Closer Monkey’s Leverage Ledger | September 6

Friday’s full slate only yielded three wins by relievers. However, there were seven saves and six losses posted by relief pitchers. Here are the saves in condensed form:

For the save streamers:

Vulture Save Options for September 6

  • Lucas Erceg (KC): Carlos Estévez has appeared in consecutive games, and only threw nine of 19 pitches for strikes last night. He has pitched in three straight games, but that was back in June. 
  • Ryne Stanek (NYM): Edwin Díaz threw 30 pitches during his save last night. He did appear in consecutive games in this exact circumstance, throwing 30 on August 31 and notching the save on September 1, but overworking him ahead of the playoffs does not seem prudent. 
  • Grant Taylor (CHW): Jordan Leasure logged 1.2 innings yesterday and has thrown 42 pitches in the previous three days. Mike Vasil could also be in play for a multi-inning save. 

There are no assurances in September; managers may vary usage patterns based on urgency, with eyes on the ever-changing Wild Card races.

Before the games started, there were some injured-list designations:

  • Kyle Finnegan (DET): Placed on the 15-day injured list with his tweaked groin, backdated to September 1, and he’s optimistic he will be ready for activation on the 16th. This puts Will Vest back into the preferred save option for the next ten days.
  • Kaleb Ort (HOU): Was placed on the 15-day injured list with right elbow inflammation.
  • Nick Mears (MIL): Landed on the 15-day injured list with back tightness.

Here are the leverage events of interest from Friday.

Leverage Ledger

Atlanta Braves – Nailing down his 24th save, Raisel Iglesias retired the side and recorded a strikeout, preserving a three-run margin against Seattle. He threw 13 pitches (76.9% strike rate) and produced two whiffs (15.4 SwStr%).

He has been scoreless in 14 of 15 appearances since the start of August and converted all 11 save opportunities while posting a 0.667 WHIP with 15 strikeouts against two walks (23.7 K-BB%) through 15 innings.

  • Tyler Kinley collected his fifth win, tossing a clean eighth ahead of his team’s three-run rally at the bottom of the inning.
  • Dylan Lee suffered his seventh blown save, letting his only inherited runner score while allowing two hits and striking out one during one-third of the seventh.

Updated Hierarchy: Raisel Iglesias | Dylan Lee | Tyler Kinley

Baltimore Orioles – With the score tied at the top of the ninth, Yennier Cano retired the side and recorded a strikeout against the Dodgers’ 7-8-9 lineup pocket, then collected his third win courtesy of a walk-off home run at the bottom of the inning. He threw 14 pitches (64.3% strike rate) and produced two whiffs (14.3 SwStr%).

He’s been scoreless in his last five appearances.

  • Rico Garcia fired a clean eighth, striking out one facing the 4-5-6 hitters.

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

*= closer-by-committee

Chicago White Sox – Shutting the door on his seventh save, Jordan Leasure stranded two runners at the bottom of the eighth, and logged 1.2 clean frames while striking out two, preserving a two-run win in Detroit. He threw 25 pitches (64% strike rate) and induced two whiffs.

He has recorded a save in three consecutive appearances and has been scoreless over his last five while posting a 0.33 WHP with eight strikeouts versus one walk across six innings.

  • Dan Altavilla was credited with his second hold, allowing two hits, an earned run, and a walk during two-thirds combined innings.
  • Tyler Gilbert worked 1.2 innings, giving up two hits and a walk while striking out three for his third hold. 

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

*= closer-by-committee

Colorado Rockies – Preserving a combined shutout, Victor Vodnik navigated around a hit and a walk, securing his seventh save. His outing began with a walk to Luis Arraez, followed by a Fernando Tatis Jr. single. But he bore down, getting Ryan O’Hearn out via flyout and inducing a game-ending double play groundout against Manny Machado.

Vodnik has recorded a win and five saves during his ten-game scoreless streak, posting a 0.374 WHIP with nine strikeouts versus one walk (22.8 K-BB%) across 10.2 innings. 

Hierarchy Remains: Victor Vodnik | Jimmy Herget | Juan Mejia

Kansas City Royals – Securing his MLB-leading 38th save, Carlos Estévez navigated around a two-out walk while closing out a one-run win against the Twins. He threw 19 pitches (47.4% strike rate) without a whiff.

This extended his scoreless streak to nine games, during which he has converted eight saves with a 0.33 WHIP and nine strikeouts versus one walk (26.7 K-BB%) over nine innings.

  • Taylor Clarke notched his fourth hold, retiring his only batter and stranding a runner at the top of the eighth.
  • Daniel Lynch IV gave up a hit during two-thirds scoreless in the eighth for his seventh hold.
  • John Schreiber retired his only batter via strikeout in the seventh for his 18th hold.
  • Angel Zerpa walked one during a scoreless combined inning for his 13th hold.

