacrifice fly. With the score tied in the 11th, he issued Aaron Judge an intentional walk with one out and allowed a walk-off infield single by Jazz Chisolm Jr., resulting in his first loss.

  • Hierarchy remains: Lucas Erceg | John Schreiber | Kris Bubic

Michael Kopech (LAD) loaded the bases on 15 pitches, then induced a sacrifice fly, benefited from a caught stealing (Seiya Suzuki) at third base, and produced a game-ending strikeout for his 13th save. It was not an aesthetically pleasing outing, but sometimes a save’s a save. He threw 22 pitches (8 strikes – 36.4 Strike%) and got one whiff. This snapped a six-game scoreless streak, but he’s only allowed one earned run in two of his 18 outings since his acquisition, with three wins, four saves, and a 22:7 K:BB through 18 innings.

  • Updated Hierarchy: *Michael Kopech | *Evan Phillips | Blake Treinen
  • *= closer-by-committee

Jhoan Durán (MIN) hung on for his 23rd save despite allowing three hits and an earned run while striking out two in a two-run win over the Angels. He threw 22 pitches (15 strikes – 68.2 Strike%) and induced three whiffs (14.3 SwStr%). His second-half struggles with contact continued in this outing. He’s given up multiple hits in seven of 19 games since the All-Star break and has posted a 1.47 WHIP while converting eight of nine save chances.

  • Hierarchy remains: Jhoan Durán | Griffin Jax | Cole Sands

Edwin Díaz (NYM) stranded two runners at the bottom of the ninth, inducing a game-ending flyout on one pitch while preserving a four-run win for his 18th save. He’s been scoreless in his last eight appearances since August 29 and converted all four save chances with 14 strikeouts versus one walk. 

  • Hierarchy remains: Edwin Díaz | Phil Maton | Reed Garrett

Luke Weaver (NYY took over at the top of the tenth with a runner on and one out and retired both batters, one via strikeout. He returned for a clean top of the 11th, recording two more strikeouts. He collected his fifth win on a walk-off rally in the bottom of the inning. He threw 25 pitches (68 Strike%) and produced five whiffs (25 SwStr%) while recording three strikeouts.

  • Hierarchy remains: *Luke Weaver | *Tommy Kahnle | Jake Cousins
  • *= closer-by-committee

Mason Miller (OAK) locked down his 24th with a clean bottom of the ninth while preserving a one-run in Houston. He threw nine pitches (77.8 Strike%) and induced one whiff. He’s been scoreless in his last two appearances and converted all nine save chances in the second half. 

  • Hierarchy remains: Mason Miller | Tyler Ferguson | Michel Otañez

Carlos Estévez (PHI) preserved a one-run win over the Rays with a scoreless ninth, securing his 25th save. He allowed a hit, but his defense picked him up with a caught stealing before a game-ending groundout. He threw ten pitches (70 Strike%) without a whiff. He’s been scoreless in seven of his last eight games, converting four of five save chances.

  • Hierarchy remains: Carlos Estévez | Jeff Hoffman | Matt Strahm

Jalen Beeks (PIT) took over with two runners on and two outs at the top of the ninth. He allowed a single, loading the bases before inducing a game-ending flyout by Xavier Edwards, securing his tenth save of the season, first with the Pirates. David Bednar opened the ninth with a three-run lead, giving up a lead-off double, then Jake Burger reached on a fielding error. Bednar recorded consecutive strikeouts before Cristian Pache produced an RBI single, prompting his removal for a left-on-left match-up. He was credited with his second hold despite spoiling the combined shutout. He gave up two hits and an unearned run while striking out two. 

  • Hierarchy remains: Aroldis Chapman | Dennis Santana | David Bednar

Andrés Muñoz (SEA) fired a clean top of the ninth while facing San Diego’s 3-4-5 lineup pocket and recorded two strikeouts for his 20th save. This snapped his two-game streak of allowing at least a run. He threw 14 pitches (9 strikes – 64.3 Strike%) without a whiff. After going a week between outings, he looked sharp, but fantasy managers will track his workload and results through the end of the season. 

