Closer Monkey’s Leverage Ledger | 9.19

Thursday’s ten-game slate provided high-leverage events, but ancillary or vulture saves proved bountiful. Relievers recorded two wins, six saves, and suffered two losses. Here are the saves in condensed form:

Usage patterns and ten teams being off on Thursday yield a light forecast for the saves chasers:

Vulture Save Options for September 19

  • Jared Koenig (MIL): Abner Uribe has pitched in back-to-back games. 

News, Notes, and Observations

Kyle Finnegan faced three hitters as the opener in yesterday’s Triple-A rehab outing, walking and striking out one:

He should be activated for this weekend’s series against Atlanta.

In the latest Josh Hader update by Matt Young for the Houston Chronicle:

Past heart issues make playing in Colorado complicated for Kenley Jansen, and he will not make the trip there this weekend:

Plan on a match-up-based approach with Luis García, Brock Burke, and Robert Stephenson. From a performance standpoint, I prefer Stephenson if adding someone, but there are no guarantees he will be used for a save chance. Tread lightly.

Rosi Sasaki made his debut as a reliever at Triple-A last night. He tossed a scoreless frame, issuing a walk and striking out two on 16 pitches (68.8% strike rate) with five whiffs (31.3 SwStr%):

He could be a factor in high-leverage appearances next week and in the playoffs for the Dodgers.

It’s not much of an update, but here is the latest information regarding Trevor Megill:

Now, our coverage of the leverage events of interest from Thursday.

Leverage Ledger

Cleveland Guardians – Filling in capably, Hunter Gaddis navigated around Spencer Torkelson’s lead-off single by inducing a groundball double play by Wenceel Pérez and a game-ending pop-out, preserving the two-run lead for his third save. He threw 18 pitches (66.7% strike rate) and produced two whiffs (11.1 SwStr%).

This extended his scoreless streak to seven games, during which he has a 0.571 WHIP with four strikeouts across seven innings. He’s also recorded all three saves since the trade deadline.

  • Kolby Allard worked a scoreless eighth, walking and striking out one, securing his fourth hold.
  • Tim Herrin tossed a scoreless seventh, walking and striking out one, notching his 14th hold.

Hierarchy Remains: Cade Smith | Hunter Gaddis | Erik Sabrowski

Los Angeles Dodgers – Nailing down his fifth save, Alex Vesia fired a clean top of the ninth and recorded two strikeouts while preserving a one-run lead against the Giants. He threw 11 pitches (81.8% strike rate) and produced four whiffs (36.4 SwStr%).

He has been scoreless in four of five appearances since returning from the injured list.

  • Anthony Banda notched his tenth hold, tossing a clean eighth and striking out one.
  • Blake Treinen stranded one of two inherited runners, issuing two walks and striking out two during his two-thirds of the seventh for his ninth hold.
  • Michael Kopech struggled with his command once again, issuing two walks, resulting in an earned run, and striking out one during his one-third of the seventh, getting credit for his sixth hold.
  • Jack Dreyer collected his third win, stranding a runner while retiring both batters in the sixth, one via strikeout.

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

*= closer-by-committee

Miami Marlins – A comfortable lead does not exist in Coors Field, so when the six-run margin was reduced to two, Calvin Faucher was summoned with two outs. He allowed Hunter Goodman’s single, then induced a game-ending groundout by Jordan Beck, securing his 14th save. It’s Faucher’s first save since August 28 and only required six pitches (50% strike rate) while producing one whiff (16.7 SwStr%).

  • Vincente Bellozo created the mess, giving up four hits and four earned runs, including two home runs.
  • Tyler Phillips tossed 1.1 scoreless frames, yielding a hit and striking out one for his seventh hold. 

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

*= closer-by-committee

Milwaukee Brewers – Sealing a three-run lead at the top of the ninth, Jared Koenig recorded his second save while working around Christian Moore’s lead-off double with a strikeout sandwiched between two fly outs. He threw 14 pitches (78.6% strike rate) and produced three whiffs (21.4 SwStr%).

This extended his scoreless streak to seven.

  • Abner Uribe notched his MLB-leading 37th hold, facing the Angels’ 2-3-4-5-6 hitters, allowing a single by Mike Trout, and having a runner reach on an error, with consecutive strikeouts.
  • Aaron Ashby gave up two hits and struck out three during his 1.1 innings, collecting his fourth win courtesy of his team’s rally at the bottom of the seventh.

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

*= match-up-based bullpen

Seattle Mariners – Shutting the door on his 36th save and preserving a combined shutout, Andrés Muñoz bent but did not break, giving up a one-out double by Vinnie Pasquantino and a two-out hit-by-pitch (Salvador Perez) by recording all three outs via strikeout. He threw 17 pitches (76.5% strike rate) and produced three whiffs (17.6 SwStr%).

This moved his scoreless streak to six games, during which he has converted all five save opportunities with a 0.50 WHIP and 12 strikeouts versus one walk (50 K-BB%) over his last six innings.

  • Gabe Speier notched his 23rd hold, yielding a hit and striking out one in a scoreless eighth.
  • Eduard Bazardo retired the side and recorded a strikeout for his tenth hold in the seventh.

Hierarchy Remains: Andrés Muñoz | Matt Brash | Gabe Speier

The Athletics – Mark Kotsay’s reliever roulette landed on Hogan Harris in Boston. He took over with a three-run lead at the bottom of the eighth and allowed Trevor Story’s solo home run, but no further damage. Harris notched his fourth save, logging two innings and recording three strikeouts on 26 pitches (69.2% strike rate) without a whiff.

