* = closer-by-committee

The post Updated MLB Closer Depth Chart appeared first on Closer Monkey.

Wednesday’s slate resulted in six wins (one accompanied by a blown save), eight saves, five losses, and three blown saves by relievers. Here are the saves in condensed form:

There have been 1,138 saves this season by 245 different pitchers. For perspective, this season has already set an MLB record for the number of pitchers with at least one save. Is 250 within reach? 

Here are the upcoming vulture save options: 

Vulture Save Options for 9.10.2026

• No recommendations

Vulture Save Stashes for 9.11.2026

• Carmen Mlodzinski (PIT): If Montgomery and the rest of the leverage triumvirate pitch today, it will be back-to-back games.

In case you missed them, sneak previews of potential closer options for both leagues have been posted: 

2027 Potential Closers | American League

2027 Potential Closers | National League

If Closer Monkey has helped your team(s) this season, please leave a tip to support future content at this LINK. You can also Venmo tips to @gjewett9.

Pittsburgh Pirates 

Shutting the door on his 11th save, Mason Montgomery fired a clean bottom of the ninth and recorded two strikeouts, closing out a two-run lead over the White Sox. He threw 17 pitches (13 strikes; 76.5% strike rate) without a whiff. His scoreless streak has reached 19 games, during which he has recorded three wins while converting all nine save chances, posting a 0.60 WHIP with 29 strikeouts and four walks (36.8 K-BB%) across 18.1 innings. This stretch continues to move him up in the 2027 preseason rankings.

• Luke Weaver gave up three hits and an earned run while striking out one for his 19th hold in the eighth inning.
• Yohan Ramírez stranded all three inherited runners, inducing an inning-ending double play for his ninth hold during the seventh.
• Gregory Soto notched his 12th hold, giving up a hit and striking out two in a scoreless sixth.
• Carmen Mlodzinski retired the side in the fifth, securing his fifth hold.
• Brandon Eisert earned his third win, logging 2.1 clean frames and striking out five.

Hierarchy Remains: Mason Montgomery | Luke Weaver | Gregory Soto

Today’s Takeaways

It’s not the September of George: Forced into action with two runners on and two outs at the bottom of the eighth, George Soriano let both score, giving up a single, followed by back-to-back doubles, putting two earned runs on his ledger before an inning-ending groundout, resulting in his fifth loss and an eighth blown save. In his last nine games, he owns a 2.849 WHIP while giving up nine earned runs over 6.2 innings. 

Adjusted Hierarchy: Riley O’Brien | Ryne Stanek | Luis Gastelum

Edwin cleared his first hurdle, but: According to Katie Woo, if Edwin Díaz appears in back-to-back games, he could be back by Sunday: 

However, in last night’s outing, he issued two walks and recorded a strikeout while giving up an earned run. He threw 10 of his 22 pitches for strikes (45.5% strike rate): 

He did increase his four-seam velocity, but with mixed results: 

If he does return, what does a soft landing look like? And more importantly, how does it impact roles over the last two weeks of the season? 

Hierarchy Remains: Tanner Scott | Edgardo Henriquez | Jack Dreyer

Here are the remaining leverage events of interest from Wednesday.

American League

Baltimore Orioles – Forced into action at the top of the eighth, Rico Garcia stranded both inherited runners with a groundout and a strikeout. He returned for the ninth and navigated around two hits with a game-ending strikeout, securing his seventh save, preserving a four-run margin. He threw 24 pitches (83.3% strike rate) and produced three whiffs (12.5 SwStr%). This marked his first save since August 21, and it should be noted that Andrew Kittredge was warming up when two runners were on base during the top of the ninth.

• Yennier Cano created the save opportunity, giving up a hit and a walk while retiring one batter at the top of the eighth.
• Josh Walker stranded a runner in the sixth and retired all four batters, notching his fourth hold. 

Updated Hierarchy: Andrew Kittredge | Rico Garcia | Josh Walker

Detroit Tigers – Replacing Keider Montero at the top of the fifth, Tyler Holton logged two clean frames and recorded two strikeouts, collecting his second win. He has been scoreless in his last eight appearances, posting a 0.965 WHIP over 9.1 innings.

• Tyler Kinley allowed two hits and struck out one during two-thirds of the seventh for his 14th hold.
• Drew Sommers stranded two runners at the top of the seventh and retired all four batters, three on strikeouts, securing his 13th hold.
• Kyle Finnegan finished off a five-run lead, yielding a hit during a scoreless top of the ninth.

Hierarchy Remains: Kenley Jansen | Jacob Waguespack | Drew Sommers

Kansas City Royals – After opening the top of the ninth with a leadoff single, followed by a walk, Nate Pearson produced a strikeout and a game-ending double-play groundout by Ketel Marte, preserving a three-run lead for his fourth save. He threw 19 pitches (10 strikes; 52.6% strike rate) and induced one whiff. He has been scoreless in his last nine outings, posting a 0.883 WHIP with 10 strikeouts and four walks across 11.1 innings.