Hierarchy Remains: Carlos Estévez | Lucas Erceg | John Schreiber

Milwaukee Brewers – Handed a three-run lead at the bottom of the ninth, Abner Uribe locked down his fifth save, retiring the side on eight pitches (75% strike rate) and producing one whiff against the Pirates’ 5-6-7 lineup pocket.

Since August 25, he has an 0-1 record but converted all three save chances while being scoreless in five of six outings with a 1.167 WHIP over six innings.

  • Jared Koenig fired a clean eighth and recorded two strikeouts, securing his 25th hold. 

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

*= match-up-based bullpen

New York Mets – It was a white-knuckle ride with Edwin Díaz at the bottom of the ninth in Cincinnati. He took over with a one-run lead and allowed a lead-off single by Ke’Bryan Hayes and issued consecutive walks to load the bases. Then the closer went to work, striking out Noelvi Marte and Elly De La Cruz, followed by a game-ending groundout against Gavin Lux, recording his 26th save. Díaz threw 30 pitches (46.7% strike rate) and induced two whiffs.

  • Tyler Rogers notched his 28th hold, allowing a hit and striking out one in a scoreless eighth.
  • Brooks Raley retired the side and recorded two strikeouts in the seventh, securing his sixth hold.
  • Ryne Stanek stranded two runners despite issuing a walk, recording both outs via strikeout for his ninth hold.

Hierarchy Remains: Edwin Díaz | Tyler Rogers | Brooks Raley

Texas Rangers – Tasked with the top of the 12th, Robert Garcia retired the 7-8-9 lineup pocket in order, then collected his third win on a walk-off rally at the bottom of the inning.

Shawn Armstrong stranded runners at the corners with two outs in the tenth while tossing 1.1 clean frames on 12 pitches (50% strike rate) without a whiff. He has been scoreless in 14 of his last 15 appearances, with a 0.612 WHIP and 15 strikeouts against three walks across 14.2 innings.

  • Phil Maton worked 1.2 scoreless innings, giving up a hit and an intentional walk (Yordan Alvarez).
  • Chris Martin suffered his third blown save, allowing three hits, including a game-tying Carlos Correa two-run home run at the top of the eighth.

Updated Hierarchy: Shawn Armstrong | Chris Martin | Phil Maton

Quick Hits

  • Arizona Diamondbacks: Closing a five-run lead against Boston, Taylor Rashi retired the side and recorded a strikeout at the top of the ninth. Andrew Saalfrank notched his fifth hold, but let both inherited runners score on a sacrifice fly and an RBI double by Rob Refsnyder, during a scoreless eighth with a strikeout.
  • Cleveland Guardians: Making a non-save appearance, Cade Smith finished a six-run win in Tampa Bay with a clean bottom of the ninth and recorded a strikeout against the 7-8-9 lineup pocket. Tim Herrin tossed a scoreless eighth, walking and striking out one.
  • Detroit Tigers: Called upon at the top of the fifth, Bailey Horn let one of three inherited runners score, and finished with a hit, an earned run, and a strikeout while suffering his first loss of the season over a combined inning of relief.
  • Houston Astros: Called upon at the bottom of the 12th, Lance McCullers Jr. walked Wyatt Langford and allowed a walk-off RBI double by Dustin Harris, resulting in his fifth loss.
  • Los Angeles Dodgers: Despite striking out his first two batters faced at the bottom of the ninth, Tanner Scott suffered his third loss, allowing Samuel Basallo’s walk-off home run. He has given up a home run in consecutive appearances.
  • Pittsburgh Pirates: Taking over at the top of the sixth, Carmen Mlodzinski suffered his eighth loss and his first blown save, giving up four hits, two earned runs, and a walk while striking out one during his inning of relief.
  • San Francisco Giants: In an extended outing, Tristan Beck earned his first save of the season and third of his career, logging three innings, giving up two hits, including Iván Herrera’s solo home run, and recording three strikeouts.
  • Seattle Mariners: Entering a tied game at the bottom of the eighth, Gabe Speier did not record an out, allowing four hits, resulting in three earned runs and his third loss. Carlos Vargas stranded a runner, yielding a hit and striking out two after replacing Speier. 
  • Tampa Bay Rays: As the “bulk follower,” Ian Seymour was tagged with his first loss, allowing five hits, five runs (one earned), and two walks while striking out five during his four innings.

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Closer Monkey’s Leverage Ledger | September 5

Thursday’s six-game slate yielded two reliever wins and three saves. They were also tagged with three losses. Here are the saves in condensed form:

For the save streamers:

Vulture Save Option for September 5

  • Bryan Baker (TB): Pete Fairbanks pitched last night and has not pitched in consecutive games since August 15 and 16. 

News, Notes, and Observations

Fantasy players await an update on Kyle Finnegan, which should be forthcoming this afternoon.

An update and an adjusted timeline for Trevor Megill:

And some clarity about the mystery reliever:

This may be a pivotal weekend for Trey Yesavage. If Toronto’s relievers struggle against the Yankees, it could be a pathway toward a promotion and an audition for the postseason, from Ben Nicholson-Smith’s post for Sportsnet:

Here are the leverage events of interest from Thursday.