He has posted a save in two of his last three outings, but usage patterns remain unpredictable in this bullpen.

  • Michael Kelly gave up a hit and recorded a strikeout during a scoreless seventh, securing his seventh hold. 

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

*= closer-by-committee

Quick Hits

  • Detroit Tigers: Entering a tied game at the top of the seventh, Troy Melton suffered his second loss, allowing two hits, including a go-ahead two-run home run by José Ramírez, and a walk while striking out one over his 1.2 innings. Tyler Holton logged 1.1 scoreless frames, yielding a hit and striking out one.
  • Los Angeles Angels: In order of appearance, José Fermin took over at the bottom of the sixth, letting one of two inherited runners score, allowing a hit and a walk, resulting in his fourth blown save. Luis García gave up three hits, three earned runs, and a walk en route to his second loss at the bottom of the seventh. Kenley Jansen retired the side in the eighth on 11 pitches (81.8% strike rate) with one whiff. He will not make the trip with the team to Colorado.
  • New York Mets: Finishing a five-run win over the Padres, Edwin Díaz fired a clean top of the ninth, recording two strikeouts while facing the 3-4-5 lineup pocket. He threw 15 pitches (60% strike rate) and generated four whiffs (26.7 SwStr%). Fantasy managers welcome the work for the closer, but he has not recorded a save since September 5.
  • Tampa Bay Rays: Completing a combined shutout, Bryan Baker navigated around a hit and a walk at the top of the ninth, inducing a game-ending double play groundout against Addison Barger.

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Closer Monkey’s Leverage Ledger | 9.18

Wednesday’s split slate yielded seven reliever wins and five saves, while relief pitchers were tagged with seven losses. Here are the saves in condensed form:

For the save streamers:

Vulture Save Options for September 18

  • Hunter Gaddis (CLE): Cade Smith has appeared in consecutive contests and in four of the last five. 
  • José Buttó (SF): Ryan Walker has worked in back-to-back games. 
  • Bryan Baker (TB): Pete Fairbanks pitched last night and has not appeared in two straight since August 15 and 16. 

Here are the leverage events of interest from Wednesday.

Leverage Ledger

Baltimore Orioles – Working around a lead-off single at the bottom of the ninth, Keegan Akin secured his seventh save, retiring the next three batters and preserving a two-run margin, completing a sweep of the White Sox. He threw 15 pitches (86.7% strike rate) without a whiff.

He has been scoreless in five of his last six appearances, recording a save in three of his last four.

  • Rico Garcia notched his ninth hold, retiring the side and striking out one at the top of the eighth.
  • Yaramil Hiraldo tossed a clean seventh, striking out one for his second hold.

Hierarchy Remains: *Keegan Akin | *Rico Garcia | *Yennier Cano

*= closer-by-committee

Cleveland Guardians – Completing a combined shutout, Cade Smith retired the side and recorded two strikeouts at the bottom of the ninth in Detroit. He threw eight pitches, all strikes, producing two whiffs (25 SwStr%).

He has posted multiple strikeouts in eight straight appearances this month, retiring 17 of 29 batters via strikeout (58.6 K%).

  • Jakob Junis notched his sixth hold, retiring both batters at the bottom of the eighth.
  • Erik Sabrowski stranded a runner in the seventh and worked a scoreless combined inning while walking one.
  • Matt Festa worked two-thirds scoreless, getting his 12th hold.
  • Tim Herrin worked two-thirds scoreless in the sixth, giving up a hit and striking out one, securing his 13th hold.

Hierarchy Remains: Cade Smith | Hunter Gaddis | Erik Sabrowski

Houston Astros – Filling in capably, Bryan King took over at the top of the eighth with two runners on and two outs. He induced an inning-ending flyout against Dylan Moore, then retired the side in the ninth, preserving a three-run lead against Texas while securing his second save. He threw 14 pitches (78.6% strike rate) with one whiff.

This extended his scoreless streak to 10 games, during which he has posted a 0.513 WHIP with nine strikeouts against one walk over 10.2 innings.

  • Steven Okert got credit for his tenth hold, despite yielding a hit and two walks during two-thirds of the eighth.
  • Craig Kimbrel tossed a clean seventh, striking out one for his second hold.

Hierarchy Remains: Bryan Abreu | Bryan King | Steven Okert

Kansas City Royals – Showing no signs of a lingering issue with his back in terms of velocity, Carlos Estévez became the first reliever this season with 40 saves despite allowing an earned run at the top of the ninth. He allowed consecutive hits by Eugenio Suárez and Josh Naylor, induced a double play groundout that scored a run, gave up a single by Luke Raley, and then induced a game-ending groundout. Estévez threw 17 pitches (70.6% strike rate) and produced two whiffs (11.8 SwStr%).

This outing snapped his 11-game scoreless streak, but he has converted his last 15 save opportunities since July 20.

  • Lucas Erceg collected his eighth win, giving up three hits, an earned run, and striking out one at the top of the eighth.
  • Angel Zerpa suffered his fourth blown save, yielding a hit and an earned run in the seventh.

Hierarchy Remains: Carlos Estévez | Lucas Erceg | John Schreiber

San Diego Padres – Hanging on for his National League-leading 39th save, Robert Suarez navigated around Brett Baty’s lead-off single with consecutive groundouts, walked Francisco Lindor, then knocked down a line drive comebacker by Juan Soto, throwing him out at first, sealing the three-run margin. Suarez threw 26 pitches (65.4% strike rate) and induced three whiffs (11.5 SwStr%).

