Monkey Bytes: September 4

Tuesday’s 13-game slate resulted in five wins recorded by relievers and four securing saves. Two games required extra innings, and two ended in walk-off rallies at the bottom of the ninth. Our condensed recaps cover yesterday’s high-leverage events of interest.

Closer CliffsNotes

Justin Martinez (ARI) took over at the bottom of the eighth with two outs and two runners on. He let one score on a single before recording an inning-ending strikeout. Returning for the ninth, he held on for his eighth save, giving up a lead-off single and a one-out Heliot Ramos double while preserving a one-run win. Martinez finished with three hits, an earned run, and three strikeouts over his 1.1 innings. 

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

Raisel Iglesias (ATL) shut the door on his 29th save. He retired the side and recorded one strikeout against the Rockies, completing a combined shutout. He extended his MLB-leading scoreless streak to 22.1 innings, producing 26 strikeouts against two walks with a minuscule 0.27 WHIP. In this outing, he threw 12 pitches (7 strikes – 58.3 Strike%) without a whiff. 

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

Lucas Erceg (KC) made his first appearance since injuring his finger on August 29. He allowed two hits, three earned runs, and hit a batter while recording two strikeouts over two-thirds of the eighth. James McArthur let all three inherited runners score, issuing a walk and allowing Steven Kwan’s two-RBI single during his one-third of the eighth.

  • Updated Hierarchy: Lucas Erceg | John Schreiber | James McArthur

Roansy Contreras (LAA) suffered his fourth loss taking over at the top of the tenth. He let the “place” runner score on a one-out Miguel Rojas single, intentionally walked Shohei Ohtani with two outs, and allowed Mookie Betts’ three-run home run before being removed. He finished with two hits, four runs (three earned), and a walk while recording two outs. Ben Joyce retired the side and recorded two strikeouts against the 4-5-6 lineup pocket, including the fastest pitch on a strikeout in the Statcast era. He extended his scoreless streak to seven games with ten strikeouts against zero walks over his last eight innings.

  • Hierarchy remains: Ben Joyce | Hunter Strickland | José Quijada

Michael Kopech (LAD) collected his fifth win after firing a clean bottom of the ninth against the Angels, courtesy of a four-run rally at the top of the tenth. He threw 12 pitches (66.7 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (16.7 SwStr%) versus the 4-5-6 lineup pocket. He’s been scoreless in 14 of his 15 appearances since his acquisition, posting three wins and converting three saves with 20 strikeouts against four walks over 15.1 innings.

  • Hierarchy remains: *Michael Kopech | *Evan Phillips | Anthony Banda
  • *= closer-by-committee

Elvis Peguero (MIL) suffered his fourth loss. He entered at the top of the 12th, giving up a hit, three runs (one earned), and a walk while striking out two. Devin Williams fired a clean ninth and recorded two strikeouts on an efficient 14 pitches (71.4 Strike%) with four whiffs (28.6 SwStr%).

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

Clay Holmes (NYY) suffered his MLB-leading 11th blown save on Wyatt Langford’s walk-off grand slam. He allowed a Carson Kelly single, a stolen base by pinch-runner Leody Taveras, followed by consecutive walks ahead of the home run, resulting in his fifth loss. Holmes threw 25 pitches (48 Strike%) and induced one whiff during his one-third of the ninth. He’s firmly affixed on the “hot seat.” 

  • Hierarchy remains: Clay Holmes | Tommy Kahnle | Luke Weaver

Hogan Harris (OAK) logged three scoreless frames, taking the baton from J.T. Ginn against Seattle, and collected his third win courtesy of a walk-off rally in the bottom of the ninth. Harris allowed two walks and recorded two strikeouts on 37 pitches (22 strikes – 59.5 Strike%) with five whiffs (13.5 SwStr%).

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

Matt Strahm (PHI) held on for his second save. He allowed Leo Jiménez’s two-out solo home run and recorded two strikeouts, closing a one-run win in Toronto. He threw 21 pitches (12 strikes – 57.1 Strike%) and induced four whiffs (19 SwStr%). Orion Kerkering worked a scoreless eighth, yielding a hit and collecting his fourth win.

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

David Bednar (PIT) retired the side and recorded a strikeout, finishing a combined shutout in a non-save capacity. He threw nine pitches (77.8 Strike%) and produced two whiffs (22.2 SwStr%). He’s recorded consecutive clean outings since being removed from the closer role.

  • Hierarchy remains: *Aroldis Chapman | *Dennis Santana | Kyle Nicolas
  • *= closer-by-committee

Trent Thornton (SEA) issued a one-out walk, gave up Shea Langeliers’ single, and a walk-off Seth Brown RBI single in the bottom of the ninth in Oakland, resulting in his third loss. 

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

Ryan Helsley (STL) logged his second multiple-inning outing of the season. He suffered his fourth blown save at the bottom of the 11th and collected his seventh win after working a clean bottom of the 12th. He matched his season-high, throwing 27 pitches (22 strikes – 81.5 Strike%) and generating six whiffs (22.2 Strike%). He allowed a hit and an unearned run while striking out four over two innings.

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

Garrett Cleavinger (TB) recorded a one-out save, stranding two runners after inducing a game-ending groundout and preserving a one-run win over the Twins. Edwin Uceta gets credit for his fifth hold. He allowed two hits and recorded two strikeouts at the top of the ninth before getting pulled.  

