Closer Monkey

Monkey Bytes: August 23

Thursday’s 10-game slate was a quiet one for high-leverage events. Only two relievers recorded a win, with one being a bulk appearance by Ryan Yarbrough (TOR). Three relievers recorded a save, including an MLB-leading 39th by Ryan Helsley. Our condensed game recaps cover the limited leverage outcomes from yesterday.

Closer CliffsNotes

Raisel Iglesias (ATL) locked down his 28th save while striking out the side against Philadelphia’s 3-4-5 hitters, preserving a one-run win. He’s been scoreless in the second half, allowing two hits and a walk while recording 18 strikeouts and converting all six save chances.

Nick Mears (MIL) suffered his fifth loss. He allowed three hits, three earned runs, and a walk during two-thirds of the seventh in St. Louis.

Mason Miller (OAK) recorded his 20th save with a scoreless ninth. He allowed a hit and recorded two strikeouts. He’s the third rookie pitcher in team history with at least 20 saves, joining Andrew Bailey (2009) and Huston Street (2005).

Ryan Helsley (STL) secured his MLB-leading 39th save with a scoreless ninth while finishing a combined shutout. His next save will mark the ninth time a reliever has recorded 40 saves in team history and the first since Trevor Rosenthal (48 in 2015).

Ryan Yarbrough (TOR) collected his fifth win as the “bulk follower.” He worked five scoreless frames, scattering three hits and striking out four against the Angels.

Vulture Save Options for Friday, August 23

Ryan Fernandez (STL): Helsley, Kittredge, and Romero have worked in consecutive games.
A.J. Puk (ARI): Teams have been matching up their left-handed relievers against Boston, and Martinez has thrown 38 pitches in his last two outings; he may require rest until Saturday.

Vulture Save Stashes for Saturday. August 24

Joe Jiménez (ATL): If Iglesias pitches again tonight, it will be back-to-back appearances and three in the previous four.

What to Watch For (Weekend Edition)

Baltimore Orioles – How will Brandon Hyde handle save situations? Seranthony Dominguez has converted three saves since with 15 strikeouts against three walks (28.6 K-BB%). However, he’s allowed a home run in his last three appearances, resulting in two losses. He’s given up seven hits in his 12 games with the Orioles, but four have been solo home runs. He needs a strong weekend to remain the team’s preferred option for the ninth inning.

Chicago Cubs – After Jorge López recorded a save last Saturday with Porter Hodge working ahead of him, he seemed like the logical pivot for the closer role after the team placed Héctor Neris on waivers. But Porter Hodge, who pitched very well in leverage this season, received this bullpen’s first save in the post-Neris era. Hopefully, their respective roles will be clarified this weekend for the remainder of the season.

Colorado Rockies – Tyler Kinley has been scoreless in 11 outings since July 28 over his 12 appearances, with 14 strikeouts against three walks and a 0.54 WHIP over 13 innings. He’s operated as the team’s closer before and has acknowledged he feels healthy compared to earlier this season when he struggled during ninth-inning outings. Angel Chivilli secured his first major league save earlier this week and remains on the periphery of leverage opportunities, while Victor Vodnik is on the injured list.

Kansas City Royals—Will Lucas Erceg be used as a more traditional closer moving forward? He’s been scoreless through his first nine outings with the Royals, producing 14 strikeouts against zero walks (40 K-BB%) and a minuscule 0.39 WHIP across 10.1 innings. Here are his splits-by-pitch since his acquisition:

Link: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/OYcfJ/2/

Milwaukee Brewers—When the team activated Devin Williams, it maintained that his workload would be managed closely, especially regarding consecutive appearances. However, he’s pitched on back-to-back days twice in the last nine days:

His first time was a dominating outing against the Dodgers. His second resulted in a blown save, during which he only threw 12 of his 31 pitches for strikes. Back injuries can be tricky, as can pursuing a bye in the playoffs while keeping its leverage ladder on optimal rest. This will be an intriguing needle for the team to thread, and fantasy managers will be tracking his performance down the stretch with eyes on his potential impact next year as a pending free agent.

Pittsburgh Pirates—After a six-game stretch of allowing at least a run, David Bednar recorded consecutive clean appearances, providing a glimmer of hope for fantasy players. However, it was short-lived. He suffered a walk-off loss in Texas and has given up at least a run in seven of his last nine games. Using his pre-and-post oblique injury as the focal point of his splits-by-pitch, here are his results from his first 34 games against his last 13 since returning in July:

Link: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/CR69S/3/

San Francisco Giants – Reports indicate the team will activate Camilo Doval before its series in Seattle begins this evening. After a rough first outing, he recorded three clean appearances at Triple-A. His role remains to be determined, but the team will likely ease him into leverage situations. Before his demotion, manager Bob Melvin said the bullpen works best with Doval closing so Ryan Walker can be deployed in the highest-leveraged moments. Time will tell if this was true or if Walker remains the closer with the team pursuing a playoff berth, though it’s a long shot (the playoffs, not Walker closing).