  • Hierarchy remains: Andrés Muñoz | Collin Snider | Austin Voth

Ryan Helsley (STL) retired the side and recorded a strikeout during a one-run win over the Reds, nailing down his 44th save. He threw eight pitches (62.5 Strike%) and induced one whiff. He’s been scoreless in 11 of his last 12 games and converted nine of ten save chances with 17 strikeouts versus three walks. JoJo Romero collected his seventh win. He retired both batters in the eighth and struck out one ahead of his team’s go-ahead rally in the bottom of the inning. 

  • Hierarchy remains: Ryan Helsley | Andrew Kittredge | JoJo Romero

Drew Rasmussen (TB) entered a tied game at the bottom of the sixth. He suffered his first loss. He allowed a two-out walk and consecutive singles, scoring the eventual game-winning run. He finished 1.2 innings, giving up two hits, an earned run, and a walk while striking out one. 

  • Hierarchy remains: *Manuel Rodríguez | *Edwin Uceta | *Garrett Cleavinger
  • *=  closer-by-committee

Chad Green (TOR) suffered his sixth loss during another September meltdown. He entered a tied game at the top of the ninth, allowed a single, and issued consecutive walks, loading the bases and letting the go-ahead run score on a sacrifice fly. Reloading the bases by walking J.D. Martinez, Green induced a second sacrifice fly and was removed with two runners on and two outs. His final line was one hit against, four earned runs, and three walks over two-thirds of an inning. He’s given up at least a run in three of four outings this month and multiple runs in two, resulting in three losses and three blown saves. 

  • Hierarchy remains: Chad Green | Génesis Cabrera | Erik Swanson

Kyle Finnegan (WSH) retired the side and recorded a strikeout against Atlanta’s 5-6-7 lineup pocket in a non-save capacity. He threw 20 pitches (70 Strike%) and induced two whiffs. He’s been scoreless in four of his last five appearances. 

  • Hierarchy remains: Kyle Finnegan | Derek Law | Jose Ferrer

Vulture Save Options for Thursday, September 12

  • Tommy Kahnle (NYY): Weaver logged 1.2 innings and threw 25 pitches last night. 
  • Michel Otañez (OAK): Miller and Ferguson have appeared in back-to-back games. 

Vulture Save Stash for Friday, September 13

  • Josh Winckowski (BOS): If Jansen pitches today, it would be two straight appearances. 

Three Takeaways

“The Good,” Muñoz records a clean save: Snapping a two-game streak of allowing a home run, Andrés Muñoz finished a three-run win over the Padres with a clean ninth while recording two strikeouts. Although he did not induce a whiff, he did get a strikeout on a foul tip. He’s only converted two of four save chances since July and had allowed a home run in four of his previous seven appearances. Fantasy managers will welcome a strong finish, but he leaned into his four-seam fastball in this outing, which leaves us wondering about how healthy his elbow feels: 

“The Bad” luck for Durán’s batting average on balls in play: Despite producing a robust 29.3 K-BB percentage since the All-Star break, Jhoan Durán has only won one of six decisions while converting eight of nine save chances across 17.2 innings. His 6.11 ERA in this timeframe accompanies a 1.72 SIERA, and his 69.8 percent contact rate allowed with a 15.5 swinging strike percentage probably deserves better results. It’s tough digesting the four-run gap between a reliever’s ERA and SIERA, but his splits by pitch on batted ball events should migrate toward the mean: 

“The Ugly,” Green’s September spiral continues: After converting his first 16 save chances this season, things have abruptly turned. He’s given up at least a run in three of four outings this month and multiple runs in two, resulting in three losses and three blown saves. If space allows, fantasy players should reserve him moving forward, and the velocity in yesterday’s outing suggests he may need a couple of days off. Returning from surgery last year, he may be fatigued: 

Those seeking full game recaps should surf the team pages; they’ve all been updated with Wednesday’s results.

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

Statistical Credits:

Fangraphs.com

Baseball-Reference.com

Statcast

Monkey Bytes: September 11

First, a moment of remembrance for the events of 2001. It was going to be my first day of activity as a Physical Education teacher here in Syracuse, and then my wife called to tell me what was happening with the Twin Towers. I did not let my students change for class, and our school eventually closed. It’s a day I will never forget, and I still wear my Engine 21 shirt for Captain Billy Burke. I taught and coached his niece for my school. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers to all those involved in the events on this day.