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

Walter Pennington (TEX) collected his first major league win after issuing a walk and recording one out in the top of the ninth, stranding a runner. He benefited from his team’s walk-off grand slam in the bottom of the inning. 

  • Hierarchy remains: Kirby Yates | David Robertson | Andrew Chafin

Chad Green (TOR) suffered his second blown save in his last two games. He took over with a one-run lead at the top of the ninth and gave up three consecutive hits, including Kyle Schwarber’s go-ahead three-run home run. Green bounced back with back-to-back strikeouts before being removed but was tagged with his fifth loss.

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

Vulture Save Options for Wednesday, September 4

  • Andrew Kittredge (STL): Helsley worked two innings and matched his season-high with 27 pitches yesterday.
  • Luke Weaver (NYY): Holmes has appeared in two straight, and Weaver was warming during last night’s blown save.

Vulture Save Stash for Thursday, September 5

  • Pierce Johnson (ATL): If Iglesias and Jiménez pitch today, it will be consecutive outings.

Three Takeaways

  • “The Good:” Preserving a tied game at the top of the ninth, Ben Joyce retired the side and recorded two strikeouts against the Dodgers’ 4-5-6 lineup pocket. He’s been scoreless over his last seven games, spanning eight innings, with ten strikeouts and no walks with a 0.63 WHIP. Since August 16, he ranks sixth in swinging strike percentage (23.9), tied for ninth in contact rate allowed (58.5 percent), and 11th in SIERA (1.36) among his peers. 
  • “The Bad:” For a second straight appearance, Chad Green suffered a blown save, allowing a go-ahead three-run home run last night. He converted his first 16 save chances this season but may be fatigued. He only logged 27 innings between 2022 and 2023 and has 46.1 innings after Tuesday’s outing. This may be a blip, but monitor his strikeout rate and contact allowed over the last four weeks of the season:
  • “The Ugly:” It’s tough quantifying 11 blown saves by Clay Holmes. His underlying data suggests it’s part bad luck and tough timing. However, how many more times can his team palate these outings? Last night, he struggled with his sinker location, which fueled the walk-off grand slam. His ground ball has declined slightly, and his home run per fly ball percentage has increased, but his meltdowns are usually when he lacks command. The hardest part is that there’s no clear option to replace him, which makes this situation more difficult down the stretch:

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 3

Monday’s slate featured 11 games, with relievers securing seven saves and recording four wins. The save came in various ways, including a one-out save by the Reds (Justin Wilson) and a three-inning save by Cole Irvin of the Orioles. This will be a unique week for usage patterns, with teams receiving different off days, including yesterday, today, and Thursday. Our condensed game recaps highlight yesterday’s high-leverage events of interest.

Closer CliffsNotes

Cole Irvin (BAL) logged a three-inning save, closing out a 10-run win over the White Sox. It’s his first of the season and the second of his major league career. He allowed two hits and an earned run while striking out two. 

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

Jorge López (CHC) was summoned at the top of the eighth to protect a 3-0 lead. However, he allowed four hits, including two home runs and four earned runs, while recording one out, resulting in his third loss and a first blown save. 

  • Updated Hierarchy: Porter Hodge | Jorge López | Drew Smyly

Justin Wilson (CIN) induced a game-ending lineout by Yordan Alvarez for his second save, retiring his only batter faced; Emilio Pagán did the heavy lifting, allowing a hit and striking out three over 2.1 scoreless frames. 

  • Hierarchy remains: Alexis Díaz | Emilio Pagán | Tony Santillan

Emmanuel Clase (CLE) recorded his 41st save with a clean bottom of the ninth, preserving a two-run win in Kansas City. He’s converted 28 consecutive save chances since May 20 with 31 strikeouts against six walks and has been scoreless in ten of his last 11 appearances.

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

Jhoan Durán (MIN) nailed down his 21st save with a clean bottom of the ninth and recorded one strikeout. He’s been scoreless over his last three appearances, securing a save in each. Jorge Alcala collected his fourth win, logging 1.1 scoreless innings, scattering two hits and striking out three.

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

Phil Maton (NYM) notched his third save and first as a Met, firing a clean top of the ninth while striking out two. He’s been scoreless in 10 of his last 11.

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

Tyler Ferguson (OAK) took over a tied game at the top of the ninth and retired Seattle’s 9-1-2 hitters by striking out the side on 12 pitches. He collected his third win courtesy of a walk-off home run in the bottom of the inning. 

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

Dennis Santana (PIT) preserved a comeback win against the Cubs by retiring the side and striking out one for his third save, his first as a Pirate. He’s been scoreless over his last 11 appearances, spanning 14 innings, with 15 strikeouts against one walk. Aroldis Chapman matched up against the top of the lineup and tossed a scoreless eighth, allowing a walk on 15 pitches (60 Strike%) without a whiff for his 22nd hold.

  • Hierarchy remains: *Aroldis Chapman | *Dennis Santana | Kyle Nicolas
  • *= closer-by-committee

Robert Suarez (SDP) shut the door on his 31st save, tossing a scoreless top of the ninth and completing a combined shutout of the Tigers. He’s converted both saves with scoreless outings in September, and the Padres are now 52-3 in the 55 games he’s pitched in.

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

Austin Voth (SEA) entered a tied game at the bottom of the ninth in Oakland and suffered his fifth loss. He gave up Shea Langeliers’ walk-off home run leading off the inning. 

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

Vulture Save Options for Tuesday, September 3

  • Edwin Uceta (TB): Rodrìguez has pitched in back-to-back games. 
  • Caleb Thielbar (MIN): Durán, Jax, and Sands appeared in the previous two games. 