Leverage Ledger

Chicago White Sox – Finishing a four-game sweep in Minnesota, Steven Wilson allowed two hits, including a solo home run by Kody Clemens, in a non-save appearance.

  • Grant Taylor notched his eighth hold, giving up a hit and striking out one in a scoreless bottom of the eighth, throwing 15 pitches (66.7% strike rate) with one whiff.
  • Wilkeman González earned his first major league win, stranding a runner at the bottom of the sixth, and logged 1.1 scoreless frames, issuing a walk while striking out two.

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

*= closer-by-committee

Kansas City Royals – Handed a one-run lead at the top of the ninth, Carlos Estévez worked around Yoán Moncada’s one-out double with consecutive strikeouts, securing his MLB-leading 37th save. He threw 16 pitches (68.8% strike rate) and generated four whiffs (25 SwStr%).

This extended his scoreless streak to eight games and has converted seven save chances in it, posting a 0.25 WHIP with nine strikeouts versus zero walks (36 K-BB%) over his last eight innings. Here is his updated splits by month chart:

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

  • Lucas Erceg collected his seventh win, firing a clean top of the eighth and striking out two ahead of Bobby Witt Jr.’s go-ahead solo home run at the bottom of the inning.
  • Ben Bowlan logged two scoreless frames, walking one and striking out two.

Hierarchy Remains: Carlos Estévez | Lucas Erceg | John Schreiber

New York Yankees – Working into and then out of trouble, David Bednar closed out a four-run win in Houston. However, he took over with a five-run margin, giving up a lead-off single by Victor Caratini, followed by Taylor Trammell’s double, and a lineout by Jeremy Peña. Yordan Alvarez produced an RBI single and Jose Altuve walked to load the bases, but Bednar bore down, striking out Carlos Correa and Christian Walker. He finished with three hits, an earned run, and a walk while striking out two, throwing 33 pitches (60.6% strike rate) with six whiffs (18.2 SwStr%).

  • Fernando Cruz stranded two runners at the bottom of the seventh while logging 1.1 scoreless frames, yielding a hit and striking out three for his 13th hold.
  • Luke Weaver gave up a solo home run by Jesús Sánchez among his three hits and recorded two strikeouts in the seventh, getting credit for his 17th hold.

Hierarchy Remains: David Bednar | Luke Weaver | Devin Williams

Philadelphia Phillies – Amid a playoff-like atmosphere, Jhoan Duran completed a combined shutout, retiring the side, including a game-ending strikeout while recording his 26th save. He threw 16 pitches (62.5% strike rate) and induced one whiff.

Through 14 appearances since the trade deadline, he has converted ten of 11 save opportunities while posting a 0.855 WHIP with 14 strikeouts versus zero walks (31.1 K-BB%) across 10.2 innings.

  • Matt Strahm worked a scoreless eighth, allowing Andrew Vaughn’s two-out single and striking out one for his 17th hold.
  • David Robertson fired a clean seventh, striking out one, and notched his fifth hold.

Hierarchy Remains: Jhoan Duran | Matt Strahm | Orion Kerkering

Pittsburgh Pirates – Summoned with two runners on and one out, Colin Holderman let one inherited runner score on a two-out RBI single by Miguel Rojas, then recorded a game-ending strikeout against Ben Rortvedt for his first save of the season. He threw six pitches, all strikes, and produced one whiff (16.7 SwStr%).

  • Dauri Moreta struggled after taking over at the top of the ninth, giving up four hits and three earned runs while striking out one, spoiling the shutout.
  • Evan Sisk retired his only batter in the eighth.
  • Yohan Ramírez tossed 1.2 scoreless frames, yielding a hit and striking out two.

Updated Hierarchy: Dennis Santana | Isaac Mattson | Colin Holderman

Tampa Bay Rays – Taking over with a 4-0 lead at the top of the ninth, Pete Fairbanks allowed back-to-back home runs by José Ramírez and Kyle Manzardo before retiring three in a row, preserving a two-run win during a non-save appearance.

He had not appeared in a game since August 31 and has allowed five home runs in his last six outings, resulting in five earned runs. His season and future remain perplexing. Tampa Bay will have to decide if it picks up his team option, which will reach $11.5 million after the incentives he’s triggered. At this price point, trading him may be more challenging. The team did plan for the future, acquiring Baker and Griffin Jax with years of team control remaining.

As for Fairbanks, he has struggled in recent outings, but has not issued a walk since the All-Star break. Here are his splits by month and half through yesterday’s appearance:

Link: https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Q8eFp/2/

  • Edwin Uceta retired the side and recorded two strikeouts at the top of the eighth.
  • Garrett Cleavinger struck out the side in the seventh, extending his scoreless streak to 21 games. During this stretch, he has recorded a 0.842 WHIP with 28 strikeouts against seven walks (30 K-BB%) through 19 innings.
  • Bryan Baker notched his 17th hold, giving up a hit and striking out one in a scoreless sixth.

