Riley O’Brien protects one-run lead for 25th save

O’Brien’s save was his 24th. He pitched around a walk to put up a scoreless ninth inning while recording a strikeout. O’Brien hasn’t been scored on in his last seven innings, lowering his ERA to 3.43.

O’Brien has bounced back with six scoreless innings in a row over the last couple of weeks. He posted a 6.88 ERA with 10 walks and four hit batters in 17 innings from the beginning of May through June 21.

It’s a colossal bummer for baseball fans hoping to see Misiorowski hurling triple-digit heaters during next week’s Midsummer Classic, but this was always the expected outcome here. Skenes, Misorowski and Meyer are all taking the ball for their respective club’s first-half finales on Sunday, which means there was zero chance they would be able to pitch in the All-Star Game just three days later. Luzardo, Ashcraft and O’Brien are headed to the game for the first time in their respective careers. It’s likely going to be Shohei Ohtani taking the ball to start for the National League based on how things are lining up from a schedule standpoint.

O’Brien was called on to close out Saturday’s contest against the Cubs with a three-run lead. He struck out the first batter, then worked around a walk, inducing a ground ball double-play to end the game. The 31-year-old right-hander is up to 22 saves with a 3.72 ERA across 36 1/3 innings.

O’Brien has turned in three nice outings in a row after struggling for most of May and June. He had a 7.11 ERA and an 18/11 K/BB in 19 outings from Apr. 25 to June 21, but he’s walked none in three scoreless innings in earning three saves over the last nine days.

With the conversion, O’Brien now is a proud member of the 20-save club. The 31-year-old has dealt with some clunkers, but he’s done a good enough job as the stopper to keep the role for the foreseeable future. Just be prepared for some bitter with the better.

It’s O’Brien’s first one-two-three inning in 11 appearances since May 15. He’d given up runs in six of his previous 10 appearances, but he has managed to go without a blown save in his last six tries.

O’Brien walked one, but he was able to retire Fernando Tatis Jr., Jackson Merrill and Manny Machado in one of his better outings of late. It’s still the 13th straight inning in which he’s allowed at least one batter to reach, but it’s a little more job security for now.

O’Brien got the job done in the end, but not before making everyone pretty nervous. He also threw 31 pitches, which might take him out of play Sunday. O’Brien has allowed 13 earned runs, walked 10 and hit four batters over 17 innings in his last 17 appearances. He could bounce back, but those in deeper leagues on the hunt for saves might want to think about stashing George Soriano. He’s not taking over the job just yet, but he could close Sunday if O’Brien needs the day off.

O’Brien’s save was his 17th. He pitched around a one-out double to slam the door on the Reds, sealing a 5-3 victory for the Cardinals. O’Brien’s ERA is 3.68 and he’s blown four saves already. Still, in the current closer landscape, he’s been one of the more consistent ninth inning guys.