Vulture Save Stash for Wednesday, September 4

  • Hunter Gaddis (CLE): If Clase pitches today, it will be consecutive outings, though with Thursday as an off day, he may work three in a row. 

Three Takeaways

  • Porter on tap: Although he did not receive the save opportunity, Porter Hodge was in line for the ninth inning when Jorge López took over the top of the eighth against Pittsburgh with a three-run lead. Although Craig Counsell did not name a replacement for Héctor Neris in save situations, Hodge has recorded two since he was released. He’s been scoreless over 11 outings since August 4 with 19 strikeouts versus five walks (32.6 K-BB%) and a 0.83 WHIP across 12 innings. One would prefer his walk rate (11.6 percent), so fantasy managers should monitor his strike percentage through the end of the season, but he’s emerging as the preferred save option. 
  • Santana records his first save for Pittsburgh: On the other side of this contest, manager Derek Shelton maintained it would be a closer-by-committee after the team removed David Bednar from the closer role, and he used Aroldis Chapman in the bottom of the eighth after rallying for a one-run lead. Chapman worked around a walk and retired Cody Bellinger on an inning-ending flyout. Reding the tea leaves, it appears that the southpaw reliever will go against Bellinger’s lineup pocket in this series, which resulted in Dennis Santana securing his first save as a Pirate. However, he’s been very good in recent outings and extended his scoreless streak to 11 games with a clean bottom of the ninth. Since August 8, he’s allowed three bases runners (two hits and one walk) of 43 batters faced while racking up 15 strikeouts (32.6 K-BB%), resulting in a minuscule 0.21 WHIP and a 1.99 SIERA. It’s tough believing in short samples, but he’s on a heater, as his rolling game chart illustrates:
  • Adam-to-Scott-to-Suarez: While watching the Dodgers game earlier in the day, Orel Hershisher spoke about the regular season being measured by series, but the playoffs get broken down into at-bats. During the Padres’ combined shutout of Detroit, it deployed its high-leverage triumvirate: Jason Adam in the seventh, Tanner Scott in the eighth, and Robert Suarez in the ninth. This can fluctuate based on hitter-handedness in the seventh and eighth innings. Still, a clear pattern has emerged since the trade deadline, and it appears A.J. Preller’s plan on reducing games to six innings may translate into postseason success, especially when viewing the Win Probability Added results over the last 30 days:

Those seeking full game recaps should surf the team pages; they’ve all been updated with Monday’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 2

Happy Labor Day! Here’s hoping you enjoy quality time with family and friends. As for Sunday’s games, eight relievers recorded a win and six secured saves. The slate ended with an extra-inning battle between Atlanta and Philadelphia, with the Phillies winning on a walk-off rally in the bottom of the 11th, handing Carlos Estévez his third win. It also featured Ben Joyce securing his fourth save while working on consecutive days. Our condensed recaps cover all of yesterday’s high-leverage events of interest, and our What to Watch For sets the plate for the first week of September.