Tuesday’s full slate featured four shutouts and an extra-inning game but only yielded five reliever wins and six saves. Four of the wins recorded required two-inning outings or more, and Emilio Pagán (CIN) came through with a vulture save, though he made things interesting.

Before delving into our game recaps, fantasy managers had another closer land on the injured list:

Los Angeles Angels – Unfortunately for fantasy managers, Ben Joyce was placed on the 15-day injured list with shoulder inflammation, per Sam Blum of The Athletic. Ron Washington intimated a closer-by-committee approach would be reflected in our updated hierarchy until a save situation provides more information on who he prefers in the late innings. 

  • Updated Hierarchy: *Hunter Strickland | *José Quijada | *Brock Burke
  • *= closer-by-committee

Next, our condensed recaps cover Tuesday’s high-leverage events of interest.

Closer CliffsNotes

Justin Martinez (ARI) fired a clean top of the ninth and recorded two strikeouts in a non-save appearance while completing a combined shutout. He threw 13 pitches (8 strikes – 61.5 Strike%) and induced one whiff against Texas’ 4-5-6 lineup pocket. A.J. Puk retired the side via strikeouts in the eighth.

  • Hierarchy remains: Justin Martinez | A.J. Puk | Ryan Thompson

Jesse Chavez (ATL) took over in the second and logged three scoreless innings, earning his second win. He gave up a hit and recorded three strikeouts in his outing. 

  • Hierarchy remains: Raisel Iglesias | Joe Jiménez | Pierce Johnson

Seranthony Domínguez (BAL) worked around Cedanne Rafaela’s two-out single with a game-ending flyout by Jarren Duran, closing a two-run win in Boston and recording his tenth save. Domínguez threw 14 pitches (11 strikes – 78.6 Strike%) and generated five whiffs (35.7 SwStr%) while striking out two. He’s converted all nine save chances since August 10 and been scoreless in six of his last seven outings with eight strikeouts versus one walk.

  • Hierarchy remains: Seranthony Domínguez | Yennier Cano | Cionel Pérez

Porter Hodge (CHC) allowed a walk during a scoreless bottom of the ninth against the Dodgers’, preserving a three-run win and securing his fifth save. He threw 18 pitches (10 strikes – 55.6 Strike%) and induced one whiff. This extended his scoreless streak to 14 games, spanning 15 innings, during which he’s collected three wins and converted four saves with 20 strikeouts against seven walks.

  • Hierarchy remains: Porter Hodge | Nate Pearson | Tyson Miller

Emilio Pagán (CIN) secured his first save of the season and preserved a combined shutout in St. Louis. His outing began with consecutive singles and a walk, but Pagán bore down by striking out the next three batters. He threw 24 pitches (62.5 Strike%) and induced three whiffs (12.5 SwStr%). 

  • Hierarchy remains: Alexis Díaz | Emilio Pagán | Fernando Cruz

Pedro Avila (CLE) entered at the bottom of the third and logged two scoreless frames while scattering two hits, collecting his sixth win in a combined shutout against the White Sox. 

  • Hierarchy remains: Emmanuel Clase | Hunter Gaddis | Cade Smith

Héctor Neris (HOU) suffered his fifth loss during the top of the 12th versus Oakland. He allowed a lead-off single, then committed a throwing error on a sacrifice bunt, resulting in the “place” runner scoring and finishing with two unearned runs on his ledger in the eventual one-run defeat. Bryan Abreu logged two clean frames and recorded five strikeouts. He threw 20 pitches (85 Strike%) and generated eight whiffs (40 SwStr%).

  • Hierarchy remains: Josh Hader | Bryan Abreu | Ryan Pressly

John Schreiber (KC) completed a combined shutout with a clean bottom of the ninth and two strikeouts in a non-save capacity. 

  • Hierarchy remains: Lucas Erceg | John Schreiber | Kris Bubic

Evan Phillips (LAD) suffered his first loss and a fourth blown save, giving up two hits and four unearned runs at the top of the eighth. His teammates committed three errors during his outing, resulting in traffic and an elevated pitch count. He threw 25 pitches (72 Strike%) while allowing two hits and a walk with one strikeout.