• Craig Kimbrel gave up two hits and struck out one in a scoreless eighth for his third hold.
• Anthony Gose allowed a hit during a scoreless seventh, securing his first hold.
• Jose Cuas navigated around a hit and a walk while striking out one in a scoreless sixth for his fourth hold.

Hierarchy Remains: *Steven Cruz | *Nate Pearson | Craig Kimbrel

*= closer-by-committee

Los Angeles Angels – The good news is that Ben Joyce moved into a three-way tie for his team’s lead in saves, securing his fourth during a win in Boston. However, he issued Jarren Duran a one-out walk, who then moved up to second on defensive indifference, and eventually scored on a two-out RBI single by Nate Eaton. Joyce bore down, getting a game-ending flyout against Roman Anthony. He threw 22 pitches (13 strikes; 59.1% strike rate) and induced two whiffs while striking out one. This snapped his two-game scoreless streak and represents his first save since August 18.

• Samy Natera Jr. gave up a hit and struck out one in a scoreless eighth for his fifth hold.
• Tayler Saucedo stranded a runner, striking out his only batter in the seventh, notching his seventh hold.
• Ryan Watson allowed a hit during two-thirds scoreless in the seventh for his sixth hold.

Updated Hierarchy: Ben Joyce | Samy Natera Jr. | Ryan Watson

Seattle Mariners – Despite issuing Jake Burger a leadoff walk, Andrés Muñoz locked down his 26th save, retiring the next three batters, including consecutive strikeouts, securing a one-run lead over Texas. He threw 16 pitches (62.5% strike rate) and racked up five whiffs (31.3 SwStr%). He has been scoreless through four games in September and recorded a save in his last two appearances.

• Gabe Speier gave up Corey Seager’s solo home run and struck out one at the top of the eighth, recording his 19th hold.
• Seranthony Domínguez notched his seventh hold, walking and striking out one in a scoreless top of the seventh. 

Updated Hierarchy: Andrés Muñoz | Gabe Speier | Seranthony Domínguez

Quick Hits

• Houston Astros: Things went awry for Bryan King at the bottom of the sixth. He allowed three hits and four runs (three earned) without recording an out, resulting in his fifth loss and a fifth blown save. A.J. Blubaugh let all three inherited runners score, giving up Kyle Schwarber’s go-ahead grand slam, putting two earned runs on his ledger, and a walk while striking out one during one-third of the sixth.
• Toronto Blue Jays: As the bulk follower, Michael Lorenzen suffered his 12th loss, giving up four hits, including a two-run home run by Henry Bolte, and issuing a walk while striking out two over 2.2 innings. 

National League

New York Mets – Forced into action at the bottom of the ninth, Tobias Myers stranded an inherited runner despite giving up Javier Sanoja’s single, retiring the next two batters, one on a strikeout, sealing a one-run margin for his second save. He threw 11 pitches (72.7% strike rate) and generated five whiffs (45.5 SwStr%). Since his recall this month, he has collected a win, and this save across two scoreless appearances.

• Nate Lavender had a rough outing, allowing four hits and three earned runs during one-third of the ninth.
• Jonathan Pintaro gave up three hits and two earned runs in the eighth.
• Daniel Duarte was awarded his second win, along with his first blown save, letting all three inherited runners score at the bottom of the sixth. He finished with two hits, an earned run, and a walk while striking out two over 1.2 innings.

Hierarchy Remains: Kodai Senga | Dedniel Núñez | Nate Lavender

San Francisco Giants – Capping his team’s six-run rally at the bottom of the eighth, Trent Harris recorded his first career save, working around José Fermin’s leadoff single with a double-play groundout by Jordan Walker, followed by a game-ending groundout, sealing the one-run lead. He threw six pitches (83.3% strike rate) without a whiff. He has allowed one unearned run over his last nine games, posting a 0.80 WHIP with 11 strikeouts and three walks across 10 innings.

• Matt Wilkinson collected his first win, tossing two scoreless innings, yielding a hit and striking out two.

Hierarchy Remains: Dylan Smith | Trent Harris | Joel Kuhnel

Quick Hits

• Arizona Diamondbacks: Entering at the bottom of the fifth in Kansas City, Mike Soroka allowed three hits, three earned runs, and a walk while striking out four, resulting in his fifth loss. 
• Miami Marlins: It was another rough outing for Josh Ekness. He did not record an out at the top of the seventh, hitting a batter with a pitch and issuing two walks, all of which eventually scored, putting three earned runs on his ledger along with his third loss.
• Milwaukee Brewers: Pressed into action with three runners on and one out at the top of the ninth, Abner Uribe let all three score, allowing Nico Hoerner’s RBI single and Michael Conforto’s two-out, two-RBI double, before producing a game-ending strikeout of BJ Murray Jr., wrapping up an eventual two-run margin. 
• Philadelphia Phillies: Sealing a four-run lead, Jhoan Duran fired a clean top of the ninth and recorded two strikeouts against Houston’s 9-1-2 hitters. He threw 14 pitches (9 strikes; 64.3% strike rate) and produced three whiffs (21.4 SwStr%). 
• San Diego Padres: Entering at the top of the third with the bases loaded and one out, Kyle Hart thwarted the threat, retiring all seven batters he faced, recording one strikeout and his first win. David Morgan issued a walk during one-third of the fifth, getting credited with his second hold. 