Closer CliffsNotes

  • Aaron Bummer (ATL) gave up a walk and left with runners on the corners in the bottom of the 11th. He suffered his third loss when Grant Holmes allowed Nick Castellanos’ walk-off RBI single. Raisel Iglesias worked two scoreless frames, giving up a walk and striking out three. 
  • Hierarchy remains: Raisel Iglesias | Joe Jiménez | Pierce Johnson
  • Rich Hill (BOS) entered a tied game at the bottom of the fifth but gave up a walk, and Spencer Torkelson’s go-ahead two-run home run resulted in his first loss. 
  • Hierarchy remains: Kenley Jansen | Chris Martin | Justin Slaten
  • Alexis Díaz (CIN) retired the side in the top of the 11th and collected his second win following a walk-off rally in the bottom of the inning. After a rough August, which featured two losses and three saves in five chances, the Reds’ closer would benefit from a strong finish to ensure his role in 2025. 
  • Hierarchy remains: Alexis Díaz | Emilio Pagán | Tony Santillan
  • Jason Foley (DET) nailed down his 20th save with a clean ninth and one strikeout, preserving a three-run win over Boston. He’s been scoreless in his last eight outings while converting all five save chances since August 14. 
  • Hierarchy remains: *Jason Foley | *Tyler Holton | Shelby Miller
  • *= closer-by-committee
  • Ben Joyce (LAA) preserved a one-run lead by navigating around a lead-off single with a double play groundout and a game-ending strikeout. He extended his scoreless streak to six games, and he’s recorded a win while converting three saves with eight strikeouts against zero walks in his last seven innings.
  • Hierarchy remains: Ben Joyce | Hunter Strickland | José Quijada
  • Calvin Faucher (MIA) fired a clean bottom of the ninth while striking out the side and recording his sixth save. Since August 3, he’s been scoreless in ten of 12 appearances, converting all six save chances with 18 strikeouts versus four walks over 12 innings.
  • Updated Hierarchy: Calvin Faucher | John McMillon | Jesús Tinoco
  • Bryse Wilson (MIL) logged an extended outing, working 3.2 innings but suffered his fourth loss when the “place” runner scored on a ricocheted comebacker in the bottom of the 11th in Cincinnati. He allowed two hits and an unearned run while striking out two. 
  • Hierarchy remains: Devin Williams | Trevor Megill | Joel Payamps
  • Jhoan Durán (MIN) preserved a one-run win over the Blue Jays and recorded his 20th save. He worked around a hit batter and struck out one. He’s been scoreless in his last two outings, recording a save in each, but last worked a clean inning on August 15.
  • Hierarchy remains: Jhoan Durán | Griffin Jax | Cole Sands
  • Edwin Díaz (NYM) shut the door on his 16th save with a clean bottom of the ninth while striking out the side. After consecutive losses, he’s leaned into his four-seam fastball and been scoreless in his last three appearances, striking out seven of nine batters.
  • Hierarchy remains: Edwin Díaz | Phil Maton | Reed Garrett
  • Mason Miller (OAK) allowed Jace Jung’s walk-off three-run home run, resulting in his second loss. After giving up a hit in a scoreless ninth, Miller returned for the tenth, allowing two hits, four runs (three earned), and a walk while striking out one. This marked his 12th multiple-inning appearance and third-highest pitch total of the season. 
  • Hierarchy remains: Mason Miller | Tyler Ferguson | Michel Otañez
  • Carlos Estévez (PHI) collected his third win on a walk-off rally in the bottom of the 11th. He worked two clean frames, stranding both “place” runners while striking out two. After a slow start since his acquisition, he’s been scoreless over his last five with a win and two saves. 
  • Hierarchy remains: Carlos Estévez | Jeff Hoffman | Matt Strahm
  • Robert Suarez (SD) held on for his 30th save, navigating around a hit and a walk for a scoreless ninth, preserving a one-run win in Tampa Bay. He’s converted 30 of 32 save opportunities this season but has allowed a run in four of his last nine appearances. Tanner Scott collected his ninth win. He gave up a hit and a walk while striking out two in a scoreless bottom of the eighth.
  • Hierarchy remains: Robert Suarez | Tanner Scott | Jason Adam
  • JoJo Romero (STL) stranded two runners in the sixth and logged 1.1 scoreless innings, allowing a hit and a walk while striking out three. He collected his sixth win after his teammates rallied for five runs in the top of the seventh. 
  • Hierarchy remains: Ryan Helsley | Andrew Kittredge | JoJo Romero
  • Manuel Rodríguez (TB) took over a tied game at the top of the ninth. His outing began with a walk and a single, followed by a go-ahead sacrifice fly, resulting in his fourth loss. 
  • Hierarchy remains: *Manuel Rodríguez | *Edwin Uceta | *Garrett Cleavinger
  • *= closer-by-committee
  • Matt Festa (TEX) gave up two runs (one earned) on two hits and recorded two strikeouts in the top of the tenth. Despite this, he collected his third win on a walk-off rally in the bottom of the inning.
  • Hierarchy remains: Kirby Yates | David Robertson | Andrew Chafin
  • Chad Green (TOR) took over with a two-run lead in the bottom of the eight. However, he not only had his five-game scoreless streak snapped, he suffered his fourth loss and a first blown save, giving up Royce Lewis’ go-ahead three-run home run. Hierarchy remains: Chad Green | Génesis Cabrera | Erik Swanson

Vulture Save Options for Monday, September 2

  • Emilio Pagán (CIN): Alexis Díaz has pitched in four of the previous five days. 
  • Phil Maton (NYM): Edwin Díaz has appeared in four of the last five games. 
  • Michel Otañez (OAK): Miller threw 34 pitches across a two-inning outing on Sunday. Tyler Ferguson could also be used, so this is a tougher dart throw. 

Vulture Save Stashes for Tuesday, September 3

  • Tyler Holton (DET): If Foley pitches today, it will be consecutive outings.

What to Watch For (September 2-through-8)

Arizona Diamondbacks -How does Justin Martinez fare in September? He took over the ninth inning in August, recording seven saves while logging 14.1 innings with a 24:7 K:BB (27 K-BB%) and a 1.33 WHIP. One would prefer less traffic on the bases, but his 2.56 SIERA, 17.8 swinging strike percentage, and 63.6 percent contact rate allowed insulate his success during high-leverage events. 

Boston Red Sox – Liam Hendriks has circled this weekend’s series against his former team for his return. With Kenley Jansen affixed as the closer, will the Red Sox ease Hendriks into a high-leverage role and provide him with save chances over the last two weeks of the season? Jansen will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the year, while Hendriks is signed through the end of 2025. 

Chicago Cubs – Since designated Héctor Neris for assignment on August 20, Porter Hodge has recorded two saves, Jorge López one, and Keegan Thompson notched a one-out ancillary save. Fantasy managers prefer clarity and will monitor how the Cubs deploy Hodge and López in September. 

Chicago White Sox – Prelander Berroa retired six of seven batters faced, including five via strikeout, allowing only a walk against the Mets. He threw 39 pitches (24 strikes – 61.5 Strike%) and generated eight whiffs (20.5 SwStr%). He’s been inconsistent but has racked up ten strikeotus over his last five innings, giving up one earned run. If these trends continue, it should be worth finding out how he handles a save opportunity in a lost season. 

Cincinnati Reds – It’s been a bumpy season for Alexis Díaz and those with him on their fantasy rosters. Hope lies in his 1.23 second-half WHIP, but can he reestablish himself in the ninth inning? Over his last 14 games, he owns a 1-2 record while converting five of seven save chances with 12 strikeouts against four walks, but he’s also allowed eight runs (seven earned) through 12 innings. Over the last statistical year, he’s posted a 6.9 K-BB percentage and a 1.51 WHIP. 