Seattle Mariners – Andrés Muñoz recorded a 14-game scoreless streak between June 28 through August 14 but has allowed at least a run in his last two appearances. Under Scott Servais, he would be used in the highest-leverage moments in big games. With a new manager, fantasy managers should monitor his usage patterns over the last five-plus weeks.

Tampa Bay Rays – Although fantasy players prefer not hearing about a potential committee for save share, at least Kevin Cash remained true to his word when asked about replacing Pete Fairbanks. He suggested higher leverage roles for Edwin Uceta and Manuel Rodríguez. Each secured their first save for the Rays during this week’s games in Oakland. As the season progresses, we will track who gets the majority share and how they are used in the same contest.

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

Statistical Credits:

Monkey Bytes: August 22

Wednesday’s slate resulted in nine reliever wins and five saves. There were three walk-offs, including a grand slam in the bottom of the tenth by Nolan Arenado. Justin Martinez recorded his first multiple-inning save of the season, and Manuel Rodríguez (TBR) recorded his first save since 2022 with a clean ninth in Oakland. Our condensed game recaps cover the high-leverage events of interest from yesterday.

Closer CliffsNotes

Justin Martinez (ARI) was pressed into duty with a runner on and one out in the bottom of the eighth. He retired both batters and returned for the ninth. He recorded his fifth save despite allowing a run on a wild pitch in the bottom of the ninth. He logged 1.2 innings, giving up two hits and a walk while striking out four.

Joe Jiménez (ATL) was summoned with the score tied at the top of the eighth. He allowed a lead-off double and a sacrifice fly, scoring the game-winning run, resulting in his fifth loss.

Seranthony Domínguez (BAL) took over in the bottom of the eighth and produced an inning-ending strikeout, keeping the game tied. He suffered his fourth loss in the ninth, allowing Jesse Winker’s walk-off home run. Domínguez has given up a home run in three straight appearances over his team’s last four games.

Chris Martin (BOS) filled in capably for his closer, preserving a three-run win in Houston for his first save. He allowed a hit and recorded a strikeout on 16 pitches (11 strikes – 68.8 Strike%) with one whiff. He’s been scoreless in seven of eight games since returning from the injured list, with ten strikeouts versus zero walks.

Fraser Ellard (CHW) earned his first major league win. He tossed a clean bottom of the eighth and recorded two strikeouts, keeping the game tied ahead of his teammates, scoring four runs at the top of the ninth.

Emilio Pagán (CIN) stranded a runner in the seventh and fired a clean eighth. He was awarded his third win after firing 1.1 clean frames while striking out one.

Lucas Erceg (KCR) shut the door on his sixth save with a clean top of the ninth and recorded two strikeouts. He’s scoreless through his first nine outings with the Royals, producing 14 strikeouts against zero walks and a minuscule 0.39 WHIP across 10.1 innings.

Andrew Nardi (MIA) let both inherited runners score while giving up two hits, two earned runs, and a walk during one-third of the seventh, resulting in his second loss and a sixth blown save. Calvin Faucher gave up three hits and two earned runs in a non-save outing in the top of the ninth.

Trevor Megill (MIL) issued two walks (one intentional) and recorded one out before giving up Nolan Arenado’s walk-off grand slam in the bottom of the tenth, resulting in his third loss. Devin Williams had command issues in the ninth and suffered his first blown save. He allowed a hit, two earned runs, and three walks while striking out one.

Edwin Díaz (NYM) retired the side and recorded two strikeouts in the top of the ninth against Baltimore. He collected his fifth win courtesy of a walk-off home run in the bottom of the inning. He’s been scoreless in seven of his last eight games with 14 strikeouts against two walks.

Carlos Estévez (PHI) navigated around a lead-off walk and a one-out single for a scoreless ninth while recording his 22nd save.

David Bednar (PIT) had his modest two-game scoreless snapped during his sixth loss. He took over a tied game in the bottom of the ninth in Texas and allowed three hits, including Wyatt Langford’s walk-off RBI single. Bednar has allowed a run in seven of his last nine games.

Erik Miller (SFG) took the baton from starter Logan Webb, with the score tied in the top of the ninth. After issuing two walks, he gave up Andrew Vaughn’s go-ahead RBI single and suffered his fourth loss. His final line was one hit allowed, three earned runs, and two walks over two-thirds of an inning.

Ryan Helsley (STL) retired the side and produced two strikeouts in the top of the tenth, then collected his fifth win courtesy of a walk-off grand slam. He’s been scoreless over his last four appearances, securing three saves and this win.

