Closer Monkey

Closer Monkey’s Leverage Ledger | 9.23.2025

Monday’s three-game slate yielded one reliever win, two saves, and one loss. Here are the saves in condensed form:

For the save streamers:

Vulture Save Option for September 23

Mason Miller (SD): If he’s available in your league, Robert Suarez has pitched in three consecutive contests.

Here are the leverage events of interest from Monday.

Leverage Ledger

Atlanta Braves – Finishing an eventual six-run margin, José Suarez notched his first save, logging three scoreless frames while scattering five hits and striking out two. He threw 43 pitches (67.4% strike rate) and induced four whiffs (9.3 SwStr%). This marks his second career save; he also recorded one last year as a member of the Angels.

Hunter Stratton notched his third hold, walking and striking out one during a scoreless sixth.

Hierarchy Remains: Raisel Iglesias | Tyler Kinley | Dylan Lee

Milwaukee Brewers – With the score tied at the bottom of the 11th, Grant Anderson suffered his sixth loss, recording an out on a sacrifice bunt, followed by Freddy Fermin’s walk-off single, scoring the “place” runner.

Rob Zastryzny was tagged with his first blown save, giving up a hit, an unearned run, and two walks during the bottom of the tenth.
Abner Uribe tossed a scoreless ninth, yielding a hit.
Jared Koenig gave up a hit and recorded a strikeout in a scoreless eighth.
Nick Mears allowed a hit, an earned run, and two walks while striking out one, resulting in his sixth browns save during the bottom of the seventh.
Aaron Ashby secured his fifth hold, retiring the side and striking out two in the sixth.

As for the latest update regarding Trevor Megill:

Until things are in ink:

Hierarchy Remains: *Abner Uribe | *Jared Koenig | Aaron Ashby

*= match-up-based bullpen

San Diego Padres – Tasked with the top of the 11th, Bradgely Rodríguez navigated around a one-out single by Joey Ortiz and an intentional walk (Christian Yelich) with an inning-ending double play against Jackson Chourio. He collected his first win courtesy of his team’s walk-off rally at the bottom of the inning.

Adrian Morejon let the “place” runner score at the top of the tenth, on a fielder’s choice groundball, and recorded a strikeout.
Robert Suarez tossed a clean ninth, striking out two, appearing in a third consecutive contest. He threw 16 pitches (62.5% strike rate) and produced three whiffs (18.8 SwStr%).
Jeremiah Estrada worked a scoreless eighth, allowing a hit and a walk while striking out one.

Hierarchy Remains: Robert Suarez | Mason Miller | Adrian Morejon

St. Louis Cardinals – Sealing a one-run lead, JoJo Romero retired the side and recorded a strikeout against the Giants’ 8-9-1 lineup pocket for his eighth save, first since September 3. He threw 19 pitches (68.4% strike rate) and induced two whiffs (10.5 SwStr%).

Through nine appearances this month, he has a 0-1 record with three saves and three holds while being scoreless in seven.

Kyle Leahy worked a scoreless eighth, walking and striking out one for his 18th hold.
John King notched his third hold, retiring both batters in the seventh.
Ryan Fernandez logged 1.1 scoreless frames, yielding a hit and striking out one, securing his fourth hold.

Hierarchy Remains: *Riley O’Brien | *JoJo Romero | Matt Svanson

*= closer-by-committee

Quick Hit

San Francisco Giants: Appearing in an eventual loss, Joel Peguero fired a clean top of the ninth, striking out two on 11 pitches (72.7% strike rate) with three whiffs (27.3 SwStr%).

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Closer Monkey’s Leverage Ledger | 9.22.2025

Sunday’s slate resulted in eight wins by relievers and seven saves while they suffered only three losses. Here are the saves in condensed form:

For the save streamers:

Vulture Save Options for September 22

Jeremiah Estrada (SD): Robert Suarez, Mason Miller, and Adrian Morejon have appeared in back-to-back games.
JoJo Romero (STL): Riley O’Brien has pitched in consecutive contests.

News, Notes, and Observations

Daniel Palencia made his first rehab appearance on Saturday at Triple-A. He allowed two hits and an unearned run while recording two strikeouts, throwing three pitches over 100 miles per hour. Of his 21 pitches, 15 were strikes (71.4% strike rate) with four whiffs (19 SwStr%):

He should be activated during the week, but the exact date has not been announced.