Colorado Rockies -Although Tyler Kinley has converted his last two save opportunities and been scoreless in 19 of his last 22, he may be usurped in the bullpen hierarchy. Victor Vodnik threw a bullpen session at 80 percent on Saturday, and he’s slated for an “aggressive” bullpen session on Tuesday. If all goes well, he could be activated or work a rehab outing or two before his return. How he finishes the season will determine roles in 2025 for this leverage ladder. 

Los Angeles Angels – One of the biggest concerns regarding Ben Joyce as the closer of the future was workload management. He rarely recorded consecutive outings in college due to multiple-inning appearances. This year, he’s recorded four appearances on back-to-back days for the Angels and accomplished the feat two times at Double-A before his promotion. He’s appeared three times in the last four days, securing two saves and collecting a win while allowing three hits over 3.1 scoreless innings with four strikeouts. As he establishes himself in the closer role, fantasy players hope he will improve on his 9.9 swinging strike percentage and 1.21 WHIP since the All-Star break.

New York Mets – Taking his recent results with a grain of salt, since two saves happened against the White Sox, Edwin Díaz has changed his sequencing following a walk-off loss in Arizona on a hanging slider. In his last three appearances, he’s thrown 42 pitches, 35 four-seam fastballs, and only seven sliders. He’s retired all nine batters, seven via strikeout, while recording one save against Arizona and two versus the White Sox. Adjustments are constantly required in baseball, so it will be intriguing to see how his usage patterns evolve over the rest of September. 

Oakland A’s – Recency bias suggests Mason Miller has struggled in the second half after a walk-off three-run home run in Texas on his 34th pitch. He has seen a dip since the All-Star break, posting a 1.00 WHIP, a 21.1 K-BB percentage, and a 3.21 ERA versus a 3.13 SIERA. Through 12 games in the second half, he’s converted all eight save chances with 17 strikeouts versus five walks across 14 innings. Sustaining the gaudy numbers he produced in the first month was unrealistic, but his results during the remainder of the season will help project how he’s ranked among his peers entering 2025 drafts. 

Pittsburgh Pirates – Aroldis Chapman nailed down his fifth save, his first save since July 11, and he’s been scoreless in ten of his last 11 appearances with 20 strikeouts versus two walks across 11 innings. He should be the preferred save option in the interim. David Bednar did record a clean appearance on Sunday in a low-leverage outing against the 9-1-2-3 hitters of Cleveland, issuing Steven Kwan a walk but retiring the other three, including an inning-ending groundout by José Ramírez. There’s no timeline for Bednar’s removal from the closer role, but it will take more outings like this one and a few strikeouts with his secondary pitches before a return will be imminent.

San Diego Padres – His recent struggles with traffic and earned runs bring more attention to his performance than it should, especially after Robert Suarez recorded his career-best 30th save on Sunday. However, one does notice his 0.90 WHIP through 37.2 innings in the first half versus his 1.10 WHIP in 16.1 innings in the second half. It can be some bad luck, especially in strand rate, but he’s improved his swinging strike percentage and reduced contact allowed since the All-Star break, so this could be working through fatigue. He’s already reached a career-high in innings this season and is working in uncharted territory as the closer while his team fights for playoff positioning each game.

Those seeking full game recaps should surf the team pages; they’ve all been updated with Sunday’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 1

Saturday’s slate was rife with high-leverage events, including Aroldis Chapman nailing down his fifth save of the season and first since July 11, filling in capably for David Bednar. Across the 15-game slate, five relievers recorded a win and 11 secured saves. Before delving into the condensed game recaps, here are some observations for three relievers.

Three Takeaways

  • Chapman nails down his first audition: With David Bednar working in non-save outings, Aroldis Chapman continued his strong second half, securing his first save since July 11 with a clean ninth while striking out two. Since the All-Star break, he ranks third among all qualified relievers in K-BB percentage (37.5), first in SIERA (1.44), 17th in WHIP (0.76), and 23rd in swinging strike percentage (16.9). Perhaps the most impressive part of his success is that he’s attacking hitters and throwing more strikes (70.8 strike percentage in the second half). It’s tough trusting the volatile southpaw, but he’s on a heater, as his rolling chart displays:
  • The “Airbender” and elevated pitch counts: The good news is that he’s been scoreless over his last three appearances and recorded three saves. However, Devin Williams has needed at least 25 pitches in three of his previous four games while issuing six walks against six strikeouts with a 51.5 strike percentage. No reliever can maintain a 30 percent walk rate and remain successful. This may be a blip, especially given his missed time during the season and a condensed buildup ahead of his return. Still, it’s worth monitoring efficiency for a reliever returning from a back injury. 
  • Muñoz and home runs: Suffering his sixth loss and third in his last six outings, Andrés Muñoz gave up Mickey Moniak’s walk-off home run on a 1-2 count with a slider in the strike zone. He’s served up three home runs in this rough patch among his five hits allowed over his last 5.1 innings. He’s also recorded ten strikeouts versus four walks, putting his walk percentage at 16 against his last 25 batters faced. With his team struggling, he only converted one save in three opportunities in August. He’s also logged a heavy workload, securing seven saves requiring four or more outs this season. His next save will mark his first 20-save season, but fantasy managers will monitor his finish in September closely along with tracking his velocities:

Closer CliffsNotes for August 31

  • Justin Martinez (ARI) was summoned with two runners on and one out during a tied game at the top of the ninth. He recorded an out and allowed a two-RBI bloop single by Tommy Edman. Ryan Thompson suffered his fourth loss. He allowed three hits and two earned runs while striking out one during his combined inning of relief. 
  • Hierarchy remains: Justin Martinez | A.J. Puk | Ryan Thompson
  • Craig Kimbrel (BAL) took over a tied game at the bottom of the eighth and suffered his fifth loss, allowing two hits and two earned runs while striking out one in Colorado. 
  • Hierarchy remains: Seranthony Domínguez | Yennier Cano | Cionel Pérez
  • Porter Hodge (CHC) notched his third save with a scoreless ninth, navigating around a one-out single and a walk with consecutive strikeouts. He’s been scoreless over his last 11 appearances with 19 strikeouts versus five walks and recorded two wins and two saves in his last five contests.
  • Updated Hierarchy: *Porter Hodge | *Jorge López | Drew Smyly
  • *= closer-by-committee
  • Tyler Kinley (COL) capped a two-run rally and secured his eighth save with a scoreless ninth against the Orioles. He allowed a walk and recorded all three outs via strikeout. He finished August with a win and converted three of four save opportunities while posting a 16:3 K:BB over 12.2 innings.
  • Hierarchy remains: Tyler Kinley | Angel Chivilli | Justin Lawrence
  • Tyler Holton (DET) preserved a one-run win over the Red Sox, working around a walk while tossing a scoreless top of the ninth. He’s recorded three saves since August 6 and has been scoreless in nine of his last 11 appearances with ten strikeouts against one walk. 
  • Updated Hierarchy: *Jason Foley | *Tyler Holton | Shelby Miller
  • *= closer-by-committee
  • Ryan Pressly (HOU) closed out a three-run win for his third save with a scoreless ninth. He allowed a hit and recorded one strikeout against the Royals. He’s been scoreless in both outings since his activation, with a win and a save. 
  • Hierarchy remains: Josh Hader | Ryan Pressly | Bryan Abreu
  • Ben Joyce (LAA) navigated around a hit batter and a single for a scoreless top of the ninth while striking out one. He collected his second win on a walk-off home run in the bottom of the inning. He finished August with this win, three saves, and two holds with 11 strikeouts versus four walks over 10.1 innings.
  • Hierarchy remains: Ben Joyce | Hunter Strickland | José Quijada
  • Evan Phillips (LAD) shut the door on his 18th save with a clean bottom of the ninth, preserving a two-run win in Arizona. He’s been scoreless over eight of his last nine appearances, converting three of four save chances with 12 strikeouts against one walk. He was the only reliever to not appear during Friday’s impromptu bullpen contest. 
  • Hierarchy remains: *Michael Kopech | *Evan Phillips | Anthony Banda
  • *= closer-by-committee
  • Calvin Faucher (MIA) nailed down his fifth save with a clean bottom of the ninth and two strikeouts against the Giants. He finished August with a loss and converted five of six save chances with 16 strikeouts against six walks.
  • Updated Hierarchy: Calvin Faucher | Andrew Nardi | Jesús Tinoco
  • Devin Williams (MIL) worked into and out of trouble while preserving a one-run win for his eighth save. He issued a one-out and two-out walk followed by a hit-batter, loading the bases before inducing a game-ending groundout. He’s been scoreless in eight of his last nine, converting eight of nine save chances with 15 strikeotus versus seven walks across 8.2 innings. Aaron Ashby collected his first win, logging two scoreless frames. He allowed a hit and a walk while striking out three. 
  • Hierarchy remains: Devin Williams | Trevor Megill | Joel Payamps
  • Tyler Ferguson (OAK) returned for the ninth after tossing a scoreless bottom of the eighth and striking out the side. He hit Nathaniel Lowe with a pitch leading off the inning, induced a pop-out, issued a walk, and gave up Leody Tavares’ walk-off RBI single, resulting in his second loss. 
  • Hierarchy remains: Mason Miller | Tyler Ferguson | Michel Otañez
  • José Buttó (NYM) held on for his third save despite allowing three hits and an earned run in the bottom of the ninth while facing the White Sox. He’s allowed at least a run in two of his last three.
  • Hierarchy remains: Edwin Díaz | Phil Maton | Reed Garrett 
  • Carlos Estévez (PHI) completed a combined shutout, working around a hit and striking out two while recording his 23rd save. He’s been scoreless over his last four outings and converted three of four save chances since his acquisition. This was an encouraging outing and usage pattern for Estévez.
  • Hierarchy remains: *Carlos Estévez | *Jeff Hoffman | Matt Strahm
  • *= closer-by-committee
  • Aroldis Chapman (PIT) nailed down his fifth save and first since July 11 with a clean ninth while striking out two. He’s been scoreless in ten of his last 11 appearances with 20 strikeouts versus two walks across 11 innings. This was the 326th save of his career, moving him into a tie for 19th all-time with Roberto Hernandez. One more usage pattern like this and our hierarchy will reflect Chapman as the preferred option despite Derek Shelton suggesting a committee. If targeting one reliever here, it’s the high-octane southpaw.
  • Hierarchy remains: *Aroldis Chapman | *Dennis Santana | Kyle Nicolas
  • *= closer-by-committee
  • Andrés Muñoz (SEA) took over a tied game at the bottom of the ninth and recorded two quick outs, one via strikeout, before allowing Mickey Moniak’s walk-off home run, resulting in his sixth loss. He’s allowed a home run in three of his last six appearances and only converted one of three save chances in August.
  • Adjusted Hierarchy: Andrés Muñoz | Collin Snider | Austin Voth
  • Ryan Helsley (STL) recorded his MLB-leading 42nd save while preserving a one-run win against the Yankees. With two outs, he allowed Juan Soto’s double and issued Aaron Judge an intentional walk ahead of a game-ending Austin Wells strikeout. This extended his scoreless streak to nine games, and he’s converted nine straight saves since August 3.
  • Hierarchy remains: Ryan Helsley | Andrew Kittredge | JoJo Romero
  • Kirby Yates (TEX) worked around a two-out single and a walk for a scoreless top of the ninth, keeping the game tied. He collected his sixth win on a walk-off rally in the bottom of the inning. He went 3-1 while converting six of seven save chances across 12 games with 22 strikeouts versus six walks in August.
  • Hierarchy remains: Kirby Yates | David Robertson | Andrew Chafin