Holds Tally

Here are the holds from Wednesday’s slate:

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

Statistical Credits:

Fangraphs.com

Baseball-Reference.com

BaseballSavant.com

BrooksBaseball.net

The post Closer Monkey’s Leverage Ledger | 9.10.2026 appeared first on Closer Monkey.

Tuesday’s slate resulted in four wins (one accompanied by a blown save), eight saves, three losses, and four blown saves by relievers. Here are the saves in condensed form:

There have been 1,130 saves this season by 244 different pitchers. For perspective, this season has already set an MLB record for the number of pitchers with at least one save. Is 250 within reach? 

Here are the upcoming vulture save options: 

Vulture Save Options for 9.9.2026

• Abner Uribe (MIL): Megill has pitched in back-to-back games. 
• Justin Martinez (ARI): With his bullpen running on fumes, it’s time to take the kid gloves off and give him the save chance, if provided today. 
• Ryan Zeferjahn (CHC): Webb has appeared in consecutive contests and is struggling during high-leverage events. 
• Nate Pearson (KC): Cruz has worked in two straight games. 

Vulture Save Stashes for 9.10.2026

• Bryan Abreu (HOU): If Hader pitches today, it will be back-to-back appearances. 
• Tyler Wells (TB): If Baker pitches today, it’s two straight games. 

In case you missed them, sneak previews of potential closer options for both leagues have been posted: 

2027 Potential Closers | American League

2027 Potential Closers | National League

If Closer Monkey has helped your team(s) this season, please leave a tip to support future content at this LINK. You can also Venmo tips to @gjewett9.

Today’s Takeaways

Another Cubs’ meltdown: Tasked with a tied score at the bottom of the tenth, Caleb Thielbar allowed two hits and a walk while striking out one, letting the courtesy runner score on Luis Lara’s walk-off RBI single, resulting in his third loss. Jacob Webb suffered his seventh blown save, giving up two hits, including Jackson Chourio’s game-tying two-run home run with two strikes and two outs at the bottom of the ninth. This result has put him into some uncharted territory: 

Daniel Palencia has also struggled in recent appearances, potentially putting Ryan Zeferjahn and Ryan Rolison into larger leverage roles in the short term: 

Updated Hierarchy: *Ryan Zeferjahn | *Jacob Webb | *Ryan Rolison

*= closer-by-committee

Is Megill running on empty? Benefiting from a double-play flyout at the top of the tenth, DL Hall collected his third win on a walk-off rally at the bottom of the inning. He took over at the top of the ninth, stranding two runners and retiring five of six batters faced, walking and striking out one. He has been scoreless in nine of his last 10, posting a 0.60 WHIP with 17 strikeouts and five walks (25.5 K-BB%) across 13.1 innings. 

Trevor Megill was on the hook for a potential loss, allowing three hits, two earned runs, and a walk while striking out one during his one-third of an inning at the top of the ninth. He threw 25 pitches (72% strike rate) and only induced one whiff. 

This may be a blip, but Megill has allowed at least a run in consecutive appearances. He has already set career highs in games (57) and innings (55.2) with 16 games remaining. If Abner Uribe is available, he may start receiving more save chances as the team manages Megill’s workload down the stretch. 

Hierarchy Remains: Trevor Megill | Abner Uribe | Aaron Ashby

Blown save #38: Wasting no time making history, this iteration of the Nationals’ bullpen has recorded the most blown saves in a season in this contest, reaching 38 games through their first 72 save opportunities in 144 games. Erik Tolman took over with three runners on and no outs at the bottom of the eighth, letting all three score and with an earned run on his ledger. He walked in a run while facing Fernando Tatis Jr., followed by a sacrifice fly, a passed ball that moved up a runner, and a two-RBI single by Manny Machado that tied the game. After two more singles, Tolman suffered his first loss and a first blown save. Jared Simpson opened the eighth, walking the bases loaded, prompting his removal with three earned runs charged to his line. Clayton Beeter gave up two hits and an earned run while striking out one in the seventh for his ninth hold. Yovanny Cruz worked a scoreless sixth, walking and striking out one, securing his second hold. Avoid this unit at all costs for the rest of the season. 

Hierarchy Remains: *Clayton Beeter | *Erik Tolman | *Yovanny Cruz

*= closer-by-committee

Here are the remaining leverage events of interest from Tuesday.