  • Updated Hierarchy: *Michael Kopech | *Evan Phillips | Blake Treinen
  • *= closer-by-committee

Devin Williams navigated around Heliot Ramos’ lead-off single and a two-out walk with a game-ending strikeout, sealing the one-run win over the Giants and recording his tenth save. He threw 21 pitches (12 strikes – 57.1 Strike%) and induced one whiff. He’s been scoreless in his last seven appearances and converted all five save chances with 13 strikeouts against four walks since August 28. 

  • Hierarchy remains: Devin Williams | Trevor Megill | Joel Payamps

Hogan Harris (OAK) collected his fourth win despite letting the “place” runner score in the 12th. He allowed a hit and an unearned run while striking out three during his two innings. Mason Miller retired the Astros’ 4-5-6 lineup pocket in order in the bottom of the tenth on four pitches (75 Strike%). 

  • Hierarchy remains: Mason Miller | Tyler Ferguson | Michel Otañez

José Alvarado (PHI) collected his second win, retiring the side in the eighth and striking out two. He threw 14 pitches (11 strikes – 78.6 Strike%) and produced four whiffs (28.6 SwStr%) ahead of his team’s five-run rally in the bottom of the inning. 

  • Hierarchy remains: Carlos Estévez | Jeff Hoffman | Matt Strahm

Aroldis Chapman (PIT) recorded his eighth save. He allowed three hits, including Jake Burger’s RBI single at the top of the ninth. He threw 17 pitches (13 strikes – 76.5 Strike%) and induced one whiff. It’s a tenuous time for fantasy managers; Chapman’s given up at least a run in four of his last seven games, multiple runs in two, but converted four of five save chances with a 2.54 WHIP over 6.1 innings.

  • Updated Hierarchy: Aroldis Chapman | Dennis Santana | David Bednar

Robert Suarez (SD) was summoned with two runners on and two outs at the bottom of the eighth. He induced an inning-ending lineout by Jorge Polanco. Suarez navigated around a two-out single for a scoreless ninth and notched his 32nd save while preserving the four-run win. He threw 18 pitches (66.7 Strike%) and produced five whiffs (27.8 SwStr%) with two strikeouts over his 1.1 scoreless frames. He’s converted three of four save opportunities in September.

  • Hierarchy remains: Robert Suarez | Tanner Scott | Jason Adam

Richard Lovelady (TB) suffered his sixth loss after allowing a walk and a double before his removal during a tied game at the bottom of the eighth. Both runners scored, putting two earned runs on his line during his two-thirds combined innings. Edwin Uceta entered with two runners on and one out, letting both score on Cal Stevenson’s two-RBI single. After recording a strikeout, he allowed an RBI single and Trea Turner’s two-run home run, followed by Bryce Harper’s double, and ended with hitting Nick Castellanos with a pitch. Uceta only recorded one out while yielding four hits and three earned runs.

  • Hierarchy remains: *Manuel Rodríguez | *Edwin Uceta | *Garrett Cleavinger
  • *=  closer-by-committee

Vulture Save Option for Wednesday, September 11

  • David Bednar (PIT): Chapman and Santana have appeared in back-to-back games in three times in the previous four days. 

Vulture Save Stash for Thursday, September 12

  • Bryan Abreu (HOU): If Hader pitches today, it will be consecutive outings and Abreu should be off after logging two dominant innings last night. 

Tuesday’s Takeaway

Suarez sticks with the four-seam fastball: Despite recent struggles with traffic, Robert Suarez threw 14 four-seam fastballs among his 18 pitches during a four-out save against Seattle. He allowed one hit, a two-out Victor Robles single, and recorded two strikeouts. His success for the remainder of the season and the playoffs will rely on location with sequencing. He cannot issue walks in save situations in the postseason since players can sit on the fastball and hunt mistakes. He lowered his second-half WHIP to 1.23 after last night’s save, and here’s a look at his pitch illustrator with the pitch description:

Those seeking full game recaps should surf the team pages; they’ve all been updated with Tuesday’s results.

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

Statistical Credits:

Fangraphs.com

Baseball-Reference.com

Statcast

Monkey Bytes: September 10

Monday’s nine games yielded four reliever wins, though one was accompanied by a blown save (Carlos Estévez). Six pitchers secured saves, including two three-inning saves (José Suarez and Josh Winckowski). The Díaz brothers also recorded saves and are featured in today’s three takeaways below.