Vulture Save Options for Sunday, September 1

  • Trevor Megill (MIL): Williams has pitched in two straight and thrown 57 pitches.
  • John Schreiber (KCR): If Lucas Erceg remains unavailable with his finger injury, it should be Schreiber in the ninth unless they use Kris Bubic versus Yordan Alvarez. 
  • Andrew Kittredge (STL): Helsley has logged outings in three of the last four.
  • A.J. Puk (ARI): Martinez and Thompson have pitched in three of the previous four days. 
  • Andrew Chafin (TEX): Yates and Robertson have worked in four of the last five games.

Vulture Save Stashes for Monday, September 2

  • Keegan Thompson (CHC): If Hodge and López appear again today, it will be consecutive outings for both.

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

Monkey Bytes: August 31

Before delving into Friday’s game action, the site experienced an attack yesterday and was down for most of the evening, and I apologize. Pittsburgh announced a change in their leverage roles before yesterday’s game.

Three Takeaways

  • Bednar removed as closer: In a pregame press conference, Derek Shelton confirmed David Bednar was removed as the closer for the Pirates in the short term and will work in lower leveraged appearances. This feels like an attempt at the Craig Kimbrel reset; the Orioles succeeded once earlier this season. Bednar must improve his results with his secondary pitches (split-finger and curve) and the command of his four-seam fastball. It’s tough being successful as the closer, with a 2.18 WHIP in the second half. Shelton brought up the dreaded committee approach. Aroldis Chapman has recorded four wins, seven holds, and a blown save since the All-Star break with 26 strikeouts versus four walks (36.1 K-BB%), a 0.81 WHIP, and a 17.2 swinging strike percentage through 16 games. He should be the preferred save share. Dennis Santana could also be in the mix. He’s notched a win and two holds with 22 strikeouts versus two walks (28.6 K-BB%) with a 0.74 WHIP in the second half across 16 appearances spanning 19 innings. We prefer Chapman, he’s the team’s highest-paid player and should treated as such in upcoming save chances. Our adjusted hierarchy: *Aroldis Chapman | *Dennis Santana | Kyle Nicolas
  • Hendriks’ potential return looming: Depending on Boston’s playoff chances down the stretch, the team may take a sneak preview at their potential closer for 2025, Liam Hendriks. He’s targeting a return on September 6 against his former team, the White Sox. He’s been scoreless over his last two appearances at Triple-A, though neither outing has been clean. With Kenley Jansen on the precipice of free agency, he may cede save chances in the last two weeks if they are not contending for a postseason berth. Hendriks should be eased into leverage chances, but stay tuned on his performance and evolving role upon activation. 
  • Dodgers and fluidity: It’s frustrating from a fantasy perspective, but the Dodgers are focused on winning the division, not how reliever roles are defined. Michael Kopech and Evan Phillips have shared saves since August 16, with Kopech recording three and Phillips two. While avidly watching games, it may depend on the situation and lineup lanes assigned before the series match-ups. Both will be viable, but for those seeking a label, it may not happen over the remainder of the season and in the playoffs.

Friday’s 16-game slate featured a doubleheader sweep by the Brewers over the Reds. Six relievers recorded wins, though two resulted from a blown save (Kenley Jansen and Josh Hader), and eight saves were converted. Closer Monkey congratulates Emmanuel Clase on becoming the franchise leader in saves, recording his 150th for Cleveland. Our condensed recaps cover the high-leverage events of interest for each team.