For now: 

Hierarchy Remains: Pete Fairbanks | Bryan Baker | Garrett Cleavinger

Quick Hits

  • Los Angeles Angels: Suffering his fifth loss, Ryan Zeferjahn allowed a solo home run by Bobby Witt Jr. at the bottom of the eighth. José Fermin gave up a game-tying solo home run by Salvador Perez, resulting in his second blown save.
  • Milwaukee Brewers: Entering at the top of the sixth, Aaron Ashby issued a walk and recorded a strikeout while facing the Phillies’ 3-4-5-6 hitters in a scoreless outing. Tobias Myers gave up two hits, Alec Bohm’s one-out triple and Trea Turner’s RBI single, resulting in his second loss during two-thirds of the seventh.
  • Minnesota Twins: Taking over at the top of the sixth, Travis Adams suffered his third loss and a second blown save, allowing three hits, four earned runs, and striking out two during a 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.

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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.

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Closer Monkey’s Leverage Ledger | September 4

Relievers recorded six wins, though Robert Stephenson’s had a blown save accompany it, and eight saves while suffering six losses across Wednesday’s slate. Here are the saves in condensed form:

For the save streamers:

Vulture Save Option for September 4

  • Kaleb Ort (HOU): Bryan Abreu threw 30 pitches in yesterday’s game. 
  • Dauri Moreta (PIT): Dennis Santana and Isaac Mattson have appeared in back-to-back games. 

News, Notes, and Observations

There have not been any updates regarding the severity of the injury, but Kyle Finnegan tweaked his groin while warming up on Wednesday and did not enter the contest as a result:

Trevor Megill remains on track for a bullpen session:

However, Josh Hader has not resumed throwing:

Here are the leverage events of interest from Wednesday.

Leverage Ledger

Arizona Diamondbacks – Securing his third save, Jake Woodford navigated around a one-out walk by retiring the next two batters, preserving the combined shutout of Texas. He threw 21 pitches (66.7% strike rate) without a whiff while striking out one.

He has converted three of four save opportunities since August 23 while posting a 0.874 WHIP through 10.1 innings.

  • Andrew Saalfrank recorded his fourth hold, allowing a hit and striking out one in a scoreless eighth. He owns an eight-game scoreless streak but has not notched a save since August 27.
  • John Curtiss stranded a runner and retired his only batter in the seventh for his third hold.
  • Ryan Thompson issued a walk during two-thirds scoreless in the seventh for his 13th hold.

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

*= closer-by-committee

Baltimore Orioles – Summoned with a two-run lead at the bottom of the ninth against the 9-1-2 lineup pocket of the Padres, Yennier Cano retired the side while striking out two for his second save. He threw 14 pitches (64.3% strike rate) and induced two whiffs (14.3 SwStr%).

It’s his first save since July 5 and extended his scoreless streak to four games.

  • Shawn Dubin allowed a hit and struck out three in a scoreless eighth, securing his eighth hold.
  • Keegan Akin logged two innings, giving up a solo home run by Fernando Tatis Jr. and striking out two for his 15th hold.

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

*= closer-by-committee

Chicago White Sox – Capping his team’s three-run rally at the top of the ninth, Jordan Leasure navigated around a hit and a walk for a scoreless bottom of the ninth, securing his sixth save. He threw 17 pitches (58.8% strike rate) and produced three whiffs (17.6 SwStr%).

He has recorded a save in his last two appearances and has been scoreless in his last four contests.

  • Grant Taylor collected his first win, logging 1.1 scoreless frames while giving up a hit and striking out two.

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

*= closer-by-committee

Houston Astros – Presented a four-run lead, Bryan Abreu allowed Ryan McMahon’s one-out single and a two-out single by Aaron Judge, which seemed innocuous until Cody Bellinger launched a three-run home run.

Abreu bore down, recording a game-ending strikeout against Jazz Chisolm Jr., finishing a one-run win. After recording a 13-game scoreless streak, he has allowed three runs in back-to-back appearances.

  • Bryan King collected his fifth win after tossing a clean top of the eighth, ahead of his team’s four-run rally at the bottom of the frame.
  • Kaleb Ort worked a clean seventh, extending his scoreless streak to five games.

Hierarchy Remains: Bryan Abreu | Bryan King | Kaleb Ort

Los Angeles Angels – Filling capably at the bottom of the ninth, Reid Detmers locked down his third save, retiring the side and striking out two while preserving a one-run win over the Royals. He threw 13 pitches (69.2% strike rate) and induced two whiffs (15.4 SwStr%).

This marks his first save since June 11, and he extended his scoreless streak to nine games, during which he has posted a 0.825 WHIP across 9.2 innings.

