Hand blew his fifth save of the season Friday, allowing a run on a hit while striking out one over an inning in an extra-inning loss to the Cubs.

EDGE Analysis

Hand entered the contest with a one-run lead, and actually looked to be on his way to another save after recording two quick outs to begin the ninth frame. That all changed when he plunked Victor Caratini, then served up a game-tying RBI double to Anthony Rizzo. This was not a messy blown save by any means, but it still counts as one nonetheless. Hand has generally been effective as the Friars' closer this season, posting a 3.05 ERA, 13.2 K/9 and 24 saves in 29 chances.

Hand (2-4) pitched two scoreless innings Sunday, earning the win in a 4-3 victory over Arizona. He allowed two hits and struck out three.

EDGE Analysis

The Padres outlasted the Diamondbacks in 16 innings and Hand was the ninth pitcher used for San Diego. He dropped his ERA to 2.91 with a 64:15 K:BB. He remains a strong fantasy closer and big trade piece moving towards the MLB trade deadline.

Manager Andy Green stated that Hand was unavailable in Tuesday's loss to the Athletics due to a family matter, but he will be back with the club prior to Wednesday's series-finale, MLB.com's AJ Cassavell reports.

EDGE Analysis

No further details regarding the issue were revealed, but the good news is that Hand won't miss any additional time. The Padres dropped Tuesday's contest 6-2, so fantasy owners didn't miss out on a potential save opportunity. Hand owns a 3.12 ERA and 12.9 K/9 while converting 23 of his 27 save chances this year.

Hand allowed three hits and two earned runs while striking out one to earn his 23rd save of the season.

EDGE Analysis

This wasn't the best outing for Hand, as he allowed two doubles and a triple to begin the frame before recording three straight outs with the tying run standing at third base. While his season-long numbers suggest this outing can comfortably be cast aside as an isolated problem, Hand has now allowed multiple earned runs in three of his past six appearances. There's no indication he'll lose his role as closer -- excluding a potential trade -- but it is worth noting that Kirby Yates has struck out 41 batters and recorded a 0.79 ERA and 0.82 WHIP across 34 innings this season.

Hand was charged with a clown save after surrendering a game-tying home run in Tuesday's extra-inning loss to Oakland. He struck out one over an inning.

EDGE Analysis

The dominant closer was tagged for a solo shot off the bat of Stephen Piscotty, which opened the door for the Athletics to win the game in the 10th frame. Hand was touched up for two runs in a non-save situation his last time out, but he has been otherwise effective this season, owning a 2.43 ERA and a career-best 13.1 K/9 while converting 21-of-24 save opportunities. His role as the Padres' closer remains unchallenged, outside of the occasional scenario where manager Andy Green uses him in crucial moments prior to the ninth inning.

Hand struck out one in a clean ninth inning to earn the save against the Cardinals on Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Hand retired the Cardinals on 12 pitches (eight strikes) to pick up his 20th save on the year. Hand has now converted his last 14 save opportunities, giving up only two runs and nine hits across 20.2 innings in that span. The lefty holds a superb 1.83 ERA and 0.96 WHIP, and is holding opponents to a .158 batting average. His 20 saves are tied for third in the majors.

Hand struck out one in a perfect inning of work to earn his 19th save of the season Sunday against the Marlins.

EDGE Analysis

Hand worked in a non-save situation Saturday, but he came right back the next day to shut down the side on six pitches to close things out. Kirby Yates has recorded a couple of saves lately, leading to speculation about the hierarchy for the Padres, but the reality is the club has a pair of exceptional relievers and will use them accordingly. That said, Hand should still see the vast majority of the save opportunities.

Hand picked up his third hold of the season Saturday, striking out one batter in a clean inning against the Marlins.

EDGE Analysis

Manager Andy Green deployed Hand in the eighth inning after the Padres took the lead on a Travis Jankowski single. Hand answered the bell with another scoreless frame to drop his ERA back down to 1.95. He'll resume closer duties the next time a save opportunity arises.

Hand allowed one hit and struck out four across two innings to record the save Wednesday against the Braves.

EDGE Analysis

Hand entered the game in the eighth inning and immediately allowed a leadoff double to Ozzie Albies before proceeding to strikeout the next three batters he faced. It was his first two inning save of the season, though he has worked more than one inning on several occasions. He now has 18 saves, good for second in the National League.

Hand walked one and struck out one in a scoreless ninth inning Saturday to record his 16th save of the season in a 7-5 win over the Dodgers.

EDGE Analysis

The 28-year-old closer has now converted 10 straight save chances, posting a 0.68 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 19:7 K:BB in 13.1 innings over the course of that streak. Hand is demonstrating once again that he's one of the most dominant relievers in the game, and the only real threat to his fantasy value might come if he gets dealt to a contender by the 22-31 Padres, and put in a setup role.