American League

Cleveland Guardians – Working into and then out of trouble, Cade Smith battled his command, hitting Christian Encarnacion-Strand with a pitch, followed by a walk to Colton Cowser, then recorded back-to-back strikeouts, preserving a four-run margin over the Orioles. He threw 19 pitches (11 strikes; 57.9% strike rate) without a whiff.

• Hunter Gaddis tossed a scoreless eighth, walking and striking out one.
• Craig Yoho logged 1.1 clean frames, striking out two for his second hold.
• Tim Herrin picked up his third win, retiring all four batters, two on strikeouts, as the first reliever in.

Hierarchy Remains: Cade Smith | Hunter Gaddis | Erik Sabrowski

Houston Astros – Taking over with a two-run lead at the bottom of the ninth in Philadelphia, Josh Hader allowed Bryson Stott’s leadoff single, followed by Edmundo Sosa’s RBI double, ending his 22-game scoreless streak. However, he bore down, retiring the next three batters, including a game-ending popout against Kyle Schwarber, securing his 24th save. He threw 17 pitches (13 strikes; 76.4% strike rate) without a whiff.

• Bryan Abreu gave up a hit and struck out two in a scoreless eighth, notching his 14th hold.
• Bennett Sousa stranded a runner, retiring his only batter via strikeout for his ninth hold.
• A.J. Blubaugh was awarded his tenth hold, yielding two hits and an earned run during two-thirds of the seventh inning.

Hierarchy Remains: Josh Hader | Bryan Abreu | A.J. Blubaugh

Minnesota Twins – Shutting the door on his 22nd save, Yoendrys Gómez retired the side and recorded a strikeout while preserving a one-run lead against the Tigers. He threw 13 pitches (8 strikes; 61.5% strike rate) and produced two whiffs (15.4 SwStr%). He has been scoreless in his last four appearances and notched a save in his last two.

• Jeff Hoffman tossed a clean bottom of the eighth, striking out one for his 18th hold.
• Andrew Morris stranded a runner, retiring both batters in the seventh, one via strikeout, securing his 21st hold.
• A.J. Minter logged 1.1 scoreless innings, walking and striking out one for his eighth hold.

Hierarchy Remains: Yoendrys Gómez | Jeff Hoffman | A.J. Minter

New York Yankees – It was a fantasy baseball favorite: a one-out save for David Bednar. Pressed into action with two outs and a two-run lead, he recorded a game-ending strikeout of Mickey Moniak, resulting in his 32nd save, requiring only three pitches, all strikes, with two whiffs. It’s his first save since August 28, and he has converted his last five save opportunities.

• Tim Hill allowed a walk and Hunter Goodman’s two-run home run during his two-thirds of the ninth, prompting his removal.
• Brent Headrick notched his 26th hold, striking out in a clean top of the eighth.

Hierarchy Remains: David Bednar | Paul Blackburn | Brent Headrick

Toronto Blue Jays –  Filling in capably and logging two clean frames, Spencer Miles closed out a two-run lead against the A’s, recording three strikeouts and his second save. He threw 22 pitches (19 strikes; 86.4% strike rate) and produced three whiffs (13.6 SwStr%). He has been scoreless over his last 12 appearances with two wins, two saves, and a hold while posting a 0.615 WHIP with ten strikeouts and one walk (19.2 K-BB%) across 13 innings.

Updated Hierarchy: Louis Varland | Tyler Rogers | Spencer Miles

Quick Hits

• Kansas City Royals: Entering at the top of the 11th, Anthony Gose allowed a hit and two runs (one earned) on an interesting triple on a defensive lapse, resulting in his first loss. Steven Cruz gave up a hit, an unearned run, and a walk at the top of the tenth. 
• Los Angeles Angels: Finishing off a five-run lead at the bottom of the ninth in Boston, Samy Natera Jr. allowed a hit and recorded a strikeout. Ryan Watson stranded a runner, striking out his only batter in the eighth, securing his fifth hold. He did not have to work the ninth once his team tacked two more runs on its lead. 
• Seattle Mariners: Amid his team’s lopsided loss, Eduard Bazardo gave up three hits, two of which were home runs, four earned runs, and a walk while striking out one during one-third of the fifth. He has allowed at least a run in his last three, resulting in seven earned runs over 1.2 innings. 
• Texas Rangers: In his first appearance since April 16, Robert Garcia retired the side and recorded a strikeout at the bottom of the seventh in Seattle. He threw eight pitches (87.5% strike rate) and induced one whiff. 

National League

Arizona Diamondbacks – Overcoming the Royals’ late rally, Blake Walston suffered his first blown save, allowing the courtesy runner to score at the bottom of the tenth, but collected his first win, working a scoreless bottom of the 11th. He finished with an unearned run and three walks while striking out two across his two innings.