Manuel Rodríguez (TBR) locked down his first save since September 28, 2022, firing a clean bottom of the ninth and striking out one in Oakland. He’s been scoreless over his last ten appearances since July 28, with 12 strikeouts against three walks and a 0.67 WHIP across nine innings.

Kirby Yates (TEX) fired a clean top of the ninth and recorded two strikeouts during a tied game. He benefited from a walk-off rally, resulting in his fifth win. He’s won two of three decisions and converted three of four saves through eight appearances in August.

Vulture Save Options for Thursday, August 22

Yennier Cano (BAL): Domínguez has appeared in three of the previous four days.
Joel Payamps (MIL): Williams has pitched on consecutive days, throwing a combined 48 pitches; he may need a break until Saturday. Jared Koenig could be in play against a left-handed hitting pocket as well.
Kyle Nicolas (PIT): Bednar and Chapman have worked in back-to-back games.

Vulture Save Stashes for Friday. August 23

A.J. Puk (ARI): Teams have been matching up their left-handed relievers against Boston, and Martinez has thrown 38 pitches in his last two outings; he may require rest until Saturday.

Three Takeaways

D-Will and command: Although fantasy managers do not love spring training, it lets players build up and prepare for the upcoming season. Many pitchers go through a “dead arm” phase at camp, when velocity remains stable, but command struggles happen. Devin Williams suffered a blown save during an eventual loss, allowing two earned runs on consecutive bases-loaded walks on eight pitches. After the game, he acknowledged his lack of command. It’s encouraging to see him capable of appearing on consecutive days, but monitoring his workload more closely may pay dividends over the remainder of the regular season.
V-squared placed on the IL: First reported as shoulder soreness, the Rockies placed Victor Vodnik on the 15-day injured list, backdated to August 19 before yesterday’s game. He’s converted nine of ten save opportunities since July 6 with a 17:11 K:BB and a 1.42 WHIP across 19.2 innings. Although Angel Chivilli notched his first MLB save on Tuesday, those desperate for saves should stash or stream Tyler Kinley with Vodnik sidelined. Over ten appearances in August, Kinley’s recorded a win, a save, one blown save, and six holds with 11 strikeouts against one walk (27 K-BB%) and a 0.467 WHIP in 10.2 innings.
Tampa Bay and shared saves: After the team placed Pete Fairbanks on the injured list, fantasy players debated which reliever they preferred, Edwin Uceta or Manuel Rodríguez. Perhaps it’s both? Uceta secured his first major league save, retiring all four batters and striking out one. Rodríguez notched his first save last night with a clean ninth while striking out one. Kevin Cash indicated the two relievers would receive more high-leverage chances; so far, so good. Committees can be frustrating, and it’s possible Uceta gets used against the toughest-hitting pockets in some contests, but for now, each can be streamed for saves based on initial usage patterns in Oakland. Only the Dodgers (12) have had more pitches record a save than the Rays’ 11 this season. Could Drew Rasmussen sneak one in and tie them soon? Stay tuned.

American League – Full Game Recaps, August 21

Boston Red Sox – Preserving a three-run win, Chris Martin notched his first save with a scoreless ninth in Houston. He allowed a hit and recorded a strikeout, throwing 16 pitches (11 strikes – 68.8 Strike%) with one whiff. He’s been scoreless in seven of eight games since returning from the injured list, with ten strikeouts versus zero walks.

Luis García fired a clean eighth and struck out two for his 14th hold. Brennan Bernardino stranded the bases loaded with an inning-ending strikeout against Yordan Alvarez and secured his 11th hold.
Greg Weissert gave up two hits and a walk while striking out one in two-thirds of the seventh.
Josh Winckowski collected his fourth win, giving up a hit during a scoreless bottom of the sixth.

Hierarchy remains: Kenley Jansen | Chris Martin | Lucas Sims

Kansas City Royals – Completing a combined shutout, Lucas Erceg shut the door on his sixth save with a clean top of the ninth while recording two strikeouts. He threw 14 pitches (64.3 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (14.3 SwStr%). Erceg remains scoreless through his first nine outings with the Royals, producing 14 strikeouts against zero walks and a minuscule 0.39 WHIP across 10.1 innings.

John Schreiber notched his 20th hold with a scoreless eighth. He allowed a walk and struck out one.

Updated Hierarchy: Lucas Erceg | Kris Bubic | John Schreiber

Tampa Bay Rays – Securing his first save since September 28, 2022, Manuel Rodríguez retired the side and recorded a game-ending strikeout of Zack Gelof, preserving a two-run win in Oakland. He threw 19 pitches (13 strikes – 68.4 Strike%) and induced two whiffs. He’s been scoreless over his last ten appearances since July 28, with 12 strikeouts against three walks and a 0.67 WHIP across nine innings.