Rosi Sasaki fired a clean sixth inning and recorded a strikeout during his second relief appearance at Triple-A on Sunday. He threw eight pitches (62.5% strike rate) and induced two whiffs (25 SwStr%):

Brock Stewart worked a scoreless fifth, yielding a hit and striking out one. Both are vying for a spot on the postseason roster and may be activated this week in the Dodgers’ revolving door bullpen.

Mason Miller turned in his MLB-leading 18th consecutive scoreless appearance. He has recorded a save and nine holds in this stretch, posting 36 strikeouts against eight walks (42.4 K-BB%) with a 0.632 WHIP across 19 scoreless innings. He’s tied with Tyler Kinley in current scoreless streaks as a reliever.

Here are the leverage events of interest from Sunday.

Leverage Ledger

Atlanta Braves – Forced into action at the bottom of the ninth, Raisel Iglesias retired both batters faced, stranding a runner while preserving a four-run lead. He threw eight pitches (87.5% strike rate) and produced two whiffs (25 SwStr%), striking out one during a non-save situation, but extending his team’s win streak to eight.

Dylan Dodd created the mess, giving up two hits, two earned runs, and a walk during one-third of the ninth, spoiling the shutout.
Tyler Kinley worked around two hits and recorded a strikeout in a scoreless eighth for his 13th hold.
José Suarez fired a clean seventh, securing his first hold.
Dylan Lee stranded two runners while retiring both batters, one via strikeout, in the sixth for his 18th hold.

Hierarchy Remains: Raisel Iglesias | Tyler Kinley | Dylan Lee

Baltimore Orioles – After tossing a clean top of the ninth and striking out the side, Kade Strowd returned in the tenth, issuing Aaron Judge a walk, then was removed. However, he gets tagged with his first loss and two runs (one earned) while walking one.

Keegan Akin replaced him, allowing Cody Bellinger’s single, followed by Ben Rice’s grand slam, finishing twitch three hits, and three earned runs while striking out one during one-third of the tenth.

Yaramil Hiraldo gave up two hits, an earned run, and a walk while striking out one across two-thirds of the tenth.

Updated Hierarchy: Keegan Akin | Rico Garcia | Kade Strowd

Cincinnati Reds – Filling in capably for his resting closer, Tony Santillan worked around two walks and recorded two strikeouts for a scoreless ninth, securing his seventh save. He threw 23 pitches (52.2% strike rate) and produced four whiffs (17.4 SwStr%).

This represents his third save this month and extends his scoreless streak to seven games.

Graham Ashcraft notched his 20th hold, yielding a hit and striking out during a scoreless eighth.
Nick Martinez collected his 11th win, stranding a runner at the top of the fifth and logging 2.1 clean frames while striking out one.

Hierarchy Remains: Emilio Pagán | Tony Santillan | Nick Martinez

Colorado Rockies – Despite dealing with traffic, Victor Vodnik recorded his tenth save, preserving a two-run lead against the Angels. His outing began with a lead-off walk, erased by a double play groundout, followed by Logan O’Hoppe’s two-out single, and a game-ending strikeout of Christian Moore. Vodnik threw 17 pitches (52.9% strike rate) and induced two whiffs (11.8 SwStr%).

He has converted a save in his last two appearances and three this month, while being scoreless in six of seven contests.

Juan Mejia gave up a hit and struck out one in a scoreless eighth, securing his 11th hold.
Jimmy Herget fired a clean seventh, striking out the side for his eighth hold.

Hierarchy Remains: Victor Vodnik | Jimmy Herget | Juan Mejia

Miami Marlins – Reliever roulette landed on George Soriano. He became the ninth Marlins reliever with a save this season, and it’s his first since August 11, 2024. Soriano preserved a two-run lead with a clean ninth, striking out one in Texas while throwing eight pitches (75% strike rate) with one whiff.

Michael Petersen tossed a scoreless eighth, striking out one for his second hold.
Ronny Henriquez secured his 26th hold, walking one during a scoreless seventh.
Lake Bachar was awarded his eighth win despite giving up three hits, two earned runs, and a walk while striking out two over two innings.

Hierarchy Remains: *Calvin Faucher | *Ronny Henriquez | *Tyler Phillips

*= closer-by-committee

New York Yankees – Closing out a six-run lead at the bottom of the tenth, Camilo Doval issued two walks and recorded a strikeout during a scoreless non-save outing.

David Bednar collected his sixth win, walking and striking out one at the bottom of the ninth, ahead of his team’s six-run outburst during the tenth. He threw 16 pitches (56.3% strike rate) and produced three whiffs (18.8 SwStr%).

He has been scoreless in six of his last seven, posting this win and converting all five save chances with a 0.411 WHIP over 7.1 innings.