• Juan Morillo gave up two hits, including a game-tying two-run home run by John Rave at the bottom of the ninth, resulting in his fifth blown save.
• Jonathan Loáisiga retired the side, securing his tenth hold at the bottom of the eighth.
• Dennis Santana worked a scoreless seventh, yielding a hit and striking out three.

Hierarchy Remains: *Juan Morillo | *Brandyn Garcia | *Kevin Ginkel

*= closer-by-committee

Los Angeles Dodgers – Sealing a one-run lead and his 22nd save, Tanner Scott worked around Tyler Stephenson’s leadoff walk with consecutive strikeouts, followed by a game-ending groundout against Jose Trevino. He threw 20 pitches (70% strike rate) and produced two whiffs. He has recorded a save in his last two appearances among his team’s five save conversions over its last five games.

• Edgardo Henriquez allowed a hit and recorded a strikeout during two-thirds scoreless at the top of the eighth inning for his tenth hold. This extends his scoreless streak to 10 games, during which he’s posted a 0.322 WHIP with 17 strikeouts and one walk (50 K-BB%) over 9.1 innings.

Hierarchy Remains: Tanner Scott | Edgardo Henriquez | Jack Dreyer

New York Mets – Despite allowing two hits, including Jakob Marsee’s RBI double, Kodai Senga bore down, throwing 10 consecutive forkballs, resulting in consecutive strikeouts, and his seventh save. He threw 19 pitches (12 strikes; 63.2% strike rate) and racked up five whiffs (26.3 SwStr%). This snapped his five-game scoreless streak, but he owns a 1.05 WHIP while converting all seven save chances over his 14 appearances since converting into a reliever.

• Dedniel Nùñez notched his third hold, firing a clean bottom of the eighth and striking out one.
• Nate Lavender allowed two hits and struck out two in a scoreless seventh for his ninth hold.
• Jonathan Pintaro gave up a hit in a scoreless sixth, securing his second hold.

Updated Hierarchy: Kodai Senga | Dedniel Núñez | Nate Lavender

San Diego Padres – Capping his team’s rally, Adrian Morejon retired the side and recorded a strikeout against the Nationals, appearing in his third straight game. He threw seven pitches, all strikes, and generated three whiffs (42.9 SwStr%) while facing the 6-7-8 pocket.

• David Morgan was awarded his third win, stranding a runner and retiring his only batter at the top of the eighth, ahead of his team’s four-run outburst at the bottom of the inning.
• Yuki Matsui allowed two hits, including a solo home run, and struck out one during two-thirds of the eighth.
• Randy Vásquez logged 1.1 scoreless innings, yielding a hit and striking out two.

Hierarchy Remains: Mason Miller | Adrian Morejon | Bradgley Rodriguez

San Francisco Giants – From a waiver claim into a save opportunity, Joel Kuhnel stranded all three inherited runners at the top of the eighth and allowed two hits and an earned run at the top of the ninth, spoiling a combined shutout bid but finishing off an eventual one-run margin for his seventh save. He has secured a save for three different teams this season. He’s also the 11th reliever with a save for the Giants this season. Kuhnel threw 21 pitches (71.4% strike rate) and induced one whiff.

• Carson Seymour was credited with his seventh hold, giving up two walks and striking out one during two-thirds of the eighth inning.
• Reiver Sanmartin notched his fourth hold, yielding a hit during a scoreless seventh. 

Updated Hierarchy: Dylan Smith | Trent Harris | Joel Kuhnel

Quick Hits

• Philadelphia Phillies: Keeping his team within two runs, José Alvarado worked a scoreless top of the ninth, walking one and striking out two. He has been scoreless in his last six games, securing three holds. 
• Pittsburgh Pirates: Closing out a six-run lead over the White Sox, Yohan Ramírez retired the side and struck out one at the bottom of the ninth. Wilber Dotel logged two innings, allowing two hits and an earned run while striking out one. 

Holds Tally

Here are the holds from Tuesday’s slate:

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

Statistical Credits:

Fangraphs.com

Baseball-Reference.com

BaseballSavant.com

BrooksBaseball.net

The post Closer Monkey’s Leverage Ledger | 9.9.2026 appeared first on Closer Monkey.

Monday’s 11-game slate resulted in four wins (one accompanied by a blown save), seven saves, five losses, and four blown saves by relievers. Here are the saves in condensed form:

There have been 1,122 saves this season by 244 different pitchers. For perspective, this season has already set an MLB record for the number of pitchers with at least one save. Is 250 within reach? 

Here are the upcoming vulture save options: 

Vulture Save Options for 9.8.2026

• Jacob Waguespack (DET): Jansen, Holton, Kinley, and Sommers have all pitched in back-to-back games. 
• Yuki Matsui (SD): Miller, Morejon, and Rodriguez have worked in two straight, three in the previous four. 
• Ryan Watson (LAA): Joyce pitched on Monday and has not appeared in consecutive games this season at any level. 