  • Andrew Chafin tossed a scoreless eighth, walking one and striking out two for his fourth hold.
  • Robert Stephenson gave up two hits and an earned run in the seventh, suffering his first blown save, but was also awarded his first win, courtesy of his team’s rally at the top of the eighth.

Hierarchy Remains: Kenley Jansen | Reid Detmers | Luis García

Milwaukee Brewers – Pat Murphy, relying on match-ups over predetermined roles, had Jared Koenig close out a three-run lead at the top of the ninth, facing the Phillies’ 9-1-2 lineup pocket, and he responded with a clean appearance while striking out one for his first save of the season, second of his career. He threw 13 pitches (69.2% strike rate) and produced two whiffs (15.4 SwStr%).

  • Abner Uribe notched his MLB-leading 36th hold, recording a strikeout, giving up a hit by Harrison Bader, then inducing an inning-ending double play groundout by Nick Castellanos for a scoreless frame, facing all right-handed batters.
  • Aaron Ashby notched his fourth hold, yielding a hit and a walk while striking out one during two-thirds of the seventh.

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

*= match-up-based bullpen

Minnesota Twins – Forced into action at the top of the ninth, Justin Topa let both inherited runners score and an earned run on his own ledger, resulting in his fifth loss and a fourth blown save. With two outs, he gave up an RBI single by Brooks Baldwin, followed by a two-RBI double by Michael A. Taylor before an inning-ending groundout. Topa’s allowed at least a run in four consecutive appearances.

  • Kody Funderburk opened the ninth, inducing a pop-out, then giving up a hit and a walk before being removed. He was credited with his third hold.
  • Cole Sands fired two clean frames and recorded four strikeouts on 24 pitches (66.7% strike rate) with four whiffs (16.7 SwStr%). He has been scoreless over his last eight games, recording 17 strikeouts against two walks (42.9 K-BB%) across ten innings, but has not been provided a save chance since May. This should change soon, but time is running out.

Hierarchy Remains: *Justin Topa | *Cole Sands | *Kody Funderburk

*= closer-by-committee

Pittsburgh Pirates – Completing a combined shutout and locking down his 13th save, Dennis Santana retired the side and recorded two strikeouts, including a game-ending one against Shohei Ohtani. He threw 11 pitches (81.8% strike rate) and produced three whiffs (27.3 SwStr%).

He has converted a save in four consecutive appearances.

  • Isaac Mattson notched his ninth hold, tossing a clean eighth and striking out one.
  • Evan Sisk worked around a hit and a walk in the seventh, securing his first hold.
  • Mike Burrows logged three frames, scattering two hits and walking one while striking out two, collecting his second win.

Updated Hierarchy: Dennis Santana | Isaac Mattson | Dauri Moreta

San Francisco Giants – Forced into action with the bases loaded and one out ahead by five, Ryan Walker let an inherited runner score on a sacrifice fly, then allowed a two-RBI double by Hunter Goodman before recording a game-ending strikeout of Jordan Beck for his 14th save. Walker finished with a hit and a strikeout over two-thirds scoreless, throwing nine pitches (88.9% strike rate) with three whiffs (33.3 SwStr%).

During his ten-game scoreless streak, he has two wins, four saves, and a hold while posting a 0.86 WHIP with 12 strikeouts versus zero walks (35.3 K-BB%) across 9.1 innings.

  • JT Brubaker logged 2.1 innings, giving up three hits, three earned runs, and a walk while striking out two.
  • Joel Peguero collected his first career win, retiring all four batters in Colorado.

Hierarchy Remains: Ryan Walker | José Buttó | Joey Lucchesi

St. Louis Cardinals – It was another extended outing for JoJo Romero, but he navigated around a hit in the eighth and in the ninth while securing his seventh save. He finished with 1.2 scoreless innings, scattering two hits and striking out one on 20 pitches (75% strike rate) with two whiffs.

Over his last 16 appearances since the start of August, he has recorded more than three outs five times while posting a 1-2 record with seven saves in eight chances and four holds. He has a 1.412 WHIP with 12 strikeouts against nine walks in 17 innings.

  • Kyle Leahy allowed three hits, including Nick Kurtz’s solo home run in the eighth, and a walk while striking out two for his 17th hold.