He has been scoreless in his last three, securing a save in each.

  • Mason Miller stranded a runner and retired all five batters, including two strikeotus for his ninth hold.
  • Jeremiah Estrada was credited with his 29th hold, allowing a hit, an earned run, and a walk during one-third of the seventh.
  • Adrian Morejon collected his 12th win, tossing 1.1 clean frames and striking out two.

Hierarchy Remains: Robert Suarez | Mason Miller | Adrian Morejon

San Francisco Giants – Despite letting the “place” runner score at the bottom of the 11th, Joel Peguero earned his third win, logging two innings, allowing a walk, and striking out one in Arizona. He threw 26 pitches (57.7% strike rate) and induced two whiffs.

  • Ryan Walker worked into, and then out of, trouble while keeping the game tied at the bottom of the ninth. He allowed a one-out triple by Corbin Carroll, intentionally walked Gabriel Moreno, hit Blaze Alexander with a pitch to load the bases, then recorded a strikeout, followed by an inning-ending groundout by Alek Thomas.
  • Spencer Bivens turned in a clean bottom of the eighth.

Hierarchy Remains: Ryan Walker | José Buttó | Joey Lucchesi

Tampa Bay Rays – Shutting the door on his 27th save, Pete Fairbanks fired a clean top of the ninth, preserving a one-run lead and striking out one against the Blue Jays’ 3-4-5 lineup pocket. He threw 10 pitches (70% strike rate) and induced one whiff.

He has been scoreless in his last four appearances, converting all three save chances.

  • Edwin Uceta secured his 20th hold, retiring the side and striking out two at the top of the eighth.

Hierarchy Remains: Pete Fairbanks | Edwin Uceta | Bryan Baker

Quick Hits

  • Chicago White Sox: In an eventual loss, Tyler Gilbert retired his only batter, Gunnar Henderson, via strikeout at the top of the ninth. Jordan Leasure matched his season high, logging 1.2 clean frames while recording one strikeout. This extended his scoreless streak to nine games, during which he has posted a 0.28 WHIP with 12 strikeouts against two walks (28.6 K-BB%) through 10.2 innings.
  • Cincinnati Reds: Appearing in a non-save capacity, Emilio Pagán finished a four-run margin against the Cardinals with a scoreless bottom of the ninth, issuing a walk and striking out three. He threw 22 pitches (54.5% strike rate) and produced four whiffs (18.2 SwStr%).
  • Colorado Rockies: Called upon at the top of the sixth, Jaden Hill suffered his first loss, allowing a hit, an earned run, and a walk.
  • Los Angeles Dodgers: Capping a combined shutout, Tanner Scott navigated around a hit and a walk while striking out one at the top of the ninth. He threw 21 pitches (57.1% strike rate) and produced four whiffs (19 SwStr%). Alex Vesia retired the side and secured his 24th hold in the eighth. 
  • Miami Marlins: Lake Bachar collected his seventh win, taking over in the bottom of the fifth, tossing two clean frames and striking out two. Ronny Henriquez notched his 24th hold, walking one during a scoreless seventh.
  • Milwaukee Brewers: Finishing a seven-run lead against the Angels, Abner Uribe worked around a one-out single by recording all three outs via strikeout. He threw 16 pitches (75% strike rate) and generated four whiffs (25 SwStr%).
  • New York Yankees: Closing out a five-run lead at the bottom of the ninth, Camilo Doval retired the side and recorded two strikeouts against the Twins. Luke Weaver notched his 20th hold, giving up a hit and striking out one at the bottom of the eighth. Devin Williams worked around a hit while recording three strikeouts for his 14th hold. Fernando Cruz stranded two runners in the fifth and retired all four batters while collecting his third win.
  • Pittsburgh Pirates: As the first reliever in, Yohan Ramírez suffered his third loss, allowing a hit, three unearned runs, and a walk during two-thirds of the sixth inning. Evan Sisk let both inherited runners score, giving up two hits during his one-third of the sixth. 
  • Seattle Mariners: A rare meltdown by Matt Brash resulted in his third loss and first blown save. He allowed four hits, including Adam Frazier’s go-ahead two-run home run at the bottom of the eighth, finishing with four hits, four earned runs, and a walk while striking out one. 
  • The Athletics: Tasked with a tied game at the bottom of the tenth, Michael Kelly suffered his fourth loss. He issued Nathaniel Lowe an intentional walk, recorded an out on a sacrifice bunt, then gave up Nick Sogard’s walk-off RBI single.
  • Toronto Blue Jays: With the score tied at the bottom of the seventh, Yariel Rodríguez allowed two hits, including a go-ahead RBI single, an earned run, and a walk, resulting in his second loss. 
  • Washington Nationals: Proving life comes at you fast, Clayton Beeter not only took over at the top of the sixth, but he let his only inherited runner score, allowing two hits, two earned runs on his ledger, and two walks while striking out one, resulting in his third loss and second blown save. This outing also snapped his 14-game scoreless streak. 

Closer Monkey Emails for 2025

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Closer Monkey’s Leverage Ledger | 9.17

Tuesday’s 17-game slate yielded nine wins by relievers, though blown saves accompanied two (Tanner Banks and Cade Smith). Relief pitchers also converted ten saves and suffered only five losses. Here are the saves in condensed form:

For the save streamers:

Vulture Save Options for September 17

  • Andrew Kittredge (CHC): Brad Keller has worked in back-to-back games. 
  • Bryan King (HOU): Bryan Abreu has pitched in consecutive contests, throwing 44 pitches. 
  • Matt Strahm (PHI): Jhoan Duran has been deployed in the two previous days. 
  • Yariel Rodríguez (TOR): Jeff Hoffman has appeared in back-to-back games. 
  • Tommy Kahnle (DET): Will Vest has pitched in three of the previous four, logging 63 pitches. 