Vulture Save Stashes for 9.9.2026

• Aaron Civale (CHC): If Webb and Zeferjahn pitch again today, it will be consecutive contests. 
• Nate Pearson (KC): He pitched two innings on Monday, so he will be off today. However, if Cruz pitches tonight, it’s back-to-back appearances. 

In case you missed them, sneak previews of potential closer options for both leagues have been posted: 

2027 Potential Closers | American League

2027 Potential Closers | National League

If Closer Monkey has helped your team(s) this season, please leave a tip to support future content at this LINK. You can also Venmo tips to @gjewett9.

Los Angeles Dodgers 

• Jack Dreyer was credited with his 11th hold despite yielding two hits and an earned run while striking out one at the top of the eighth.
• Seth Halvorsen gave up two hits, including a solo home run (Eugenio Suárez), during the top of the seventh.
• Alex Vesia notched his 19th hold, stranding all three inherited runners with an inning-ending strikeout of JJ Bleday.

Locking down his first save of the season and first since May 2, 2025, Evan Phillips fired a clean top of the ninth while striking out two against the Reds, closing out a three-run lead. He threw nine pitches (77.8% strike rate) and produced one whiff (11.1 SwStr%). This extended his scoreless streak to eight games, during which he’s posted a 0.714 WHIP with 10 strikeouts and one walk (34.6 K-BB%) across seven innings.

• Jack Dreyer was credited with his 11th hold despite yielding two hits and an earned run while striking out one at the top of the eighth.
• Seth Halvorsen gave up two hits, including a solo home run (Eugenio Suárez), during the top of the seventh.
• Alex Vesia notched his 19th hold, stranding all three inherited runners with an inning-ending strikeout of JJ Bleday.

This marks four saves by four different Dodgers’ pitchers in the last four games. Dave Roberts may be getting ready for the postseason, relying on matchups while keeping relievers rested down the stretch, putting this bullpen into play for those in deeper formats. 

Hierarchy Remains: Tanner Scott | Edgardo Henriquez | Jack Dreyer

Today’s Takeaways

The Cubs’ bullpen struggles continue: An eventful bottom of the eighth ended in a road loss in Milwaukee. Ryan Zeferjahn replaced Matthew Boyd with two runners on and no outs, giving up a go-ahead two-RBI single by Jackson Chourio, walking Brice Turang, and was removed after striking out William Contreras, but was tagged with his fourth blown save. Jacob Webb took over with two runners and one out, walking Jake Bauers, followed by a sacrifice fly, and an inning-ending strikeout of Luis Lara. But the damage was done. 

Over the last 30 days, only the Angels, Giants, and Nationals have a lower Win Probability Added than the Cubs’ bullpen. Reinforcements may be on the way in the form of Shelby Miller and Edward Cabrera, but will it be enough in the postseason? 

Hierarchy Remains: Jacob Webb | Ryan Zeferjahn | Ryan Rolison

Is there value in Ben Joyce for the rest of the season? Part workload management and part team performance have affected Ben Joyce. He worked a scoreless bottom of the eighth in Boston, allowing a one-out single, though Eli White was thrown out trying to stretch it into a double. He threw 18 pitches (66.7% strike rate) and induced four whiffs (22.2 SwStr%) in this outing, but he has not recorded a save since August 18. 

The team may not use him in consecutive games, which caps his save upside, especially given the team’s recent poor performance. Through 144 games, the Angels have the lowest save conversion rate (45.7%) in the majors along with the fewest saves (21). The biggest question may be, can Joyce finish the season with the team lead in saves? He only needs two more. 

Hierarchy Remains: Ben Joyce | Ryan Watson | Tayler Saucedo

More turnover for the Giants: After allowing the courtesy runner to score at the top of the tenth, Jason Foley stranded him in the 11th, logging two innings, giving up a hit and a walk, then collected his third win on a walk-off rally at the bottom of the 11th. He threw 34 pitches (20 strikes; 58.8% strike rate) and did not elicit a whiff.

Reiver Sanmartin struck out his only batter, Alec Burleson, stranding two runners at the top of the ninth. Dylan Smith suffered his fourth blown save. He worked around two hits for a scoreless eighth, but in the ninth, two more hits and a walk resulted in an earned run, scoring the game-tying run. He finished with four hits, an earned run, and a walk over 1.2 innings. Trent Harris gave up a hit, an unearned run, and a walk with two strikeouts in the seventh for his fourth hold.

With the leverage ladder stretched thin by talent, it’s forcing Smith into extended appearances with mixed results. Since August 7, he has converted three of six save opportunities with a 1.538 WHIP and a 17:6 K:BB (19.3 K-BB%) across 12 appearances spanning 13 innings. 

Updated Hierarchy: Dylan Smith | Trent Harris | Jason Foley

Here are the remaining leverage events of interest from Monday.

