Bryan Baker locks down Astros for 23rd save

Uceta has been on the injured list with lingering shoulder issues since spring training and his odds of making it back this season are fading quickly. The fact that he keeps suffering setbacks means that season-ending surgery is probably a realistic outcome. The track record for pitchers coming off major shoulder procedures isn’t exactly sunshine and rainbows either. In the meantime, unheralded Bryan Baker has excelled as Tampa Bay’s closer and was named to his first All-Star Game earlier this week. There should be a clearer idea of his next steps at some point in the coming weeks.

Baker made it look quite easy in this one, needing just eight pitches (six strikes) to retire Josh Rojas on strikes, Nick Loftin on a fly ball to center and Michael Massey on a ground ball to second base. He has been one of the biggest surprises in baseball this season, posting a stellar 1.89 ERA, 0.84 WHIP and a 36/11 K/BB ratio over 33 1/3 innings while converting 22 of his first 25 save opportunities.

Baker was summoned in the top of the ninth to close out the game against the Diamondbacks with a two-run lead. He made quick work of Arizona, generating two groundouts and a pop-out to secure the win and his 21st save of the season. Baker has been one of the best closers to emerge this season, posting a 1.95 ERA, 0.87 WHIP, and a 35/11 K/BB ratio across 32 1/3 innings.

A pinch-hit home run from Josh Rojas was not enough to spoil this save for Baker. It was the first run he’d given up in 12 outings as he’s ascended to being one of the most productive closers in the league. With this save being his 20th, he joined Mason Miller and Cade Smith as the only relievers to reach that mark so far and Baker has done so with an elite 2.01 ERA and 0.89 WHIP.

Baker was used against the heart of the Nationals’ lineup. It’s disappointing that he couldn’t come away with a save in a one-run win, but the Rays have already helped him to 19 this year. He’ll continue to serve as a top-10 closer even if he isn’t getting 100% of the save chances. Kevin Kelly filled in against Washington on Sunday.

Baker continues to shut the door on opposing hitters, needing just 13 pitches to retire the Nationals and secure his 19th save of the season. He’s a perfect 3-for-3 in save opportunities this month and has not allowed an earned run in June.

Baker got the call to protect a lead for the second consecutive game in the series and needed just 13 pitches (seven strikes) to eliminate any hope of a Boston rally. The unheralded 31-year-old has converted 18 of 21 save opportunities this season and has reeled off nine consecutive scoreless appearances dating back to May 17. He’s been one of the most impactful early-season waiver wire pickups in fantasy.

Baker was summoned to guard a two-run advantage in the final frame and needed just 12 pitches (11 strikes) to get the job done. Things got interesting when Wilyer Abreu delivered a one-out single that brought the potential tying run to the plate. However, Baker managed to strike out Willson Contreras and coax a game-ending ground ball from Mickey Gasper to extinguish the threat. He’s the undisputed closer in Tampa Bay right now, having converted 17 of 20 save opportunities this season.

Baker threw 10 of them for strikes, allowing one hit while picking up one strikeout. Tampa Bay has used him as the primary closer, as his 16 saves dwarf the next highest on the team, which consists of three relievers tied at two. Baker’s strike-throwing ability, strong results, and team commitment continue to push him up the closer ranks as the season moves along.

Baker was summoned to guard a three-run lead after Kevin Kelly came on to extinguish an eighth-inning fire and managed to hang on despite some turbulence. He made things interesting by issuing a one-out walk to Logan O’Hoppe before Jose Siri followed with a single against his former club. He struck out Zach Neto before walking Mike Trout to load the bases and put the potential go-ahead run at the plate. He managed to coax a harmless pop up from Vaughn Grissom to end it.