Garrett Cleavinger notched his tenth hold, giving up a hit and striking out one in a scoreless eighth.
Drew Rasmussen recorded his first hold, working around a hit and a walk while striking out three in the seventh.

Adjusted Hierarchy: *Edwin Uceta | *Manuel Rodríguez | Garrett Cleavinger

*= closer-by-committee

Texas Rangers – Taking over a tied game in the top of the ninth, Kirby Yates retired the Pirates’ 8-9-1 hitters in order and recorded two strikeouts. He benefited from a walk-off rally in the bottom of the inning, resulting in his fifth win. He threw 12 pitches (83.3 Strike%) and produced four whiffs (33.3 SwStr%). It’s been a rockier August, but he’s won two of three decisions and converted three of four saves through eight appearances.

David Robertson worked a scoreless eighth, navigating around a hit and a walk while striking out two.
Andrew Chafin tossed a scoreless seventh, allowing a hit and striking out one.
José Leclerc gave up a hit and struck out three in a scoreless sixth.

Hierarchy remains: Kirby Yates | David Robertson | Andrew Chafin

National League – Full Game Recaps, August 21

Arizona Diamondbacks – Working an extended outing, Justin Martinez took over with a runner on and one out in the bottom of the eighth. He recorded a strikeout and an inning-ending groundout. He returned for the ninth but ran into some trouble. Jesús Sánchez hit a lead-off double, Derek produced a one-out single, and a walk loaded the bases. Martinez struck out Kyle Stowers but let a run score on a wild pitch before a game-ending strikeout. This marked his fifth save and first multi-inning save of the season. He threw 31 pitches (18 strikes – 58.1 Strike%) and generated six whiffs (19.4 SwStr%).

Joe Manitply was credited with his 13th hold despite giving up two hits and an earned run in one-third of the eighth.
Kevin Ginkel fired a clean seventh and struck out two, securing his 15th hold.
Dylan Floro was awarded his fifth win. He stranded a runner and retired his only batter in the sixth.

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

Milwaukee Brewers – Remaining in a tied game in the bottom of the tenth, Trevor Megill suffered his third loss. He allowed two walks (one intentional) and four runs (three earned) on Nolan Arenado’s walk-off grand slam. Megill recorded the last out in the ninth on an inning-ending groundout by Masyn Winn, stranding the bases-loaded situation he inherited.

Devin Williams struggled with his command in the top of the ninth, resulting in his first blown save. His outing began with a hit batter (Willson Contreras), followed by a double, a strikeout, and a walk, loading the bases. After striking out Paul Goldschmidt, Williams issued consecutive RBI walks, scoring the game-tying runs before inducing an inning-ending groundout. He threw 31 pitches (12 strikes – 38.7 Strike%) and produced four whiffs (12.9 SwStr%). Representing his ninth outing of the season, he may be going through a “dead arm” phase.
Joel Payamps navigated around a hit and a walk while striking out one for a scoreless eighth during his 15th hold.
Bryan Hudson also incurred a blown save, his third, allowing two hits, two earned runs, and striking out one in the seventh.

Updated Hierarchy: Devin Williams | Joel Payamps | Jared Koenig

New York Mets – With the score tied at the top of the ninth, Edwin Díaz retired the Orioles’ 4-5-6 lineup pocket in order while recording two strikeouts. He collected his fifth win courtesy of a walk-off home run in the bottom of the inning. Díaz threw 16 pitches (9 strikes – 56.3 Strike%) and induced two whiffs. He’s been scoreless in seven of his last eight games with 14 strikeouts against two walks.

José Buttó suffered his first blown save, letting his only inherited runner score at the top of the eighth. He issued two walks and gave up Adley Rutschman’s game-tying sacrifice fly. Buttó finished with a scoreless outing, allowing two walks and striking out one.

Hierarchy Remains: Edwin Díaz | Phil Maton | Reed Garrett

Philadelphia Phillies – Despite issuing a lead-off walk, Carlos Estévez secured his 22nd save, second for the Phillies, with a scoreless ninth while preserving a one-run win. He also allowed a one-out single, with the runners second and third with two outs, but Estévez bore down, inducing a game-ending groundout. He threw 16 pitches (9 strikes – 56.3 Strike%) and produced two whiffs.

Orion Kerkering tossed a clean eighth and recorded a strikeout for his 12th hold.
Matt Strahm collected his fifth win. He retired the side in the seventh and struck out one ahead of his team’s go-ahead rally in the top of the eighth.
Jeff Hoffman stranded two runners while retiring both batters faced in the sixth.

Hierarchy remains: Carlos Estévez | Jeff Hoffman | Matt Strahm

Pittsburgh Pirates – After the lead-off hitter reached on an infield single, on a rushed throw, David Bednar allowed an Adolis García single, recorded a strikeout, and gave up Wyatt Langford’s walk-off RBI single, resulting in his sixth loss. It’s been one step up and two steps back since his return from an oblique injury. He allowed at least a run in six straight games, then worked two clean outings, but with his outcome, he’s given up a run in seven of nine games since July 29. Since being reinstated from the injured list, he’s posted a 1.92 WHIP while yielding 11 runs (ten earned) over his last 13 innings.