Our condensed game recaps cover yesterday’s slate’s high-leverage events of interest.

Closer CliffsNotes

Josh Winckowski (BOS) recorded his second save while tossing three innings in an eventual nine-run win. He allowed two hits, including Anthony Santander’s solo home run, and a walk with strikeouts in his outing. He threw 45 pitches (28 strikes – 62.2 Strike%) and induced four whiffs.

  • Hierarchy remains: Kenley Jansen | Justin Slaten | Josh Winckowski

Keegan Thompson (CHC) stranded one of three runners and allowed two hits over 1.2 scoreless innings while striking out one. He collected his second win, throwing 22 pitches (15 strikes – 68.2 Strike%) and induced one whiff after taking over during the bottom of the fifth inning against the Dodgers. 

  • Hierarchy remains: Porter Hodge | Nate Pearson | Tyson Miller

Alexis Díaz (CIN) preserved a 1-0 win in Atlanta while recording his 27th save. He retired the 1-2-3 hitters on 12 pitches (7 strikes – 58.3 Strike%) with two whiffs (18.2 SwStr%). He’s recorded five clean outings in September with a win and three saves. He’s pitched in four of the previous five days. 

  • Updated Hierarchy: Alexis Díaz | Emilio Pagán | Fernando Cruz

Emmanuel Clase (CLE) finished a two-run win over the White Sox with a scoreless ninth for his 43rd save. He threw 14 pitches (11 strikes – 78.6 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (14.3 SwStr%) while recording two strikeouts. He’s converted 30 consecutive save chances since May 20 and has posted 34 strikeouts against six walks over his last 43 innings. 

  • Hierarchy remains: Emmanuel Clase | Hunter Gaddis | Cade Smith

James McArthur (KC) took over with a one-run lead at the bottom of the seventh. He suffered his seventh loss and a seventh blown save. He allowed three hits, including Austin Wells’ three-run home run, four earned runs, and a walk without recording an out.

  • Hierarchy remains: Lucas Erceg | John Schreiber | Kris Bubic

Edwin Díaz (NYM) secured his 17th save with a scoreless ninth, working around a hit and striking out one during a one-run win in Toronto. He threw 12 pitches (66.7 Strike%) and induced one whiff. This outing extended his scoreless streak to seven games, during which he’s converted three saves with 14 strikeouts versus one walk. Ryne Stanek was awarded his seventh win after striking out the side in the bottom of the eighth. 

  • Hierarchy remains: Edwin Díaz | Phil Maton | Reed Garrett

Jake Cousins (NYY) took over in the seventh and tossed a scoreless inning, issuing a walk and recording two strikeouts. He collected his second win courtesy of a four-run rally at the bottom of the frame. Luke Weaver notched his 22nd hold with a scoreless eighth. He allowed a hit and a walk while striking out two on 23 pitches (12 strikes – 52.2 Strike%) with three whiffs. However, Tommy Kahnle was warming up for the ninth if there was a save chance. It appears that creativity in safe situations has only just begun.

  • Hierarchy remains: *Luke Weaver | *Tommy Kahnle | Jake Cousins
  • *= closer-by-committee

Carlos Estévez (PHI) collected his fourth win and a fifth blown save, courtesy of a walk-off rally in the bottom of the frame. He finished with two hits and the earned run on Brandon Lowe’s game-tying solo home run leading off the ninth. Estévez threw 27 pitches (17 strikes – 63 Strike%) with two whiffs. This snapped his six-game scoreless streak, but he’s converted four of five saves and won three of four decisions since his acquisition. 

  • Hierarchy remains: Carlos Estévez | Jeff Hoffman | Matt Strahm

Aroldis Chapman (PIT) allowed a lead-off single at the top of the ninth, issued a one-out walk, and gave up Cristian Pache’s RBI double before inducing a game-ending flyout, closing out a one-run margin for his seventh save. Chapman threw 23 pitches (15 strikes – 65.2 Strike%) and induced three whiffs (13 SwStr%). He’s allowed at least a run in consecutive outings. Dennis Santana fired a clean eighth and recorded two strikeouts for his fifth hold. This extended his scoreless streak to 14 games, spanning 17 innings with 18 strikeouts versus two walks.