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

*= closer-by-committee

Quick Hits

  • Atlanta Braves: Preserving a four-run margin over the Cubs, Raisel Iglesias worked around two walks and recorded a strikeout during a scoreless bottom of the ninth, throwing 25 pitches (56% strike rate) without a whiff. Tyler Kinley fired a clean eighth, striking out two.
  • Chicago Cubs: Taking over as the “bulk follower,” Ben Brown suffered his eighth loss, giving up a hit, two earned runs, and two walks while striking out three over 1.1 innings. Drew Pomeranz was tagged with his first blown save, letting both inherited runners score at the top of the seventh, allowing three hits and two earned runs while striking out one. 
  • Cincinnati Reds: Called into action at the top of the fifth, a Vlad Guerrero Jr. home run greeted Nick Martinez, and he finished his 1.2 innings with four hits, two earned runs, and a walk while striking out one, resulting in his 11th loss. 
  • Colorado Rockies: Appearing in a loss, Victor Vodnik retired the side at the top of the ninth on 15 pitches (73.3% strike rate) without a whiff. He owns a nine-game scoreless streak, during which he’s posted a minuscule 0.206 WHIP with nine strikeouts against zero walks (29 K-BB%) over 9.2 innings. Luis Peralta was tagged with his third loss and a third blown save, allowing two hits, four earned runs, and two walks during one-third of the sixth.
  • Detroit Tigers: Closing a four-run win, Rafael Montero allowed a walk and recorded a strikeout at the top of the ninth. Will Vest notched his third hold, stranding a runner at the top of the seventh, and worked around a hit and a walk, recording 1.1 scoreless frames.
  • New York Mets: Another rough outing for Ryan Helsley. He entered with his team trailing by one at the bottom of the seventh. Colt Keith greeted him with a lead-off single, followed by a Gleyber Torres walk, and Kerry Carpenter’s three-run home run. Helsley rebounded with a strikeout, another single allowed, and a strikeout before being removed. He finished with three hits, three earned runs, and a walk, throwing 27 pitches (59.3% strike rate) with four whiffs (14.8 SwStr%). He has allowed at least a run in nine of 14 appearances since his acquisition, with a 2.455 WHIP across 11 innings.
  • New York Yankees: Entering a tied game at the bottom of the eighth, Devin Williams did not fare well. He gave up Carlos Correa’s lead-off double and issued two walks, while striking out two. However, he walked in the go-ahead run, prompting his removal. Camilo Doval could not stem the tide, letting an inherited runner score on Jeremy Peña’s single, another run on a balk, and the last on a wild pitch before inducing an inning-ending groundout by Yordan Alvarez. Williams was tagged with his sixth loss.
  • San Diego Padres: During an eventual loss, Robert Suarez fired a clean top of the ninth, striking out one against the Orioles’ 6-7-8 hitters. Mason Miller struck out the side in the eighth, throwing nine pitches, all strikes, and generating eight whiffs (88.9 SwStr%) during an immaculate inning.
  • Toronto Blue Jays: Finishing a four-run win over the Reds, Jeff Hoffman retired the side while facing the 2-3-4 lineup pocket and striking out one. He threw 13 pitches (69.2% strike rate) and produced three whiffs (23.1 SwStr%). He has been scoreless in his last three outings.
  • Washington Nationals: Jackson Rutledge stranded two runners at the top of the fifth and allowed a hit during a scoreless combined inning, collecting his third win. JP Poulin stranded a runner in the sixth, working 1.1 scoreless frames while giving up a hit for his fourth hold.

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:

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BrooksBaseball.net

Closer Monkey Updated Rankings | 9.3.2025

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 much as rankings can help, match-ups are just as crucial during head-to-head playoffs. Also, Kyle Finnegan is ranked, but he did not appear in Wednesday’s game, shutting down his bullpen tosses, and will undergo imaging:

If he ends up on the injured list, the lists will be updated.

Updated Top 40 Relievers for Saves

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

Relievers on the Rise

  • Jose A. Ferrer (WSH)
  • Jake Woodford (ARI)
  • Bryan Baker/Garrett Cleavinger (TB)

Top 75 for SOLDS

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

It was tough, but another rough outing took Ryan Helsley off this list. There has been some turnover throughout the list, especially with Jason Adam out for the remainder of the season.

Top 50 for Holds

RankReliever
1Adrian Morejon
2Brad Keller
3Jeremiah Estrada
4Mason Miller
5Ronny Henriquez
6Garrett Cleavinger
7Luke Weaver
8Tyler Rogers
9Matt Brash
10Garrett Whitlock
11Matt Svanson
12Tony Santillan
13Caleb Thielbar
14Jared Koenig
15Orion Kerkering
16Hunter Gaddis
17Matt Strahm
18Andrew Kittredge
19Bryan Baker
20Riley O’Brien
21Reid Detmers
22Seranthony Domínguez
23Lucas Erceg
24Edwin Uceta
25Tanner Banks
26Chris Martin
27Bryan King
28Eduard Bazardo
29Jimmy Herget
30Tyler Kinley
31Gregory Soto
32Devin Williams
33Dylan Lee
34PJ Poulin
35Blake Treinen
36Fernando Cruz
37Gabe Speier
38David Robertson
39Fernando Cruz
40Tyler Holton
41José Buttó
42Pierce Johnson
43Brendon Little
44Greg Weissert
45Clayton Beeter
46Ryan Helsley
47Konnor Pilkington
48Jordan Leasure
49Griffin Jax
50Grant Taylor

Closer Monkey Emails for 2025

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Closer Monkey’s Leverage Ledger | September 3

Tuesday’s 14-game slate resulted in five reliever wins and eight saves, while they were tagged with six losses. Here are the saves in condensed form:

For the save streamers:

Vulture Save Options for September 3

  • Brad Keller (CHC): Daniel Palencia has pitched in three of the last four. 
  • Keegan Akin (BAL): Rico Garcia has appeared in back-to-back games, and Albert Suárez tossed two innings last night. 
  • Cole Sands (MIN): If there is a save chance, he’s been trending toward it, but nothing is guaranteed in this leverage ladder. 
  • Clayton Beeter (WSH): Another long shot, but Jose A. Ferrer has worked in three consecutive contests, while Cole Henry and Konnor Pilkington have pitched in back-to-back games. 