Aroldis Chapman fired a clean eighth, striking out the side on 15 pitches (66.7 Strike%) with two whiffs.
Kyle Nicolas retired the side and recorded two strikeouts in a scoreless seventh.

Hierarchy remains: David Bednar | Aroldis Chapman | Kyle Nicolas

St. Louis Cardinals – Benefiting from a walk-off grand slam, Ryan Helsley collected his fifth win after retiring the side in the top of the tenth. He threw nine pitches (77.8 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (22.2 SwStr%) while striking out two against the Brewers. He’s on a modest four-game scoreless streak.

Shawn Armstrong stranded two runners and struck out his only batter faced in the top of the ninth.
Matthew Liberatore tossed a scoreless combined innings, giving up a hit and a walk while striking out three.
Andrew Kittredge allowed a hit, an earned run, and a walk during his two-thirds of the eighth.
JoJo Romero let both inherited runners score, yielding two hits, an earned run, and a walk while striking out two in two-thirds combined innings.

Hierarchy remains: Ryan Helsley | Andrew Kittredge | JoJo Romero

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

Statistical Credits:

Monkey Bytes: August 21

Tuesday’s full slate provided a bevy of high-leverage events of interest. Relievers recorded five wins and ten saves. Angel Chivilli (COL) and Edwin Uceta (TBR) secured the first saves of their respective major league careers. Also, Porter Hodge received the first save chance after the team waived Héctor Neris earlier in the day. Our condensed recaps cover all of yesterday’s action in the late innings.

Closer CliffsNotes

Justin Martinez (ARI) secured his fourth save with a clean ninth while recording a strikeout. He closed out a two-run win in Miami and has recorded all his saves since August 5.

Raisel Iglesias (ATL) shut the door on his 27th save with a clean ninth during a two-run win over the Phillies. This extended his scoreless streak to 13 games.

Craig Kimbrel (BAL) recorded two outs and one strikeout while finishing a four-run win over the Mets. Yennier Cano did the heavy lifting, retiring all three batters and recording a strikeout across the eighth and ninth innings for his 29th hold.

Kenley Jansen (BOS) nailed down his 24th save with a clean ninth, preserving a one-run win in Houston. He’s appeared on consecutive days and in four of the last five.

Porter Hodge (CHC) navigated around a lead-off double by retiring the next three hitters, two via strikeout, for his second save. He’s been scoreless over his last seven outings and has emerged with a save share following his team placing Héctor Neris on waivers.

Tim Herrin (CLE) collected his fifth win. He worked a scoreless bottom of the 11th, walking and striking out one, ahead of his team’s six-run outburst in the top of the 12th. Emmanuel Clase logged his first two-inning outing of the season. He only allowed a walk while retiring six of seven batters. This marked his longest outing since working 1.2 innings on August 27, 2023.

Angel Chivilli (COL) notched his first major league save with a scoreless ninth in Washington. He navigated around a hit and a walk while striking out one. After the game, manager Bud Black confirmed Victor Vodnik started warming up but stopped with shoulder soreness.

Kaleb Ort (HOU) suffered his first loss. He allowed Jarren Duran’s go-ahead solo home run in the top of the eighth.

Ben Joyce (LAA) fired a clean bottom of the ninth and recorded two strikeouts versus Kansas City’s 9-1-2 hitters, finishing a four-run win.

Daniel Hudson (LAD) worked a scoreless ninth despite allowing a one-out double, recording his tenth save while finishing a three-run win over Seattle. Joe Kelly collected his first win. He tossed a scoreless eighth, issuing a walk and striking out one.

Devin Williams (MIL) held on for his fifth save. He gave up a one-out single, followed by a double and an intentional walk, loading the bases. But he bore down with consecutive strikeouts, preserving the one-run win in St. Louis.

Steven Okert (MIN) had a rough bottom of the eighth in San Diego. He allowed four hits, including Jurickson Profar’s go-ahead three-run home run, and four earned runs, resulting in his second loss and sixth blown save.

Tim Mayza (NYY) suffered his second loss. At the top of the 12th, he and Michael Tonkin allowed a combined five hits, six runs (five earned), and two walks.

David Bednar (PIT) fired a clean bottom of the ninth and struck out one, completing a combined shutout in a non-save outing in Texas.

Robert Suarez (SDP) capped his team’s four-run rally in the bottom of the eighth with a clean ninth. He retired the Twins in order on nine pitches and recorded a strikeout while recording his 29th save.