Closer CliffsNotes

  • Dylan Floro (ARI) allowed Max Muncy’s double at the top of the sixth and was removed after recording two outs. Floro was tagged with his fourth loss by the official scorer when Muncy scored the go-ahead run on a wild pitch by Joe Manitply. 
  • Hierarchy remains: Justin Martinez | A.J. Puk | Ryan Thomson
  • Seranthony Domínguez (BAL) allowed two hits, including Brendon Rodgers’ solo home run, but held on for his eighth save, finishing a two-run win in Colorado. All five runs Domínguez has allowed as an Oriole have been on solo home runs, but he’s converted all six save chances since August 2 with 11 strikeouts against three walks over eight innings.
  • Hierarchy remains: Seranthony Domínguez | Yennier Cano | Cionel Pérez
  • Chris Martin (BOS) recorded his second save, retiring the side in the bottom of the tenth, although the “place” runner scored. Kenley Jansen suffered his fourth blown save, the first since July 27, allowing two hits and an earned run in the bottom of the ninth. He’s allowed a run in three of his last five outings. 
  • Hierarchy remains: Kenley Jansen | Chris Martin | Justin Slaten
  • Keegan Thompson (CHC) retired his only batter via strikeout for his second save, preserving a one-run win in Washington. He last recorded a save on June 18 and stranded two runners in the one-run win. 
  • Hierarchy remains: *Jorge López | *Porter Hodge | Drew Smyly
  • Alexis Díaz (CIN) suffered his fifth loss in Game 1, allowing the “place” runner to score in the top of the tenth against Milwaukee. He allowed two hits, an unearned run, and recorded a strikeout. He’s allowed at least a run in three of his last four and four of his previous six games.
  • Updated Hierarchy: Alexis Díaz | Emilio Pagán | Tony Santillan
  • Emmanuel Clase (CLE) gave up Andrew McCutchen’s lead-off home run, snapping his nine-game scoreless streak. But, he bore down, retiring the next three batters, one via strikeout, for his American League-leading 40th save. He’s converted 27 straight save chances since May 20 and has reached 40 saves in the last three seasons. He also became the all-time franchise leader in the category, securing the 150th of his career. 
  • Hierarchy remains: Emmanuel Clase | Hunter Gaddis | Cade Smith 
  • Shelby Miller (DET) worked a clean top of the ninth and returned for the tenth. However, he allowed Cedanne Rafaela’s go-ahead two-run home run, resulting in his eighth loss. Miller finished with one hit, two runs (one earned), and two strikeouts over his 1.1 innings. 
  • Hierarchy Remains: *Jason Foley | *Tyler Holton | Shelby Miller
  • Josh Hader (HOU) had his save streak snapped by Paul DeJong’s game-tying two-run home run. Hader had converted 29 straight saves since April 7 but collected his seventh win courtesy of a walk-off rally in the bottom of the inning. He’s recorded three wins and converted eight of nine saves in August.
  • Hierarchy Remains: Josh Hader | Bryan Abreu | Ryan Pressly
  • James McArthur (KCR) gave up a one-out single by Jake Meyers and Jose Altuve’s walk-off RBI double with two outs in the bottom of the ninth, resulting in his sixth loss. 
  • Hierarchy Remains: Lucas Erceg | Kris Bubic | John Schreiber
  • Ryan Brasier (LAD) worked a scoreless bottom of the fifth in Arizona and was awarded his first win during an eventual one-run victory. 
  • Hierarchy remains: *Michael Kopech | *Evan Phillips | Anthony Banda
  • Mike Baumann (MIA) suffered his first loss and was credited with his seventh hold after allowing a hit and two walks in the bottom of the eighth before being removed. George Soriano gave up a bases-clearing three-RBI double by Matt Chapman, charging all three runs to Baumann, resulting in his third blown save. 
  • Hierarchy Remains: Calvin Faucher | Andrew Nardi | Jesús Tinoco
  • Devin Williams (MIL) secured his seventh save, issuing a walk and striking out one in the bottom of the tenth, preserving a one-run win during Game 1. He did throw 25 pitches, which may prevent him from being used in Saturday’s contest. He’s converted seven of eight save chances since August 10 with 13 strikeouts against four walks in his last 7.2 innings.
  • Updated Hierarchy: Devin Williams | Trevor Megill | Joel Payamps
  • Jhoan Durán (MIN) navigated around a lead-off single with a game-ending double play groundout, securing his 19th save and completing a combined shutout. This snapped a two-game streak, allowing multiple runs, and he’s converted four saves in five chances this month. 
  • Hierarchy remains: Jhoan Durán | Griffin Jax | Cole Sands
  • Edwin Díaz (NYM) appeared for a third straight game, closing out a four-run win in the bottom of the ninth against the White Sox. He has retired the side and recorded two strikeouts in consecutive outings. 
  • Hierarchy remains: Edwin Díaz | Phil Maton | Reed Garrett
  • Clay Holmes (NYY) locked down his 29th save, firing a clean top of the ninth against the 5-6-7 hitters of St. Louis. He’s been scoreless in four straight and converted seven of nine save chances in August. 
  • Hierarchy remains: Clay Holmes | Tommy Kahnle | Luke Weaver
  • Carmen Mlodzinski (PIT) took over in the bottom of the fifth but suffered his fourth loss. He allowed four hits, including two home runs and four earned runs, during his inning of work. 
  • Updated Hierarchy: *Aroldis Chapman | *Dennis Santana | Kyle Nicolas
  • Ryan Walker (SFG) nailed down his fifth save with a clean top of the ninth and two strikeouts against Miami, preserving a two-run win. Since taking over as the closer on August 10, he’s allowed one unearned run while collecting a win and converting all five save chances with 21 strikeouts against two walks during eight appearances spanning ten innings. 
  • Hierarchy remains: Ryan Walker | Tyler Rogers | Camilo Doval

Vulture Save Options for Saturday, August 31

  • Tony Santillan (CIN): Díaz and Pagán have appeared in three straight games. 
  • Ryan Pressly (HOU): Hader and Abreu have worked in back-to-back contests. 
  • John Schreiber (KCR): Depending on the severity of Erceg’s injury, he may be in line for the save on Saturday. 
  • Trevor Megill (MIL): Williams needed 25 pitches during his save on Friday during Game 1 and may get today off for workload management. 
  • José Buttó (NYM): He could receive a multi-inning save chance. Díaz has pitched in three straight games, Maton and Garrett in three of the last four. 

Vulture Save Stashes for Sunday, September 1

  • Cole Sands (MIN): If Durán and Jax pitch today, both relievers will have logged consecutive outings. 
  • Edwin Uceta (TBR): If Rodrìguez pitches in today’s game, it will be back-to-back appearances.

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