Devin Williams fired a clean eighth, striking out the side.

Hierarchy Remains: David Bednar | Devin Williams | Fernando Cruz

San Diego Padres – Locking down his 40th save, Robert Suarez retired the side and recorded two strikeouts, preserving a one-run lead against the White Sox. He threw 11 pitches (72.7% strike rate) and produced three whiffs (27.3 SwStr%).

He has recorded a save in four of his last five appearances and been scoreless in seven of ten this month with a 0.708 WHIP across 11.1 innings.

Wandy Peralta tossed a scoreless eighth, walking and striking out one for his fourth hold.
Mason Miller entered a bases-loaded situation with one out in the seventh and struggled with his command, issuing two walks while striking out one. He was scoreless, but let two inherited runners score while posting his tenth hold.
Kyle Hart was credited with his second hold, giving up a hit, two earned runs, and two walks while striking out one during one-third of the seventh.
Adrian Morejon notched his 20th hold, stranded the bases loaded in the sixth, retiring all three batters, two via strikeout.

Hierarchy Remains: Robert Suarez | Mason Miller | Adrian Morejon

San Francisco Giants – Handed a two-run lead with one out at the bottom of the ninth, Ryan Walker retired both Dodgers batters, including a game-ending strikeout of Michael Conforto while shutting the door on his 16th save. He threw 15 pitches (53.8% strike rate) and produced one whiff.

He has recorded two losses and converted four of five save opportunities this month while being scoreless in six of eight games.

Joey Lucchesi notched his sixth hold, tossing 1.1 scoreless innings, giving up a hit and striking out two.
Spencer Bivens collected his fourth win, retiring the side at the bottom of the seventh, ahead of his team’s rally in the eighth.

Hierarchy Remains: Ryan Walker | José Buttó | Joey Lucchesi

Tampa Bay Rays – Preventing a sweep against the Red Sox, Pete Fairbanks closed out a four-run lead with a clean top of the ninth, retiring the side on eight pitches (87.5% strike rate) without a whiff.

Edwin Uceta notched his 21st hold, firing a clean eighth and recording two strikeouts.
Bryan Baker allowed four hits and two earned runs while striking out one in the seventh, getting credit for his 19th hold.
Garrett Cleavinger was awarded his second win, tossing a clean sixth and striking out one.

Updated Hierarchy: Pete Fairbanks | Edwin Uceta | Griffin Jax

Toronto Blue Jays – Although he allowed a one-out double, Jeff Hoffman bore down, inducing a groundout against Bobby Witt Jr., followed by a game-ending groundout by Vinnie Pasquantino, securing his 32nd save while preserving a three-run lead. He threw 11 pitches (72.7% strike rate) and induced one whiff.

He has been scoreless in his last four appearances and in nine of his last 10, converting all three save opportunities.

Eric Lauer notched his first hold, retiring the side at the bottom of the eighth.
Seranthony Domínguez was awarded his fourth win. He stranded a runner at the bottom of the sixth and retired all four batters, two via strikeout.

Hierarchy Remains: Jeff Hoffman | Seranthony Domínguez | Yariel Rodríguez

Quick Hits

Chicago Cubs: Appearing during a shutout loss, Brad Keller retired the side and recorded a strikeout at the bottom of the eighth, throwing 11 pitches (63.6% strike rate) with one whiff.
Chicago White Sox: Taking over with two runners on and one out, Jordan Leasure stranded both at the top of the ninth while striking out one. Brandon Eisert allowed a hit and recorded a strikeout during one-third of the ninth. Grant Taylor fired a clean eighth, striking out two on nine pitches (77.8% strike rate) with three whiffs (33.3 SwStr%) in an eventual loss to the Padres.
Cleveland Guardians: Summoned at the bottom of the sixth, Matt Festa let his only inherited runner score, giving up a two-run home run by Brooks Lee, resulting in his fourth loss and second blown save.
Los Angeles Dodgers: It’s been a season to forget for Blake Treinen, and his outing ended with boos as he departed. He gave up three hits, three earned runs, and two walks while recording two outs at the top of the eighth, resulting in his seventh loss and third blown save. Over his last seven appearances, he has been tagged with four losses while allowing multiple runs in three.
Minnesota Twins: Called upon at the top of the sixth, Kody Funderburk retired the side and recorded a strikeout, then collected his fourth win following his team’s go-ahead rally at the bottom of the inning. Pierson Ohl worked a clean seventh, securing his second hold.
Philadelphia Phillies: Making his first appearance since Tuesday, Jhoan Duran allowed Corbin Carroll’s one-out double, threw a wild pitch moving him to third, and allowed an earned run on a groundout. Duran threw 24 pitches (62.5% strike rate) and induced three whiffs (12.5 SwStr%) during a non-save appearance with his team down by six.
Pittsburgh Pirates: Entering at the top of the fifth, Carmen Mlodzinski logged three scoreless frames, yielding two hits and striking out three while collecting his fifth win.
Seattle Mariners: Finishing a four-run lead and a sweep in Houston, Matt Brash retired the side and recorded a strikeout at the bottom of the ninth, throwing 11 pitches (54.5% strike rate) without a whiff.
St. Louis Cardinals: Closing out a four-run lead, Riley O’Brien retired the side at the top of the ninth on 15 pitches (86.7% strike rate) and induced one whiff.
Washington Nationals: As the “bulk follower,” Mitchell Parker recorded his first career save in his first career relief appearance in the majors, logging 3.2 scoreless frames, scattering two hits, and striking out two. He threw 53 pitches (71.7% strike rate) and induced four whiffs.