Ryan Walker (SFG) locked down his second save with a clean ninth while striking out the side against the White Sox. He’s given up an unearned run during his eight appearances in August, posting 16 strikeouts against two walks and converting both saves across 8.2 innings.

Andrés Muñoz (SEA) was summoned with a runner on second and one out in the bottom of the seventh. He suffered his fifth blown save, giving up Mookie Betts’ game-tying RBI double. Returning for the eighth, he hit a batter with one out, issued a walk, and gave up Jason Heyward’s go-ahead three-run home run, resulting in his fifth loss. A less-than-optimal 1.1-inning outing Muñoz, giving up three hits, three earned runs, and two walks (one intentional) while striking out two.

Edwin Uceta (TBR) preserved a 1-0 win in Oakland and recorded his first major league save. He took over in the bottom of the eighth and retired all four batters, one via strikeout on nine pitches. He remains unscored upon in August with a 12:1 K:BB and a 0.29 WHIP across 10.1 innings.

Vulture Save Options for Wednesday, August 21

Jason Adam (SDP): Suarez and Scott have pitched in back-to-back games.
Chirs Martin (BOS): Jansen has appeared in consecutive games and four of the last five.
Tyler Kinley (COL): With Vodnik potentially sidelined, Kinley will rise in the hierarchy.
Hunter Gaddis (CLE): Clase logged two innings last night, his first multiple-inning appearance since 2023.
Jordan Hicks (SFG): Walker recorded a dominant save on Tuesday, but he’s thrown 46 pitches over the previous three days.

Vulture Save Stashes for Thursday. August 22

Jorge López (CHC): If Hodge pitches today, it will be back-to-back appearances.
Manuel Rodríguez (TBR): If Uceta appears again on Wednesday, it would be consecutive outings.

Three Takeaways

Uceta receives the first Rays’ save chance: In an article in The Tampa Bay Times, manager Kevin Cash intimated Edwin Uceta and Manuel Rodríguez would receive more prominent leverage roles with Pete Fairbanks potentially out for the remainder of the season. With the top of the lineup approaching, Uceta warmed up and took over in the bottom of the eighth, protecting a 1-0 lead. He retired all four batters faced and recorded a strikeout for his first career save. He remains atop our adjusted hierarchy—just temper expectations since he could be the highest-leveraged reliever, not the closer.
Hodge secures his second save: Although his ninth began by allowing a lead-off double, Porter Hodge bore down, retiring the next three batters, two on strikeouts, preserving the Cubs’ two-run win over Detroit. This tweet by Meghan Montemurro implied that Hodge and Jorge López may share save chances, which fantasy managers should not ignore. Like Uceta above and Lucas Erceg on Kansas City, Hodge may face the toughest lineup pockets in the late innings, not necessarily be reserved for the ninth inning. It’s great getting new options for saves in August, but remember, roles in these bullpens are still evolving.
Vodnik’s shoulder: It’s not garnering much attention, but Victor Vodnik stopped warming up for a save chance last night with shoulder soreness. Rookie Angel Chivilli filled in capably with a scoreless ninth for his first save, but those in deeper leagues should monitor this closely. Tyler Kinley has been scoreless in 11 of his last 12 appearances with 14 strikeouts versus three walks and a 0.54 WHIP across 13 innings. He would emerge as the preferred save share if Vodnik needs a stint on the injured list.

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:

Monkey Bytes: August 20

All ten games on Monday were decided by three runs or fewer. However, two of those contests featured relievers (Cincinnati and Arizona) allowing at least a run in the bottom of the ninth during a road win. Four relievers recorded a win, and six saves were secured. Boston suffered its MLB-leading 12th blown save in the second half during an eventual walk-off loss in Houston. Baltimore also allowed a walk-off home run in its loss against the Mets. Our condensed recaps cover last night’s high-leverage events of interest.

Closer CliffsNotes

Paul Sewald (ARI) had his six-game scoreless streak snapped in a non-save outing in Miami. He allowed three hits and two earned runs while closing out a win. His average velocity with his four-seam fastball was only 90.7 m.p.h. in this appearance.

Seranthony Domínguez (BAL) took over a tied game in the bottom of the ninth, producing a strikeout, then served up a walk-off home run by Francisco Alvarez, resulting in his third loss.

Kenley Jansen (BOS) had his six-game scoreless streak snapped by Yainer Diaz’s walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth, handing the closer his second loss.

Tony Santillan (CIN) took over in the bottom of the fifth and collected his first win. He worked 1.1 scoreless frames, giving up a walk and striking out one. Alexis Díaz closed out the win in a non-save opportunity. He allowed a solo home run and recorded a strikeout.

John Schreiber (KCR) returned from the injured list and secured his second save with a scoreless ninth against the Angels. He worked around a lead-off single with a double play groundout and a game-ending lineout.