American League

Baltimore Orioles – Forced into action with two outs at the top of the ninth, Josh Walker recorded his first career save, inducing a game-ending flyout by Patrick Bailey, throwing seven pitches (4 strikes; 57.1% strike rate) and producing one whiff.

• Andrew Kittredge struggled in a non-save situation, allowing three hits, including a one-out, three-run home run by Nathaniel Lowe during his two-thirds of the ninth inning. He has allowed at least a run in consecutive appearances and multiple hits in three of his last four.
• Rico Garcia stranded a runner while retiring both batters in the eighth.

Hierarchy Remains: Andrew Kittredge | Yennier Cano | Rico Garcia

Boston Red Sox – Sealing a three-run lead and his third save, Garrett Whitlock fired a clean top of the ninth and recorded two strikeouts against the Angels. He threw 15 pitches (60% strike rate) and produced three whiffs (20 SwStr%). It’s his first save since July 12, and he’s been scoreless in his last four appearances.

• Alec Gamboa allowed a hit, an earned run, and a walk while striking out one in the eighth.
• Tyler Olds logged two innings, giving up a solo home run (Moises Ballesteros) and striking out five.

Hierarchy Remains: Aroldis Chapman | Garrett Whitlock | Erik Miller

Detroit Tigers – Working around a leadoff walk, Kenley Jansen induced a flyout, followed by a game-ending double-play groundout by Josh Bell, preserving the one-run lead while recording his 18th save, moving him closer to the 500th of his career (494th). He threw 11 pitches (54.5% strike rate) without a whiff. He has been scoreless in five of his last six outings, converting two of three save chances.

• Drew Sommers navigated around a hit and a walk during a scoreless top of the eighth, securing his 12th hold.
• Jacob Waguespack stranded a runner at the top of the seventh, retiring three of four batters, walking and striking out one for his fifth hold.
• Tyler Kinley stranded a runner in the sixth, but issued two walks while striking out one during his one-third of an inning, though he faced batters in two innings.

Hierarchy Remains: Kenley Jansen | Jacob Waguespack | Drew Sommers

The Athletics – Called on with two runners on and two outs at the top of the eighth, Hogan Harris induced an inning-ending groundout by Nathan Lukes. Back for the ninth, he allowed a game-tying Andrés Giménez solo home run and a two-out walk, resulting in his seventh blown save. However, he collected his fourth win on a walk-off rally at the bottom of the inning, finishing his 1.1 innings with a hit, an earned run, and a walk while striking out one, throwing 25 pitches (76% strike rate) with two whiffs.

• Luis Medina logged 1.2 scoreless innings, yielding a hit and a walk while striking out two for his 11th hold.

Updated Hierarchy: Hogan Harris | Luis Medina | Elvis Alvarado

Quick Hits

• Kansas City Royals: Turning a scoreless game into his fourth loss, Craig Kimbrel allowed five hits, five runs (four earned), and a walk while striking out one at the top of the tenth against Arizona. Steven Cruz worked around two hits and recorded a strikeout in a scoreless ninth. Nate Pearson logged two clean frames, striking out three.
• Toronto Blue Jays: Taking over a tied game at the bottom of the ninth, Louis Varland was not sharp, allowing Max Muncy’s leadoff single and walking Donovan Walton, then retired the next two batters, followed by another walk and a walk-off RBI single by Jeff McNeil, resulting in his fifth loss. Tyler Rogers worked a clean bottom of the eighth, striking out one.

National League

Arizona Diamondbacks – Wrapping up a formerly scoreless contest at the bottom of the tenth, Dennis Santana stranded a runner while retiring both Royals, one via strikeout, for his third save of the season, first as a Diamondback. He threw 11 pitches (54.5% strike rate) without a whiff. His last save was on April 15 with Pittsburgh.

• Gerardo Carrillo created the chaos, allowing two hits, four runs (three earned), and a walk while striking out one during one-third of the tenth inning.
• Justin Martinez collected his second win, walking and striking out one at the bottom of the ninth, throwing 20 pitches (50% strike rate) with three whiffs (15 SwStr%).
• Brandyn Garcia appeared in a third consecutive game, yielding a hit and striking out two in the bottom of the eighth.

Hierarchy Remains: *Juan Morillo | *Brandyn Garcia | *Kevin Ginkel

*= closer-by-committee

Milwaukee Brewers – Despite serving up Pete Crow-Armstrong’s solo home run, Trevor Megill recorded his 27th save in an eventual one-run margin over the Cubs. He threw 11 pitches (72.7% strike rate) without a whiff. This snapped his 15-game scoreless streak and represents the first home run he’s allowed since August 6, 2025.

• Abner Uribe earned his fifth win, retiring the side at the top of the eighth, followed by a three-run rally at the bottom of the inning.
• Aaron Ashby allowed two hits, an earned run, and a walk during the seventh.
• Chad Patrick logged 1.1 scoreless innings, stranding two runners at the top of the fifth.