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Closer Monkey’s Leverage Ledger | 9.21.2025

Saturday’s 17-game slate yielded six reliever wins and 11 saves, while relief pitchers suffered six losses. Here are the saves in condensed form:

For the save streamers:

Vulture Save Options for September 21

Matt Brash (SEA): Andrés Muñoz has pitched in three consecutive games.
Tony Santillan (CIN): Emilio Pagán has appeared in back-to-back games and in three of the previous four.
Kyle Finnegan (DET): Will Vest has been struggling in recent outings, including yesterday’s blown save and loss.
Ronny Henriquez (MIA): Calvin Faucher threw 28 pitches during a save on Saturday and has pitched in three of the previous four games.
Clayton Beeter (WSH): Jose A. Ferrer logged two innings, throwing 43 pitches yesterday.

Here are the leverage events of interest from Saturday.

Leverage Ledger

Arizona Diamondbacks – Torey Lovullo’s wheel-of-save chances extended the team’s MLB record with a 17th reliever recording a save for the team this season. John Curtiss worked around Bryson Stott’s two-out single with a game-ending groundout against Harrison Bader, preserving a one-run lead for his first save of the season and first since 2020. He threw 17 pitches (70.6% strike rate) without a whiff.

Ryan Thompson stranded two runners, retiring his only batter in the eighth for his 17th hold.
Brandyn Garcia gave up two hits and recorded a strikeout during two-thirds of the eighth, recording his second hold.

Updated Hierarchy: *John Curtiss | *Ryan Thompson | *Brandyn Garcia

*= closer-by-committee

Atlanta Braves – Capping his team’s ninth-inning rally, Raisel Iglesias shut the door on his 27th save, retiring the side in Detroit, preserving a one-run lead. He threw 12 pitches (83.3% strike rate) and induced two whiffs (16.7 SwStr%).

He has been scoreless in 22 of his last 23 appearances, converting all 16 save opportunities while posting a 0.609 WHIP with 22 strikeouts versus four walks (21.9 K-BB%) across 23 innings. His 14 saves since the trade deadline are tied with Jhoan Duran for first among all qualified relievers.

Dylan Dodd tossed a clean bottom of the eighth, then collected his first win courtesy of a two-run rally at the top of the ninth.
Pierce Johnson let his only inherited runner score, giving up a two-run home run by Spencer Torkelson during one-third of the seventh.
Dylan Lee allowed a hit and an earned run, striking out two in two-thirds of the seventh.

Hierarchy Remains: Raisel Iglesias | Tyler Kinley | Dylan Lee

Boston Red Sox – Capping his team’s go-ahead rally at the top of the ninth, Aroldis Chapman notched his 31st save, issuing a walk and striking out one during a scoreless outing in Tampa Bay. He threw 27 pitches (75% strike rate) and produced three whiffs (11.1 SwStr%).

He has been scoreless in his last three games, converting both save chances.

Garrett Whitlock collected his seventh win, giving up a hit and striking out one during a scoreless bottom of the eighth.
Justin Slaten let his only inherited runner score, yielding a hit and recording an out in the seventh, resulting in his third blown save.
Justin Wilson was credited with his 19th hold despite allowing a hit, two earned runs, and a walk during his two-thirds of the seventh.

Hierarchy Remains: Aroldis Chapman | Garrett Whitlock | Greg Weissert

Cincinnati Reds – Securing his 29th save, Emilio Pagán navigated around Matt Shaw’s two-out double with a game-ending strikeout of Seiya Suzuki, finishing a three-run lead. He threw 13 pitches (69.2% strike rate) and induced two whiffs (15.4 SwStr%).