  • Hierarchy remains: *Aroldis Chapman | *Dennis Santana | Colin Holderman
  • *= closer-by-committee

Garrett Cleavinger (TB) suffered his fourth loss. He allowed three hits, including Kody Clemens’ walk-off RBI single, resulting in his fourth loss. Manuel Rodríguez recorded 1.1 clean frames and one strikeout. He threw 15 pitches (60 Strike%) and induced two whiffs. He’s been scoreless in six of his last seven but has not recorded a save since August 27.

  • Hierarchy remains: *Manuel Rodríguez | *Edwin Uceta | *Garrett Cleavinger
  • *=  closer-by-committee

Tommy Nance (TOR) entered with a one-run lead at the top of the eighth. However, he struggled with his command, resulting in his first loss and a blown save. He issued a lead-off wall, a leverage mortal sin, allowed a single, and walked the bases loaded before scoring a runner on a wild pitch. After recording a strikeout, a passed ball scored the game-winning run from third. Nance finished with a hit, two earned runs, and two walks while striking out two.

  • Hierarchy remains: Chad Green | Génesis Cabrera | Erik Swanson

Vulture Save Stashes for Tuesday, September 10

  • Emilio Pagán (CIN): Alexis Díaz has appeared four times in the last five days. The only caveat is that the Reds bridge leaders have not followed a consistent pattern, which means Tony Santillan or even Fernando Cruz could get the ninth based on lineup lanes. 
  • Ryne Stanek (NYM): Edwin Díaz has pitched in three of the last four and four of the last six. If the Mets can, a night off may benefit the closer. Stanek struck out the side during his win last night. 
  • Dennis Santana (PIT): Chapman’s allowed five runs in his last two outings and thrown 53 pitches over the last three days. 

Vulture Save Stash for Wednesday, September 11

Tonight’s usage patterns will determine this. 

Three Takeaways

Edwin’s in-season adjustments: After a hanging slider resulted in a sixth blown save for Edwin Díaz in Arizona on August 28, he’s leaned into his four-seam fastball. Over his last seven games, he’s completely flipped the script on his pitch usage patterns: 

Since August 29, he’s thrown 100 pitches, 76 being four-seam fastballs. He only allowed two hits and a walk while striking out 14 of 25 batters faced (52 K-BB%) with a 23 percent swinging strike rate and a minuscule 0.43 WHIP his last seven innings. This represents a small sample, but here are his splits by pitch in it: 

  • Four-seam fastball: 76 percent usage, 11 strikeouts, one walk, 18.4 swinging strike percentage, 41.2 percent whiff rate, and a .153 expected weighted on-base average (xwOBA)
  • Slider: 24 percent usage, three strikeouts, 37.5 swinging strike percentage, 64.3 percent whiff rate, and a .050 xwOBA

His continued success will be pivotal for his team’s pursuit of a postseason berth. 

Alexis and four-seam velocity: The good news is that Alexis Díaz has recorded a win and converted three saves in five clean appearances in September. However, when viewing his four-seam fastball results by velocity, it explains his struggles with traffic since the second half of last year. First, his velocity chart from Fangraphs: 

Taking this further on Statcast, this chart illustrates his outcomes and underlying data when his four-seam fastball is above 95 m.p.h. versus below: 

Based on the recent trends, this hot streak may not carry over into next season, which leaves fantasy managers wondering how reliable he will be moving forward. 

Muñoz and health: Andrés Muñoz dealt with back issues earlier this season and recently, has been nursing some elbow soreness. He’s only made two appearances since August 31, allowing a home run in each game. Over his last seven games, he’s allowed four of his six home runs this season, suffering three losses and only converted one of three save opportunities, producing a 1.75 WHIP his last 6.1 innings. Can a reliever who relies on his slider push through elbow soreness while his team makes a last ditch effort the playoffs? He’s given up two home runs on his slider and his four-seam fastball since August 15 and his underlying data illustrates how pivotal his slider will be over the last three weeks:

Stay tuned and monitor his slider.

Those seeking full game recaps should surf the team pages; they’ve all been updated with Saturday’s results.

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

Statistical Credits:

Fangraphs.com

Baseball-Reference.com

Statcast