Here are the leverage events of interest from Tuesday.

Leverage Ledger

Arizona Diamondbacks – After keeping the game tied at the top of the ninth, retiring the side and striking out one, Andrew Saalfrank earned his second win on a walk-off rally at the bottom of the inning. He threw 13 pitches (61.5% strike rate) and produced two whiffs (15.4 SwStr%). He has been scoreless in five of six games this month, but last recorded a save on August 27.

  • Ryan Thompson tossed a clean top of the eighth.
  • Brandyn Garcia retired his only batter in the seventh.
  • John Curtiss logged 1.2 clean frames across the sixth and seventh innings. 

For now, though, there is no closer in this bullpen: 

Hierarchy Remains: *Andrew Saalfrank | *Jake Woodford | Ryan Thompson

*= closer-by-committee

Atlanta Braves – (Game 1) – Raisel Iglesias worked around a lead-off walk with a strikeout, a flyout, and a game-ending strikeout of James Wood, preserving the three-run learn while recording his 26th save. He threw 19 pitches (58.9% strike rate) and induced two whiffs (10.5 SwStr%).

Since July 28, he has converted all 15 save opportunities and been scoreless in 21 of 22 appearances, posting a 0.636 WHIP with 22 strikeouts versus four walks across 22 innings. It should be noted his velocity was down two ticks in this outing.

  • Pierce Johnson allowed two hits and an earned run while striking out one in the eighth, cutting the lead to three.

(Game 2) – Completing a sweep and a combined shutout, Tyler Kinley collected his sixth win, tossing two innings, giving up two hits, and striking out one across the ninth and tenth innings.

Hierarchy Remains: Raisel Iglesias | Tyler Kinley | Dylan Lee

Baltimore Orioles – Handed a one-run lead at the bottom of the ninth, Keegan Akin worked around Chase Meidroth’s one-out single with back-to-back strikeotus, closing out his sixth save. He threw 20 pitches (55% strike rate) and generated seven whiffs (35 SwStr%).

Across seven appearances this month, he has converted three saves and two holds while being scoreless in five games with a 1.714 WHIP over seven innings.

  • Rico Garcia let his only inherited runner score while serving up a home run (Andrew Benintendi) during his one-third of the eighth, but was credited with his eighth hold.

Hierarchy Remains: *Keegan Akin | *Rico Garcia | *Yennier Cano

*= closer-by-committee

Chicago Cubs – Shutting the door on his third save and reducing his team’s playoff clinching number to one, Brad Keller retired the side while recording two strikeouts at the bottom of the ninth against the Pirates’ 3-4-5 lineup pocket. He threw 12 pitches (75% strike rate) and produced two whiffs (16.7 SwStr%).

After losing his 22-game scoreless streak, he has rebounded with consecutive saves in back-to-back appearances, striking out three of four batters faced.

  • Caleb Thielbar notched his 23rd hold, allowing a hit during a scoreless eighth.
  • Andrew Kittredge fired a clean seventh, striking out two for his 15th hold.
  • Drew Pomeranz secured his 13th hold, striking out two in a clean sixth.

Updated Hierarchy: *Brad Keller  *Andrew Kittredge | Caleb Thielbar

*= closer-by-committee

Cleveland Guardians – Capping his team’s four-run rally at the top of the tenth, Jakob Junis allowed a two-run home run by Spencer Torkelson, putting an earned run on his ledger and recording a strikeout during a non-save outing.

Cade Smith was deployed for a fourth time in six days and was within one out of a save, but gave up Kerry Carpenter’s pinch-hit solo home run, resulting in his sixth blown save.

However, Smith collected his seventh win courtesy of his team’s outburst in the tenth. This snapped his seven-game scoreless streak.

  • Tim Herrin stranded a runner while striking out all three batters in the eighth, securing his 12th hold.
  • Hunter Gaddis stranded a runner in the seventh, recording two outs, but allowed a hit in the eighth, prompting his removal.
  • Erik Sabrowski notched his tenth hold and Matt Festa his 11th between the sixth and seventh innings.

Hierarchy Remains: Cade Smith | Hunter Gaddis | Erik Sabrowski

Houston Astros – Another white-knuckle ride during a high-leverage event resulted in Bryan Abreu recording his seventh save. He took over at the top of the eighth with a runner on and two outs, allowing a walk and an RBI single by Adolis García, scoring the inherited runner, but he induced an inning-ending popout. During the ninth, he gave up a lead-off single and a two-out single, before a game-ending strikeout, preserving a one-run win over Texas. He threw 32 pitches (68.8% strike rate) and produced six whiffs (18.8 SwStr%).

He has converted a save in his last three appearances, but has yielded multiple hits in five of his last seven contests.

  • Enyel De Los Santos allowed three hits, four earned runs, and a walk during two-thirds of the eighth.
  • Jayden Murray tossed a clean seventh, striking out one.
  • Colton Gordon collected his fifth win, logging three innings, giving up two hits, an earned run, and two walks while striking out one. 