He’s been scoreless in his last six, posting a 0.67 WHIP with seven strikeouts versus one walk (27.3 K-BB%) over his last seven innings while converting all three save chances.

Tony Santillan stranded both inherited runners, retiring both batters, one via strikeout, at the top of the eighth for his 31st hold.
Chase Burns allowed three hits and an earned run while striking out one during his 1.1 innings, getting credit for his first hold.
Graham Ashcraft worked a clean sixth, notching his 19th hold.

Hierarchy Remains: Emilio Pagán | Tony Santillan | Nick Martinez

Detroit Tigers – Handed a one-run lead at the top of the ninth, Will Vest suffered his fifth loss and seventh blown save, giving up four hits, two earned runs, and recording two strikeouts during two-thirds of the inning.

He has allowed multiple hits and multiple runs in consecutive appearances. He has not recorded a clean outing since August 23, a span of eight games, during which he has yielded 16 hits over his last 8.1 innings while issuing six walks versus four strikeouts, resulting in a 1.928 WHIP.

Rafael Montero issued a walk and stranded both inherited runners, inducing an inning-ending fly out by Ronald Acuña Jr.
Kyle Finnegan gave up his first earned run as a Tiger on a solo home run by Nacho Alvarez Jr., issued a walk, and recorded two strikeouts while recording his second hold.

Updated Hierarchy: *Kyle Finnegan | *Will Vest | Tyler Holton

*= closer-by-committee

Kansas City Royals – Sealing a one-run lead, Carlos Estévez allowed a one-out single while recording three fly outs and his MLB-leading 41st save. He threw 13 pitches (76.9% strike rate) and produced one whiff.

Through six appearances this month, he has posted five saves while allowing one earned run and a 1.228 WHIP with two strikeouts versus two walks across 5.2 innings.

Taylor Clarke issued a walk during a scoreless eighth, securing his fifth hold.
John Schreiber walked one and retired one for his 20th hold at the top of the seventh.

Updated Hierarchy: Carlos Estévez | John Schreiber | Angel Zerpa

Los Angeles Angels – Navigating around traffic, Luis García recorded his second save while preserving a combined shutout in Coors Field. His outing included a one-out single by Mickey Moniak, followed by Hunter Goodman’s single and a walk, loading the bases. García bore down and induced a game-ending double play groundout by Jordan Beck. He threw 16 pitches (50% strike rate) and produced two whiffs (12.5 SwStr%).

José Fermin secured his fifth hold, retiring the side and striking out one at the bottom of the eighth.

Hierarchy Remains: Kenley Jansen | Luis García | Brock Burke

Los Angeles Dodgers – While winning a World Series last year, Dave Roberts did not have defined roles for his relievers; instead, he used lanes for matchups. This may be recurring with the playoffs on the horizon. Jack Dreyer retired the side and recorded a strikeout against the 2-3-4 lineup pocket, preserving a two-run lead for his fourth save. He threw 15 pitches (66.7% strike rate) and produced two whiffs (13.3 SwStr%).

Will Klein fired a clean eighth, striking out the side on 16 pitches (62.5% strike rate) with three whiffs (18.8 SwStr%), securing his first hold.
Justin Wrobleski stranded two runners while retiring both batters in the seventh, notching his seventh hold.
Kirby Yates gave up Rafael Devers’ solo home run and two walks during one-third of the seventh, getting credit for his 15th hold.

Updated Hierarchy: *Tanner Scott | *Alex Vesia | *Jack Dreyer

*= closer-by-committee

Miami Marlins – Another white-knuckle ride for Calvin Faucher ended in his 15th save. However, he allowed a lead-off home run by Kyle Higashioka, a one-out single by Josh Jung, and a two-out walk before inducing a game-ending flyout by Joc Pederson. Faucher threw 28 pitches (46.4% strike rate) and only produced one whiff.

Ronny Henriquez fired 1.1 clean frames, striking out three for his 25th hold.
Tyler Phillips allowed a hit during two-thirds scoreless in the seventh, resulting in his eighth hold.
Cade Gibson logged two scoreless frames, walking one and striking out two, earning his fourth win.

Hierarchy Remains: *Calvin Faucher | *Ronny Henriquez | *Tyler Phillips

*= closer-by-committee

Milwaukee Brewers – Maintaining a tie score at the bottom of the ninth, Jared Koenig returned for the tenth, retiring the side and striking out one, preserving his sixth win. He threw 16 pitches (75% strike rate) and induced two whiffs (12.5 SwStr%) during his two clean frames while recording one strikeout.