Evan Phillips (LAD) fired a clean top of the ninth and recorded two strikeouts, preserving a combined shutout of Seattle. He’s only allowed one unearned run during nine appearances this month, with 13 strikeouts versus one walk.

Edwin Díaz (NYM) fired a clean top of the ninth and recorded a strikeout. He collected his fourth win courtesy of a walk-off home run in the bottom of the inning. He’s been scoreless in six of his last seven appearances with this win, two saves, and 12 strikeouts against two walks.

Mason Miller (OAK) secured his 19th save while preserving a combined shutout. He allowed a walk and struck out one against the Rays. His 357 pitches at 100 m.p.h. or faster leads all major league pitchers this season.

Robert Suarez (SDP) posted his 28th save despite allowing an earned run on a two-out walk and an RBI single. He’s converted all five save chances in August but has given up a run in three of his last five games.

Jordan Hicks (SFG) held on for his first save with a scoreless top of the ninth. He allowed two hits in a bend-but-not-break outing, preserving a two-run win over the White Sox. He’s been scoreless through six relief outings in August. He also became the second Giants pitcher to record at least 20 starts and a save in a season, joining Tim Lincecum (2014).

Kirby Yates (TEX) recorded his 22nd save with a clean ninth while striking out two. He preserved a one-run win against the Pirates on 15 pitches (80 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (20 SwStr%).

Vulture Save Options for Tuesday, August 20

Bryan Abreu (HOU): Hader has recorded back-to-back outings.
David Robertson (TEX): Yates has logged consecutive appearances.
Yennier Cano (BAL): Domínguez has pitched in the two previous games.
Michel Otañez (OAK): Miller and Ferguson have logged back-to-back appearances.

Vulture Save Stashes for Wednesday. August 21

Pending usage patterns from Tuesday.

Three Takeaways

Phillips ditched the cutter: Evan Phillips recorded his first save since July 23 and changed his pitch mix, fueling his bounce back in August. He’s allowed an unearned run in nine appearances this month with 12 strikeouts against one walk and a 0.69 WHIP over 7.1 innings. In previous posts, his struggles with his cutter, especially against left-handed batters, have been emphasized. However, in his last nine games, he’s relied on his four-seam fastball (20 SwStr%, 37.9 percent whiff rate, .162 weighted on-base average) and his sweeper (9.1 SwStr%, 23.5 percent whiff rate, .138 xwOBA) while shelving the cutter. It’s a positive sign for the remainder of his season. This chart, courtesy of Statcast, illustrates his adapted pitch mix:

Boston and blown saves: Amid a stretch of 27 games in 27 days (8/9-9/4), the Red Sox need its leverage ladder to remain in the mix for the Wild Card. Unfortunately, the team leads the majors in blown saves (12) in the second half, and last night’s blown save resulted in a walk-off loss. Kenley Jansen suffered the loss, but Lucas Sims blew the lead in the eighth inning. He’s only allowed runs in three outings since his acquisition, all against Houston, resulting in six runs. Through its last 29 contests, the Red Sox have only recorded four saves, and its relievers rank dead last in Win Probability Added since the All-Star break. Help may be on the way in the form of Justin Slaten and Liam Hendriks, but will it happen early enough to keep playoff aspirations alive?
Sewald and velocity: Just when it seemed like the door was ajar enough for a return into high-leverage relevance for Paul Sewald, his velocity declined during his outing on Monday in Miami. He allowed three hits and two earned runs while averaging 90.7 m.p.h. with his four-seam fastball. His results with his four-seam above and below 92 m.p.h. cannot be ignored, and these velocities do not bode well:

American League – Full Game Recaps, August 19

Baltimore Orioles – With the score tied in the bottom of the ninth, Seranthony Domínguez recorded a strikeout, then allowed Francisco Alvarez’s walk-off solo home run, resulting in his third loss. He threw eight pitches (50 Strike%) and induced one whiff. He’s allowed a home run in his last two games, and all three earned runs with the Orioles have come via a solo home run. Through 11 games, he’s converted all three save chances with a 14:3 K:BB and a 0.84 WHIP across 10.2 innings.

Keegan Akin fired two clean frames and recorded five strikeouts.
Colin Selby stranded two runners in the fifth and retried all four batters faced, three on strikeouts.

Hierarchy remains: Seranthony Domínguez | Yennier Cano | Cionel Pérez

Boston Red Sox – After striking out Yordan Alvarez on three pitches, Kenley Jansen suffered his second loss, allowing Yainer Diaz’s walk-off home run. This represents his first loss since May 16 and snapped his modest six-game scoreless streak.

Lucas Sims struggled with his command, allowing two hits, an earned run, and two walks while striking out one during his fourth blown save in the eighth. The Red Sox have produced 12 blown saves in the second half, most in the majors.
Chris Martin navigated around two hits and recorded three strikeouts in a scoreless seventh, securing his 12th hold.