Updated Hierarchy: Bryan Abreu | Bryan King | Steven Okert

Miami Marlins – Forced into duty at the bottom of the eighth with two runners on and two outs, Ronny Henriquez induced an inning-ending groundout against Ezequiel Tovar. Returning for the ninth, he gave up Brenton Doyle’s lead-off single, a one-out single by Kyle Karros, and a sacrifice fly. With two outs, Henriquez hit Tyler Freeman with a pitch, then an infield single with a throwing error scored a second run before a game-ending lineout preserved a one-run lead for his seventh save. He threw 21 pitches (61.9% strike rate) and produced three whiffs (14.3 SwStr%), allowing three hits, two runs (one earned), and striking out one.

  • Michael Peterson gave up four hits, three earned runs, and a walk while striking out one during two-thirds of the eighth.
  • Tyler Phillips logged two scoreless frames, walking and striking out one.

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

*= closer-by-committee

New York Yankees – Although he allowed a solo home run (Trevor Larnach) at the bottom of the ninth, David Bednar finished off an eventual one-run win over the Twins with a groundout and a game-ending strikeout. He threw 13 pitches (69.2% strike rate) and produced two whiffs (15.4 SwStr%).

This snapped his modest four-game scoreless streak, but he has converted a save in his last five games.

  • Devin Williams fired a clean eighth, striking out two, securing his 13th hold.
  • Mark Leiter Jr. collected his sixth win, logging 1.2 scoreless innings, yielding a hit and allowing his only inherited runner to score. 

Updated Hierarchy: David Bednar | Devin Williams | Fernando Cruz

Philadelphia Phillies – Locking down his 31st save, Jhoan Duran retired the side on three groundouts against the Dodgers’ 8-9-1 lineup pocket on 12 pitches (58.3% strike rate) without a whiff.

Through eight appearances in September, he has converted seven of eight save opportunities while posting a 0.50 WHIP with nine strikeouts versus one walk (28.5 K-BB%) across eight innings.

  • Tanner Banks suffered his third blown save, letting his only inherited runner score, allowing a single and a sacrifice fly during his two-thirds of the eighth. However, he also collected his sixth win following his team’s three-run rally at the top of the ninth.
  • David Robertson allowed two hits, including a Shohei Ohtani solo home run, resulting in two earned runs, but was credited with his ninth hold during one-third of the eighth.

Hierarchy Remains: Jhoan Duran | Matt Strahm | David Robertson

St. Louis Cardinals – Nailing down his fifth save, Riley O’Brien retired the side and recorded a strikeout at the top of the ninth, completing a combined shutout against the Reds. He faced the 2-3-4 lineup pocket, throwing nine pitches (77.8% strike rate) and inducing one whiff (11.1 SwStr%).

Through six appearances in September, he has been scoreless in four, posting a win while converting three saves with a 1.33 WHIP and six strikeouts versus three walks across six innings.

  • JoJo Romero fired a clean eighth, striking out two versus the 8-9-1 hitters, matched up against TJ Friedl, securing his 23rd hold. 

Over the last 14 days, O’Brien has recorded three saves to Romero’s one, resulting in their hierarchical spots being flipped.

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

*= closer-by-committee

The Athletics – Called upon with a one-run lead and a runner on at the bottom of the eighth, Hogan Harris ended the inning with a pick off of Nick Sogard, then returned for the ninth, working around Cedanne Rafaela’s one-out single with a game-ending double play groundout against Romy Gonzalez for his third save. Harris threw 10 pitches (80% strike rate) without a whiff. This marked his first save since August 23.

  • Mitch Spence collected his third win, logging 3.2 innings, giving up two hits and two walks while striking out one.

Updated Hierarchy: *Sean Newcomb | *Hogan Harris | *Justin Sterner

*= closer-by-committee

Toronto Blue Jays – Pressed into action with a runner on and one out at the bottom of the ninth, Jeff Hoffman allowed an RBI single by Brandon Lowe, scoring the inherited runner, and issued a walk. However, he bore down, striking out Josh Lowe and Jake Mangum, preserving a one-run lead while recording his 31st save. Hoffman threw 19 pitches (68.4% strike rate) and produced three whiffs (15.8 SwStr%).

Once again working with reduced velocity, how he finishes the season will be monitored closely.

  • Seranthony Domínguez gets credit for his 20th hold, allowing an earned run and a walk while striking out one during his combined inning.
  • Brendon Little gave up a hit, an earned run, and two walks, but was credited with his 29th hold.
  • Yariel Rodríguez fired a clean bottom of the seventh, striking out one for his 14th hold.
  • Eric Lauer collected his ninth win, tossing 1.1 scoreless frames, yielding two hits and striking out two.

