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Phil Maton RP | CHC
Mets' Phil Maton: Picks up save Monday
Maton earned a save against the Red Sox on Monday, striking out two batters in a perfect ninth inning.
Primary closer Edwin Diaz had pitched four times in five days coming into Monday, so he was held out with the Mets ahead by three runs entering the top of the ninth. Maton filled Diaz's usual role well, fanning two batters and retiring the side in order on 12 pitches. This was Maton's first save as a member of the Mets, but he's been very good in a high-leverage role since moving to New York from Tampa Bay on July 9, racking up eight holds and posting a 1.77 ERA along with a 22:5 K:BB over 20.1 frames.
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Jorge Lopez RP | WAS
Cubs' Jorge Lopez: Struggles in loss Monday
Lopez (2-3) allowed four runs on four hits across an inning of relief to take the loss Monday against the Pirates. He struck out two.
After starter Jameson Taillon cruised through seven innings to stake Chicago to a 3-0 lead, Lopez let things slip away in the eighth. The veteran righty allowed two home runs, including a three-run shot by Bryan Reynolds, to get charged with his first blown save of the season and third loss. Lopez has still been effective overall with a 3.00 ERA across 51 innings this year, but after struggling mightily in 2023, it's fair to wonder if the 31-year-old is due for some regression down the stretch. Lopez's poor outing Monday should also strengthen Porter Hodge's grip on the closer role, at least for now.
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Brenan Hanifee RP | DET
Tigers' Brenan Hanifee: Sustains first loss Monday
Hanifee (0-1) allowed an unearned run on two hits across an inning of relief to take the loss Monday against the Padres. He struck out two.
Hanifee didn't help his own cause, as a throwing error on a soft single by Mason McCoy allowed the batter to get into scoring position with one out in the third inning. Luis Arraez then drove McCoy in, which saddled Hanifee with his first loss in the big leagues across 15 appearances the last two years. The 26-year-old righty has actually pitched well for the Tigers, as he lowered his season ERA to 1.53 after not allowing any earned runs Monday. Hanifee should continue to see steady work out of Detroit's bullpen during the final month of the campaign.
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Jhoan Duran RP | PHI
Twins' Jhoan Duran: Earns 21st save
Duran earned the save in Monday's 5-4 win over the Rays, striking out one in a perfect ninth inning.
Duran was called upon for the second straight day and came through with the save on 14 pitches. It was the 26-year-old's first clean appearance since Aug. 15, but he has successfully converted five of his six save opportunities in that span. On the year, he is 21-for-23 in save chances and owns a 3.52 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 51:13 K:BB across 46 innings.
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Robert Suarez RP | ATL
Padres' Robert Suarez: Earns 31st save
Suarez earned the save in Monday's 3-0 win over the Tigers, allowing one hit in a scoreless ninth inning.
Suarez was called upon for the second straight day and ended the game on just eight pitches. The closer has allowed runs in four of his past 10 outings but has still managed to convert all six of his save chances during that stretch. On the year, he owns a 1.96 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 51:11 K:BB across 55 innings while ranking fourth in the majors with 31 saves.
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Emmanuel Clase RP | CLE
Guardians' Emmanuel Clase: Picks up 41st save
Clase pitched a scoreless ninth inning to record his 41st save of the season Monday against the Royals.
Clase did not allow a baserunner and did not strikeout any hitters on his way to his 41st save, which puts him one behind Ryan Helsley for the MLB lead. Clase was coming off an appearance Friday where he allowed his first earned run since the beginning of July, so it's no surprise to see him back to his dominant from Sunday. The 26-year-old has allowed just five earned runs all season and sports a miniscule 0.70 ERA through 64.1 innings.
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Liam Hendriks RP | CHC
Red Sox's Liam Hendriks: Could return as soon as Saturday
Hendriks (elbow) will make back-to-back appearances with Triple-A Worcester on Wednesday and Thursday and could be activated from the 60-day injured list as soon as Saturday, Gabrielle Starr of the Boston Herald reports.
Hendriks has allowed just one unearned run over his first four rehab innings, but he averaged just 92.8 mph with his fastball and 83.8 mph with his slider in his last appearance. Both numbers are significant dips from last season and down considerably from Hendriks' peak velocities in past years. That's not terribly surprising given his long layoff after elbow surgery, but the Red Sox might be anxious to put him into high-leverage spots until he rediscovers some velocity.
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Tyler Holton RP | DET
Tigers' Tyler Holton: Opening Monday's contest
Holton will serve as the Tigers' opening pitcher during Monday's game against the Padres.
Holton has been an important member of Detroit's bullpen this season, posting a 2.44 ERA and 0.83 WHIP across 77.1 innings. Most of his appearances have lasted more than one inning, and he was able to reach three frames as recently as Aug. 17. Once the 28-year-old lefty exits Monday's contest, Ty Madden is expected to pitch in bulk relief.