Cleavinger was called upon for the save after Pete Fairbanks worked back-to-back days and filled in admirably. His sweeper was so nasty that Gavin Sheets reached first base after striking out against it when Ben Rortvedt couldn’t corral the pitch. That threat ended quickly thereafter when Kameron Misner made an excellent catch on a sinking liner in right field and doubled Sheets off first base. Expect Fairbanks to get the next save opportunity for the Rays.

Cleavinger was an integral member of the Rays’ bullpen as their primary late-inning left-handed pitcher. He posted a 3.75 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, and 71/31 K/BB ratio in 60 innings. A return to health for Pete Fairbanks would make it hard for Cleavinger to match the six saves he recorded in 2024, but Fairbanks is not a lock for a healthy season, and the Rays could always trade him too, so Cleavinger could be added on fantasy waiver wires at some point next year.

Cleavinger’s save was just his sixth of the year. His last save came on September 3rd so this isn’t a regular occurrence for him, though the Rays don’t have a set closer at the moment. He struck out two in a perfect ninth inning and lowered his ERA to 3.41 on the season in the process.

Edwin Uceta started the ninth inning with the Rays up 2-1 and struck out two batters, but he also gave up two hits, so the Rays turned to Cleavinger to face left-hander Trevor Larnach. Even though the Twins then pinch-hit for Larnach, Cleavinger was able to get the final out and secure his fifth save of the season.