He owns an eight-game scoreless streak, during which he has recorded this win and two saves with a 0.44 WHIP and 15 strikeouts against one walk (45.2 K-BB%) in his last nine innings.

Abner Uribe fired a clean eighth, striking out two on 17 pitches (58.8% strike rate) with three whiffs (17.6 SwStr%).
Aaron Ashby logged 2.2 scoreless innings, scattering four hits and striking out one.

As for Trevor Megill:

From a fantasy perspective, he’s not worth using in a weekly lineup format during the last scoring period.

Hierarchy Remains: *Abner Uribe | *Jared Koenig | Aaron Ashby

*= match-up-based bullpen

Pittsburgh Pirates – Locking down his 14th save, Dennis Santana finished a combined shutout while striking out one during a clean top of the ninth versus the A’s. He threw 10 pitches (60% strike rate) and induced one whiff.

This marked his first save since September 3, and extended his scoreless streak to seven games, during which he has a 0.286 WHIP with eight strikeouts versus one walk (30.5 K-BB%) through seven innings.

Braxton Ashcraft fired three clean frames and recorded six strikeouts for his fourth hold.

Updated Hierarchy: Dennis Santana | Isaac Mattson | Kyle Nicolas

San Diego Padres – In order of appearance, Adrian Morejon took over at the bottom of the fifth and stranded an inherited runner while tossing 1.1 scoreless frames, yielding a hit and a walk. He collected his MLB-leading 13th win as a reliever for his efforts.

Jeremiah Estrada fired a clean seventh and recorded two strikeouts for his 30th hold.
Mason Miller tossed a scoreless eighth, walking one and striking out two.
Robert Suarez closed out the contest, giving up a solo home run (Lenyn Sosa) during the bottom of the ninth in a non-save appearance. He has allowed three home runs over his last seven games.

Hierarchy Remains: Robert Suarez | Mason Miller | Adrian Morejon

Seattle Mariners – Appearing in a third straight game for the first time this season, Andrés Muñoz navigated around a hit batter and a walk with a game-ending double play flyout, caught by Victor Robles, hanging on for his 37th save. He threw 14 pitches (57.1% strike rate) and produced four whiffs (28.6 SwStr%) while striking out one.

This extended his scoreless streak to eight games, during which he has converted all six save opportunities with a 0.625 WHIP and 15 strikeouts against two walks over eight innings.

Gabe Speier stranded two runners, striking out his only batter in the eighth for his 24th hold.
Eduard Bazardo gave up two hits and struck out two during two-thirds of the seventh, getting credit for his 12th hold.

Hierarchy Remains: Andrés Muñoz | Matt Brash | Gabe Speier

Washington Nationals – Preserving a two-run lead at the bottom of the 11th, PJ Poulin recorded his first career save, stranding the “place” runner while retiring the side and striking out one against the Mets. He threw 12 pitches (58.3% strike rate) without a whiff.

Sauryn Lao collected his first win, working around a lead-off bunt single at the bottom of the tenth, with a double play groundout and an inning-ending flyout, ahead of his team’s two-run rally at the top of the 11th.
Jose A. Ferrer took over in the eighth and could close out a three-run lead, allowing four hits, three earned runs, and a walk while striking out four during his two-inning appearance, resulting in his third blown save while throwing 43 pitches.
Clayton Beeter bounced back with a scoreless seventh, yielding a hit and striking out one for his seventh hold.