Here are Tuesday’s leverage events of interest.

Leverage Ladder

Arizona Diamondbacks – Back from Triple-A, Taylor Rashi worked around two singles at the top of the eighth and returned for the ninth, allowing a lead-off double, throwing a wild pitch, and giving up a run on a fielder’s choice groundout, but secured his second save, closing out a two-run win over Texas. He threw 41 pitches (58.5% strike rate) and induced one whiff. He has recorded two multi-inning saves, also on August 28, across two appearances in the majors.

  • Jalen Beeks was awarded his fifth win, issuing two walks and retiring two batters at the top of the seventh.

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

*= closer-by-committee

Chicago Cubs – Working around Marcell Ozuna’s one-out single and Ha-Seong Kim’s two-out infield hit, Daniel Palencia closed out a one-run win over Atlanta for his 22nd save with a game-ending flyout against Eli White. He threw 20 pitches (65% strike rate) and produced two whiffs.

He has allowed multiple hits in four of his last seven appearances, but has converted all five save chances while suffering two losses in them.

  • Caleb Thielbar retired the side and recorded a strikeout at the top of the eighth, securing his 19th hold.
  • Drew Pomeranz allowed a hit and struck out one for his 11th hold in the seventh.

Hierarchy Remains: Daniel Palencia | Brad Keller | Andrew Kittredge

Cleveland Guardians – Taking over a tied game at the bottom of the seventh, Hunter Gaddis recorded an inning-ending strikeout. Returning for the eighth, he allowed a lead-off single, recorded a forceout, and a flyout, but was removed with a runner on and two outs.

Cade Smith took over, allowing consecutive singles, though Alex Bregman’s never left the infield, scoring the inherited runner charged to Gaddis. But things escalated quickly for Smith; Jarren Duran produced an RBI double, followed by Trevor Story’s two-RBI double, forcing his removal. Gaddis was charged with his second loss, allowing a hit and an earned run while striking out one in his combined inning. Smith did not retire a batter, yielding four hits and three earned runs. HIs illustrator from this outing:

And, his results:

Hierarchy Remains: Cade Smith | Hunter Gaddis | Eric Sabrowski

Pittsburgh Pirates – Handed a three-run lead at the top of the ninth, Dennis Santana held on for his 12th save, despite issuing Miguel Rojas a lead-off walk, followed by Shohei Ohtani’s RBI double; he bore down, retiring the Dodgers’ 2-3-4 hitters in order. Santana threw 14 pitches (57.1% strike rate) without a whiff.

He has converted a save in his last three appearances, but this outing snapped his two-game scoreless streak.

  • Dauri Moreta notched his second hold, tossing a clean eighth and striking out two.
  • Isaac Mattson gave up three hits and two earned runs, getting credit for his eighth hold.
  • Bubba Chandler collected his second win as the “bulk follower,” giving up six hits and three earned runs while striking out three. 

Hierarchy Remains: Dennis Santana | Isaac Mattson | Kyle Nicolas

San Francisco Giants – Slamming the door on his 13th save, Ryan Walker fired a clean bottom of the ninth and recorded a strikeout, preserving a three-run win in Colorado. He threw 11 pitches (72.7% strike rate) and induced one whiff (9.1 SwStr%).

This extends his scoreless streak to nine games, during which he has recorded two wins while converting all three save opportunities with a 0.805 WHIP and 11 strikeouts against zero walks (35.5 K-BB%) through 8.2 innings.

  • Joey Lucchesi worked a clean eighth, securing his third hold.
  • José Buttó allowed two hits, two earned runs, and a walk while striking out two across the sixth and seventh innings, getting credit for his fourth hold.

Hierarchy Remains: Ryan Walker | José Buttó | Joey Lucchesi

St. Louis Cardinals – Preserving a one-run lead, JoJo Romero fired a clean top of the ninth and recorded one strikeout while nailing down his sixth save. He threw 12 pitches (58.3% strike rate) and produced two whiffs (16.7 SwStr%) against the A’s 4-5-6 lineup pocket.

Romero’s been scoreless in his last eight outings, recording three saves and four holds with a 0.75 WHIP across eight innings.

  • Matt Svanson notched his third hold, tossing two scoreless frames, walking one, and striking out two.