Hierarchy Remains: Jeff Hoffman | Seranthony Domínguez | Yariel Rodríguez

Quick Hits

  • Boston Red Sox: Entering at the top of the sixth, Greg Weissert let his only inherited runner score, giving up two hits, an earned run, and a walk while striking out one, his only out recorded. Justin Wilson prevented further damage, stranding both inherited runners, retiring his only batter.
  • Colorado Rockies: In a non-save outing, Victor Vodnik worked a scoreless top of the ninth, allowing one baserunner on a hit. He has been scoreless in 12 of his last 13 appearances, but has only secured two saves in September. 
  • Detroit Tigers: Suffering his fourth loss, Will Vest had things go sideways quickly, allowing a double, a triple, and two more doubles before recording an out. He finished with five hits and four runs (three earned) while striking out one at the top of the tenth against Cleveland. Rafael Montero worked 1.1 clean frames, striking out four.
  • Los Angeles Dodgers: Tasked with a tied score at the top of the ninth, Blake Treinen suffered his sixth loss, giving up a two-out double, issuing an intentional walk (Bryson Stott), and a go-ahead three-run home run by Rafael Marchán. In seven outings this month, he has allowed five hits, eight runs (six earned), and posted a 1.754 WHIP with four strikeouts against five walks (-3.8 K-BB%) over 5.2 innings.
  • New York Mets: As the “bulk follower,” Sean Manaea earned his second win, tossing five innings, giving up four hits and an earned run while striking out four. He threw 71 pitches (73.2% strike rate) and produced eight whiffs (11.3 SwStr%).
  • San Francisco Giants: Taking over a tied game at the bottom of the ninth, Ryan Walker allowed Corbin Carroll’s lead-off single, walked Gabriel Moreno, recorded an out on a sacrifice bunt, followed by a walk-off single by Jordan Lawlar, resulting in his sixth loss. He gave up two hits, an earned run, and a walk on 14 pitches (50% strike rate) with one whiff.
  • Washington Nationals: (Game 2) – Jose A. Ferrer retired the side and recorded a strikeout at the top of the ninth, keeping the game tied. He threw 11 pitches (63.6% strike rate) and induced one whiff. Mason Thompson took over at the top of the tenth, allowing three hits, five runs (four earned), and a walk while striking out one, his only out recorded. PJ Poulin issued a walk and let his only inherited runner score on a sacrifice fly. 

Closer Monkey Emails for 2025

This year, the daily emails have changed. 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.

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

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Closer Monkey’s Leverage Ledger | 9.16

Monday’s nine-game slate yielded four wins by relievers, though one was accompanied by a blown save (Jhoan Duran), and secured four saves while suffering four losses. Here are the saves in condensed form:

As the season winds down, if we have helped out, please keep the lights on and help with expenses.

If you would like to leave a tip, please use this link for PayPal. Venmo can be sent to @gjewett9.

For the save streamers:

Vulture Save Option for September 16

  • Matt Strahm (PHI): After clinching the division, the Phillies may not overwork Jhoan Duran and avoid back-to-back outings ahead of the playoffs. 

Doubleheader Options

  • Atlanta: Pierce Johnson
  • Washington: Clayton Beeter

Here are the leverage events of interest from Monday.

Leverage Ledger

Baltimore Orioles – Securing an “old-school” save, Dietrich Enns logged three scoreless frames, retiring all nine batters faced, four via strikeout, finishing a three-run win over the White Sox while recording his second save. He threw 32 pitches (71.8% strike rate) and produced eight whiffs (25 SwStr%).

This represents his first save since August 14 and the fourth of his career.

  • Kade Strowd posted his fifth hold, striking out two during a scoreless sixth. 

Hierarchy Remains: *Keegan Akin | *Rico Garcia | *Yennier Cano

*= closer-by-committee

Chicago Cubs – Pressed into action with the bases loaded and two outs at the bottom of the ninth, Brad Keller recorded a game-ending strikeout, preserving the combined shutout and securing his second save. He only needed four pitches (75% strike rate) and induced two whiffs (50 SwStr%) while facing Jared Triolo. This marks his first save since August 16 and reinforced his status as the team’s highest-leveraged reliever with Daniel Palencia on the injured list.

  • Porter Hodge allowed a hit and two walks while recording two outs at the bottom of the ninth before being removed.
  • Michael Soroka tossed two scoreless frames, walking and striking out two.

Speaking of Palencia, this update was posted by Andy Martinez of Marquee Sports:

Hierarchy Remains: *Andrew Kittredge | *Brad Keller | Caleb Thielbar

*= closer-by-committee

Cincinnati Reds –  Closing out a five-run lead, Emilio Pagán allowed a hit and recorded a strikeout during a scoreless bottom of the ninth against the Cardinals.

  • Connor Phillips collected his third win, retiring the side and striking out two in the eighth, ahead of his team’s four-run rally at the top of the ninth.
  • Tony Santillan let both inherited runners score, giving up two hits during one-third of the seventh. He was not awarded the win because he turned in a brief and ineffective outing, but did get tagged with his fourth blown save. 

Hierarchy Remains: Emilio Pagán | Tony Santillan | Nick Martinez

Houston Astros – Despite a traffic-infused top of the ninth, Bryan Abreu held on for his sixth save, navigating around a lead-off single with a double play groundout, followed by a walk and a two-out single before a game-ending fielder’s choice groundout, preserving the three-run victory. He finished with two hits and a walk during a scoreless ninth, throwing 12 pitches (50% strike rate) without a whiff.

  • Bryan King logged 1.2 scoreless innings, yielding a hit and recording his 27th hold.
  • Jayden Murray allowed two hits during one-third of the seventh, getting credit for his first hold.
  • Steven Okert collected his third win, stranding two runners at the top of the fifth, and retiring all four batters, three via strikeout.

Hierarchy Remains: Bryan Abreu | Bryan King | Enyel De Los Santos

Los Angeles Dodgers – Summoned at the top of the tenth, Blake Treinen intentionally walked Bryce Harper with one out, followed by a double steal by the “place” runner, Harrison Bader, and Harper, ahead of a go-ahead sacrifice fly by J.T. Realmuto, resulting in his fifth loss.

Tanner Scott kept his team within one at the top of the tenth, retiring the side and striking out one against the Phillies’ 9-1-2 lineup pocket, throwing 10 pitches (90% strike rate) with one whiff.

He has been scoreless in four of his last five.

  • Alex Vesia gave up Harper’s solo home run and a walk while striking out one in the seventh.
  • Jack Dreyer suffered his second blown save, allowing two hits and two earned runs while striking out one during the sixth.