Hierarchy remains: Kenley Jansen | Chris Martin | Lucas Sims

Houston Astros – Benefiting from a walk-off home run, Josh Hader collected his sixth win. He retired the side against Boston’s 7-8-9 lineup pocket on 12 pitches (75 Strike%) and induced one whiff. His scoreless streak reached ten games, producing 12 strikeouts versus three walks over his last 10.1 innings.

Caleb Ferguson fired a clean eighth and recorded two strikeouts.
Tayler Scott let his only inherited runner score, allowing Masataka Yoshida’s home run, putting one earned on his ledger during his 1.1-inning outing.

Hierarchy remains: Josh Hader | Bryan Abreu | Tayler Scott

Kansas City Royals – Back from the injured list, John Schreiber secured his second save, preserving a two-run win over the Angels. He navigated around Logan O’Hoppe’s leadoff single with a double play groundout and a game-ending lineout. He threw eight pitches (75 Strike%) without a whiff. This marked his first outing since July 28 and his first save since May.

Kris Bubic gave up Zach Neto’s solo home run and recorded two strikeouts for his third hold in the eighth.

Updated Hierarchy: *Lucas Erceg | *Kris Bubic | *John Schreiber

*= closer-by-committee

Oakland A’s – Securing his 19th save, Mason Miller navigated around a two-out walk with a game-ending lineout, preserving the combined shutout. He threw 17 pitches (10 strikes – 58.8 Strike%) and induced two whiffs while recording one strikeout. He’s converted four saves since his reinstatement from the injured list while being scoreless in six contests with nine strikeouts versus three walks.

Tyler Ferguson recorded his fourth hold with a clean eighth and two strikeouts. He’s been scoreless in 15 of his last 17.
Grant Holman notched his second hold in as many outings with a scoreless seventh. He allowed a walk and recorded two strikeouts.

Hierarchy remains: Mason Miller | Tyler Ferguson | Michel Otañez

Texas Rangers – Bouncing back after suffering his first blown save, Kirby Yates preserved a one-run win with a clean ninth for his 22nd save. He threw 15 pitches (80 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (20 SwStr%) while recording two strikeouts. This snapped his streak of runs allowed at two.

José Ureña collected his fourth win. He logged four scoreless innings, scattering two hits and issuing two walks while striking out three.

Hierarchy remains: Kirby Yates | David Robertson | Andrew Chafin

National League – Full Game Recaps, August 19

Los Angeles Dodgers – Completing a combined shutout and recording his first save since July 23, Evan Phillips nailed down his 16th save with a clean ninth while striking out two against Seattle. He threw 13 pitches (9 strikes – 69.2 Strike%) and induced one whiff. He’s allowed an unearned run across nine appearances in August with 13 strikeouts against one walk.

Joe Kelly retired the side and struck out one in the eighth, securing his 13th hold.

Updated Hierarchy: Michael Kopech | Evan Phillips | Daniel Hudson

New York Mets – After retiring the side in the top of the ninth and keeping the game tied, Edwin Díaz collected his fourth win courtesy of a walk-off home run in the bottom of the inning. He threw 11 pitches (72.7 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (27.3 SwStr%) against Baltimore’s 5-6-7 lineup pocket. He’s been scoreless in six of his last seven appearances with this win, two saves, and 12 strikeouts against two walks.

José Buttó allowed a walk during a scoreless eighth.

Hierarchy Remains: Edwin Díaz | Phil Maton | Reed Garrett

San Diego Padres – Although he could not complete the combined shutout, Robert Suarez recorded his 28th save. He issued Edouard Julien a two-out walk, who took second on defensive indifference, then scored on Christian Vazquez’s RBI single. Suarez produced a game-ending groundout against pinch-hitter José Miranda. He threw 22 pitches (12 strikes – 54.5 Strike%) and induced one whiff. He’s converted all five save chances in August but has allowed a run in three of his last five.

Tanner Scott notched his sixth hold with a clean top of the eighth.
Jason Adam fired a clean seventh, striking out the side for his 21st hold.

Hierarchy remains: Robert Suarez | Tanner Scott | Jason Adam

San Francisco Giants – Holding on for his first save, Jordan Hicks navigated around two hits for a scoreless ninth, securing a two-run win over the White Sox. He threw 22 pitches (16 strikes – 72.7 Strike%) without a whiff. He’s been scoreless in all six relief outings this month.

Tyler Rogers let both inherited runners score, yielding two hits and recording a strikeout over two-thirds of the eighth for his 26th hold.
Spencer Bivens gave up two hits and two earned runs over one-third of the eighth.
Erik Miller tossed a scoreless seventh, walking and striking out one.

Hierarchy remains: Ryan Walker | Tyler Rogers | Jordan Hicks

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

Statistical Credits: