Garrett Cleavinger's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

Veteran lefthander Garrett Cleavinger earned his third save on Saturday, closing out the Toronto Blue Jays in a 5-4 victory. Closer Pete Fairbanks is back from the IL, but Cleavinger got the call to face the lefty portion of the Toronto lineup. He has been excellent for the Rays this year, going 3-0 with the aforementioned three saves, four holds, a 1.53 ERA, and a 1.25 WHIP in 17 innings in 2024. Fairbanks should get the bulk of the save opportunities, but Cleavinger could vulture some when the Rays have to face lefties in the ninth, or when Fairbanks needs a night off.

Tampa Bay Rays reliever Garrett Cleavinger picked up his second save in four days in Wednesday's 7-5 victory over the Tigers. With closer Pete Fairbanks on the IL, Cleavinger has been used to close out games and has been successful so far in doing so. It was thought that this would be a closer-by-committee situation, but Jason Adam was used in the seventh and eighth innings in Wednesday's game, while Colin Poche blew a save opportunity on Tuesday, so Cleavinger might be the front runner for save opportunities at this point. These two saves were Cleavinger's first two of his career, so he has no prior experience in the role, but has a solid 2.53 ERA so far on the season and has struck out 14 batters in 10 2/3 IP. The command could use some work, as he's walked nine batters thus far including one in the ninth inning on Wednesday, but so far it hasn't been a real problem for him. The 30-year-old could get a handful more save opportunities with Fairbanks on the shelf, and could be picked up in most leagues for managers in need of saves.

Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash said that left-hander Garrett Cleavinger (knee) is considered fully healthy and won't have any restrictions in spring training. Cleavinger underwent ACL and meniscus surgery on his right knee in May of last year but is good to go for the 2024 campaign. The 29-year-old southpaw made 15 relief appearances for the Rays in 2023 before his injury, allowing five runs (four earned) on six hits (two homers) while walking six and striking out 14 in 12 innings. He should return to a high-leverage role in the back of Tampa's bullpen this year if he can stay healthy. Cleavinger doesn't have any career saves or holds, but he should at least get some holds under his belt this year.