Things are much different this year with the postseason on the horizon for the defending World Champions. In 2024, Dave Roberts pulled all the right strings, matching up his relievers by lineup lanes. However, as Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register shared in this column, the leverage ladder has struggled in the second half:

Updated Hierarchy: *Tanner Scott | *Blake Treinen | Michael Kopech

*= closer-by-committee

Philadelphia Phillies

Philadelphia Phillies – Summoned at the bottom of the tenth with a one-run lead, David Robertson navigated around two walks, one intentional (Freddie Freeman), for a scoreless outing and his first save of the season, and first since July 24, 2024. He induced a lead-off groundout, walked Freeman, walked Alex Call, then induced a pop-out by Miguel Rojas, followed by a game-ending groundout against Max Muncy.

Jhoan Duran could not preserve a one-run lead at the bottom of the ninth, giving up a game-tying solo home run by Andy Pages and a walk (Shohei Ohtani) while striking out one during his fourth blown save. However, he collected his seventh win courtesy of his team’s rally at the top of the tenth. He threw 22 pitches (59.1% strike rate) and induced three whiffs (13.6 SwStr%), snapping his eight-game scoreless streak, during which he converted seven saves.

  • Matt Strahm notched his 21st hold, firing a clean eighth and striking out two.
  • Orion Kerkering was tagged with his seventh blown save, allowing a game-tying home run by Mookie Betts, and recorded three strikeouts in the seventh.

Hierarchy Remains: Jhoan Duran | Matt Strahm | David Robertson

Tampa Bay Rays – With the game tied at the top of the 11th, Kevin Kelly allowed the “place” runner to score on George Springer’s RBI single, resulting in his fourth loss.

  • Griffin Jax fired a clean tenth, striking out two on nine pitches (88.9% strike rate) with four whiffs (44.4 SwStr%).
  • Pete Fairbanks retired the side in the ninth.
  • Bryan Baker was tagged with his sixth blown save, allowing a hit and an earned run while striking out one, snapping his 10-game scoreless streak.
  • Garrett Cleavinger notched his 21st hold, tossing a clean seventh and striking out two. 

Hierarchy Remains: Pete Fairbanks | Edwin Uceta | Bryan Baker

Toronto Blue Jays – Another herculean effort by Braydon Fisher sealed a one-run margin, resulting in his seventh win, third in the last four days. He logged two scoreless frames, allowing an infield single by Yandy Díaz and striking out four on 27 pitches (70.4% strike rate) with six whiffs (22.2 SwStr%).

  • Jeff Hoffman worked a scoreless ninth, walking one and striking out two. He threw 18 pitches (50% strike rate) and generated five whiffs (27.8 SwStr%), posting his fifth scoreless outing through six games this month.
  • Louis Varland tossed a scoreless eighth, walking and striking out one.
  • Seranthony Domínguez fired a clean seventh, striking out one.

Hierarchy Remains: Jeff Hoffman | Seranthony Domínguez | Yariel Rodríguez

Quick Hits

  • Arizona Diamondbacks: Sealing a seven-run lead, Jalen Beeks fired a clean top of the ninth and recorded a strikeout against the Giants’ 2-3-4 lineup pocket. Taylor Rashi logged two scoreless frames, issuing a walk and striking out three.
  • Chicago White Sox: Taking over at the top of the sixth, Steven Wilson allowed a walk, resulting in an earned run and his second loss. Tyler Alexander replaced him with two outs and a runner on. He gave up three hits, including a three-run home run by Colton Cowser, putting two earned runs on his ledger during one-third of an inning.
  • Minnesota Twins: Completing a combined shutout, Pierson Ohl retired the side and recorded a strikeout at the top of the ninth. Could he be earning more leverage opportunities?
  • San Francisco Giants: Entering at the bottom of the fifth, Matt Gage suffered his first loss, allowing a hit, an earned run, and a walk. In all, the four relievers gave up a combined six earned runs on seven hits and three walks over the last four innings in Arizona.
  • St. Louis Cardinals: Ryan Fermandez suffered his fourth loss, giving up a hit, an earned run, and two walks during one-third of the eighth. Kyle Leahy stranded two of three runners in the eighth, but allowed four hits, four earned runs, and a walk while striking out two during his combined inning of relief.

Closer Monkey Emails for 2025

This year, the daily emails have changed. 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.

Statistical Credits:

Fangraphs.com

Baseball-Reference.com

BaseballSavant.com

BrooksBaseball.net

Updated Closer Monkey Rankings | 9.15.2025

Recognizing that ranking relievers can become outdated within hours, Closer Monkey’s updated rankings incorporate in-season results with rest-of-season potential, yielding a number often worth debating. Each week, we provide rankings for saves, SOLDS, and holds. They are a combination of season-to-date, the last 14-day results, and rest-of-season projections, causing fluctuations in reliever valuation.

As the season winds down, if we have helped out, please keep the lights on and help with expenses.

If you would like to leave a tip, please use this link for PayPal. Venmo can be sent to @gjewett9.