Updated Hierarchy: *Jose A. Ferrer | *Clayton Beeter | *PJ Poulin

*= closer-by-committee

Quick Hits

Chicago Cubs: Taking over at the bottom of the fifth, Drew Pomeranz suffered his second loss, giving up two hits, including Spencer Steer’s go-ahead solo home run, and recorded two strikeouts.
Cleveland Guardians: (Game 1) – Completing a combined shutout, Kolby Allard logged two innings, allowing a hit and a walk while striking out two. (Game 2) – Wrapping up another combined shutout, Zak Kent retired the side and recorded two strikeouts at the bottom of the ninth.
Houston Astros: In an eventual loss, Bryan Abreu fired a clean top of the ninth, striking out one on 11 pitches (63.6% strike rate) with one whiff.
New York Mets: Tasked with the top of the 11th, Tyler Rogers allowed an inside-the-park home run (Daylen Lile), putting two runs (one earned) on his ledger, along with his sixth loss of the season. Edwin Díaz worked a clean top of the tenth, striking out one on seven pitches, all strikes, generating four whiffs (57.1 SwStr%). Apparently, this game was not a priority since he was not used for another inning despite the low pitch count.
New York Yankees: Finishing a five-run lead at Baltimore, David Bednar retired the side and recorded a strikeout on six pitches, all strikes, with one whiff (16.7 SwStr%). Luke Weaver tossed a clean eighth, striking out two.
San Francisco Giants: With the score tied at the bottom of the sixth, Joel Peguero suffered his first loss, allowing five hits, including two home runs, and three earned runs over his 1.2 innings.
St Louis Cardinals: Entering a tied game at the top of the ninth, JoJo Romero stranded an inherited runner, but suffered his sixth loss, letting the “place” runner score during the top of the tenth on a two-out RBI single by Brice Turang. Romero finished with a hit and an unearned run during his 1.2 innings. Riley O’Brien tossed 1.1 scoreless innings, walking and striking out one.
Tampa Bay Rays: After working two scoreless frames, Jesse Scholtens returned for the ninth and allowed three runs (one earned) en route to his first loss. Across his outing, he gave up five hits and a walk while striking out three.
Toronto Blue Jays: In an eventual one-run loss, Jeff Hoffman issued a walk during a scoreless bottom of the eighth, throwing 19 pitches (57.9% strike rate) with two whiffs.

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Closer Monkey’s Leverage Ledger | 9.20

Friday’s full slate yielded six reliever wins and six saves while relief pitchers were tagged with five losses. Here are the saves in condensed form:

For the save streamers:

Vulture Save Options for September 20

Matt Brash (SEA): Andrés Muñoz has pitched in back-to-back games.
Alex Vesia (LAD): Tanner Scott threw 23 pitches during Friday’s save, and following a clinched playoff spot, the team may prefer not overworking him.

Doubleheader Options

Cleveland: Preferred option – Hunter Gaddis
Minnesota: If desperate – Pieron Ohl

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Here are the leverage events of interest from Friday.

Leverage Ledger

Baltimore Orioles – Locking down his eighth save, Keegan Akin retired the side and recorded two strikeouts against the Yankees’ 5-6-7 lineup pocket, preserving a two-run lead. He threw nine pitches (88.9% strike rate) and generated three whiffs (33.3 SwStr%).

He’s been scoreless in his last three outings, all of which were saves, and has converted four saves during his last five games.

Rico Garcia navigated around a hit and a walk while striking out one for a scoreless eighth and his tenth hold.
Dietrich Enns allowed two hits, including Jazz Chisolm Jr.’s two-run home run, and struck out one, getting credit for his fourth hold.

Updated Hierarchy: Keegan Akin | Rico Garcia | Yennier Cano

Chicago White Sox – Will Venable’s reliever roulette landed on Grant Taylor, summoned with a one-run lead at the top of the ninth. He retired the side and recorded two strikeouts while facing the Padres’ 5-6-7 lineup pocket, throwing 12 pitches (83.3% strike rate) with three whiffs (25 SwStr%), posting his fifth save.

It’s his first since August 10, and he extended his scoreless streak to seven games.

Brandon Eisert retired his only batter via strikeout for his eighth hold at the top of the eighth.
Jordan Leasure worked 1.2 scoreless frames, yielding a hit and striking out one, notching his 13th hold.

Hierarchy Remains: *Jordan Leasure | *Grant Taylor | *Mike Vasil

*= closer-by-committee

Cincinnati Reds – Working around a one-out double, Emilio Pagán induced a lineout and a flyout, finishing his 28th save while preserving a three-run lead at the top of the ninth against the Cubs. He threw 18 pitches (72.2% strike rate) and produced two whiffs (11.1 SwStr%).

He has been scoreless over his last five appearances, and this represents his first save since September 9.

Tony Santillan secured his 30th hold, walking and striking out one during a scoreless eighth.
Nick Martinez gave up a hit during a scoreless seventh for his fourth hold.
Connor Phillips earned his fourth win, stranding two runners at the top of the fifth, and retired all four batters, two via strikeout.

Hierarchy Remains: Emilio Pagán | Tony Santillan | Nick Martinez

Cleveland Guardians – Sealing a four-run win over the Twins, Cade Smith fired a clean bottom of the ninth, striking out one on 12 pitches (58.3% strike rate) with one whiff. He has been scoreless in nine of his last ten appearances, recording a win and converting six of seven save chances with a 0.40 WHIP and 19 strikeouts versus zero walks (54.3 K-BB%) across ten innings.

Jakob Junis collected his fourth win, tossing two clean frames and striking out four.
Matt Festa suffered his first blown save, letting his only inherited runner score, giving up a hit and a walk while striking out two during two-thirds of the sixth.