Hierarchy Remains: Trevor Megill | Abner Uribe | Aaron Ashby

San Diego Padres – Preserving a one-run lead, Mason Miller allowed a one-out single by Dylan Crews with a scoreless top of the ninth, notching his 34th save. He threw 15 pitches (80% strike rate) and produced two whiffs (13.3 SwStr%). He’s adding to his career-best save and strikeout totals this season and is nearing his career highs in appearances (60 in 2025) and innings (65 in 2024).

• Adrian Morejon secured his 23rd hold, retiring the side and striking out one at the top of the eighth.
• Bradgley Rodriguez worked a clean seventh, striking out two for his 12th hold.
• Kyle Hart gave up two hits, including Crews’ two-run home run, at the top of the sixth, but was credited with his eighth hold.

Hierarchy Remains: Mason Miller | Adrian Morejon | Bradgley Rodriguez

St. Louis Cardinals – Tasked with a tied game at the bottom of the 11th, George Soriano recorded an out on a sacrifice bunt, followed by a walk-off RBI single by Shay Whitcomb, resulting in his fourth loss.

Riley O’Brien opened the bottom of the tenth with a one-run lead, intentionally walking Rafael Devers and giving up a game-tying RBI single by Bryce Eldridge, recording an out on a sacrifice bunt, intentionally walking Jung Hoo Lee, and inducing an inning-ending double-play groundout. However, he was charged with his seventh blown save, finishing with a hit, an unearned run, and two walks while throwing six of his 11 pitches (54.5% strike rate) for strikes.

• Ryne Stanek tossed a scoreless ninth, allowing two hits and a walk while striking out one.
• Justin Bruihl retired all four batters, one via strikeout. 

Hierarchy Remains: Riley O’Brien | George Soriano | Ryne Stanek

Quick Hits

• Atlanta Braves: In a scoreless contest, Didier Fuentes allowed a two-out solo home run by Kyle Schwarber at the bottom of the eighth, resulting in his second loss. He retired the six other batters he faced, four on strikeouts, throwing 29 pitches (20 strikes; 69% strike rate) while recording six whiffs (20.7 SwStr%).
• Cincinnati Reds: At the bottom of the eighth, Tejay Antone stranded two of three inherited runners, retiring both batters he faced. Ben Williamson suffered his fourth loss as the bulk follower, giving up three hits, six runs (three earned), and five walks with four strikeouts over 4.1 innings. 

Holds Tally

Here are the holds from Monday’s slate:

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

Statistical Credits:

Fangraphs.com

Baseball-Reference.com

BaseballSavant.com

BrooksBaseball.net

The post Closer Monkey’s Leverage Ledger | 9.8.2026 appeared first on Closer Monkey.

Another week has passed, and the Nationals have tied for the major league lead in blown saves in a season; one more means they will take sole possession of an ignominious title. If that wasn’t bad enough, Orlando Ribalta reported tightness in his forearm before Sunday’s eventual loss and will undergo an MRI, which could keep him out for the rest of the season. 

After recording two saves in eight days, Juan Morillo was used in the seventh and eighth innings against Houston over the weekend. Brandyn Garcia secured the save on Saturday, and Kevin Ginkel closed out Sunday’s win for his first save since August 23. Long story short, roles are fluid for the Diamondbacks and may remain dependent on lineup lanes or specific matchups by their opponent. 

Pete Fairbanks remains on track to be activated on Wednesday and will be ranked accordingly. This moves Michael Petersen and Calvin Faucher in leagues that only count saves. 

Because teams continue using matchup-based approaches and managing workloads, an MLB record 242 relievers have already recorded a save this season. Here are the trends through games played on September 6: 

When assessing the rankings, keep in mind they remain fluid as the season nears its conclusion. They mix in-season results with rest-of-season potential. Rankings should be part of a fantasy player’s toolkit, not the sole source of evaluation. I continue to use updated SGPs (standard gains points) for the season and the last two weeks, with an eye on rest-of-season potential. 

Each category will have an updated leaderboard featuring the leaders for 2026, the second half, and the last 14 days, through games played on September 6. 

Stock Up for Saves

• Pete Fairbanks (MIA)
• Tyler Wells (TB)

Saves Leaderboards

Updated RP Rankings for Saves

Stock Up for SOLDS

• Gregory Soto (PIT)
• Alex McFarlane (PHI)

SOLDS Leaderboards

Updated RP Rankings for SOLDS

Stock Up for Holds

• Edgardo Henriquez (LAD)
• A.J. Blubaugh (HOU)

Holds Leaderboards

Updated RP Rankings for Holds

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

Statistical Credits:

Fangraphs.com

Baseball-Reference.com

BaseballSavant.com

BrooksBaseball.net

The post Updated RP Rankings | 9.7.2026 appeared first on Closer Monkey.