Before each ranking, the leaderboards from the last 30 days will be included (through games played on September 14). First, saves:

NameSaves
Jhoan Duran10
Aroldis Chapman9
Cade Smith9
Carlos Estévez8
Jose A. Ferrer8
Raisel Iglesias7
Shawn Armstrong6
Dennis Santana6
Andrés Muñoz6
Andrew Kittredge5
David Bednar5
Robert Suarez5
Ryan Walker5
Pete Fairbanks5
JoJo Romero4
Kenley Jansen4
Bryan Abreu4

Updated Top 40 Relievers for Saves

RankRelievers
1Aroldis Chapman
2Jhoan Duran
3Robert Suarez
4Andrés Muñoz
5Carlos Estévez
6Edwin Díaz
7David Bednar
8Cade Smith
9Raisel Iglesias
10Jeff Hoffman
11Bryan Abreu
12Ryan Walker
13Jose A. Ferrer
14Dennis Santana
15Kenley Jansen
16Emilio Pagán
17Pete Fairbanks
18Shawn Armstrong
19Andrew Kittredge
20Will Vest
21Abner Uribe
22Riley O’Brien
23Tanner Scott
24Kyle Finnegan
25Jordan Leasure
26Victor Vodnik
27JoJo Romero
28Mason Miller
29Keegan Akin
30Matt Brash
31Calvin Faucher
32Clayton Beeter
33Blake Treinen
34Bryan Baker
35Hunter Gaddis
36Brad Keller
37John Curtiss
38Andrew Saalfrank
39Tyler Phillips
40Adrian Morejon

Last 30 days SOLDS leaderboard:

NameSavesHoldsSOLDS
Jhoan Duran10010
JoJo Romero4610
Jose A. Ferrer819
Aroldis Chapman909
Cade Smith909
Carlos Estévez808
Brad Keller178
Andrew Kittredge538
Hunter Gaddis088
Clayton Beeter167
Tony Santillan347
Garrett Whitlock077
Raisel Iglesias707
Caleb Thielbar077
Shawn Armstrong617
Abner Uribe347
Matt Strahm077
Matt Brash167
David Robertson077

Top 75 for SOLDS

RankReliever
1Jhoan Duran
2Aroldis Chapman
3Robert Suarez
4Edwin Díaz
5Carlos Estévez
6Andrés Muñoz
7Abner Uribe
8Mason Miller
9Cade Smith
10David Bednar
11Brad Keller
12Ryan Walker
13Bryan Abreu
14Raisel Iglesias
15Andrew Kittredge
16Jeff Hoffman
17Adrian Morejon
18JoJo Romero
19Will Vest
20Jose A. Ferrer
21Luke Weaver
22Hunter Gaddis
23Matt Brash
24Dennis Santana
25Bryan Baker
26Garrett Cleavinger
27Tanner Scott
28Jeremiah Estrada
29Garrett Whitlock
30Ronny Henriquez
31Kenley Jansen
32Lucas Erceg
33Caleb Thielbar
34Riley O’Brien
35Matt Svanson
36Shawn Armstrong
37Devin Williams
38Jared Koenig
39Matt Strahm
40Tony Santillan
41Emilio Pagán
42Pete Fairbanks
43Bryan King
44Tyler Kinley
45David Robertson
46Fernando Cruz
47Clayton Beeter
48Tyler Rogers
49Edwin Uceta
50Andrew Saalfrank
51Brooks Raley
52Victor Vodnik
53Keegan Akin
54Jordan Leasure
55Tanner Banks
56Dylan Lee
57Brendon Little
58Tyler Phillips
59Gregory Soto
60Seranthony Domínguez
61Blake Treinen
62Enyel De Los Santos
63Greg Weissert
64Orion Kerkering
65Kyle Leahy
66José Buttó
67Aaron Ashby
68PJ Poulin
69Isaac Mattson
70Jimmy Herget
71Calvin Faucher
72Griffin Jax
73Tyler Holton
74Luis García
75Robert Garcia

Last 30 days holds leaderboard:

NameHolds
Hunter Gaddis8
Brad Keller7
Garrett Whitlock7
Caleb Thielbar7
Matt Strahm7
David Robertson7
JoJo Romero6
Clayton Beeter6
Matt Brash6
Ronny Henriquez6
Rico Garcia6
Luke Weaver6
Fernando Cruz6
Bryan Baker5
Devin Williams5
Cole Henry5
Mason Miller5
Bryan King5
Tyler Rogers5
Brooks Raley5
Isaac Mattson5
Gabe Speier5

Top 50 for Holds

RankReliever
1Mason Miller
2Hunter Gaddis
3Brad Keller
4Garrett Whitlock
5Caleb Thielbar
6Ronny Henriquez
7Matt Svanson
8Luke Weaver
9Jeremiah Estrada
10Devin Williams
11Bryan Baker
12Tyler Kinley
13Lucas Erceg
14Bryan King
15Matt Brash
16Garrett Cleavinger
17Jared Koenig
18JoJo Romero
19Adrian Morejon
20Matt Strahm
21Tony Santillan
22Edwin Uceta
23Tyler Rogers
24Riley O’Brien
25Clayton Beeter
26David Robertson
27Brooks Raley
28Blake Treinen
29Brendon Little
30Gabe Speier
31Eduard Bazardo
32Jimmy Herget
33Isaac Mattson
34Gregory Soto
35Aaron Ashby
36Dylan Lee
37PJ Poulin
38Enyel De Los Santos
39Robert Garcia
40José Buttó
41Tyler Holton
42Joel Peguero
43Pierce Johnson
44Tanner Banks
45Seranthony Domínguez
46Ryan Helsley
47John Curtiss
48Mike Vasil
49Griffin Jax
50Luis García

Closer Monkey Emails for 2025

This year, the daily emails have changed. 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.

If you would like to leave a tip, please use this link for PayPal. Venmo can be sent to the address above.

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

Statistical Credits:

Baseball-Reference.com

BaseballSavant.com

BrooksBaseball.net