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

*= closer-by-committee

Tampa Bay Rays – Forced into action with the bases loaded and no outs at the top of the ninth, Garrett Cleavinger stranded two of three runners while retiring all three batters faced, finishing a one-run win over Seattle for his second save. He threw ten pitches (70% strike rate) and produced two whiffs (20 SwStr%).

He remains scoreless over his last 20 outings, posting a 0.889 WHIP with 25 strikeouts versus seven walks (26.9 K-BB%) through 18 innings.

  • Griffin Jax allowed a hit, an earned run, and two walks without recording an out in the ninth.
  • Kevin Kelly collected his first win, logging 1.1 clean frames, stranding three runners at the top of the seventh, and striking out two.

It should be noted that Pete Fairbanks has not been used in back-to-back appearances, but was still not used in this save chance. Tampa Bay may be auditioning potential replacements for next year.

Hierarchy Remains: Pete Fairbanks | Bryan Baker | Garrett Cleavinger

Toronto Blue Jays – Securing his 30th save, Jeff Hoffman allowed Sal Stewart’s one-out single but recorded a strikeout of Ke’Bryan Hayes and a game-ending pop-out by Will Benson, closing out a three-run win in Cincinnati. He threw 18 pitches (61.1% strike rate) and induced one whiff.

It’s been an up-and-down season for the embattled closer, but his manager remains steadfast in his support for him.

  • Seranthony Domínguez gave up two hits, including TJ Friedl’s solo shot, and recorded two strikeouts for his 19th hold at the bottom of the eighth.
  • Louis Varland collected his fourth win, logging 1.2 scoreless frames, giving up a hit and striking out one.

Hierarchy Remains: Jeff Hoffman | Seranthony Domínguez | Yariel Rodríguez

Washington Nationals – Appearing in a third consecutive game, Jose A. Ferrer locked down his sixth save, retiring the side and recording a strikeout against Miami’s 7-8-9 lineup pocket. He threw 20 pitches (65% strike rate) and induced three whiffs (15 SwStr%).

This extended his scoreless streak to 11 games, during which he has two wins and six saves with a 0.752 WHIP and 12 strikeouts versus one walk (22.9 K-BB%) across 13.1 innings.

  • Jackson Rutledge notched his second hold, stranding two runners and retiring his only batter in the eighth.
  • Konnor Pilkington issued two walks during his two-thirds of the eighth, getting credit for his third hold.
  • Cole Henry tossed a scoreless seventh, walking and striking out one, securing his ninth hold.
  • PJ Poulin fired a clean sixth, striking out the side for his third hold. 

Hierarchy Remains: Jose A. Ferrer | Clayton Beeter | PJ Poulin

Quick Hits

  • Baltimore Orioles: Completing a four-run win at San Diego, Albert Suárez tossed two clean frames and recorded two strikeouts on 22 pitches (63.6% strike rate) with one whiff. Rico Garcia stranded all three inherited runners at the bottom of the seventh, retiring both batters, one via strikeout for his fifth hold.
  • Boston Red Sox: Wrapping up a wild contest against Cleveland, Brennan Bernardino retired the side at the top of the ninth, preserving a four-run margin. Justin Slaten collected his second win, giving up a hit and striking out in a scoreless top of the eighth, ahead of his team’s four-run rally. Garrett Whitlock worked a scoreless seventh, yielding a hit and striking out one.
  • Los Angeles Angels: Finishing a four-run win over the Royals, Kenley Jansen tossed a scoreless bottom of the ninth. He issued Vinnie Pasquantino a lead-off walk, then retired the next three batters, two via strikeout on 22 pitches (54.5% strike rate) with two whiffs. He has been scoreless in his last four appearances, during which he has recorded two saves.
  • Los Angeles Dodgers: Entering a tied game at the bottom of the sixth, Edgardo Henriquez suffered his first loss, issuing consecutive walks and allowing a one-out RBI single before being lifted. Blake Treinen took over and allowed a two-RBI double by Jared Triolo, letting both inherited runners score, and recorded two strikeouts during two-thirds of the sixth. Henriquez finished with a hit, three earned runs, and a walk in one-third of the sixth.
  • Minnesota Twins: Getting tagged with his first loss, Thomas Hatch allowed eight hits, six runs (five earned), and a walk while striking out three across the sixth and seventh innings against the White Sox. 
  • Seattle Mariners: After his team tied the score at the top of the seventh, Gabe Speier allowed two hits, two earned runs, and a walk while striking out two during two-thirds of the inning, resulting in his second loss.
  • Texas Rangers: Suffering his first blown save, Luis Curvelo let both inherited runners score at the bottom of the sixth, giving up an RBI single by Blaze Alexander and a sacrifice fly. Hoby Milner gave up three hits, including Ketel Marte’s three-run home run at the bottom of the seventh, resulting in his fourth loss.

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.

Premium subscribers can still use this link for daily, ad-free content or submit a rest-of-the-season $15 payment via Venmo to @gjewett9.

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:

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BrooksBaseball.net