Hierarchy Remains: Cade Smith | Hunter Gaddis | Erik Sabrowski

Colorado Rockies – Snapping his team’s five-game losing streak, Victor Vodnik shut the door on his ninth save, working around Logan O’Hoppe’s one-out single with a lineout and a game-ending strikeout, preserving the one-run lead. He threw 21 pitches (66.7% strike rate) and induced two whiffs (9.5 SwStr%).

He has been scoreless in five of six games this month, converting all three save opportunities.

Jimmy Herget notched his seventh hold, giving up a hit and striking out two in a scoreless eighth.
Juan Mejia tossed a clean seventh, striking out two, and secured his tenth hold.
Jaden Hill worked a clean sixth, striking out one for his second hold.

Hierarchy Remains: Victor Vodnik | Jimmy Herget | Juan Mejia

Los Angeles Dodgers – Securing his 22nd save, Tanner Scott worked around a lead-off single by Christian Koss and a one-out walk with two strikeouts, followed by a game-ending pop-out against Matt Chapman, closing out a three-run lead against the Giants. He threw 23 pitches (60.9% strike rate) and generated seven whiffs (30.4 SwStr%).

It’s his first save since September 8 and extended his scoreless streak to four.

Kirby Yates tossed a clean eighth, notching his 14th hold.
Justin Wrobleski gave up two hits and an earned run while striking out three over 1.1 innings for his sixth hold.
Edgardo Henriquez collected his second win, giving up a hit and striking out three during 1.1 scoreless frames.

Before the game, the team placed Michael Kopech on the 15-day injured list:

Hierarchy Remains: *Tanner Scott | *Blake Treinen | *Alex Vesia

*= closer-by-committee

The Athletics – Another day, another A’s reliever getting the ninth inning. Michael Kelly navigated around a lead-off double with a groundout, a walk, and a game-ending double play groundout, preserving a one-run lead while securing his second save. He threw 13 pitches (53.8% strike rate) and produced two whiffs (15.4 SwStr%).

Justin Sterner notched his 15th hold, walking one and striking out two in a scoreless eighth.
Brady Basso gave up a hit and a walk while striking out one in a scoreless seventh, recording his second hold.
Elvis Alvarado allowed a hit and struck out two in a scoreless sixth for his fourth hold.

Hierarchy Remains: *Hogan Harris | *Michael Kelly | *Sean Newcomb

*= closer-by-committee

Quick Hits

Arizona Diamondbacks: Taking over a tied game at the top of the sixth, Jalen Beeks suffered his second loss, allowing a hit and an earned run during two-thirds of the inning. Taylor Rashi let his only inherited runner score, giving up two hits and striking out one in his two-thirds combined innings.
Chicago Cubs: Entering a tied game at the bottom of the sixth, Porter Hodge suffered his second loss, allowing three hits, including two home runs, and a walk, resulting in three earned runs.
Miami Marlins: Despite letting the “place” runner score at the bottom of the 12th, George Soriano collected his second win, closing out a two-run margin. He logged two innings, giving up an unearned run and a walk while striking out one.
Minnesota Twins: With the score tied at the top of the eighth, Cole Sands suffered his sixth loss, allowing two hits, two earned runs, and a walk while striking out two.
New York Mets: Pressed into action at the top of the fifth, Brooks Raley retired all three batters during his combined inning of relief, earning his second win.
Philadelphia Phillies: As the “bulk follower,” Walker Buehler collected his ninth win, tossing 3.2 scoreless frames, scattering two hits and issuing two walks while striking out three. Tanner Banks stranded the bases loaded at the bottom of the eighth, keeping Buehler’s line intact.
Seattle Mariners: Completing a combined shutout, Andrés Muñoz navigated around a one-out single by Isaac Paredes with a flyout and a game-ending strikeout. He threw 16 pitches (81.3% strike rate) and induced two whiffs (12.5 SwStr%) while recording two strikeouts. This extended his scoreless streak to seven games, during which he has converted five saves with a 0.571 WHIP while recording 14 strikeouts against one walk (50 K-BB%).
Tampa Bay Rays: Taking over with a one-run lead at the top of the seventh, Garrett Cleavinger suffered his sixth loss and fourth blown save, giving up two hits, including Jarren Duran’s go-ahead two-run home run during two-thirds of the inning.
Texas Rangers: Tasked with the top of the 12th, Patrick Corbin suffered his tenth loss, allowing three hits and three runs (two earned) while facing the Marlins.

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